Costs in Public Sector: An Analysis of Brazilian Accounting Standards From Perspective of Accounting Theory

Nara Cristina Ferreira Mendes, Emelle Rodrigues Novais Cruz, Eliedna de Sousa Barbosa, André Luiz Marques Serrano, Pedro Paulo Murce Menezes, Patricia Helena dos Santos Martins, Clóvis Neumann, Abimael de Jesus Barros Costa 

Abstract: To identify the main characteristics of Brazilian cost norms in the public sector from the perspective of Accounting Theory. Therefore, the Brazilian Technical Accounting Standard that deals with the Public Sector Cost Information System (NBC T 16.11) and the Brazilian Technical Accounting Standard applied to the Public Sector that deals with Public Sector Costs (NBC T SP 34) were analyzed. Iramuteq software was used. The Descending Hierarchical Classification proposed by Reinert (1990) was also used. The results revealed that in NBC T SP 34, five characteristics did not remain in relation to NBC T 16.11 and thirteen new characteristics were inserted. It was also observed that the norms keep similarities in terms of formal aspects of Accounting Theory, such as the adoption of the accrual basis. However, the new standard (NBC T SP 34) presents a significant change of focus by emphasizing innovative features aimed at the management approach and public governance.

Key words: public sector, costs, Brazilian accounting standards, content analysis, accounting theory

JEL code: D, D2, D24