New Financial Modules to strength financial practice in SA councils

The project is the first resource that brings together legislative requirements and best practice tools in one place, helping to deliver practical, legislatively aligned guidance tailored to the local government sector.

Funded through the LGA’s Local Government Research and Development Scheme in partnership with the Local Government Finance Authority (LGFA) and the SA Local Government Financial Management Group, the Manual aims to strengthen financial management skills and capability across councils.

The initiative begins as ESCOSA concludes its first four-year cycle of Local Government Advice, which has highlighted key areas to strengthen, including governance, asset management and long-term financial planning, which will be supported through the new Financial Management Manual.

The Manual responds to a critical need for accessible and practical financial management guidance, as councils face increasing complexities due to long-lived assets and infrastructure and evolving accounting standards and legislative compliance.

It will help finance professionals navigate the unique challenges of local government, improving internal controls, budgeting, reporting, asset management and compliance.

The eight-module structure of the Manual will include:

Delivery in 2026 

• Module 1 - Local Government Act and Regulations for Financial Management
• Module 2 – Long-Term Financial Planning
• Module 3 – Budget and Accountability
• Module 4 – Treasury Management

Delivery in 2027

• Module 5 – Statutory Financial Report
• Module 8 – Rating
• Module 6 – Financial Asset Management
• Module 7 – Internal Controls

The modules will be developed by a dedicated Advisory Committee, with representatives from LGA, the South Australian Local Government Financial Management Group, Local Government Finance Authority (LGFA), and LGiQ, who will oversee delivery and quality assurance.

Each module will be supported by working groups drawn from regional and rural councils.

Local Government Finance Authority (LGFA) CEO Davin Lambert said the sector will benefit greatly from this project.

“LGFA conducts independent financial analysis of councils across the State and has identified inconsistencies in the development of annual business plans, long‑term financial plans, asset management plans, and the integration of these documents,” Mr Lambert said.

“LGFA supports the development of the Financial Management Modules, providing practical best‑practice guidance to both new and experienced local government finance professionals will help improve consistency across the sector.”

“Once implemented, LGFA believes the modules will strengthen collaboration between council finance teams and support a more consistent approach to financial training for elected members and staff.”

What the manual will offer:

The Manual will be designed as a practical reference for financial officers and governance teams, offering:

• a single, user-friendly resource that brings together legislative requirements and best-practice tools, templates and useful links

• 8 interlinked modules covering key financial management areas including budgeting, asset management, treasury management, and internal controls.

By standardising financial reporting and aligning with best practice, this project aims to make it easier for councils to benchmark performance, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate accountability to their communities.

For more information, visit South Australian Local Government Financial Management Manual | LGA South Australia