ERIC Number: ED226510
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1982-Nov
Pages: 19
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Implementation of an Accounting System for True Value in This Cost-Conscious Time, Using Handbook II. Second Revision.
Moll, Emmett J.
The Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Public Schools (MPS) recently implemented a new, state-designed accounting system, called the Wisconsin Elementary and Secondary School Accounting System (WESSAS), based on guidelines proposed in the U.S. Office of Education's Handbook II. This report describes and discusses that implementation and provides numerous sample MPS recordkeeping and accounting forms. The author first summarizes the old MPS budget system and mentions that attempts to change it were hindered by the old coding system. After noting MPS's multiple tax sources, he describes the eight-category coding structure adopted, which includes tax unit, fund, expenditure or income, project, location, object, function, and job class. The development of forms for showing teaching staff by function and time on program is covered next. Implementation problems are reviewed, involving clerical workload, financial reporting and managerial accountability, and school site budgeting and expenditure control. Five generalizations drawn from MPS's experience include the need for interdistrict comparability of financial information and the increased demand for budget information. Nine advantages and disadvantages of WESSAS are listed, involving uniformity of financial reporting, effective accounting procedures, an audit trail, implementation costs, inapplicability to the local level, and collection of unneeded data. (RW)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Guides - Non-Classroom; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A