These reports concentrate on forms, not transactional accounting. These papers require research outside the class environment. These papers serve in part as an introduction to the topics of government accounting, which is why they are required prior to work on more detailed accounting and rules.
Paper #2: Analysis of a CAFR/ACFR Report
Entity: FAIRFAX COUNTY
- Explore the concepts of the course material relating to CAFRs/ACFRs. You must also find and review / read outside literature on this subject and the below requirements as well and use and reference same in the paper.
- Prepare a paper on the CAFR/ACFR report to include the following:
- A brief introduction / review of your chosen CAFR/ACFR entity.
- For the CAFR/ACFR report, discuss its focus, what it is trying to impart on its users, and an identification and review of the main sections of the CAFR/ACFR (what is NOT expected is a fund-by-fund accounting of figures, performance, balances, etc.)
- Clearly identify who the actual intended audience / users of a CAFR/ACFR report are outside those the CAFR/ACFR report itself is addressed to.
- Discuss your thoughts on how a CAFR/ACFR is presented to its users.
- Your deliverable is to be three – five pages in length (~1,000 to 1,800 words), single-spaced, double spacing between paragraphs, one-inch margins and a font size of 10 – 12 points. Include a cover page and works cited section. In-text citations of all facts must be included and done per APA standards.
- Points will be deducted for failing to adhere to these requirements, especially the 3 requirements in part 3.
Grading Metrics
| 6. Please refer to the grading matrix for how your performance will be evaluated.Paper #2: CAFR Area of Assessment | Points | Expectation | Assessment Criteria |
| Basic Content in Place | 25 | 1: Use of an approved entity’s CAFR/ACFR, 2: a brief introduction / review of your chosen entity, 3: discussion of the main sections of a CAFR/ACFR and what it’s focused on, 4: clearly identify the actual intended users of the CAFR/ACFR report, 5: your thoughts on the CAFR/ACFR report overall | Quantitative: 5 requirements worth 5 points each |
| Advanced Content in Place | 20 | Demonstrate an understanding of CAFRs | Qualitative: 0 to 20 points depending on the student’s ability to tie together all the requirements into a cohesive presentation |
| Overall Analysis and Evaluation | 25 | 1,000 to 1,800 words. Topics at hand properly addressed; headings used to identify the primary subject areas required; appropriate and relevant outside literature used and referenced properly. | Qualitative: 0 to 25 points depending on the student’s ability to demonstrate an understanding of the topic at hand and ability to lay out the discussion of same in a meaningful, logical manner. |
| Meets Presentation Requirements | 10 | Single-spaced; double-spacing between paragraphs; one inch margins; font size 10-12; cover page. | Quantitative: 5 requirements worth 2 points each |
| APA In-Text Citations and Reference Section | 10 | “Works Cited” section included at end; proper in-text citations used and all facts are cited | Quantitative: 5 points for including the Works Cited Section; 5 points for proper in-text citation of all facts |
| Clarity, Mechanics, Grammar | 10 | Free of spelling and grammar mistakes. Text and sentence structure should be clear and readable. Free of choppy or incomplete sentences. Proper use of paragraphs. No active hyperlinks anywhere in the paper. | Quantitative: 10 points if totally free of grammar / spelling errors; 5 points if minor grammar / spelling errors; < 5 points when no demonstrable attention has been paid to grammar / spelling. |
Paper 2