Overview of California’s Department of Finance

The Governor’s Department of Finance (DOF), similar to the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB), serves as the Governor’s chief fiscal policy advisor, and their employees work on issues and programs that are of concern to the Governor, the Legislature, and the people of California.

Those who work at the Department of Finance learn in detail the operations of State government and they help shape public policy and processes in one of the largest economies in the world. These individuals work in the following areas: budgeting, accounting and auditing, information technology, economic and population research, and general administration.

The major area of activity for the DOF concerns California’s budget. In that regard, DOF prepares the following documents:

• California Budget

Proposed, revised, and enacted budgets for the recently enacted fiscal year.

• Trailer Bill Language

Trailer Bill Language proposed or approved for the recently enacted fiscal year’s budget.

• Budget Details

Budget Change Proposals, Finance Letters, and Pro Rata Statewide Cost Allocation Plan (SWCAP)

• Historical Budget Information

Historical eBudgets, Historical Budget Publications, Summary Schedules & Historical Charts, and California Budget Information.

• FI$Cal Resources for Budget

Instructions and guidance for departments specifically related to the users of Hyperion.

• Budget Reports and Analyses

Multi-year Projection, General Fund Loans and Obligation Report, Fund Condition Statements, Five-Year Infrastructure Plan, Legislative Analyses, and Cash Flow Projection and Management

• Salaries and Wages Supplement

Detailed data on the actual, approved, and estimated staffing level for each state department for the workload budget.

• Resources for Departments

Budget Analyst Guide, Budget Change Proposals, Hyperion Upload Templates, Budget Forms, Budget Letters, FI$Cal Resources for Budget, Manual of State Funds, State Administrative Manual, Training for Departments, and Uniform Code Manual.

In addition, DOF is responsible for accounting matters for the State, including the responsibility for devising, supervising and maintaining a modern uniform state accounting system; setting statewide fiscal and accounting policies and procedures; and, providing fiscal and accounting training, advice, and consulting services. The statewide fiscal and accounting policies are contained in State Administrative Manual (SAM). DOF maintains a uniform coding system or chart of accounts for accounting, reporting and budgetary purposes and maintains the Manual of State Funds.

DOF also serves as a partner agency in the development, implementation, utilization, and transition to the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal).  Moreover, DOF provides ongoing support and training to departments and it administers statewide programs such as Pro Rata, the Statewide Cost Allocation Plan and the Cash Management Improvement Act.

The following is a summary of important services provided by the Department of Finance:

• Policies and Procedures

DOF is charged with setting statewide fiscal and accounting policies and procedures.

• Consulting and Training Services

DOF provides fiscal and accounting consulting and training services to state departments.

• FI$Cal Resources for Accounting

DOF provides FI$Cal resources for accounting staff in the form of classroom training, eLearning courses and query information to assist state departments using the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal).

• Statewide Cost Allocation

DOF identifies and allocates statewide costs to other funds, reports, training, and federal resources.

• Cash Management Improvement Act

DOF oversees the Federal Cash Management Improvement Act regulations and state policies for departments receiving federal funds.

Another important role for the DOF is forecasting. In that regard, DOF prepares the following forecasting reports:

• Demographics

Demographic, population, and census data.

• Economics

Economic forecasts and analyses.

• Revenue and Taxation

General Fund and special fund tax revenue estimates and tax expenditure reports.

• Major Regulations

Economic impact review for regulations with costs or benefits exceeding $50 million.

Finally, the Department of Finance prepares reports on matters that have a fiscal impact on California — from the demographic make-up of the people of California; to short and long-term financial plans for infrastructure improvements; to financial audits and performance reviews of state agencies, programs, and projects. The following are some of the regular reports that are provided by DOF:

• Accounting Reports

Delinquent Accounts Receivable Report, Fund reconciliation, Statewide cost allocation and other statewide accounting reports.

• Audit Reports, Memos and Letters

Reports that communicate the fiscal integrity of state agencies.

• Budget Reports

Cash Management, General Fund Loans and Obligation Report, Multi-Year General Fund Budget Projection, and Salaries and Wages Supplement.

• California Single Audit Reports

Reports that communicate the fiscal integrity of state agencies.

• Demographic Reports

Demographic statistics on the size, distribution, and characteristics of the California population.

• Economic and Revenue Updates

Monthly report on state economic and revenue trends.

• Legislative Analyses

Finance reports its findings and support position through Bill Analyses. Search for Bill Analyses by Session, House, Bill Number and Date Range.

• State Leadership Accountability Act Reports

Government Code sections 13400 through 13407, known as the State Leadership Accountability Act (SLAA), was enacted to reduce the waste of resources and strengthen internal control.

• Other

Capital Outlay and Infrastructure Reports, Cap and Trade Investment Plan, California Commission on Disability Access, and Legislative Reports.

The DOF is an invaluable player in the annual state budget negotiations, working on behalf of the Governor to ensure that he or she has all of the data and information needed to work collaboratively with the legislative branch of state government in crafting the most important bill enacted each year.