Financial accountability is the obligation of governments to report how public money is raised and spent, and to demonstrate that expenditures are lawful, appropriate, and achieve intended purposes. Accountability mechanisms include: annual audited financial statements, regular budget-to-actual reporting, council approval of expenditures, competitive procurement processes, internal controls preventing fraud and error, and freedom of information access to financial records. Municipal councils are accountable to residents for financial decisions, while staff are accountable to councils for financial management. Provincial oversight adds another accountability layer through reporting requirements, audit powers, and intervention authority for municipalities in financial distress. Transparent financial reporting enables citizens to evaluate whether tax dollars are spent wisely. Accountability also requires clear explanations when spending varies from budgets or when unexpected costs arise. Strong accountability builds public trust in local government.