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Publication - Advice and guidance

Scottish Public Finance Manual

Last updated
29 August 2024 - see all updates
Directorate
Financial Management Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

The Scottish Public Finance Manual (SPFM) is issued by the Scottish Ministers to provide guidance on the proper handling and reporting of public funds.

Supporting documents

Annex 2: suspense account finance checklist

Review of suspense accounts checklist: finance

Account Name:
Account Code:

 

During the year

  

1. Have all suspense accounts been approved by the relevant finance area and has ownership been clearly established?

 Yes/No

2. Have the full facilities of SEAS been considered in tackling the business requirement?

 Yes/No

3. Do branch instructions cover the use and control of suspense accounts and are they up-to-date?

 Yes/No

4. Have suspense account balances been reviewed quarterly using the checklist at Annex 1?

 Yes/No

5. Has action been taken on "no" answers in that checklist?

 Yes/No

Completed by

 ................

Year-end

6. Has the appropriate approval been obtained for any writes-off in the year?

 Yes/No

7. Have explanations been provided for any balances?

 Yes/No

8. Is the retention of any balances justified?

 Yes/No

9. Has proper action been taken to close suspense accounts where appropriate?

 Yes/No

10. Are any balances on suspense accounts consistent with the nature and volume of business?

 Yes/No
Completed by ................

A "No" answer implies that action needs to be taken to correct a control weakness. Proposals for such action should be considered and, where appropriate, implemented each time this checklist is completed.

Page Updated: January 2019

First published
23 August 2024
Last updated
29 August 2024 - show all updates

  1. Adding in FGN 2024/03 re the updated AO Spend Control Template and Guidance

  2. Updating the SRO Appointment letter in the documents section to include a point on construction projects in the Annex

  3. Executive agencies model framework document updated.

  4. Non-Ministerial Offices model framework document updated.

  5. Updating the SRO Appointment letter in the documents section to this years dates

  6. Updated link to 'On Board: A Guide for Members of Statutory Boards' within Governance statements chapter.

  7. Updates made to model framework document templates.

  8. Updates made to text within Procurement chapter.

  9. Replaced non-ministerial office model framework document and advisory non-departmental public bodies model framework with updated versions.

  10. Document updated with an additional date - Settlement Agreement supporting documentation - final confirmation of terms

  11. Replaced Non-Ministerial Offices model framework document

  12. Updates to the Settlement, Severance, Early Retirement and Redundancy section. The main section and Annex's A, B C have all been updated along with updated documents and a Finance Guidance Note to explain the changes

  13. Updated the Certificates of Assurance chapter, Annex 2 with the CoA checklist questions for 2023/24 and added a Finance Guidance note outling the changes.

  14. Updates made to proportionate due diligence wording, Accountable Officer tests guidance, risk exposure guidance, public bodies duties, monitoring and management, exit arrangements.

  15. Procurement chapter updated.

  16. Updated 'Major investment projects' paragraph 12 and the SRO appointment letter.

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