IPSAS 46, Measurement introduced a new measurement basis for the public sector called current operational value, a public sector-specific measurement approach designed to reflect the value of assets used to deliver services, rather than to generate cash. Following its release, along with an update to Chapter 7 of the Conceptual Framework, the IPSASB began reviewing how current operational value could apply across existing IPSAS Standards.
“These changes aim to improve how governments and public sector entities report the value of assets they use to deliver services. The pronouncement offers an integrated approach to valuation, guiding entities in measuring the current value of inventories and determining impairment in the public sector,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “These amendments give public sector financial statement users more relevant, faithfully representative measurement information through broader application of public sector specific measurement guidance.”
The amendments include the introduction of current operational value in IPSAS 12, Inventories, and IPSAS 21, Impairment Non-Cash Generating Assets, the addition of a definition of accounting estimates to IPSAS 3, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, and the enhancement of the terminology in current value measurement disclosures.
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 Standards), IPSASB Sustainability Reporting Standards (IPSASB SRS™ Standards) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS Standards and IPSASB SRS Standards and promotes the adoption and implementation of these to enhance the quality and consistency of practice throughout the world and strengthen the transparency and accountability of public sector finances and sustainable development. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and The World Bank. 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.
The amendments include the introduction of current operational value in IPSAS 12, Inventories, and IPSAS 21, Impairment Non-Cash Generating Assets, the addition of a definition of accounting estimates to IPSAS 3, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, and the enhancement of the terminology in current value measurement disclosures.
During Q4 2025, the IPSASB intends to publish a consultation on its work program to receive valuable feedback from respondents on future priorities in the areas of financial reporting, post-implementation reviews, and sustainability reporting. During the July meeting, the IPSASB reviewed the updated draft of the consultation and expects to approve the document at its September 2025 meeting.
The IPSASB approved the Project Brief, Making Materiality Judgements, which will be undertaken in three distinct phases. The scope of Phase 2 includes developing non-authoritative guidance aligned with IFRS® Practice Statement 2, Making Materiality Judgments. This narrow-scope project will efficiently and promptly address constituents' need for additional guidance on making materiality judgments when preparing financial statements in accordance with IPSAS Standards.
The IPSASB approved the Project Brief, Making Materiality Judgements, and a limited-scope Exposure Draft to enhance the consistency of materiality guidance across the IPSASB’s literature. The Exposure Draft is expected to be published in Q2 2025 with a 60-day consultation period..
The IPSASB approved amendments to the financial instruments IPSAS Accounting Standards, including guidance on supplier finance arrangements, the classification and measurement of financial instruments, contracts referencing nature-dependent electricity, and other editorial changes in March 2025.
Camila Santos is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of experience in both private sector auditing and public sector accounting standard-setting. She serves as a Principal at Canada’s Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB), where she develops high-quality public sector accounting standards that serve the public interest.
Camila also leads the implementation of PSAB’s International Strategy, which involves adapting International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) principles when developing future Canadian standards. She brings strong technical expertise and a deep commitment to advancing public sector financial reporting, supporting consultations with Canadian interested and affected parties on IPSASB initiatives, including the Strategy and Work Program and Climate-Related Disclosures.
Public sector accounting (PSA) and reporting underpin the effectiveness of a public financial management (PFM) system and practice. Enhanced budget accountability and control, transparency of public finances and effective management of assets and liabilities/debt can only be achieved through accurate and reliable financial accounting and reporting.
