How does your government use your money? In this online course from SOAS University of London, learn how public bodies collect and spend income, and how to scrutinize their spending.

Public finance can seem impenetrable.

Experts disagree about appropriate government debt. Politicians try to reduce budget deficits but spend trillions on stimulus packages. Governments tax us in dozens of different ways.

But with dedicated study, we can grasp the basics of public finance and become more informed citizens in the process.

This FutureLearn course on public financial management is produced by SOAS University of London, where course leader Dr. Alberto Asquer is a lecturer in public policy and management.

The course covers how financial statements help evaluate an organization's finances, how governments budget and spend public money, how they gain tax revenue, and how public bodies are audited.