This manual provides a comprehensive set of definitions, rules, formats, and illustrations for use by public community and junior colleges in Texas to ensure consistent and uniform financial reporting. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the manual, highlighting changes in requirements for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996. Chapter 2 presents general requirements for financial reports related to report content, while chapter 3 provides definitions of items to be used in the balance sheet, focusing on terms associated with assets, liabilities, and fund balances. Chapter 4 focuses on the statement of changes in fund balances, or reports of changes in financial position reflecting the results of all increases, decreases, and transfers affecting individual fund groups from the beginning to the end of the reporting period. Chapter 5 examines the statement of current funds revenues and expenditures, including a sample table for reporting revenues, while chapter 6 describes requirements for preparing a statement of educational and general expenditures summarized by elements of institutional costs. Chapter 7 discusses specific procedures for preparing the annual financial report, highlighting issues related to bonds, staff benefits, equipment, and investments and including a list of required reports and schedules. Chapter 8 describes the preparation of a schedule of federal financial assistance, while chapter 9 provides sample narratives to accompany the financial statements. Finally, chapter 10 provides sample forms, exhibits, schedules, and statements. (TGI)