The pace of change and the scale of expenditure within the public sector present unique challenges that demand specialized skills. The Certificate in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (CertIPSAS) is crafted to meet these challenges head-on, offering participants a comprehensive toolkit to navigate the evolving landscape of public sector finance.
Tailored for professionals already within the public sector or those aspiring to join its ranks, this certificate program ensures participants develop robust financial reporting skills that are both relevant and indispensable. By gaining a deep understanding of IPSAS, attendees will be better equipped to contribute effectively to their organizations' financial processes, fostering stronger accountability and transparency within the public purse.
Course Methodology
This course employs diverse interactive training techniques, including plenary discussions, case studies, team exercises, assessments, and questionnaires.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Identify the foundational aspects of the IPSASB, including its history, organizational structure, and the Conceptual Framework, to appreciate the role and scope of IPSAS in public sector financial reporting.
Apply key IPSAS standards (1, 2, and 3) to the preparation and presentation of financial statements, ensuring compliance with established public sector accounting practices.
Evaluate and report on financial performance using specific IPSAS standards related to revenue and expenses, enhancing transparency and accountability in public sector financial management.
Analyze and apply IPSAS requirements for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of various assets and liabilities to ensure accurate and reliable financial statements.
Demonstrate an understanding of advanced asset and liability management within the public sector through the application of relevant IPSAS standards.
Master the principles of consolidation and group financial reporting under IPSAS, including the effects of foreign exchange rates, hyperinflation, and various forms of investment entities.
Implement robust disclosure practices as per IPSAS guidelines to enhance the clarity and completeness of financial reporting in the public sector.
Effectively prepare and present financial statements under the cash basis of accounting according to IPSAS, recognizing the specific disclosures and adjustments required.
Facilitate the successful transition from cash to accrual accounting in public sector entities by applying IPSAS 33 and related guidance, addressing both strategic and practical aspects of the change process.
Target Audience
Accountants, financial analysts, auditors, policy makers, public sector professionals and government officials.
Target Competencies
IPSAS Understanding
Accrual Accounting
Financial Statements
Accounting Policies
Financial Analysis
Ethical Conduct
Course Outline
The nature & operations of IPSASB & IPSASB Conceptual Framework
The origins of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
The organisation of the IPSASB
Key characteristics of public sector entities
IPSASB on-going projects
A list of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and corresponding International Accounting Standards (IAS Standards)/lnternational Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS Standards)
The purpose of financial statements - The IPSASB Conceptual Framework for General Purpose Financing Reporting by Public Sector Entities
Financial Statement Presentation and Accounting Policy
IPSAS 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements
IPSAS 2 - Cash Flow Statements
IPSAS 3 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates, and Errors
Financial Performance
IPSAS 9 - Revenue from Exchange Transactions
IPSAS 11 - Construction Contracts
IPSAS 23 - Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions
IPSAS 47 - Revenue
IPSAS 48 - Transfer Expenses
Accounting for Assets and Liabilities - Part 1
IPSAS 5 - Borrowing Costs
IPSAS 12 – Inventories
IPSAS 16 - Investment Property
IPSAS 21 - Impairment of Non-Cash-Generating Assets
IPSAS 26 - Impairment of Cash-Generating Assets
IPSAS 31 - Intangible Assets
IPSAS 43 - Leases
IPSAS 44 - Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
IPSAS 45- Property, Plant, and Equipment
Accounting for Assets and Liabilities - Part 2
IPSAS 14 - Events After the Reporting Date
IPSAS 19 - Provisions, Contingent Liabilities, and Contingent Assets
IPSAS 27 - Agriculture
IPSAS 28 - Financial Instruments: Presentation
IPSAS 30 - Financial Instruments: Disclosures
IPSAS 39 - Employee Benefits
IPSAS 41 - Financial Instruments
IPSAS 42 - Social Benefits
IPSAS 43 - Measurement
IPSAS 49 - Retirement Benefit Plans
Consolidation
IPSAS 4 - The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates
IPSAS 10 - Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies
IPSAS 34 - Separate Financial Statements
IPSAS 35 - Consolidated Financial Statements
IPSAS 36 - Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
IPSAS 37 - Joint Arrangements
IPSAS 38 - Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
IPSAS 40 - Public Sector Combinations
Disclosure Standards and other Topics
IPSAS 18 - Segment Reporting
IPSAS 20 - Related Party Disclosures
IPSAS 22 - Disclosure of Financial Information about the General Government Sector
IPSAS 24 - Presentation of Budget Information in Financial Statements
IPSAS 32 - Service Concession Arrangements: Grantor
Cash basis IPSAS
Introduction
Cash Basis IPSAS Part 1 (mandatory)
Required information in the statement of cash receipts and payments
Disclosures
Consolidation under the cash basis
Treatment of foreign currency cash receipts, payments and balances
Presentation of budget information in the financial statements
Public sector entities receiving external assistance
Cash Basis IPSAS Part 2 (non-mandatory)
Migrating to the accrual basis IPSASs
First-time adoption of accrual basis IPSAS
First-time adoption of Accrual-basis International Public Sector Accounting
From Cash to Accrual Basis
Transition to the accrual basis of accounting: guidance for public sector entities
IPSAS 33 - First-time Adoption of Accrual Basis IPSASs
Change management and the adoption of accrual basis IPSASs
Example: World Health Organization's adoption of accrual basis IPSASs