Speaking yesterday to staff at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., Robert L. Bunting, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), said that the global accounting profession, with the support of the World Bank, must move ahead decisively with implementing a single set of high-quality international financial reporting and auditing standards. "Implementation is vital to strengthening global financial systems, especially during this time of economic crisis," stated Mr. Bunting. 

He said that IFAC is committed to working closely with the World Bank and other institutions to deliver assistance efficiently where it can have the greatest impact. He cited two critical areas where the two organizations must build on current synergy:

• To establish the appropriate professional accounting infrastructures and legal and regulatory mechanisms in developing and other countries; these are necessary pre-requisites for the effective implementation of standards; and
• To urge reforms of public sector financial management systems, encouraging increased government accountability and the adoption of accrual accounting where resources permit.

Mr. Bunting emphasized IFAC support for the extension of work in these areas by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

He also noted that IFAC has called on the G20 to support the World Bank's Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) initiative as a tool to assess a country's financial reporting architecture and measure the future effectiveness of economic reforms resulting from the economic crisis.

In his remarks, Mr. Bunting also pointed out that small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) and micro-entities require special attention. Some of these entities will be the next Microsofts, Googles, and IKEAs, contributing new jobs, innovation, and wealth to national and international economies if they are allowed to innovate and grow.  "SMEs face challenges that are exacerbated in times of economic crisis-the ability to obtain capital and the rising costs of fuel, supplies, and other factors of production," Mr. Bunting explained. "We must take care not to further exacerbate these challenges through unnecessary and inappropriate re-regulation of the private sector and we must consider the cost-burden of their meeting regulatory and compliance requirements."

While IFAC-with 158 members in 123 countries and jurisdictions-is known for its work in establishing international standards for auditing, education, ethics, and public sector accounting, Mr. Bunting pointed out that one of its less-recognized roles will increase in importance in the coming years: as a facilitator and driver of the adoption and implementation of high-quality international standards.

"IFAC is committed to providing leadership on implementation issues by encouraging and facilitating collaboration among firms, practitioners, member bodies, regulators, and other stakeholders," stated Bunting, adding, "To do so effectively, the world must agree on a single set of standards."

To view Mr. Bunting's full speech, go to the IFAC Media Center at http://www.ifac.org/MediaCenter/?q=node/view/638.

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 158 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets international ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.

Over 70 partners and senior executives from 24 international networks of accounting firms recently met in London to share their experiences, industry insights, and current practices at a symposium on Going Concern and Related Audit Considerations. Panels of experts were assembled with the support of the four largest networks to lead discussions on various topics, including companies' access to funding, financial statement and audit report implications related to going concern, as well as other related audit considerations, such as valuation and impairment, materiality, and internal control implications.

"This event is the second in a developing initiative by the Forum of Firms to collectively share, examine, and evolve current practice in dealing with the many challenges facing auditors and the profession flowing from the current economic situation. It brings together the Forum membership in a unique manner to hear and openly exchange views, including hearing the latest developments from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)," states David Maxwell, Chair of both the symposium and the Forum of Firms.

The symposium commenced with a jurisdictional analysis of accounting and auditing standards, followed by a presentation on IAASB perspectives with particular emphasis on the IAASB's Staff Audit Practice Alert, Audit Considerations in Respect of Going Concern in the Current Economic Environment, issued in January 2009. The symposium then focused on some of the practical auditing considerations being faced by auditors across a broad spectrum of industries. This resulted in discussion from a wide range of perspectives and suggestions of practical guidance to help auditors navigate through today's economic climate. The importance of carefully considering assumptions associated with client business models, getting a more intimate understanding of financing arrangements, as well as transparency in disclosures were key focus areas.

"The symposiums are designed to disseminate good practice in an area of critical importance in today's environment and to support both Forum members and the broader Forum objective of providing the highest quality audit services," points out David Maxwell.

About the Forum of Firms
The Forum of Firms is an association of networks of international accounting firms that perform transnational audits. Members of the Forum have committed to adhere to and promote the consistent application of high-quality audit practices worldwide, including the use of International Standards on Auditing, and the maintenance of appropriate quality control standards in accordance with International Standards on Quality Control issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. Through their organizations, members also conduct globally coordinated internal quality assurance reviews on a regular basis and have policies and methodologies that conform to the International Federation of Accountants' Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The Transnational Auditors Committee is the Executive Committee of the Forum of Firms and a committee of the International Federation of Accountants.

1) The Financial Crisis and the Opportunities for Change

A. Rahm Emanuel, President Obama's White House Chief of Staff, has stated, "Never let a serious crisis go to waste....it's an opportunity to do things you couldn't do before." It is certainly too great a crisis for IFAC to sit out. There are opportunities that we and other public interest enterprises cannot afford to miss. In IFAC's case:

1. Recognition of the importance of accounting and auditing is at a high point.
2. The interconnectedness of the world's financial markets and economies has been demonstrated in a resounding way.
3. The concern for a "level playing field" in the financial markets has created momentum for convergence of financial standards.

B. The Financial Crisis is a game changer for IFAC, as well as for other international institutions like the World Bank. We must act now and do so decisively to counteract the crisis as much as possible. For IFAC, we are faced with two tranches of economic reform:

• In one tranche are those working to stabilize banks and improve the flow of credit; this is an area in which IFAC's role is that of a minor player;
• In the other tranche are those working on the re-regulation of financial markets; here, IFAC has a major role to play.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published the 2009 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements. The handbook provides a single source for financial statement preparers to locate all International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs). These standards are intended to be used to prepare financial statements for national, state, and local governments and their agencies, as well as international public sector bodies, such as the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
 
"The IPSASB is making significant progress on its ambitious work program to achieve substantial convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards. We plan to achieve this by the end of 2009," states Mike Hathorn, IPSASB Chairman. "It is anticipated, therefore, that while changes to the 2009 handbook are minimal, changes to the 2010 handbook will be significant, with new IPSASs planned on financial instruments, intangible assets, entity combinations, and agriculture," adds Hathorn.

The 2009 IPSASB Handbook contains all pronouncements of the IPSASB as of December 31, 2008, as well as the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants. The Code is applicable to all professional accountants, including those practicing in the public sector. The updated handbook also includes editorial corrections identified since the publication of the 2008 handbook, as well as amendments to the Code of Ethics.

The handbook can be downloaded in PDF format from the IFAC online bookstore (www.ifac.org/store), and print copies can be ordered now for immediate shipment. Print copies of the handbook are free of charge, except for a US$25.00 shipping cost.

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 122 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. In addition to setting international public sector financial reporting standards through the IPSASB, IFAC, through its independent standard-setting boards, sets ethics, auditing and assurance, and education standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) endorses the proposals to enhance global financial regulation and improve the transparency of the international financial system that were issued in the G20 Communiqué on the world economic crisis on April 2 in London.

The G20 objectives are consistent with many of the recommendations that IFAC sent to the G20 Working Groups prior to the London summit, such as the call for implementing the Financial Stability Board's 12 key International Standards and Codes (which include International Standards on Auditing); making significant progress toward a single set of high-quality global accounting standards; making improvements in the international regulatory framework; and strengthening the roles of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. (See IFAC's submission at www.ifac.org/financial-crisis).

"We support the G20 in building a reformed international financial system," states Ian Ball, Chief Executive Officer of IFAC. "The accountancy profession will have a vital role to play moving forward, and IFAC will continue to emphasize the measures we suggested in our recommendations to the G20 last week."

Among IFAC's recommendations were the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) in all jurisdictions and the provision by the G20 of sufficient resources to develop and disseminate implementation guidance for the global standards they support. IFAC also proposed:

• Strengthening of the International Monetary Fund's Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency through the application of IPSASs;
• Support for the establishment of well-governed professional accountancy bodies in countries where they do not currently exist;
• Continued support for the World Bank's Reports on Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) initiative;
• The establishment of an international, principles-based threshold of competencies for senior financial officers in public interest entities; and
• That the G20 ensure its actions are supportive of the small business sector.

IFAC is developing a further set of recommendations that builds on the proposals in the G20 Communiqué.

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 122 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets international ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published an exposure draft (ED), entitled ED 36, Agriculture. This ED is part of the IPSASB's global convergence program, scheduled for completion by December 31, 2009, that will substantially converge International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) approved at December 31, 2008. It proposes an IPSAS that converges with the International Accounting Standards Board's International Accounting Standard 41, Agriculture, with limited changes to ensure consistency with other IPSASs. These changes include an acknowledgement that, in some jurisdictions, biological assets may be sold or transferred for nominal amounts.

"Converging IPSASs with IFRSs, where appropriate for the public sector, is one of the key objectives of our standards development program," states Mike Hathorn, Chair of the IPSASB. "This exposure draft proposes clear financial reporting requirements for agricultural activity in the public sector in order to ensure that the private and public sectors report similar activities in a consistent fashion."

How to Comment
Comments on ED 36 are requested by June 30, 2009. The ED may be viewed by going to www.ifac.org/EDs. Comments may be submitted by email to EDComments@ifac.org and stepheniefox@ifac.org. They can also be faxed to the attention of the IPSASB Technical Director at +1 (416) 977-8585, or mailed to the IPSASB Technical Director at 277 Wellington Street West, 4th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3H2, Canada. All comments will be considered a matter of public record and will ultimately be posted on the IFAC website.

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 122 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. In addition to setting international public sector financial reporting standards through the IPSASB, IFAC, through its independent standard-setting boards, sets ethics, auditing and assurance, and education standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published a Spanish-language translation of its 2007 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements. This edition contains translations of 24 accrual basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) and the comprehensive cash basis IPSAS. This translation revises the translation of the 2005 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements and will increase the accessibility of the most recent standards. This will further help to enhance the accountability and transparency of governmental financial reporting. Key changes from the previous translation include 3 additional IPSASs and revised versions of 11 other IPSASs.

IPSASs set out the requirements for financial reporting by governments and other public sector entities other than government business enterprises. The accrual IPSASs are based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to the extent that the requirements in those standards are applicable to the public sector.

"Providing an updated Spanish translation is critical to the IPSASB's mission to assist public sector entities throughout the world, and in particular in the key constituency of Latin America," states Mike Hathorn, IPSASB Chairman.

The Spanish translation of the IPSASs was undertaken by the IPSASB in conjunction with the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation, which also prepares translations of IFRSs for the IASB. This will ensure that the English and Spanish versions of the IPSASs converge with the respective English and Spanish versions of the IFRSs, where appropriate.

It is important to note, however, that the English version of the IPSASs is the official authoritative version of the standards. The 2009 Handbook was recently released in English.

The Spanish handbook is available free of charge in print and electronic versions from the IPSASB section of the IFAC online bookstore (www.ifac.org/store). For printed copies, shipping charges of US$25 per handbook apply. For express courier service, please contact Yansa Morel at +1 (212) 471-8722.

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 122 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. In addition to setting international public sector financial reporting standards through the IPSASB, IFAC, through its independent standard-setting boards, sets ethics, auditing and assurance, and education standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high-quality performance by professional accountants in business.