The Accounting Services Department of the Corporate Services Division of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville provides the overall financial services of the Corporation.

The department is responsible for current transaction-oriented financial activities through accounting services such as banking, cash receipting and accounts receivable; investment and debt management; and accounts payable.

The department provides financial leadership and advice to the Corporation to ensure that all of its financial activities are conducted with compliance, good value and integrity. It provides policy and practices to meet relevant provincial standards and accounting principals, ensures that corporate resources are acquired efficiently, the Counties' assets are safeguarded and that tax dollars are expended wisely. The department also provides financial reporting, special project analysis, and financial and economic analysis to other departments and Counties Council. The department serves as the liaison with external organizations in the area of property tax assessment and tax policy.

The integrity of financial management and control is maintained through an independent auditing process undertaken each year as well as through scheduled periodic reporting activities to Counties Council and the Province. The financial results of the fiscal year are reported in the annual Financial Statements and the annual Financial Information Return which are made available to the public and Provincial Government. The Counties complies with all guidelines established by the Municipal Performance Measurement Program (MPMP), a Province-wide program that requires municipalities to report on measures that reflect the efficiency and effectiveness of public services.

The Municipal Act of Ontario requires Counties Council to establish estimates of its expenditures each year. The department co-ordinates this process and produces the consolidated corporate budget and documents, and calculates the tax rates to be used for the current year. Periodic Budget Variance Reports are provided to Council to provide them with actual departmental spending as well as projections to year end.

Investment of funds not currently being used are made in accordance with the Council approved investment policy. The main objectives of this policy are the preservation of capital, maintenance of liquidity and competitive yield. The Counties investment policy meets all the requirements of the various pieces of legislation that govern municipal investments.

The department is taking a larger role in financial planning and control which involves the creation of long term capital plans, reserve management, long range financial services and a taxation management plan in order to provide support for effective decision-making and promote fiscal sustainability.