Accountancy
How we provide this service
Information on Council accounts and auditing is supported by Finance, Accounting Services.
A team of accountants are employed to oversee the Council's financial arrangements and ensure that financial statements are prepared in accordance with statutory requirement.
Duties include the development of financial management information, preparation of capital and revenue budgets, budgetary control and the provision of financial advice.
The department is also responsible for the management of borrowing/investments and accounting for Value Added Tax.
What to do to get this service
A Statement of Accounts is available for download from our website.
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
The Audit Commission is an independent body, responsible for ensuring that public money is used economically, efficiently and effectively.
CIPFA is one of the leading professional accountancy bodies in the UK and the only one which specialises in public services.
Common Questions
Q. Does the Council have to produce annual accounts like private sector businesses?
A. Annual accounts must be prepared and approved by the Council by 30th June. The accounts themselves are somewhat different to company accounts, but the format is set out in statute and accounting conventions in a similar way.
Q. Who audits the Council's accounts?
A. The Audit Commission (a central Government agency) appoints external auditors for local authorities. The District Auditor audits this Council's accounts, however, some authorities are audited by private sector auditors.
Q. Is an elector entitled to see the accounts?
A. Yes, copies of the Statement of Accounts are available from the Council Offices and on this website. In addition, a specific period is set aside prior to the annual audit being concluded, during which an elector can inspect the detailed financial records and ask questions of the external auditor. This period is advertised in the local press.
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Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
