IPSAS 101 Introduction to IPSAS

Introduction to IPSAS

Annex 1 from the General Assembly report A/60/846/Add.3 (May 12 2006) provides a one page overview of IPSAS within the context of United Nations System accounting, International Financial Reporting Standards and accounting by other international organizations such as the World Bank, OECD and European Commission.

IPSAS Pocket Guide

 

International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) is responsible for developing IPSAS. The IPSASB is a dedicated, expert, independent international standard setting body, which uses strong due process, including public consultation and public meetings. This website lists IPSAS Board Members and links to brief biographies of each Member.

IPSAS

IPSAS standards can be accessed free of charge from the IPSASB website. (You must first register to gain free access.) This link lists all standards and provides the registration point for website access. Hard copies of the standards are available free of charge (in book form) from the IPSASB, the address for which is: International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board International Federation of Accountants 545 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor (SE Corner of intersection between 45th St and 5th Ave) New York NY 10017 United States of America +1-212-286-9344

IPSAS Presentation: Brief Overview

This powerpoint presentation provides a very brief overview of IPSAS Adoption for United Nations System managers and others. It covers the what/when/why questions.

Accrual Accounting for More Effective Public Policy

One important difference between IPSAS and United Nations Accounting Standards (UNSAS) is that IPSAS require accounting on a full accruals basis, whereas UNSAS accounting is on a modified accruals basis that is very close to cash accounting. This FEE paper discusses the benefits of accrual accounting

OECD Symposium on Accrual Accounting

Back in 2000, the OECD held a symposium on accrual accounting, where government representatives emphasised the importance of accruals to show the 'full costs, thereby supporting effective and efficient decision making by managers.'

Accrual Accounting and the Under-Investment Problem: A Canadian View

The Canadian Government decided to change its government accounting from modified accruals to full accruals. This excerpt describes one reason, the under-investment problem, for this decision. The discussion suggests the question of whether investment decisions within the United Nations System could be improved through a similar change in accounting.

Governance and Accounting Standards

Why are accounting standards and reliable financial statements vital to good governance, accountability and transparency? This paper briefly explains the connection, by summarising the relevant parts of the International Federation of Accountants’ ‘Study 13 Governance in the Public Sector: A Governing Body Perspective.’

Management By Results

The Swedish Government's Finance Ministry explains, in this excerpt from a 2001 report, that the main reason for the Government's shift to full accrual accounting was 'to facilitate the implementation of management by results.'