Budgeting: an analysis of the basic key concepts

The process of budgeting can be the most important tool available to an EMS department management team. The person(s) responsible for the oversight of the department should have a working knowledge of both the budget numbers themselves and, more important, the process of working through a budgetary cycle. This should include members of the management team who do not have direct responsibility for preparation and presentation of the budget, as they will often be the persons who assist the preparer in budgetary maintenance over its life cycle. A working knowledge of basic financial concepts by all members of the management team is paramount to the continued viability and success of any proactive EMS department.