The Board of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has announced an extension to the contract of Chief Executive Ian Ball through December 2009. Mr. Ball assumed the position of Chief Executive in June 2002. During his tenure, he has helped to shape and implement the reforms that have strengthened IFAC standard-setting processes and has worked to enhance IFAC's relationships with international regulatory organizations as well as IFAC's member bodies, regional accountancy organizations and accounting firms.
"We are delighted that Ian will continue to provide IFAC with his leadership at this very important time for the international profession," states IFAC President Graham Ward. "He has done much to encourage a deeper understanding by key stakeholders and the public of the role of IFAC and its member organizations in promoting quality performance by accountants worldwide."
Looking ahead to some of the future challenges to be addressed by IFAC, Ian Ball commented: "Alongside our key objective of achieving convergence to international standards, we will be focusing increased attention on building accountancy capacity worldwide, developing and promoting the important role of professional accountants in business, and promoting sound governmental financial management and financial reporting. These activities are critical both to IFAC's mission of serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and to contributing to the development of strong and stable international economies."
IFAC is the worldwide 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's current membership consists of over 160 professional accountancy bodies in 120 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. IFAC, through its independent standard-setting boards, sets international standards on ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.