International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

Financial Management and Accounting October 25, 2025
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Introduction

This specialized course provides comprehensive training in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) designed for governmental and public sector organizations. Participants will learn the unique accounting requirements and reporting frameworks applicable to public sector entities, including accrual-based accounting standards and specific public sector considerations. The program covers key IPSAS standards addressing revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and financial presentation for governmental organizations. Through practical case studies and sector-specific examples, attendees will develop the expertise to implement IPSAS and enhance public sector financial accountability.

Objectives

Key learning objectives for this course include:

  • Understand the IPSAS framework and public sector accounting principles
  • Apply accrual-based IPSAS standards to public sector transactions
  • Prepare IPSAS-compliant financial statements for governmental entities
  • Account for specific public sector assets and liabilities
  • Understand revenue recognition for taxes and transfers
  • Implement social benefits and obligation accounting
  • Manage the transition from cash to accrual accounting
  • Develop IPSAS-compliant disclosure and presentation
  • Understand the role of IPSAS in public financial management

Target Audience

  • Government Accountants
  • Public Sector Finance Managers
  • Municipal Finance Officers
  • International Organization Staff
  • Public Audit Professionals
  • Government Financial Consultants
  • Public Administration Officials
  • Nonprofit Financial Managers

Methodology

  • Case studies of IPSAS implementation
  • Public sector scenario analysis
  • Financial statement preparation workshops
  • Transition planning exercises
  • Group discussions on public sector challenges
  • Individual research on specific standards
  • Government reporting simulations

Personal Impact

  • Enhanced public sector accounting expertise
  • Improved understanding of governmental financial management
  • Stronger technical application skills
  • Increased confidence in public sector reporting
  • Better transition management capabilities
  • Professional growth in public finance

Organizational Impact

  • Improved public sector financial transparency
  • Enhanced accountability and governance
  • Better resource allocation decisions
  • Increased comparability across governments
  • Stronger donor and stakeholder confidence
  • Improved public financial management

Course Outline

IPSAS Framework and Fundamentals

Conceptual Basis
  • IPSAS conceptual framework overview
  • Public sector accounting objectives
  • Accrual basis vs. cash basis accounting
  • IPSASB standard-setting process
Implementation Considerations
  • Transition strategies to accrual accounting
  • Capacity building requirements
  • Stakeholder engagement approaches
  • Implementation challenges and solutions

Financial Statement Presentation

Statement Requirements
  • IPSAS 1 - Presentation of financial statements
  • Statement of financial position
  • Statement of financial performance
  • Statement of changes in net assets/equity
Cash Flow and Budget
  • IPSAS 2 - Cash flow statements
  • Comparison with budget amounts (IPSAS 24)
  • Segment reporting for public sector
  • Interim financial reporting

Revenue and Expense Recognition

Revenue Standards
  • IPSAS 9 - Revenue from exchange transactions
  • IPSAS 23 - Revenue from non-exchange transactions
  • Tax revenue recognition
  • Transfer and grant accounting
Expense Accounting
  • Employee benefits (IPSAS 25)
  • Social benefits accounting
  • Borrowing costs treatment
  • Impairment of cash-generating assets

Asset Accounting

Asset Recognition
  • Property, plant and equipment (IPSAS 17)
  • Intangible assets (IPSAS 31)
  • Investment property (IPSAS 16)
  • Inventory accounting (IPSAS 12)
Asset Measurement
  • Impairment of non-cash-generating assets
  • Heritage assets accounting
  • Infrastructure assets recognition
  • Service concession arrangements

Liabilities and Provisions

Liability Standards
  • Provisions, contingent liabilities (IPSAS 19)
  • Employee benefits obligations
  • Social benefits provisions
  • Decommissioning and restoration liabilities
Financial Instruments
  • Financial instrument presentation
  • Financial asset measurement
  • Financial liability recognition
  • Hedge accounting in public sector

Consolidation and Combinations

Consolidation Standards
  • Consolidated financial statements (IPSAS 6)
  • Investments in associates (IPSAS 7)
  • Joint ventures (IPSAS 8)
  • Public sector combinations
Special Public Sector Topics
  • Budget reporting requirements
  • Statistical reporting integration
  • Performance information presentation
  • Whole of government accounts

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