Shown here are the participants of the recent revenue collection workshop at the Public Service Training Centre on July 19, 2010.

Photo Credit: GIS/ Jasmine Perez

Shown here are the participants of the recent revenue collection workshop at the Public Service Training Centre on July 19, 2010.

Photo Credit: GIS/ Jasmine Perez

The Treasury Department is hosting revenue collection workshops for revenue collectors and their immediate supervisors to emphasise accountability and to remind those persons of proper collection procedures.

At a recently held workshop, the facilitator Deputy Accountant General, Ms. Anna Rabsatt, said the purpose of the workshop was to ensure all persons who collect revenue are well versed and are consistent in their actions.

Ms. Rabsatt said, "In every organisation, there are standards and procedures, and for everyone to be on the same page, we have to communicate those standards and procedures to everyone. This is the reason why workshops like these are imperative, so that the Treasury Department can assist revenue collectors in the consistency of their work."

She continued, "Accountability is also essential to the correct functioning of the Government. If records are not kept, or if too many mistakes are made, then there are disparities that will obscure the overall position of the Government´s financial status."

The presentation covered the relationship between revenue collection and Government´s operations, the importance of revenue collectors, timeliness for completion of work, the auditing and internal auditing function, preparation of revenue related documents and a review of sections of the Public Finance Management Regulations, 2005 and other established policies and procedures, specifically the handling of cheques, credit cards and cash.

The Deputy Accountant General warned the participants that if they do not follow the proper procedures in place, it will not only hinder that transaction, but it will obstruct other related matters.

Ms. Rabsatt also discussed the role of revenue collectors as an integral part of the Government´s operations. She said, "Information is vital for any decision making in Government. Budget officers, permanent secretaries and other financial planning officers require the information you record to make necessary decisions in Government´s operations. You are a very important asset."

The revenue collection workshops are in line with the Department´s vision in its Service Charter, which is to continue the development and implementation of accounting systems and standards and to improve accounting and reporting on all financial transactions of Government.

Follow-up accountability and expenditure control workshops in collaboration with other departments and ministries will be held throughout the year. For more information, please contact the Treasury Department via telephone 468-3701 extension 2133.

The Treasury Department holds responsibilities for the proper accounting of all central Government revenue and disbursements, reporting to the appropriate agencies, and the issuing of cheques to clients of Government.