References for the Analyst

Budget Analyst -- Federal Agency Money Matters

References

The following references are ones I have found useful for information on budget analysis, in studying what analysts do, and for improving skills. The sources are organized by: Organizations related to budgeting, sources of basic reference materials, periodicals, and recommended Books.

Organizations Related to Budgeting and their Web Sites

American Association for Budget and Program Analysis. AABPA has links to other budget sites and to some job announcements. The site announces AAPBA monthly meetings and regular seminars, activities carried out in Washington, D.C.

Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM), a section of the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA), is dedicated to promoting wider recognition of the importance of budgeting and financial management in public policy and management decisions. ABFM has links to state, local, and city budget sites.

National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) has materials specific to state and local budget analysts. It also lists jobs.

The National Academy of Public Administration’ Center for Improving Government Performance provides access to sites related to various aspects of GPRA.

The Association of Government Accountants (AGA) and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) are focused on accounting and finance work. Their sites provide access to conferences, training, and other resources for those interested in state and local finance or financial management in the Federal government.

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) provides information on international budget related issues.

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Sources of basic reference materials

Principles of [Federal] Appropriations Law, by GAO. Full document available in PDF format. (This what is known as the "Red Book" because original paper versions had a red cover.)

OMB circulars are of great significance for Federal budget work. I have a listing of the most important OMB circulars.

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Periodicals

Public Budgeting & Finance is a quarterly professional journal jointly sponsored by the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM) and American Association for Budget and Program Analysis (AABPA). ABFM members receive Public Budgeting and Finance and a quarterly newsletter, Budgeting and Finance. (Subscription information may be obtained from Blackwell Publishing.)

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Recommended Books (click on title for more information):

Handbook of Government Budgeting, Roy T. Meyers, Ed.

Guide to the Federal Budget Fiscal 2000, by Stanley E. Collender

Handbook of Government Budgeting, Roy T. Meyers, Ed. Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco, 1999

An excellent source of information on all aspects of budgeting. Recommended for experienced practitioners as well as those investigating the field. A collection of 29 chapters, written by over 30 authors. The editor has done an excellent job of integration. Budgeting is covered from various perspectives, from Federal budget examination, resource control, and how to get your fair share of resources. Read my review, get Handbook at amazon.com.

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Guide to the Federal Budget Fiscal 2000, by Stanley E. Collender, The Century Foundation Press, New York, 1999

Detailed analysis of the overall Federal budget environment and reasons why certain actions may be taken by the Administration and Congress. The Guide explains in detail the processes set in place by the Federal government to control the budget deficit starting in the 1970's. However, these processes are no longer required by law (the requirements sunset, and they have not been renewed). Still, the book is a good reference to what could be done to control unrestrained spending and get a handle on the Federal budget deficit. Read my review, get Guide at amazon.com.

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