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  • Statement on the Passing of Ian Mackintosh, Key Leader in Global Public Sector Standard Setting

    New York, New York English

    It is with great sorrow we received news of the death of Ian Mackintosh, who was chair of the IFAC Public Sector Committee (PSC) in the run up to it formally becoming the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB).

    Ian had an illustrious and influential career in both national and international standard-setting for both the public and private sectors over several decades. He served as Chair of the IFAC PSC from 2000 to 2003, during which time he led the development of a number of the foundational accrual based IPSAS, as well as launching the important public sector-specific projects related to Social Benefits and Non-Exchange Revenue.

    Towards the end of his PSC Chair tenure, he was a member of the Likierman Review, which led to the formal establishment of the IPSASB as the independent international standard setting board for the public sector. He continued to play a major role in standards development, holding roles including Chair of the UK Accounting Standards Board, Vice-Chair of the IASB and latterly, Chair of the Corporate Reporting Dialogue.   

    “Ian Mackintosh was truly unique among international standard setters, in having made a significant contribution to the development of both the public and private sector standards. He was a dedicated and passionate leader who had an enormous impact on the international financial reporting landscape,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “We at the IPSASB extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues around the world.”

    About IPSASB 
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org. 

  • IPSASB Issues Public Sector Guidance to Report on Sustainability Program Information

    New York, New York English

    In light of the urgent need for sustainability reporting guidance for the public sector, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®), developer of IPSAS®, international accrual-based accounting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities around the world, has issued Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance.

    Ahead of a decision by the IPSASB on the potential development of a framework for public sector specific sustainability reporting guidance, the additional non-authoritative guidance included in Recommended Practice Guideline (RPG) 1, Reporting on the Long-Term Sustainability of an Entity’s Finances, and RPG 3, Reporting Service Performance Information can be immediately applied by governments and public sector entities to report on sustainability program information.

    The additional guidance is intended to support the implementation of the key areas highlighted in the OECD paper Green Budgeting: A Way Forward. RPG 3 includes four illustrative examples which show how its authoritative guidance can be applied to reporting sustainability program information on:

    • A program financed by a green bond;
    • A program financed by a carbon tax;
    • An investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change; and
    • A tax expenditure for sustainability investments.

    “For governments and the public sector to play their parts in addressing climate change and sustainability, strong governance, accountability, and transparency are necessary,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “As we explore the potential development of a public sector sustainability framework, in the interim, public sector entities can utilize the additional guidance that the IPSASB has provided in the amendments to these RPGs for reporting on programs addressing both climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

    How to Access
    To access Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance, its summary At-a-Glance document, and webcast, visit the IPSASB website. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and Network Partners to promote the availability of Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance to their members and employees.

    About the IPSASB
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

    About the Public Interest Committee
    The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

    IPSASB releases Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance

  • Public Sector Needs a Holistic Approach to Sustainability

    English
    Image
    Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action

     

    IFAC, IPSASB, and Accountancy Europe hosted a lively discussion on the future of sustainability reporting in the public sector, the urgent need to develop public sector specific sustainability reporting standards, and how the IPSASB is exploring undertaking the critical endeavor.

    A recording of Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action and highlights are now available.

     

    About IPSASB 
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org. 

    About IFAC 
    IFAC 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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

    About Accountancy Europe 
    Accountancy Europe unites 50 professional organisations from 35 countries that represent 1 million professional accountants, auditors, and advisors. They make numbers work for people. Accountancy Europe translates their daily experience to inform the public policy debate in Europe and beyond. Accountancy Europe is in the EU Transparency Register (No 4713568401-18). 

    Event recording and highlights now available: Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action

  • Public Sector Needs a Holistic Approach to Sustainability

    New York, New York English
    Image
    Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action

    IFAC, IPSASB, and Accountancy Europe hosted a lively discussion on the future of sustainability reporting in the public sector, the urgent need to develop public sector specific sustainability reporting standards, and how the IPSASB is exploring undertaking the critical endeavor.

    A recording of Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action and highlights are now available.

     

    About IPSASB 
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org. 

    About IFAC 
    IFAC 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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

    About Accountancy Europe 
    Accountancy Europe unites 50 professional organisations from 35 countries that represent 1 million professional accountants, auditors, and advisors. They make numbers work for people. Accountancy Europe translates their daily experience to inform the public policy debate in Europe and beyond. Accountancy Europe is in the EU Transparency Register (No 4713568401-18). 

    Event recording and highlights now available: Equipping the Public Sector for Sustainability Action

  • IPSASB Meeting

    Jun 25 - 28, 2024
    Toronto, Canada

    Please note that the public gallery has reached maximum capacity and is now closed.

    All sessions will be streamed live on the IPSASB YouTube Channel.

  • IPSASB Meeting

    Mar 12 - 15, 2024
    New York, USA
    Additional notes:

    The public gallery seating for this event is now full.

    If you're interested in attending virtually, all sessions will be streamed live on the IPSASB YouTube Channel.