Training Course: Public Financial Management and Budgeting – Lisbon (Portugal), 18–22 Jan 2027

Introduction

Effective Public Financial Management and Budgeting are the foundation of good governance, fiscal discipline, and sustainable development. In an increasingly complex economic landscape, governments and public institutions must ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently, transparently, and strategically to meet public needs and achieve national priorities.

This program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to plan, execute, and monitor public budgets in alignment with performance objectives and international standards. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools and real-world case studies, helping participants strengthen their ability to manage public finances responsibly and efficiently.

Designed for senior executives, finance managers, auditors, and policy specialists, this course offers actionable insights into improving fiscal planning, enhancing budget transparency, and applying evidence-based financial decision-making to achieve better public value and accountability.

Course Objectives

By the end of the Public Financial Management and Budgeting program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key principles and modern practices of public financial management.
• Apply international standards and frameworks in budget planning and control.
• Prepare performance-based and program-oriented budgets.
• Analyze fiscal performance using relevant indicators and reporting tools.
• Link financial planning to strategic goals and policy outcomes.
• Strengthen transparency, integrity, and accountability in public finance systems.
• Manage financial risks and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Utilize digital tools and data analytics for financial reporting and decision-making.

Course Outlines

Day 1: Introduction to Public Financial Management

• Overview of the public financial management framework.
• Institutional and legal foundations of fiscal management.
• The budget cycle: planning, approval, implementation, and evaluation.
• Key principles of efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency.
• Challenges in managing public resources.
• Case study: A successful government budgeting reform.

Day 2: Budget Preparation and Resource Allocation

• Budgeting methodologies: line-item, program-based, and zero-based budgeting.
• Steps and processes in preparing the public budget.
• Setting priorities and allocating resources effectively.
• The role of data and performance information in decision-making.
• Developing financial tables and supporting documentation.
• Practical exercise: Drafting a simplified government budget.

Day 3: Financial Planning and Performance Management

• Linking strategic planning with financial management.
• Medium- and long-term expenditure frameworks.
• Performance indicators and results-based budgeting.
• Monitoring and evaluating financial performance.
• Bridging the gap between planned and actual performance.
• Workshop: Building a financial performance evaluation model.

Day 4: Governance, Transparency, and Accountability

• The concept and pillars of financial governance in the public sector.
• Transparency and public accountability as tools of good governance.
• The role of audit institutions and financial oversight bodies.
• Managing financial risks and strengthening internal control systems.
• Preparing transparent and reliable financial reports.
• Case discussion: Implementing effective financial governance frameworks.

Day 5: Fiscal Sustainability and Future Trends

• Understanding fiscal sustainability and its role in economic stability.
• Integrating innovation and digital transformation in public finance.
• Leveraging financial analytics and AI for better budget planning.
• Emerging global trends in fiscal reform and performance-based budgeting.
• Building the next generation of capable and ethical public finance leaders.
• Final reflection and key takeaways from the program.

Why Attend This Program: Wins & Losses!

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Public Financial Management and Budgeting.
• Master the latest international best practices in fiscal planning and management.
• Develop the skills to design, implement, and monitor public budgets effectively.
• Strengthen accountability and transparency in financial governance.
• Improve institutional efficiency through evidence-based financial decision-making.
• Learn to use modern tools for data analysis and financial reporting.
• Build professional connections with public sector finance experts and policymakers.
• Contribute directly to national fiscal reform and economic sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

Public Financial Management and Budgeting lie at the heart of effective governance and national development. Beyond numbers and accounting, it is a system that ensures transparency, discipline, and accountability in the use of public resources.

Through this program, participants gain the knowledge and tools to plan, execute, and evaluate budgets in alignment with strategic goals and fiscal sustainability principles. They learn to adopt global best practices and modern methodologies that promote efficiency and trust in financial systems.

Investing in the professional development of financial leaders and administrators is an investment in the future stability and success of public institutions. Every skilled public finance manager contributes to a more transparent, efficient, and results-driven government—one that maximizes resources for the benefit of citizens and society as a whole.