Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct order of the steps in the Government Management Cycle is structured to ensure a systematic approach to managing resources and activities in government operations. Starting with planning, this step involves defining objectives and strategies to achieve the government's goals. The next step, programming, translates these defined objectives into specific programs and initiatives.

Following programming, budgeting is crucial as it allocates financial resources to these programs, ensuring that the necessary funding is in place. Once budgeting is completed, operations follow, which entails implementing the planned programs and services.

After operations, accounting comes into play, providing a means to track financial transactions, ensuring that funds are being utilized as intended. Reporting then summarizes the financial performance and operational effectiveness, providing transparency to stakeholders. Finally, the auditing step evaluates the prior stages for compliance, effectiveness, and efficiency, ensuring accountability within the management cycle.

This sequence not only highlights the logical progression from planning to auditing but also emphasizes the interrelatedness of each step in maintaining effective government management.