Primary Objective Is To Identify Major Technical Issues for Governments and Other Public Sector Entities in Implementing the Standard
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), an independent standard-setting board within the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), has appointed a task force to review the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS), Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting. As part of the review process, it is asking those who have been involved in the adoption of the Cash Basis IPSAS in developing economies-or who have been exposed to the standard-to complete a questionnaire on their experiences, or anticipated experiences, with respect to implementation issues.
The questionnaire, along with an invitation letter that more fully explains the review process, can be downloaded from the IPSASB website at www.ifac.org/PublicSector/Projects.php#InProgress. These materials are available in English, Spanish, and French. Responses are invited by July 15, 2009 from interested parties, including Ministers of Finance and heads of finance departments or their equivalents, users of financial reports, advisors, and other relevant financial management and similar experts, including members of the international and national aid agencies.
According to IPSASB Chair Mike Hathorn, "While the IPSASB promotes the adoption of the accrual basis of accounting, it also recognizes that many governments adopt a form of cash or modified cash basis reporting, and it has a responsibility to support those jurisdictions in strengthening their cash basis financial reports." The Cash Basis standard, first issued in January 2003, was updated in 2006 and 2007, making the review very timely.
"The primary objective of the review is to identify the major technical issues that governments and other public sector entities in developing economies have encountered, or expect to encounter, in implementing the standard. This will provide input to IPSASB deliberations on whether the standard should be modified and/or if further guidance on its application should be provided," explains IPSASB Deputy Chair, Erna Swart, who is chairing the task force.
The questionnaire is the first step in the IPSASB task force review process. As a follow up, the task force will undertake more detailed discussions with a range of users, implementers, technical advisors, and others in a number of regions who have responded to the questionnaire.
About the IPSASB and IFAC
The IPSASB (www.ipsasb.org) is an independent standard-setting board within IFAC that focuses on the accounting and financial reporting needs of national, regional, and local governments, related governmental agencies, and the constituencies they serve. It addresses these needs by issuing and promoting benchmark guidance and facilitating the exchange of information among accountants and those who work in the public sector or rely on its work.
IFAC (www.ifac.org) is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 158 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets international ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.