An EMB has the responsibility to use the financial and other resources it receives effectively, to achieve its strategic objectives. It is accountable for:

• the efficient use of its resources to achieve value for money;
• compliance with all relevant laws and regulations; and
• using ethical financial practices.

Financial accountability may be provided for in the electoral legal framework, as in Lesotho, or in general legal requirements for public sector entities. Some EMBs have in the past deemed it appropriate to treat their statutory requirements as a minimum, and offered more regular financial reporting than is formally required. Like performance accountability, financial accountability has two components, internal and external.