In the United States, for instance, there are two levels of government which follow different accounting standards set forth by independent, private sector boards.
- **Scope:** Involves working within a single organization, handling internal accounting tasks and financial management.
There can, however, be other significant differences with private sector accounting practices, especially those that are intended to arrive at a net income result.
The public, who have no other choice but to delegate, are in a position that differs significantly from that of shareholders and therefore need financial information, to be supplied by accounting systems, that is applicable and relevant to them and their purposes.
The relevant role-players, especially officials and representatives, need financial information that is accounted, organized and presented for the objectives of their decision-making.
The applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in the Central Government of South Africa (English summary of a thesis written in another language) University of Pretoria, 1993.