The Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has unanimously elected Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as CAG Chair until June 2020.

Created in June 2016, the IPSASB CAG is a forum composed of 22 representatives of public and private sector organizations and individuals that are interested in, or affected by, the IPSASB’s work, including those engaged in the preparation, audit, or evaluation of public sector financial reports. The CAG provides advice to the IPSASB on the IPSASB’s strategy and work plan; IPSASB’s projects, including views on technical issues or matters that may impede the adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards^™; and other matters relevant to the IPSASB’s standard-setting activities. Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger was appointed inaugural Chair at the CAG’s inception in 2016 until the membership was in a position to hold a formal vote.

“I am delighted Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger will continue as CAG Chair. His election confirms that CAG members have valued his commitment and strong leadership since its first meeting in June 2016. He has helped develop the CAG as an effective forum for discussing key public interest issues related to the IPSASB’s work,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Thomas and the CAG members.”

Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger is a distinguished public sector accounting expert. Currently Global Head of International Public Sector Accounting for Ernst & Young, Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger’s deep experience in accounting standard setting includes chairmanship of the Public Sector Group of Accountancy Europe since 2011, membership of the German Public Sector Committee since 2002, and service to global standard setting as an IPSASB member from 2009–2014.

“I am very appreciative of the support expressed by the unanimous vote of the CAG members in electing me. The CAG has made great progress and we look forward to continuing to foster meaningful input to the IPSASB’s project work and to the development of the IPSASB’s next strategy and work plan,” said Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger.

About the IPSASB
The IPSASB develops accounting standards and guidance for use by public sector entities. It receives support (both direct financial and in-kind) 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.

Highlights from the IPSASB CAG's June 26, 2017, meeting in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

0:10 – Introduction (John Stanford, Technical Director, IPSASB)

0:27 – Summary of IPSASB CAG meeting (Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger, IPSASB CAG Chair)

8:50 – Closing remarks (John Stanford, Technical Director, IPSASB)

The IAESB Personal Perspectives Series shares the insights from board members and technical advisors on some of the challenges affecting aspiring professional accountants and the importance of effective accountancy learning and development. The first Perspective is from Greg Owens, IAESB member and Global Assurance Director at BDO’s global office.

Highlights from the IPSASB's June 27 - 30, 2017, meeting in Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

0:10 – Introduction (John Stanford, Technical Director, IPSASB)

1:13 – Overview of IPSASB meeting (Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair)

2:54 – Revenue and Non-Exchange Expenses (Jo Spencer, Standards Development & Technical Projects, IPSASB)

5:47 – Financial Instruments (Dave Warren, Principal, Public Sector Accounting Board, Canada)

6:54 – Social Benefits (Paul Mason, Principal, IPSASB)

7:58 – Strategy and Work Plan (Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair)

11:05 – Closing remarks (John Stanford, Technical Director, IPSASB)

At the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)’s 2017 Conference in Manchester, UK, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and CIPFA announced the launch of the Public Sector Financial Accountability Index.

Developed jointly by IFAC, as part of its Accountability. Now. initiative, and CIPFA, with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences as knowledge partner, the index will be the first of its kind to provide an accurate global picture of public sector financial reporting quality.

In particular, the index will provide a picture of the extent of accrual accounting and adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. It will also aim to provide a better understanding of accounting and budgeting reform plans, and help stimulate public financial management (PFM) reforms.

The main output will be a regularly updated country-by-country public database. It will initially focus on central government, and expand over time to include state/provincial and local government.

The index will initially be populated with research data on individual countries and regions, collected by various international institutions. National standard setters will be invited to review, comment upon, and supplement the information, after which the first set of data will be made available in November 2017.

“The Public Sector Financial Accountability Index will provide better insight into the extent of global public financial reporting reform, and stimulate further reform,” said Fayez Choudhury, IFAC Chief Executive Officer.

“High-quality accrual-based information that captures the entire picture of a government’s finances and its funding commitments, both now and in the future, is the foundation for strong public financial management,” said Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO. “It strengthens economies, and, most importantly, builds trust with citizens. CIPFA is proud to be supporting the development of this index, which we believe will be a relevant and timely contribution to global PFM reform.”

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 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.

Accountability. Now. is an initiative of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) to promote high-quality financial accounting and reporting by governments to improve transparency and help strengthen public financial management and accountability in the public interest. Further information can be obtained via the Accountability. Now. brochure.