By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The dissemination seminar on the 2025 Nomenclature of Treasury Accounts which held at the Buea Council Chambers last March 13, 2025, marked a significant milestone in public financial management. The event, convened by the Treasurer Paymaster General of the South West Region (TPG), Angoula Mbassi Ananias, and attended by the representative of the Director General of Treasury, Cooperation and Financial Management (DGTCFM), Senior Inspector of Treasury, Eyong Eric Eyong, alongside accountants in the South West region. The event provided crucial insights into the innovations shaping the 2025 financial year.
to the press after the seminar
The seminar underscored the importance of adapting to an evolving financial landscape, with a focus on optimising revenue collection, strengthening internal controls, and implementing new taxation policies. As government institutions and local authorities embrace the revised nomenclature, they are set to witness a more streamlined, transparent, and accountable financial system.
-A paradigm shift in treasury accounting
The 2025 Nomenclature of Treasury Accounts introduces several groundbreaking reforms, reshaping how financial transactions are recorded and reported. According to TPG Angoula Mbassi Ananias, these changes are designed to address past accounting anomalies, improve financial governance, and enhance the efficiency of public funds management. “The 2025 nomenclature provides accountants with the tools they need to carry out their operations effectively. Our objective is to ensure that all financial transactions adhere to strict regulatory requirements, minimising errors and maximising accountability.” He emphasised that the reforms are particularly significant in light of previous findings by the Chamber of Accounts, which identified inconsistencies in the general accounts of the state and public administration. By refining the accounting framework, authorities aim to secure future audit approvals and reinforce public trust in government expenditure.
-Enhanced revenue collection and classification
A major highlight of the new nomenclature is the transfer of certain tax collection responsibilities to the customs department. Notably, stamp duties on imported used vehicles, which were previously handled by the taxation department, are now collected directly at the ports. This shift, facilitated through the Directorate General of Customs (DGD), has already resulted in a significant increase in revenue collection.
An evaluation of the reform revealed that tax revenues from vehicle imports have skyrocketed since implementation, indicating the efficiency of the new system. By reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhancing compliance, the government expects further improvements in revenue mobilisation.
-Creation and suppression of accounting classes
The 2025 nomenclature brings structural changes to various accounting classes: Class II Accounts: Now exclusively managed by the Paymaster General’s Office (PGP). This ensures tighter control over critical financial transactions,
Class III Accounts: Stocks and expenditure transfers have been restructured, merging operational and investment-related transfers into a single category. This simplifies the accounting process and reduces administrative redundancies,
Class IV Accounts: New provisions allow for the transfer of regional and local authority debts, a move aimed at improving financial liquidity and debt servicing,
Class VI & VII Accounts: Additional non-tax revenues have been codified, benefiting key ministries such as Commerce and Interior. Furthermore, several redundant accounts have been deleted, ensuring a more streamlined and relevant accounting structure.
These adjustments align with government’s broader agenda of financial decentralisation, enabling regional and local councils to manage their resources more effectively.
-Local Councils through financial reforms
One of the most significant changes introduced by the 2025 nomenclature is the restructuring of local council finances. Under the new system, all local councils now operate centralised accounts at CAMPOST, the state postal and financial services agency.
This initiative, implemented through a convention signed by the Minister of Finance, enables councils to deposit their revenue collections directly into designated accounts. The measure is expected to reduce leakages in local revenue management, facilitate faster and more transparent financial transactions and ensure better oversight of council expenditures. By strengthening financial discipline at the local government level, the reform contributes to a more accountable and development-driven public finance system.
-Ensuring compliance and regulatory adherence
The seminar also placed strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, particularly in the context of the 2024 Local Fiscal System Law. Accountants and treasury officials were urged to familiarise themselves with the new legal provisions to ensure proper implementation of the nomenclature.
Eric Eyong, the DGTCFM representative, described the nomenclature as “the Bible for the fiscal year,” underscoring its role as a guiding framework for public accountants. “We are here to ensure that every accountant understands the necessary changes and adjustments,” he stated. “By the end of this fiscal year, our accounts should be validated and trustworthy, reflecting true and fair reporting.”
In line with these objectives, the Treasury Department has introduced an updated accounting calendar, outlining key deadlines and procedural requirements for the 2025 financial year. This measure aims to prevent delays and improve the overall efficiency of financial reporting.
-Addressing challenges and future prospects
Despite the optimism surrounding the new nomenclature, treasury officials acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Among these are resistance to Change: Some accounting professionals may struggle to adapt to the new system, necessitating continuous training and capacity-building initiatives, Technical and Logistical Barriers: Implementing the nomenclature requires upgrading financial management systems and ensuring interoperability between treasury, customs, and taxation departments,
-Audit bench scrutiny:
The Supreme Court’s Audit Bench will closely monitor the effectiveness of the reforms, assessing whether they resolve past accounting irregularities.
To mitigate these challenges, the Ministry of Finance plans to roll out additional training programmes and provide ongoing support to accountants across various administrative levels.
-A new dawn for public financial Management
The 2025 Nomenclature of Treasury Accounts marks a bold step towards modernising Cameroon’s public finance management. By integrating digital innovations, enhancing transparency, and decentralising financial operations, the government aims to build a more efficient and accountable treasury system.
As accountants and treasury officials implement these reforms, they carry the responsibility of ensuring that public funds are managed with integrity and precision. With continued collaboration, training, and oversight, the vision of a financially sound and transparent public sector is well within reach.
For accountants, policymakers, and financial institutions, the 2025 nomenclature is more than just a regulatory update. It is a roadmap toward fiscal sustainability and national development.