Financial management plays a role in any economy as it promotes the accountability of public resources. This paper seeks to demonstrate the role of financial management in the Zambian public service delivery. Critical issues in the relationship are analyzed with the aid of relevant literature review around the topic. The brief literature review was sourced from online search engines from journal articles and other relevant publications on the topic. A lot has been written on financial management and public service but not to the extent of the analysis in this paper. The overall result of the research revealed that the managers of public services prioritize provision at the expense of prudent financial management that seeks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, especially, given the various competing financial needs of the country. Financial management is essential to instill stakeholder confidence especially in Zambia which is dependent on taxpayers and donor funding for its public service delivery. This paper raises some of the critical issues that challenge the full realization of a citizen’s proud public service systems. The challenges highlighted and opportunities present an opportunity for policymakers and other key stakeholders in public service delivery to appreciate the existing gaps, take necessary measures and ensure compliance to the good tenets of financial management and boast public confidence. It is expected that further studies will be stimulated around the topic in more detail with specific aspects of various components of public services in relation to financial management.

Keywords : accountability, brief literacture review, financial management, public service, stakeholders