How professional accountants can drive ethical behavior
Navigating Ethical Systems, created by CPA Canada, IFAC, and ICAS, follows a series of discussions with thought leaders of the accounting profession about how the systems and processes, in addition to individual criteria, can steer ethical behavior. Its intent is to offer practical guidance for professional accountants (PAs), professional accountancy organizations, educators and employers, as our profession evolves to address changing stakeholder needs while continuing to meet our public interest responsibilities.
The IPSASB approved the Final Pronouncement, Concessionary Leases and Other Arrangements Conveying Rights over Assets (Amendments to IPSAS 43, IPSAS 47, and IPSAS 48). The effective date for the relevant amendments is January 1, 2027.
Measurement-Application Phase
The IPSASB approved Exposure Draft (ED) 90, Amendments to IPSAS as a Result of the Application of IPSAS 46,Measurement. This ED proposes amendments to IPSAS to introduce current operational value, and add a definition of accounting estimates to IPSAS 3, Accounting Policies, Changes In Accounting Estimates and Errors. ED 90 will be published in Q3 2024 with a 120-day comment period.
IPSAS 33–Limited Scope Update
The IPSASB approved ED 91, Limited-scope Updates to First-time Adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) (Amendments to IPSAS 33). This ED proposes amendments to existing requirements to emphasize exemptions available to those using the standard. The ED also proposes non-authoritative guidance to help clarify the standard's application for first-time adopters, including information to help identify the appropriate point to apply IPSAS 33 in their overall transition plan to accrual-basis IPSAS. ED 91 will be published in Q3 2024 with a 120-day comment period.
Sustainability-Climate-Related Disclosures
The IPSASB continued the development of the Climate-related Disclosures ED by reviewing the proposed principles on metrics and targets, transitional provisions, and general requirements. The IPSASB clarified that the ED will address public policy programs (such as regulations, taxation, subsidies, and incentives) that are explicitly designed to address climate-related risks and opportunities. The IPSASB plans to approve the ED at its September 2024 meeting.
Natural Resources
The IPSASB continued developing its Natural Resources ED by reviewing the draft specific matters for comment, core text, application guidance, and basis for conclusions. In addition, the IPSASB agreed on the topics for which implementation guidance and illustrative examples would be developed in the ED. The IPSASB plans to approve the ED at its September 2024 meeting.
Strategy and Work Program
The IPSASB reviewed the responses received to its 2024-2028 Strategy and Work Program Consultation. The proposals were strongly supported by stakeholders, which only required the IPSASB to make minor clarifications. The IPSASB plans to approve the final 2024-2028 Strategy and Work Program at its September 2024 meeting.
Presentation of Financial Statements
The IPSASB continued the development of its Consultation Paper and Illustrative ED related to the project to develop a replacement for IPSAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements. The IPSASB considered several important project issues, including agreeing to retain the current/non-current distinction as the primary method for classifying assets and liabilities on the statement of financial position. The IPSASB will continue its deliberations on this project in September 2024.
Next Meeting
The next IPSASB meeting will be hosted by the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium from September 17 to 20, 2024.
Adoption & Implementation Resources
Pathways to Accrual: Find resources helpful for planning and undertaking a transition from cash to accrual accounting including adopting and implementing IPSAS.
e-International Standards: Access the IPSASB’s standards and pronouncements on a convenient digital platform.
Implementing IPSAS: Download a package of training materials on IPSAS that can be tailored to the needs of training participants.