6-1 Discussion: Government vs. For-Profit Statements

First, search the internet for the official website of your local city government or a city that interests you. After reviewing the website, locate the latest comprehensive annual financial report (ACFR) available on the website. For example, both the

City of Sacramento

and the

City of Phoenix

have their most recent ACFRs online within an accounting/financial section. Use the financial statements you locate to address the following questions:

• How does the audit opinion given to this city by its independent auditors differ from the audit opinion rendered on the financial statements of a for-profit business?
• A reconciliation should be presented to explain the difference between the net changes in fund balances for the governmental funds (fund financial statements) and the change in net position for the governmental activities (government-wide financial statements). What were several of the largest reasons for the difference?
• Did the ACFR contain all required components, and what was your impression of how the information was reported?
• What are some significant differences you see between the report you just reviewed and a for-profit statement?