Approaches to the Optimization of Budget Spending in the Irkutsk Region

Abstract

This research is aimed at examining the problems that impede institutions in the development and distribution of best practices in centralized organization of budget accounting. Aim. This study aims to identify the best practices of budget process organization that could become part of the anti-crisis measures in the regions amid budgetary imbalances. Tasks. This study analyzes the view of the Government of the Irkutsk region towards balanced budgets; examines the practice of centralized accounting organization in the region; and proposes ways of solving the problem of budget spending. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to examine the budget policy of the Irkutsk Region towards certain aspects of the organization of budget accounting. The region shows a number of internal contradictions and paradoxes in terms of spending optimization inherent to the period of transition in national economy management. Results. The local centralized accounting practices implemented in the Irkutsk region are among the most advanced in the country. Developing a plan of anti-crisis measures, the Regional Government fails to best utilize the favorable conditions for optimization of recognized approaches in optimizing spending on management apparatus. Outsourcing could solve a number of priority problems identified by the Governor through the use of centralized accounting departments, their possible modernization and development into information and logistic centers engaged in accounting, control, procurement, and supply of the region’s institutions. Conclusions. Examination of practices of the organization of centralized accounting in regions makes it possible not only to determine factors that impede further development, but also to identify and describe best practices.