| − | '''Accountability''' is the degree to which it is ensured that an organization's monies are collected and disbursed properly, and that an auditable record is kept of all transactions. Under some [[budget]]ing processes and systems, every budgeted dollar is associated with a responsibility center and a designated manager accountable for the monitoring of expenditures and [[revenues]]. | + | In general, '''Accountability''' is the willingness to be held to agreed-upon standards by a higher authority, a partner, or other interested parties. To be "held accountable" for one's judgments and actions is the mark of a professional, such as a doctor or engineer. Employees in some occupations crave recognition as professionals, but when they lack accountability they do not merit this recognition. |
| | + | In finance, '''Accountability''' is the degree to which it is ensured that an organization's monies are collected and disbursed properly, and that an auditable record is kept of all transactions. Under some [[budget]]ing processes and systems, every budgeted dollar is associated with a responsibility center and a designated manager accountable for the monitoring of expenditures and [[revenues]]. |