The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) focuses on the accounting and financial reporting needs of national, regional and local governments, related governmental agencies, and the constituencies they serve. It addresses these needs by issuing and promoting benchmark guidance and facilitating the exchange of information among accountants and those who work in the public sector or rely on its work. A key part of the IPSASB's strategy is to converge the IPSASs with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the IASB. To facilitate this strategy, the IPSASB has developed guidelines or "rules of the road" for modifying IFRSs for application by public sector entities.

The IPSASB's objective, scope of activities and membership are set out in its Terms of Reference. They are also summarized in a fact sheet. The IPSASB's Strategic and Operational Plan, 2007-2009 sets out the direction for the board in fulfilling these objectives.

IPSASB Pronouncements

The IPSASB follows a rigorous due process, as set out in the Preface to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards, in developing its pronouncements. Input is obtained from the IPSASB's Consultative Group, government organizations, IFAC member bodies and their members, and the general public. Exposure drafts of proposed pronouncements are placed on the website and widely distributed for public comment.

All final IPSASB pronouncements may be downloaded free-of-charge from the IFAC online bookstore.

Projects

Project histories are provided for the information and convenience of those who wish to follow the development of a project. These histories reflect current discussions and may be changed at future IPSASB meetings. Decisions become final only after approval of the issue of an exposure draft of a proposed pronouncement or a final pronouncement.

Key Contacts

Mike Hathorn, IPSASB Chair (mike.hathorn@moorestephens.com)
Stephenie Fox, Technical Director, IPSASB (stepheniefox@ifac.org)

For a complete list of IPSASB members, click here.