The popular financial reporting: new accounting tool for Italian municipalities

The study analyzes the characteristics, the leading scientific discoveries concerning the application of Popular Financial Reporting in the European context, also making a brief analysis of the comparison with the American and Canadian context. The change in public sector and the approach towards greater citizen involvement over the years is dealt with, also linked to the need to satisfy real needs in times of scarce resources. The case study of the Public Group of the City of Turin highlights interesting elements regarding the approach to the realization of a document that best represents the hybrid organization. Planning and control through the new methodology start from a vision based on consolidated financial statements and group control tools. Accounting principles, guidelines and characteristics of Popular Financial Reporting are analyzed. The case study also highlights useful elements of reflection for the future implementation of increasingly accessible tools that take into account the real need expressed and at the same time the use of social indicators such as useful tools for analysis and benchmarking between popular perception and efficiency and effectiveness of the result. Quantitative and qualitative analyzes justify the results and the deductions reached towards a change in the approach to accounting theory.

Valerio Brescia is a Research Fellow in the Department of Management, University of Turin. He is Ph.D. in Business and Management at the University of Turin, Italy with the research topic in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Municipality, Accounting Standards, and Popular Report. He holds a master's degree in Public Administration at the School of Management and Economics in Turin with full marks, and he also has a Master in Management of Local Health Facilities and Hospitals achieved at the University of Turin.