Note: Deadline extended until December 22, 2014. 

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession, has launched its 2014 IFAC Global SMP Survey (www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1800424/IFAC-GLOBAL-SMP-SURVEY-2014) to investigate current opportunities and challenges faced by small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) in the accounting profession worldwide. Available in 21 languages, the survey is open through December 15, 2014, and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Conducted annually, the survey tracks prominent trends and developments and generates an overview of the financial health of SMPs in the industry. This year, survey questions were designed with the assistance of several academics and lead researchers at the University of Dayton in the US.

Results from the survey, which will be published by IFAC in early 2015, will help IFAC to better understand the country-specific and industry-wide needs and challenges of SMPs, and shape future programs and initiatives. 

Anton Colella was the chief executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) from 2006 to 2018. Previously he was the chief executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), from December 2003 to October 2006, following a period as director of qualifications.

Mr. Colella was elected chair of the Global Accounting Alliance in November 2011. He is a Council member of the Confederation of British Industry Scotland and a trustee of Columba 1400, an award-winning social enterprise and charity to help young people realize their potential. Mr. Colella is also chair of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, an independent educational charity representing over 70 member schools in Scotland.

Mr. Colella received an honorary doctorate from BPP University in 2014, became an honorary professor of education at the University of Glasgow in 2012, and joined the University’s Adam Smith Business School Strategic Advisory Board in 2011.

A graduate of the University of Stirling, Mr. Colella’s career began as a teacher of religious education. Before joining the SQA, he was depute head teacher at St. Margaret Mary’s Secondary School in Glasgow. 

The International Federation of Accountants^® (IFAC^®), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in 130 countries, presented its International Gold Service Award (IGS) to Ian Ball, PhD, of New Zealand. The award was presented today by Warren Allen, President of IFAC, at the 2014 World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) Opening Ceremony in Rome, Italy.

“It is indeed a great honor to present Ian with this award,” Mr. Allen said. “As an international thought leader, Ian has played a lead role in addressing issues associated with government financial reporting and financial management. He has been and continues to be a strong and vocal proponent of government transparency and accountability.”

In presenting the award, Mr. Allen highlighted Dr. Ball’s extensive experience in designing and managing public sector financial systems and implementing public sector financial reforms. While serving as the Director of Financial Management Policy and then as Central Financial Controller at the New Zealand Treasury, Dr. Ball designed and implemented the government’s financial management reform process, leading to the adoption of accrual accounting for the New Zealand Government’s budgeting, appropriations, and financial reporting. New Zealand was the first nation to undertake reforms of this kind, which have since become a model for other nations. 

Dr. Ball’s contributions to public sector accounting have had a significant and lasting impact at the global level. As a member and then Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (then the IFAC Public Sector Committee), Dr. Ball initiated setting International Public Sector Accounting Standards^® (IPSASs^®), which are now seen as global benchmarks. Through his influence and actions, more than 80 governments and public sector entities use or are planning to adopt IPSASs.

Dr. Ball served as CEO of IFAC from 2002 to 2013. Previously, he was a member of IFAC’s Nominating Committee as well as Chair of its Public Sector Committee. Dr. Ball currently serves as a Board Member and Chair of the Working Group for the International Integrated Reporting Council. He became Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), International in September 2013, where he has continued to address global issues of public sector finance and transparency.

About the IFAC International Gold Service Award
The IFAC International Gold Service Award was created by the IFAC Council in 2010 to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the accountancy profession. Past recipients include Mervin King of South Africa (2012), Sir David Tweedie of the UK (2011), and Stephen Zeff of the US (2011).

About the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA)
Sponsored by of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the WCOA is the foremost international event for the profession, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world to discuss, share, and debate ideas and global solutions to the issues affecting the profession in the interest of the world’s citizens, investors, and businesses. It has been held every five years since 1977 and every four years since 2002, and attended by professionals and prominent business leaders, including professional accountants, international regulators, standard setters, government officials, and corporate leaders.

WCOA 2014, hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC), takes place November 10-13 in Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica. The theme—2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future—explores the pivotal role of accounting amid rapid economic, political, and social change. The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is the imperial sponsor.

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. Founded in 1977, it is comprised of over 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.