Community accountability means direct communication with the people to provide information to and to receive feedback and input from Band Members. It provides an opportunity to discuss Band Council business in an open and transparent manner. Community Accountability is achieved through a number of processes including the Annual Report, the audit, and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Appropriations are the process of allocating anticipated revenues (see Revenue Forecast) to Band programs and agencies. Program Work Plans outline exactly how much money is to be transferred to each program and when.
Expenditure and Variance Reports are monthly or quarterly spreadsheets and summaries that give an up-to-date comparison between Revenue Forecast and funds received, and between appropriations and actual expenditures on a program by program basis (see Sample Expenditure and Variance Reports). The difference between budgeted numbers and actuals is called a variance. A summary report recaps the overall financial position of the First Nation as at specific dates in the fiscal year (generally monthly).
The audit is a formal, independent review of all Band revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year. It is conducted in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Essentially, the audit is a "report card" of the financial management and fiscal health of the First Nation.
Program Directors are accountable for the responsible management of their program within the budget as allocated. They are accountable to the Band Council for delivering programs in accordance with policy duly approved by Council or set out within a funding arrangement. They are also accountable to clients for the quality of service provided.
In addition to the regular reporting of expenditures and variance, the mid-year and year-end reports contain more than just financial information. Programs are required to report on progress on Program Work Plans and the Capital Plan. Program Directors present these semi-annual reports to Chief and Council outlining financial and program status.
There are not many groups in Canada that have the unique government-to-government relationship that First Nations share with Canada. This meant there were very few products available to help First Nations deal with financial issues. That is, until now. This fiscal planning aid has been developed specifically for First Nations governments and organizations like yours. The goal of the Fiscal Planning Calendar and its components is to help you to balance fiscal pressures from your communities and funding agencies by following a simple process.
