The British Academy for Training and Development offers this training program in "International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs)", in response to the increasing need to enhance the efficiency of financial reporting systems in governmental institutions and promote practices of transparency and accountability.

In light of continuous developments in public financial management, IPSASs have become one of the most internationally recognized tools for ensuring the accuracy and consistency of financial information, contributing to informed decision-making and enhancing trust in government systems.

This program aims to enable participants to understand the conceptual and practical framework of these standards, and to develop their ability to prepare financial reports that comply with global best practices, thus serving the quality of financial performance and achieving compliance with international public sector accounting principles.

Who Should Attend?

• Employees in financial and auditing departments in the public sector.

• Financial auditors and accountants in government institutions.

• Financial managers and certified public accountants in government and semi-government agencies.

• Professionals in financial reporting.

• Financial consultants working with government agencies and international organizations.

Knowledge and Benefits:

After completing the program, participants will be able to master the following:

• To familiarize participants with the conceptual framework and international accounting standards applicable in the public sector.

• To understand the differences between national standards and IPSASs and how to align them.

• To enable participants to apply the standards practically in preparing financial statements.

• To develop technical knowledge in financial reporting according to accrual and cash basis methods.

• To enhance institutions’ capacity to make financial decisions based on reliable and accurate information.

• Importance of Accounting Standards in Public Administration

  • The role of accounting in improving governmental efficiency.

  • The relationship between financial transparency and state accountability.

  • Challenges faced by traditional accounting systems.

• History and Evolution of IPSASs

  • The background that led to the development of IPSASs.

  • Organizations supporting the global adoption of IPSASs.

  • The timeline of adopting the standards in government sectors.

• Conceptual Framework of IPSASs

  • Objectives of financial reporting in the public sector.

  • Characteristics of useful financial information.

  • Limitations in preparing reports in the governmental environment.

• Accrual vs. Cash Basis Accounting

  • The fundamental differences between the two approaches.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of each system.

  • Practical applications in the public sector.

• Transitioning from Cash to Accrual Basis

  • Institutional and organizational barriers.

  • Effective transition strategies.

  • The role of financial planning in the transformation process.

• Impact of Transition on Financial Reporting

  • Changes in the nature of the reported data.

  • Accuracy in forecasting cash flows.

  • Improving the quality of financial decision-making.

• Recognition Rules for Accounting Elements

  • General conditions for recognizing assets and liabilities.

  • The timing of revenue and expense recognition.

  • Special recognition cases in the public sector.

• Measurement Methods for Assets and Liabilities

  • The concept of fair value and historical cost.

  • When to use each measurement model.

  • Applications for non-current assets.

• Public Sector-Specific Considerations

  • Supporting government assets with public services.

  • Valuation challenges in the absence of an active market.

  • The impact of grants and donations on measurement.

• Core Components of Financial Reports

  • Statement of financial position (Balance Sheet).

  • Statement of financial performance.

  • Notes and supplementary disclosures.

• General Principles for Presenting Data

  • Comparability with previous periods.

  • Consistency in presentation and classification.

  • Clarity and interpretation of financial information.

• Disclosure Requirements under IPSASs

  • Disclosure of accounting policies.

  • Disclosure of errors and changes.

  • Disclosure of subsequent events.

• Property, Plant, and Equipment (IPSAS 17)

  • Definition of tangible assets and recognition criteria.

  • Measurement methods after initial recognition.

  • Impairment and depreciation.

• Intangible Assets (IPSAS 31)

  • Defining intangible assets in the public sector.

  • Accounting treatment of development costs.

  • Special cases like concessions and licenses.

• Heritage Assets and Infrastructure

  • The nature of heritage assets and challenges in measuring them.

  • Characteristics of infrastructure assets.

  • Proper disclosure for these assets.

• Liabilities and Contingent Liabilities (IPSAS 19)

  • Recognizing contingent liabilities.

  • Accounting treatment for guarantees and contingencies.

  • Settling liabilities over time.

• Revenue from Exchange Transactions (IPSAS 9)

  • Conditions for recognizing exchange revenues.

  • Accounting treatment for contracts.

  • Measuring and timing revenue recognition.

• Non-exchange Revenue (IPSAS 23)

  • Sources of non-exchange revenue.

  • Grants, donations, and tax exemptions.

  • Recognition based on eligibility and verification.

• Consolidating Government Entities (IPSAS 35)

  • Defining control in the public sector context.

  • Requirements for consolidating data.

  • Presenting subsidiary entities in the financial statements.

• Disclosures Related to Entities under Control (IPSAS 20)

  • Identifying relationships between entities.

  • Disclosing significant transactions.

  • Ensuring transparency and integrity in financial reporting.

• Investments in Other Government Entities

  • Accounting for investments in public sector entities.

  • Assessing returns and risks.

  • Integrating financial results into consolidated statements.

• Challenges of Implementation in Developing Countries

  • Weak technical infrastructure.

  • Lack of skilled accounting professionals.

  • Organizational and administrative transition complexities.

• Phases of Transition to IPSAS Adoption

  • Assessing the current status of financial systems.

  • Preparing a roadmap for implementation.

  • Monitoring and controlling the transition process.

• International Support and Technical Cooperation

  • The role of international organizations (such as IMF and IFAC).

  • Opportunities for funding and technical training.

  • Sharing experiences and best practices among countries.