Accounting

PFM reform: signal failure

Developing countries often adopt public financial management reforms as a signal to garner external legitimacy. Not enough attention is paid to the local context, meaning that the impact is limited Read more

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IPSAS: An African odyssey

Compared to the West, African nations seem to be in a hurry when it comes to implementing International Public Sector Accounting Standards. We’ll know soon whose model works best Read more

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Russia must lead fiscal revolution

Some progress has been made in the campaign to improve government accounting. But the G20, now chaired by Russia, must do more to demonstrate the need for clear, complete and transparent financial information Read more

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A true valuation situation?

Determining the value of specialised public sector assets can be a tricky task. It is vital that a common approach is agreed and the unique circumstances of public service provision are taken into account Read more

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Still waiting for IFRS

The decision of the US Securities and Exchange Commission to kick the IFRS can down the road is unwelcome. And even more delays could lie ahead Read more

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Sovereign balance sheets: stranger than fiction

Unlike mermaids and unicorns, sovereign balance sheets are real, but very rare. They are also very valuable, for a range of reasons Read more

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IPSAS: Coming to you soon?

The sovereign debt crisis showed many countries were in the dark about the details of their finances. Adopting International Public Sector Accounting Standards across Europe would provide a great opportunity to address this Read more

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Accounting standards: easier said than done

Deciding on annual financial reporting standards is a challenge for governments of the Global South, but one that their extensive experience of public financial management will have prepared many for Read more

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Holding governments to account

It’s time for governments to take their accounting responsibilities seriously and to modernise their finances. The eurozone debt crisis has highlighted widespread reporting failures and must lead to extensive reform Read more

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Do the right thing

CIPFA’s chief executive calls for a concerted effort from accountancy institutes, firms and individual accountants to respond to the current global crisis by tackling poor public financial management Read more

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