Following September's web meeting, the Professional Accountants in Business Committee published a meeting summary report, Professional Accountants as Business Partners and Value Enablers.

The report shares the collective knowledge, ideas, and experience of the committee regarding the role of professional accountants as business leaders and value enablers for organizations, examining:

• Enterprise Performance Management;
• The Role of Finance Leaders and Business Partners in Technology;
• Effective Accountant Involvement in Risk Management;
• Creating and Communicating Value through Integrated Reporting and Thinking;
• PAO Support Tools;
• Audit Quality and Audit Committee Effectiveness; and
• Professional Skepticism

IFAC and the Committee are working to drive forward the major initiatives covered in the report. Professional accountancy organizations’ support and input into these initiatives is requested and most welcome. To achieve their mission and objectives, most IFAC member organizations continue to focus on the success of their members working in business and the public sector. However, it is important to continue raising the bar and learning from others so that their membership have the skills they need throughout their careers. In this fast changing world, ongoing skill and competency acquisition and development is more important than ever. Relevance is critical to the reputation of both individual members and their PAOs.

The IFAC accountants in business agenda addresses the areas of opportunity and risk for the profession in the 21st Century, while also enhancing the attractiveness of the profession. The accountancy profession needs to continually ensure our skills and competency remain relevant and support effective business partnership. 

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has published a revised IPSAS, Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting (the Cash Basis IPSAS). The amendments address some of the main barriers to adoption of this standard.  

This revised version of the Cash Basis IPSAS implements the proposals made in Exposure Draft 61, Amendments to Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting. These amendments recast from mandatory to voluntary:

• Preparation of consolidated financial statements;
• Disclosure of information about external and other assistance; and
• Disclosure of information about payments made by third parties.

The amendments also ensure that the standard’s requirements and encouragements are better aligned with requirements in relevant accrual IPSAS issued since 2008.

The revised version takes effect on January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption encouraged.

“These amendments respond to the views of preparers by removing some of the obstacles to adoption of the Cash Basis IPSAS,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “Robust financial reporting on a cash basis can be an important foundation for broader improvements in public sector financial management. However, the revisions make clear that the IPSASB views the Cash Basis IPSAS as an important stepping stone on the journey to full accrual accounting rather than an end in itself.”

First issued in 2003, and modified in 2006 and 2007, the Cash Basis IPSAS is the only IPSASB pronouncement that deals with the cash basis of accounting. 

About the IPSASB

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It 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.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has released for public comment Exposure Draft (ED) 63, Social Benefits, which addresses accounting for the delivery of social benefits, such as retirement, unemployment, and disability.

 These proposals aim to improve consistency, transparency, and reporting by public sector entities of social benefit schemes, which account for a large portion of government expenditure in most jurisdictions.

Existing International Public Sector Accounting Standards^® (IPSAS^®) do not provide requirements or guidance on how to account for social benefits, leaving users without the information needed to assess government performance.

“Social benefits are a major expenditure for most governments, and the absence of an IPSAS standard for these programs is a noted gap in the Board’s literature,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The proposals in ED 63 will enhance accountability and transparency and improve decision making in this critical public interest area.”

ED 63 defines social benefits and proposes requirements for the recognition and measurement of social benefit schemes. It also proposes disclosure requirements that provide additional information for users to evaluate the effect of social benefits on future government finances.

Comments on the Exposure Draft are requested by March 31, 2018.

How to Comment
To access the Exposure Draft and its summary At-a-Glance document, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website at www.ipsasb.org. Comments on the Exposure Draft are requested by March 31, 2018. The IPSASB encourages IFAC member organizations and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Exposure Draft to their members and employees.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It 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.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in more than 130 countries, is seeking an outstanding individual to become its next Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will join IFAC in late 2018 to allow for an orderly transition and will succeed current CEO Fayezul Choudhury when he steps down on December 31, 2018.

The successful candidate for the CEO role must have a keen interest in and deep personal commitment to IFAC’s mission: to serve the public interest by promoting the value of professional accountants worldwide; speaking out on public interest issues where the accountancy profession’s expertise is most relevant; developing strong professional accountancy organizations and accounting firms; and supporting the development, adoption and implementation of high-quality international standards.

The IFAC CEO must also exhibit superior leadership, management skills, a proclivity for strategic thinking, diplomatic and ethical behavior in both personal and professional life, and a future-focused attitude that will continue to drive IFAC’s strategy.

The CEO is expected to provide leadership in identifying and formulating policy positions on important issues impacting the global accountancy profession as well as critical public interest issues and will conduct outreach to build consensus on significant matters. The CEO works in close cooperation with IFAC’s volunteer leadership to support the organization’s mission and is responsible to the IFAC Board.

The international executive search firm Korn Ferry has been retained for the search and is partnering with IFAC to actively engage IFAC member organizations, the accountancy community, and other stakeholders in the recruitment process, encouraging a diverse and international applicant base. IFAC is initiating the recruitment process now to allow time for a comprehensive search and seamless transition.

Interested candidates should contact Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner Chuck Eldridge at chuck.eldridge@kornferry.com or Association Sector Leader Lorraine Lavet at Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com. For reference, the profile for the IFAC CEO can be found here.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)’s Group Audits Task Force has issued a Project Update. The Project Update outlines the issues under consideration in the revised International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 600, Special Considerations‒Audits of Group Financial Statements, and other projects that address additional international standards. This includes: ISA 220, Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements, and International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC) 1, Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Statements, and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements. The Project Update also explains the linkages between these projects as they relate to group audit issues.

Key Takeaways

• ISA 600 deals with special considerations that apply in audits of group financial statements (group audits). Many of the requirements of ISA 600 are, therefore, drafted in the context of requirements in other standards. The IAASB recognizes that there is a strong linkage between the IAASB’s work to clarify and strengthen ISA 600 and the projects to revise other standards, in particular ISQC 1, ISA 220, and ISA 315 (Revised).
• Some foundational issues to be dealt with in the ISA 600 revisions need to be first considered and addressed in these other projects, i.e., such that the Group Audits Task Force can appropriately build on the revised requirements and application material in making necessary revisions to ISA 600.
• The Group Audits Task Force is working cooperatively with the task forces responsible for the revisions of ISQC 1, ISA 220, and ISA 315 (Revised) and providing input as proposed revisions to these standards progress. This interaction with the other task forces will enable the Group Audits Task Force to be well positioned to reflect the revisions to these other standards in the context of ISA 600, and provide the additional context of the special considerations relevant to their application to group audits.

Dr. Stavros B. Thomadakis has been reappointed Chair of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) for a renewable one-year term commencing January 1, 2018, the key post Dr. Thomadakis has held since 2015.

Over the past three years, Dr. Thomadakis has championed the key role ethics play for the global accountancy profession in the public interest. He has also led the IESBA through significant projects relating to the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) and enhancing its understandability and accessibility, including responding to non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR) and restructuring the Code.

James Gunn, Managing Director, Professional Standards, said, “Dr. Thomadakis’ re-appointment is very much welcome. He has provided extraordinary dedication to this role and delivered tremendous leadership for various projects that have not only elevated awareness of the Code of Ethics but also enhanced the reputation of the IESBA as an independent standard setter.”

“I am honored to continue this journey with the Ethics Board, and have the opportunity to support the evolution and implementation of the global Code of Ethics. Our hard work is far from complete, and we will need to continue to be innovative and responsive to the evolving global public interest by achieving and maintaining high-quality ethics standards. The formulation of IESBA’s new Strategy and Work Plan is a major challenge for the next year. The pursuit of innovative and challenging new projects and the wider adoption of the Code will serve to solidify the reputation of the global profession of all accountants and their commitment to the global public interest,” said Dr. Thomadakis.

To access the Ethics Board Strategy and Work Plan, visit the Ethics Board’s website: www.ethicsboard.org.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of its Chair, Ian Carruthers, for a second three-year term commencing January 1, 2019. As Chair, Mr. Carruthers will continue to lead the Board as it establishes high-quality accounting standards for use by public sector entities, promote adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and issue guidance on public sector financial reporting. The Nominating Committee reappointed Mr. Carruthers early in his tenure to ensure leadership continuity as global adoption of IPSAS continues to advance.

“Mr. Carruthers has been an exemplary leader of the IPSASB, improving the strategic focus of the Board and efficiency of its activities, and deepening stakeholder relationships,” said James Gunn, Managing Director, Professional Standards. “Ian’s reappointment is welcomed at this important period for the IPSASB, and will help ensure continuity in dialogue with stakeholders as adoption decisions are considered in key nations and regions over the coming years.”

“I am honored to have been reappointed to continue to lead the IPSASB in helping to strengthen public sector financial management globally,” said Mr. Carruthers. “As IPSASB celebrates 20 years of standard setting, we are now addressing some of the most challenging public sector accounting issues, while ensuring our existing standards continue to suit the increasing complexity faced by the sector. We are also continuing to raise awareness of the benefits of adopting the standards for public sector accountability, transparency and sound decision making.”

After spending the first part of his career in PwC’s public sector practice, Mr. Carruthers joined HM Treasury in 1999, where he played a key role in the UK Government’s transition from cash to accrual budgeting and reporting, in particular leading its Whole of Governments Accounts program. In 2006, he joined the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), where he led CIPFA’s work on the role of CFOs in the public sector as well as working with IFAC on the development of the joint International Framework for Good Governance in the Public Sector. Mr. Carruthers continues to work with CIPFA, serving as its part-time Chair, Standards.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards^® (IPSAS^®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It 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.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) today released for public comment the Exposure Draft, Proposed Revisions to the Code Pertaining to the Offering and Accepting of Inducements. The proposals strengthen the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) by clarifying the appropriate boundaries for the offering and accepting of inducements, and by prohibiting any inducements with intent to improperly influence behavior.

The proposed comprehensive framework covers all forms of inducements and applies to both professional accountants in business and professional accountants in public practice. It also provides enhanced guidance on the offering and accepting of inducements by professional accountants’ immediate or close family members.

“Inducements with intent to improperly influence behavior are a very major concern for the public interest, and they include the issues of bribery and corruption. Inducements made with improper intent are unacceptable and should be prohibited,” said IESBA Chairman Dr. Stavros Thomadakis.

Among other matters, the proposals also require professional accountants to address any threats to compliance with the fundamental ethical principles in accordance with the Code’s conceptual framework where there is no improper intent.

“The development of the proposals was informed by input from Transparency International UK based on their experience and insights in the area of bribery and corruption,” noted IESBA Technical Director Ken Siong. “When completed, the provisions will constitute the last piece of the substantively revised and restructured Code.”

How to Comment
The IESBA invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft by visiting the Ethics Board’s website at www.ethicsboard.org. Comments are requested by December 8, 2017.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has released Exposure Draft (ED) 62, Financial Instruments, for comment. It is based on International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9, Financial Instruments, developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB^®).

The proposed new Standard will replace IPSAS 29, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and improves that Standard’s requirements by introducing:

• Simplified classification and measurement requirements for financial assets;
• A forward looking impairment model; and
• A flexible hedge accounting model.

“Accounting for financial instruments is an important but complex area for most governments. Although our existing standard IPSAS 29 includes guidance on a number of topics specific to the public sector, it is converged with the previous IFRS^®” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “Through incorporating the improvements in IFRS 9 financial reporting will be improved by ED 62.”

The IPSASB applied its Process for Reviewing and Modifying IASB Documents, to align ED 62 with IFRS 9, and includes appropriate public sector specific modifications. This approach builds on public and private sector best-practice while addressing unique public sector features. ED 62 includes public sector specific guidance on financial guarantees issued through non-exchange transactions and concessionary loans and examples illustrating how to apply the principles in ED 62 to transactions that are unique to the public sector.

How to Comment
To access the Exposure Draft and its summary At-a-Glance document, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website at www.ipsasb.org. Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by December 31, 2017. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Exposure Draft to their members and employees.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It 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.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has released a Consultation Paper (CP), Accounting for Revenue and Non-exchange Expenses.

The IPSASB seeks constituent views on potential recognition and measurement approaches for revenue and non-exchange expenses. Conceptually robust and understandable accounting treatments of taxes, transfers and other major sources of public sector income as well as expenses on universally accessible and collective services are fundamental to high-quality financial reporting. The publication of IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, by the International Accounting Standards Board, has provided the IPSASB with an impetus to consider its approaches both to commercial transactions and public sector specific transactions. The CP also considers recognition approaches for significant non-exchange expense transactions, such as the provision of education, healthcare and defense.

“This Consultation Paper is an important first step in addressing some key IPSAS implementation issues while seeking to maintain IFRS convergence,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “It also provides an opportunity to address gaps in literature that have been identified in accounting for non-exchange expenses and the measurement of non-contractual receivables and non-contractual payables—such as taxes, fines and licenses.”

The CP proposes updating existing IPSAS 23, Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions (Taxes and Transfers), to address issues identified by users, as well as to replace current IPSAS dealing with revenue arising from exchange transactions and construction contracts with an IPSAS based on IFRS 15.

For non-exchange transactions with performance obligations the CP discusses two potential revenue recognition approaches.

(a)   Exchange/non-exchange approach – Under this approach the CP identifies five options for updating IPSAS 23, Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions (Taxes and Transfers); and

(b)   The Public Sector Performance Obligation Approach for Revenue – Under this approach revenue would be recognized when identified performance obligations have been fulfilled, drawing upon the approach in IFRS 15 adapted for the public sector.

The CP discusses two potential approaches to the recognition of non-exchange expenses.

(a)   The Extended Obligating Event Approach – this approach would rely on the IPSASB’s Conceptual Framework to determine when a resource provider has a liability and expense; and

(b)   The Public Sector Performance Obligation Approach for Expenses – this approach would mirror the equivalent approach for revenue, and adapt it for non-exchange expense transactions.

The CP also discusses:

• Implementation issues regarding the recognition of revenue from capital grants and services in-kind;
• Initial and subsequent measurement of non-contractual receivables; and
• Subsequent measurement of non-contractual payables.

How to Comment
To access the Consultation Paper and its summary At-a-Glance document, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website, www.ipsasb.org. Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by January 15, 2018. The IPSASB encourages IFAC^® members, associates, and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Consultation Paper to their members and employees.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It 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.