The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has released a Consultation Paper (CP), Measurement, which addresses how measurement bases are determined in the public sector. The CP includes within it an illustrative Exposure Draft (ED), Measurement, which shows what the IPSASB currently envisages a final pronouncement will comprise. This is the first time that the IPSASB has used such an approach, which is intended to provide a firm basis for constituent comments.

The CP lays out proposed guidance for measurement bases for the assets and liabilities most commonly used by public sector entities when applying IPSAS. It proposes the development of a single standard which will provide definitions and guidance on the main measurement bases, while other IPSAS will continue to provide guidance on which particular measurement basis is to be used.

The CP and ED respond to a number of drivers including:

• The need to consider existing measurement requirements in the light of the measurement guidance in IPSASB’s Conceptual Framework;
• That it is necessary to standardize usage of the term ‘fair value’ within IPSASB’s literature following the issue of private sector guidance in IFRS 13; and
• The need to provide guidance on difficult issues, such as borrowing costs and transactions costs.

“Measurement must fairly reflect the cost of services, operational capacity and financial capacity in order to provide the high-quality information required for accountability and decision making in the public sector,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “This project will consolidate the guidance on the main measurement bases used in IPSAS into a single comprehensive standard, so increasing consistency and coherence for users.”

The final pronouncement will underpin the IPSASB’s approach to measurement for many years. It is therefore essential that the IPSASB hears the views of respondents on the preliminary views and the other matters raised for comment in this Consultation Paper.

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 September 30, 2019. 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 developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board 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 Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today published a Discussion Paper, Audits of Less Complex Entities: Exploring Possible Options to Address the Challenges in Applying the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). The IAASB seeks to further understand the challenges of using ISAs in audits of less complex entities—and views about possible actions to address these challenges.

The IAASB recognizes the global call for action to address issues of complexity, length, understandability, scalability, and proportionality related to using the ISAs. Continuing the debate on these strategic issues, the Discussion Paper explores how the IAASB, and others, could further support auditors working in increasingly evolving environments.

The IAASB welcomes input from all interested stakeholders as we chart an appropriate way forward. The consultation will remain open until September 12, 2019. French and Spanish translations will be available on the IAASB’s website in mid-May.

In late June 2019, the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) will launch its eCode—an innovative digital product that offers professional accountants a new way to engage with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).

To introduce the eCode, the IESBA invites you to join a 30-minute webinar on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at 10am EST.

During the webinar, IESBA Member Brian Friedrich will explain IESBA’s vision for the eCode and provide a quick walkthrough to demonstrate the eCode’s structure, key features and functionalities. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn about this product.

To join, click the link below to register:

• Wednesday June 12^th 2019 at 10 a.m. EST

More information about the Code is available at the IESBA’s website.   

If you have questions about this webinar, please email Carla Vijian.

The International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 540 (Revised) Implementation Working Group has developed two flowcharts and a diagram to support the understanding, and effective implementation, of the standard.

Gaylen R. Hansen has been appointed chair of the Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), effective July 1, 2019. His appointment, which has been approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board, follows his election by IESBA CAG members. He has served on the IESBA CAG representing the US National Association of State Boards of Accountancy since 2010.

As chair, Mr. Hansen will lead the IESBA CAG―an independent body of international organizations from the regulatory, corporate governance, investor, preparer and user communities, and other stakeholders—in providing strategic and technical advice to the IESBA in the public interest. Mr. Hansen will play a key role in ensuring that the CAG’s views are considered in IESBA deliberations.

For over a decade, Mr. Hansen served on the board of directors, and as chair from 2012 to 2013, of NASBA, a key participant in US accountancy profession regulation. He is also a founding member of NASBA’s Center for the Public Trust, and represents NASBA on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board CAG.

Mr. Hansen is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs’ Auditing Standards Board and a past member of its Professional Ethics Executive Committee. He is a past member of the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standing Advisory Group and a retired audit partner.

“I am honored to have been elected IESBA CAG chair,” said Mr. Hansen. “The CAG plays a vital role in enabling all those concerned in the work of, or services provided by, professional accountants to have a voice in the development and maintenance of standards that ensure a high level of ethical conduct. I look forward to shepherding the CAG’s diversity of experience to assist the IESBA setting robust ethics standards.”

Mr. Hansen will succeed Mr. Kristian Koktvedgaard, who has served as CAG Chair since July 2013. “I congratulate Gaylen on his appointment as CAG chair,” said Mr. Koktvedgaard. “His experience and commitment working on ethics combined with his strong knowledge in audit, assurance and accounting issues is a great asset, and I am confident he will lead the CAG effectively in providing sound strategic and technical advice.”

Commenting on Mr. Hansen’s appointment, Dr. Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman, said, “Gaylen is a veteran in policy matters relating to the accountancy profession. His experience will serve the CAG well in its objective to provide public interest input to our standards development work. I congratulate Gaylen and I very much look forward to working with him in his new leadership role. On behalf of the IESBA, I also thank Kristian for his outstanding contribution to our work and his strong leadership of the CAG over the years. I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

About the IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA serves the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).

The IESBA believes a single set of high-quality ethics standards enhances the quality and consistency of services provided by professional accountants, thus contributing to public trust and confidence in the accountancy profession. The IESBA sets its standards in the public interest with advice from the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) and under the oversight of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

The structures and processes that support IESBA operations 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.

As mounting global economic, social and environmental challenges test financial markets and social stability, IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) today hosted 23 leaders of international organizations dedicated to effective international rulemaking at the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Partnership of international organisations spearheaded by the OECD.

At the meeting, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría launched The Contribution of International Organisations to a Rule-Based International System — a new Brochure, which reveals how international organizations contribute to a rule-based international system in support of better policies and better lives.

Opening the meeting, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría commented: “International organizations contribute to a rich, diverse ecosystem of international rules and standards. Nevertheless, they are not immune from a context where trust in public institutions, evidence, and expert advice is deteriorating. Our Partnership of international organizations is helping to identify the conditions for more successful outcomes in the international rulemaking landscape. The OECD is proud to host such an important initiative, at a time when coordinated action is more crucial than ever to address the issues affecting our citizens.”

Welcoming delegates, IFAC Chief Executive, Kevin Dancey said: “Widely adopted rules and standards supported by international organizations are the most visible sign of our collective efforts to support social and economic stability globally. Moreover, the negotiation, collaboration, and multi-stakeholder engagement that underpins global rule-making truly defines our shared public interest objectives. No laws require nations to adopt and implement the standards IFAC supports. They are adopted because their quality, legitimacy and impact are assured through active, purposeful consultation. IFAC is proud, for example, that International Standards on Audit and Assurance and Ethics have been adopted in over 120 jurisdictions, and that number is increasing. And in the next five years, the forecast is that use of accrual accounting by governments globally will leap from 25% to 65%, resulting in greater public sector transparency and adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. Unlocking the answers to the world’s biggest challenges will require more, not less, of this collaborative spirit,” he said.

The Partnership of international organizations works to clarify the terminology used for international instruments and identify approaches and practices that support inclusive, evidence-based and coordinated international rulemaking. The Partnership includes over 50 organizations spanning a wealth of sectors, from accounting to animal health. The Brochure is the result of cooperation among international organizations and with country delegates in annual discussions, technical meetings, and a dedicated survey on international rulemaking practices. It offers a broad overview of the internal disciplines needed to underpin the quality of international rules.

IFAC strongly supports international standards for audit & assurance, ethics, education and public sector accounting. The standards are prepared in an oversight environment focused on the public interest. IFAC and its members are experts in providing adoption and implementation guidance and support —crucial to ensuring the standards effectively support the nations in which they are embraced.

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 over 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.