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Do Public Account Financial Statements Matter? Evidence from Japanese Municipalities

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  • Shun-ichiro Bessho

    (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo)

  • Haruaki Hirota

    (Faculty of Economics, Musashi University)

Abstract

Many governments are introducing business-like accounting systems. This paperexamines the fiscal effects of compiling business-like financial statements on theexpenditures of local governments, exploiting a quasi-experimental environment inJapan. Using the variation in deadlines for compiling new statements given by thecentral government, we found that business-like financial statements might triggerthe local government to reconstruct their expenditures. While the reconstructiondiffers among localities, the social assistance expenses that are not nationally stan-dardized and subsidized decreased in common.

Suggested Citation

  • Shun-ichiro Bessho & Haruaki Hirota, 2021. "Do Public Account Financial Statements Matter? Evidence from Japanese Municipalities," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-1172, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:2021cf1172
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    JEL classification:

    • H72 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Budget and Expenditures
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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