Accessibility of the Management's Discussion and Analysis to Citizen Users of Government Financial Reports. (7th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yusuf, Juita‐Elena (Wie); Jordan, Meagan M.
• Is Part Of: Public budgeting & finance. Volume 37:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-07-07
• Subjects: Budget -- United States -- Periodicals; Budget -- Periodicals; 352.4
• DOI: 10.1111/pbaf.12170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-1100

Abstract

Abstract : This study focuses on the accessibility of Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A), a key part of the GASB 34 financial reporting framework. We analyze MD&As extracted from Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports issued by the 50 state governments to answer the question: How accessible is the MD&A to citizen users of government financial reports? Using three dimensions of accessibility—size, readability, and timeliness—our results point to the inadequacy of MD&As in providing information to citizens about government's finances and financial condition. Our results make the case that existing financial reporting is neither transparent nor user‐friendly for citizens.