It is with great sorrow we received news of the death of Ian Mackintosh, who was chair of the IFAC Public Sector Committee (PSC) in the run up to it formally becoming the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB).

Ian had an illustrious and influential career in both national and international standard-setting for both the public and private sectors over several decades. He served as Chair of the IFAC PSC from 2000 to 2003, during which time he led the development of a number of the foundational accrual based IPSAS, as well as launching the important public sector-specific projects related to Social Benefits and Non-Exchange Revenue.

Towards the end of his PSC Chair tenure, he was a member of the Likierman Review, which led to the formal establishment of the IPSASB as the independent international standard setting board for the public sector. He continued to play a major role in standards development, holding roles including Chair of the UK Accounting Standards Board, Vice-Chair of the IASB and latterly, Chair of the Corporate Reporting Dialogue.   

“Ian Mackintosh was truly unique among international standard setters, in having made a significant contribution to the development of both the public and private sector standards. He was a dedicated and passionate leader who had an enormous impact on the international financial reporting landscape,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “We at the IPSASB extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues around the world.”

About 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. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in more than 130 jurisdictions, is seeking an outstanding individual to become its next Chief Executive Officer. 

The successful candidate would join IFAC in late 2023 to facilitate an orderly transition from current CEO Kevin Dancey.  Mr. Dancey has served as CEO since 2018 and announced in March his intent to step down at the end of 2023.   

Thanks largely to the stewardship of Mr. Dancey, IFAC today enjoys constructive relationships with its various stakeholders, and is in as strong a position as ever to help influence the direction of the future of the profession.   

The successful candidate for the CEO role must have a keen interest in and deep personal commitment to IFAC’s vision and purpose: to serve the public interest by promoting the value of professional accountants worldwide; speaking out on public interest issues where the accountancy profession’s expertise is most relevant; developing strong professional accountancy organizations and accounting firms; and supporting the development, adoption and implementation of high-quality international standards. 

Korn Ferry has been retained for the search and is partnering with an IFAC CEO Search Committee, chaired by past President Alan Johnson, to actively engage IFAC member organizations, the accountancy community, and other stakeholders and encourage a diverse and international applicant base.  

The full job specification is available here. It includes a link for qualified applicants to submit indications of their interest. 

Referrals for potential candidate names and contact information may be sent to Sara.Curley@kornferry.com.

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 180 members and associates in 135 jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has issued Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance.

In light of the urgent need for sustainability reporting guidance for the public sector, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®), developer of IPSAS®, international accrual-based accounting standards for use by governments and other public sector entities around the world, has issued Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance.

Ahead of a decision by the IPSASB on the potential development of a framework for public sector specific sustainability reporting guidance, the additional non-authoritative guidance included in Recommended Practice Guideline (RPG) 1, Reporting on the Long-Term Sustainability of an Entity’s Finances, and RPG 3, Reporting Service Performance Information can be immediately applied by governments and public sector entities to report on sustainability program information.

The additional guidance is intended to support the implementation of the key areas highlighted in the OECD paper Green Budgeting: A Way Forward. RPG 3 includes four illustrative examples which show how its authoritative guidance can be applied to reporting sustainability program information on:

• A program financed by a green bond;
• A program financed by a carbon tax;
• An investment in infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change; and
• A tax expenditure for sustainability investments.

“For governments and the public sector to play their parts in addressing climate change and sustainability, strong governance, accountability, and transparency are necessary,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “As we explore the potential development of a public sector sustainability framework, in the interim, public sector entities can utilize the additional guidance that the IPSASB has provided in the amendments to these RPGs for reporting on programs addressing both climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.”

How to Access
To access Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance, its summary At-a-Glance document, and webcast, visit the IPSASB website. The IPSASB encourages IFAC members, associates, and Network Partners to promote the availability of Reporting Sustainability Program Information—Amendments to RPGs 1 and 3: Additional Non-Authoritative Guidance 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.