The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) invites accountancy professionals in all areas of business and government to participate in selecting the winner of its 2009 Articles of Merit Award Program. The program seeks to identify and promote outstanding articles on financial and management accounting topics that have appeared in publications of IFAC's 157 member bodies and associates.The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) invites accountancy professionals in all areas of business and government to participate in selecting the winner of its 2009 Articles of Merit Award Program. The program seeks to identify and promote outstanding articles on financial and management accounting topics that have appeared in publications of IFAC's 157 member bodies and associates.

The PAIB Committee serves IFAC member bodies and the more than one million professional accountants worldwide who work in commerce, industry, the public sector, education, and the not-for-profit sector. The committee facilitates the global development and sharing of knowledge, develops good practice guidance, and promotes the roles and domain of professional accountants in business.

"Our Articles of Merit Program is an excellent way for IFAC members-whose professionals are in a prime position to reflect on issues of relevance to professional accountants in today's environment-to share their experiences with colleagues around the world," states Roger Tabor, Chair, PAIB Committee.

Readers are invited to rate 35 articles competing for this year's award. They cover a broad range of issues affecting PAIBs and business in general, including governance and risk management, managing through the financial crisis, accounting for sustainability, raising finance, managing cash flow, and financial reporting, among others. This input will be used to support the PAIB Committee judging panel in selecting the winning article and runners-up. To view and rate the articles, please see web.ifac.org/PAIB/articles-of-merit-2009 before November 15, 2009.

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may have access to more credit down the road, but will have to pass more rigorous tests to demonstrate their creditworthiness, according to the findings of a global survey of banks conducted by The Banker magazine in association with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The survey results, released today in a supplement on supporting small and medium-sized companies in the October issue of The Banker, also confirmed the critical role that accountants play in providing information that influences lender decision making. Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may have access to more credit down the road, but will have to pass more rigorous tests to demonstrate their creditworthiness, according to the findings of a global survey of banks conducted by The Banker magazine in association with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The survey results, released today in a supplement on supporting small and medium-sized companies in the October issue of The Banker, also confirmed the critical role that accountants play in providing information that influences lender decision making.

"Accountants have a long-standing history as the trusted advisors for SMEs. To continue to fulfill this role, accountants should be proactive in advising their SME clients about lending options and requirements," states IFAC Chief Executive Officer Ian Ball. "The survey results provide useful information to assist both accountants and SMEs."

The survey showed that over 20 percent of the more than 350 bankers who answered questions about the future indicated that they would raise the number of new loans and increase loan amounts to existing SME clients over the next two years. Very few respondents, just 2 percent, said they would restrict loans to SMEs. However, bankers expect SMEs to provide more comprehensive information in their loan applications. Survey respondents indicated that they will increasingly look at cash-flow information, collateral, and customer history with the bank when considering loan applications. Financial statements, key risk indicators, and industry trends are also among the key information banks are focused on when making loan decisions.

Lenders also highly value audited financial statements. Two-thirds of the respondents indicated that their lending policies require some form of assurance on the entity's financial statements from an external accountant, and audited financial statements are preferred by most  respondents. In addition, another 60 percent of respondents said that accountant involvement in an SME's business would significantly and positively influence their lending decisions.

"IFAC is dedicated to helping accounting firms meet the assurance and other needs of the small business community," emphasizes IFAC President Robert Bunting. "We will also continue to take the pulse of the SME community through our outreach initiatives, particularly those of our Small and Medium Practices Committee."

Brian Caplen, editor of The Banker, says: "It was very exciting to work with IFAC on this project. The health of the small and medium-sized business sector is critical to the global economy and it is very important for banks to understand their needs. We hope that the survey leads to a better understanding between banks and their clients."

About the Survey
The online survey was conducted by The Banker between August 21 and September 15, 2009. Over 500 bankers responded to the survey; there were 146 complete responses, and the remainder was partial responses. The survey sample included banks in over 80 countries. The banks ranged in size from those with total assets of under US$100 million to over US$100,000 million. To view the survey results, go to www.ifac.org/financial-crisis/smp-sme-resources.php or see the October issue of The Banker.

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org), the global organization for the accountancy profession with 157 members and associates in 123 countries, promotes the adoption and implementation of international standards and develops guidance to foster high-quality practice by professional accountants working in business, public practice, government, and education.

About The Banker
The Banker is the monthly magazine of the international banking and finance industry. Part of the Financial Times group, The Banker has navigated its way through 83 years of banking coverage from the Wall Street Crash of 1929 to the financial crisis of 2008 with the same reputation for accuracy, authority and integrity. Read in more than 100 countries around the world, The Banker delivers unique insights and analysis to the world's leading CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, Corporate Treasurers and Central Bank Governors.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) supports the goals expressed by G-20 Leaders at the Pittsburgh Summit last week to advance "a framework for strong, sustainable, and balanced growth," which includes reform of executive compensation packages,  the adoption of a single set of high-quality global accounting standards, and increased resources for the World Bank and international development banks. IFAC recommends that these goals remain priorities and that G-20 Leaders act on them at a national level.

Two issues at the top of IFAC's agenda, which were reflected in its submission to the G-20 finance ministers in July, are the need for governments to address corporate governance issues and to move ahead on implementing common global standards not only for accounting, but also for auditing and for auditor independence.

"IFAC shares the G-20's view that systems of remuneration should provide incentives consistent with long-term growth and corporate performance," emphasizes Robert Bunting, IFAC President, adding, "The time has come to act on that view."

IFAC has recommended that the G-20 nations adopt and implement the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD's) Principles of Corporate Governance and that they ask the OECD to address the design of remuneration systems within its corporate governance framework. In addition, IFAC has strongly urged governments to support an increased role for corporate audit and compensation committees and for ensuring that members of these committees have the appropriate expertise.

As part of its governance recommendations, IFAC has called for "competency requirements for those preparing financial statements." IFAC believes these competency requirements should apply not only to those working in listed companies, but also to those preparing governmental financial reports. This is especially critical as governments assume new forms of assets and liabilities as a result of their bailouts and stimulus plans. Greater transparency by governments, made possible through high-quality financial reporting, will help keep taxpayers informed and boost investor confidence.

"Governments can make major strides in enhancing their fiscal management and strengthening their financial reporting by adopting and implementing International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs)," emphasizes IFAC Chief Executive Officer Ian Ball. "Additionally, the adoption and consistent application of IPSASs will facilitate more reliable cross-national financial comparisons."

In addition to supporting global adoption of IPSASs, IFAC has long advocated the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing. Global standards will create a level playing field in the interpretation and exchange of financial information and contribute to economic and financial stability. Similarly, the adoption of global standards on auditor independence, such as those expressed in the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, will help to sustain trust in capital markets.    

IFAC also recognizes the key role the World Bank plays in helping to achieve more balanced economic growth and applauds the G-20 nations for their commitment to it. IFAC continues to work closely with the World Bank to develop and strengthen the accountancy profession, particularly in emerging countries. A strong accountancy profession, supported by high-quality, robust standards, is a vital component of a country's financial system.

To view IFAC's recommendations to the G-20, go to www.ifac.org/financial-crisis. For the results of the G-20 Summit, visit The Pittsburgh Summit 2009.

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org), the global organization for the accountancy profession with 157 members and associates in 123 countries, promotes the adoption and implementation of international standards and develops guidance to foster high-quality practice by professional accountants working in business, public practice, government, and education.

Good morning. As president of the International Federation of Accountants, IFAC, I want to thank you for joining us here this morning as we speak of issues that are critical not only to Brazil and Latin America but to the world. In addition, I want to extend greetings to our CReCER partner organizations - the World Bank, Inter-America Development Bank, IFAC member CFC and the six largest accounting networks - for all their work in the preparation of this week's program.

As I was preparing to travel to Brazil, the IFAC staff has helped by providing me background information about the economy and other issues that quite relate to the country I am visiting.  One of the things that step out in my mind about the background information I have received was the motto of São Paulo, "Non ducor, duco"; which as I understand correctly, means, "I am not led; I lead." This speaks directly to the independence and the spirit and leadership in São Paulo and its people, and it forms the perfect background for me today, in choosing the themes that I would like to share with you. 

There are four areas/four themes, of leadership that I would like to discuss. The first is: Speaking out as the global voice of the profession. The next is: Showing the way to an improved financial infrastructure. The third concerns: Supporting SMEs and micro-entities that need extra care; and, last, is: Sharing tasks when collaboration is appropriate.

"The accounting profession can and should take a leadership role in helping the world steer its way out of the global financial crisis," International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President Robert L. Bunting told the audience gathered in São Paulo, Brazil, for the third annual CReCER conference (Spanish acronym of Accounting and Accountability for Regional Economic Growth).  "At this crossroad for the world economy, this means raising our voice about what we know best-including the capital markets, government accountability, and the small and midsize businesses we call SMEs."

Mr. Bunting reminded the audience that every kind of entity needs the financial information that high-quality standards provide as we move toward recovery from the recession. Businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean often need to prove their economic viability as business partners for new opportunities in the Middle East and China, or for ongoing ones in this hemisphere. Governments need to confirm their fiscal health for the capital markets or for membership in regional economic organizations.

"Governments worldwide must follow the same high standards of financial reporting as their private sector counterparts if we are to believe the economic picture they paint-and to avoid this kind of global meltdown in the future," Mr. Bunting said. "The broad-based adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards-which IFAC has also recommended strongly to the G-20 Leaders-is critical to improving government transparency and accountability, in light of the unprecedented takeovers, lending, guarantees, and bailouts of major market institutions, banks, and companies that have taken place," Mr. Bunting added.  He also noted that IFAC is working with the World Bank to develop and strengthen the accountancy profession in developing and emerging economies as a key step in achieving financial stability.

Mr. Bunting also spoke out about the importance of supporting small and midsize businesses and the smaller accountancy firms that serve them in recovery from the recession. "The people behind Latin America's SMEs are vital to creating sustainable growth, jobs, and wealth," he said, because "they turn innovation and agility into new products and services. The OECD says they account for most businesses in all countries and are a major source of new jobs. Yet, they are often a forgotten voice in the regulatory and public policy dialogue. We cannot let this happen."

The CReCER conference, September 23-25, 2009, is designed to increase awareness of the critical importance of sound financial reporting and auditing for the development of a well-functioning market economy and of an efficient public sector-the cornerstones of equitable and sustainable economic development. Over 800 individuals attended, including representatives of the accountancy profession, governments, and the donor community. IFAC, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank organized the first CReCER event in June 2007, and are joined by IFAC member Conselho Federal de Contabilidade and the six largest accounting networks in the preparation of this year's event, along with other sponsors.
 
About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to enhance their respective impact on issues surrounding valuations-particularly those related to improving the consistency of global valuation standards affecting the preparation and audits of financial reports.

Michel Prada, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the IVSC, states, "Valuation standards, coupled with clear accounting and auditing principles, are key to the efficiency of the global market economy. This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates the cohesive and united approach of the IVSC, IFAC, and International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) to maintaining standards as global markets continue to develop."

"The current economic crisis has highlighted the challenges associated with the valuation of assets and liabilities by both preparers and auditors," says Bob Bunting, President of IFAC. "I am delighted that our two organizations will seek ways in which we can work together in serving the public interest. As a first step, I am encouraged that the IVSC will appoint a representative to serve on the consultative advisory group of the IAASB, which works to strengthen public confidence in the auditing profession by establishing high-quality, global auditing, assurance, quality control, and related services. I look forward to developing other areas of collaboration with the IVSC in the coming months."

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About the IVSC
The IVSC (www.ivsc.org) is charged with developing robust and transparent procedures for performing international valuations through a single set of globally recognized valuation standards, acceptable to the world's capital markets organizations market participants and regulators, which will meet the challenges of a fast-changing global economy.   The governance structure of the IVSC, a non-profit organization incorporated in the U.S., includes two independent technical Boards-the International Valuation Standards Board and the International Valuation Professional Board-and a global Board of Trustees responsible for the overall strategic direction and funding of the IVSC. The IVSC works co-operatively with national professional valuation institutes, users and preparers of valuations, governments, regulators, and academic bodies, all of whom can become members of the IVSC and have an important role to play in advising the boards on agenda decisions and priorities in the work of the IVSC.

Governments and regulators need to step up initiatives to promote convergence to global accountancy and auditing standards-and they need to do so quickly-according to over 60 leaders of the accountancy profession who attended the International Federation of Accountants' (IFAC's) G20 Accountancy Summit on July 23 and 24 in London. The summit was organized to achieve consensus by the profession on a series of recommendations to be made to the G20 leaders prior to their meeting in September on issues related to the financial crisis.

Participants unanimously agreed that the public interest would best be served by a single set of high-quality, principles-based financial reporting and auditing standards for listed and public interest entities. 

"It is critical that national standard-setting bodies establish roadmaps to move toward adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and International Standards on Auditing," emphasized Robert Bunting, IFAC President.

The group stressed the importance of having balanced views in the standard-setting process and ensuring that there is no undue influence from any one stakeholder group. They also emphasized the need for the International Accounting Standards Board to have a robust governance structure that will ensure its effectiveness and independence.

In addition, summit participants called upon governments to follow the same high standards of financial reporting as their private sector counterparts and to adopt International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

"The group expressed strong concerns about the liabilities and contingencies being assumed by governments in many countries as a result of the financial crisis," explained IFAC Chief Executive Officer Ian Ball. "IFAC will continue to emphasize to the G20 the need for governments to provide clear and transparent reporting to their taxpayers and to capital markets."

World Bank Chief Financial Management Officer Tony Hegarty addressed the group, highlighting the urgent need to develop and strengthen the profession in developing and emerging economies as a key step in achieving financial stability. He announced that the World Bank and IFAC will work together to develop a new initiative to deepen cooperation in this area. Summit participants supported this initiative and recommended that G20 governments should partner with the World Bank and IFAC to establish a framework for building sustainable capacity for the accountancy profession.

Other key recommendations from the group included the following:

• The needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need to be considered in the development of standards, as well as in any re-regulation. "SMEs are the economic engine of global growth and we need to ensure that they are not faced with any unnecessary or unintended compliance or other burdens," stated IFAC President Robert Bunting.
• The G20 should continue to make strengthening corporate governance a priority. Focus should be placed on examining the role of independent directors, CFOs, and audit committees, as well as improving the linkage of remuneration schemes with performance.
• There is a need for a more robust financial reporting model that includes, among other things, reporting on sustainability and environmental issues.

These and other recommendations from the summit participants, who represented accountancy organizations in 17 of the G20 countries (see attached), will be included in a communiqué sent to the G20 within the next two weeks.

About IFAC
IFAC (http://www.ifac.org/) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Costing Levels Maturity Model, published as a companion document to the International Good Practice Guidance, Evaluating and Improving Costing in Organizations, aims to help professional accountants decide what level of costing sophistication to use given organizational requirements and the needs of managers and employees.

The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has released a new International Good Practice Guidance publication, Evaluating and Improving Costing in Organizations, which establishes six fundamental principles that can help professional accountants and their organizations to evaluate and improve their approach to costing. The guidance recognizes the importance of distinguishing between the purposes and information needs of cost accounting to meet the demands of external reporting, cost measurement, and reporting for internal decision support. A companion document, Costing Levels Maturity Model, has also been published to help professional accountants decide what level of costing sophistication to use given organizational requirements and the needs of managers and employees.

"Professional accountants have a significant role to play in ensuring that they, and the costing models and systems they use, provide relevant information and analysis to support performance evaluation and planning and management decisions," says Roger Tabor, Chair of the PAIB Committee. "Good costing information is essential to interpret and analyze past performance. And it can be used predictively to guide decisions about many aspects of an organization's future operations. These activities are different, and the guidance is designed to help professional accountants provide valuable information to their management customers."

This IFAC guidance is targeted to professionals working in commerce and industry, as well as the public sector, education, and the not-for-profit sector. It recognizes that, when used effectively, costing can provide clear and timely information. The guidance cautions, however, that all cost information is not created equal: Highly aggregated cost information, for example, which is compiled for external reporting purposes, may not reflect such relationships closely enough to support future strategic and operational decisions.    

The new Costing Levels Maturity Model can also help professional accountants exercise professional judgment to assess their organization's existing costing capability for supporting internal managerial analysis and decisions. The PAIB Committee seeks comments from professional accountants and IFAC member bodies on the model to help its continued development.

Evaluating and Improving Costing in Organizations and Costing Levels Maturity Model can be downloaded free of charge from the PAIB section of the IFAC online bookstore at www.ifac.org/store. The PAIB Committee welcomes all feedback, which can be emailed to paib@ifac.org.

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

This International Good Practice Guidance establishes six fundamental principles that can help professional accountants and their organizations to evaluate and improve their approach to costing.