IMF Working Papers

The Evolving Functions and Organization of Finance Ministries

By Richard I Allen, Yasemin Hurcan, Peter Murphy, Maximilien Queyranne, Sami Yläoutinen

November 9, 2015

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Richard I Allen, Yasemin Hurcan, Peter Murphy, Maximilien Queyranne, and Sami Yläoutinen. The Evolving Functions and Organization of Finance Ministries, (USA: International Monetary Fund, 2015) accessed November 7, 2024
Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary

There is relatively little literature that analyses the role, functions, and organization of finance ministries. The purpose of this working paper is to review international experiences in this area, in an effort to formulate guiding principles of organizational design and the allocation of functions, while recognizing the crucial importance of each country’s history and institutional context. Over the past 30 years many finance ministries have moved from a “traditional” to an “emerging” model of organizational design in which there is greater openness and transparency, more flexible management practices, and a broader focus on strategic policy issues. In addition, many operational functions have been devolved to arm’s–length agencies or line ministries. The paper describes the challenges facing developing countries in strengthening their finance ministries, and the principles, approaches, and strategies that can be applied.

Subject: Budget planning and preparation, Fiscal accounting and reporting, Fiscal policy, Macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts, Public financial management (PFM)

Keywords: Africa, Budget planning and preparation, Business process, Finance function, Finance ministries transfer responsibility, Finance ministry, Fiscal accounting and reporting, Global, Line ministry, Macroeconomic and fiscal forecasts, Public administration, Public finance, Public financial management, WP

Publication Details

  • Pages:

    51

  • Volume:

    ---

  • DOI:

    ---

  • Issue:

    ---

  • Series:

    Working Paper No. 2015/232

  • Stock No:

    WPIEA2015232

  • ISBN:

    9781513543895

  • ISSN:

    1018-5941