D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2014.
Specialization:  Finance; Accounting

A case study of Michigan county finance directors
101 pages. UMI #: 3637280
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

For local and state governments, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are a widely accepted set of rules, conventions, standards, and procedures for reporting financial information as established by the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board. The purpose of this case study was to identify problems in GAAP in Michigan county government agencies and to solicit suggestions from county finance directors on how to solve those problems. Data collection involved interviews with eight county government financial leaders in Michigan. The research will not only determine the apparent lack of guidelines but will also offer suggestions for improved compatibility of the budget and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) along with suggestions for future research. This will be completed through a qualitative case study method design with the assumption being that the CAFRs (dependent variable) will be affected by the independent variables. This will be determined by analyzing the educational background (independent variable) and clear understanding of the requirements of the Michigan County Finance Directors (independent variable). The results of this study will be put through statistical analysis and recommendations will be announced. The goal is to give citizens and elected officials reassurance in the accuracy of their government agencies. It is expected that the budget and CAFR for these counties will not be parallel to each other and it is the hopes of the research to identify these discrepancies and offer solutions for more accountable reporting.

• Mitchell Franklin, CPA, Ph.D., Chair
• Bernice Folz, Ph.D.
• Ray Kest, CPA, Ph.D.