When it comes to publicly-traded companies, it probably would be because they're required to make specific, comprehensive disclosures about their income and spe

When it comes to publicly-traded companies, it probably would be because they're required to make specific, comprehensive disclosures about their income and spending on a regular basis. Governments, especially local governments are much less consistent about such disclosures. It's also reasonable to expect that a government that is elected by the public and funded by taxation provide an accounting to voters and taxpayers.