In terms of ‘what’s next’, my calendar for the coming months is currently looking quite empty; although I’m sure this will soon change. I’m helping start the preparations for the next audits, in particular for the Department of Health’s consolidation return for the Whole of Government accounts (yes that does exist!). It’s an even more complex exercise than the Department’s accounts, as it requires the adding up of all the accounts less the balances which exist between each of the bodies, which are quite a lot. The 11-12 Whole of Government accounts have recently been published. It’s quite a lengthy read but I think it provides an interesting overview of the financial position of Government.
However, before we commence the fieldwork for the audit of DoH’s return, I’m going to college for 4 weeks for the taught phase of the final three exams for the ACA qualification. In Newcastle the class sizes at college tend to be quite small, and mostly just our intake, which means it’s easy to ask questions (and also to be asked questions!). Although I won’t sit these exams until the beginning of November, there’s a steep learning, and re-learning, curve to be achieved in what feels like a short space of time. Wish me luck!