The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has issued new guidance on the application of the International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities, known as the ISA for LCE. The Authority Supplemental Guidance will help users in determining the appropriate situations to use the standard.
The guidance will be particularly beneficial for legislative and regulatory authorities implementing the standard, firms developing related policies or procedures, and auditors determining whether the standard is appropriate to use for a specific engagement.
Accessible on the IAASB website, this guide complements previously released resources, including videos, webinars, and the Auditor Reporting Supplemental Guidance. Later this year, the IAASB will also issue an adoption guide and a first-time implementation guide. Collectively, these materials provide a comprehensive toolkit for navigating adoption and implementation of the ISA for LCE.
The new guidance does not amend or override the ISA for LCE, the text of which alone is authoritative. Reading the guidance is not a substitute for reading the ISA for LCE. For more information and to access the new guidance, visit: www.iaasb.org/ISAforLCE
“The IPSASB encourages public-sector entities and jurisdictions around the world to apply the accrual basis of accounting through the adoption and implementation of accrual basis IPSAS. The successful application of IPSAS 33 is often a cornerstone of IPSAS adoption and implementation” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “This ED aims to clarify the requirements of IPSAS 33 to assist entities and jurisdictions in successfully completing their IPSAS transition journey.”
IPSAS 33, First-time Adoption of Accrual Basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), was issued in 2015 and has been applied by a number of public sector entities during their transition to accrual basis IPSAS. The IPSASB heard from these stakeholders that:
IPSAS 33 should be more user-friendly when applied as part of the entity’s broader transition journey;
Reliefs should be more clearly set in the entire transition process to accrual basis IPSAS; and
Reliefs should be designed to encourage the recognition and measurement of items, contributing to compliance as early as possible.
The proposals in the Limited Scope Update Project do not propose to change the objective, scope, or available exemptions in IPSAS 33. Rather, the amendments to IPSAS 33 are aimed to make it easier to apply and to encourage first-time adopters to comply with IPSAS in a planned way as soon as possible. Feedback received to this ED will help shape the final amendments to IPSAS 33.
About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and The World Bank. 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.
In preparation for its 5th Research Forum, which will be co-hosted by Comparative International Governmental Accounting Research Network (CIGAR) at its June 2025 conference, the IPSASB is calling for scholarly contributions from the academic community. This is an opportunity for researchers to have a significant impact on accounting standards used by governments and public sector entities across the globe.
Coordinated through the Academic Advisory Group, which includes independent scholars from all parts of the world, as well as the IPSASB members who have an academic background, the IPSASB is offering a grant of USD $2,000 for selected scholarly papers submitted covering three research areas. Up to six grants are available in total.
The research areas of interest are:
Presentation of Financial Statements
Interaction with GFSM 2014
Accounting for Biodiversity in the Public Sector
IPSAS 18, Segment Reporting
IPSAS 20, Related Party Disclosures
IPSAS 31, Intangible Assets
IPSAS 35, Consolidated Financial Statements
IPSAS 41, Financial Instruments
The grant recipients, as well as other scholars, will present the first drafts of their full papers at the 2025 Research Forum (June 2025). As a first step, academics are invited to submit abstractsby October 4, 2024. For more information, see the IPSASB’s Call for Papers.
About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and the World Bank. 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.
“ED 90 builds upon the important work accomplished in IPSAS 46, Measurement released last year which provides an integrated approach to valuation to help entities measure public sector assets,” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “These amendments will provide users of public sector general purpose financial statements with more relevant and faithfully representative measurement information through the potential application of public sector specific guidance across a broader range of situations.”
The amendments to IPSAS proposed in ED 90 are the introduction of current operational value in IPSAS 12, Inventories, IPSAS 21, Impairment Non-Cash Generating Assets, and IPSAS 31, Intangible Assets, the addition of a definition of accounting estimates to IPSAS 3, Accounting Policies, Changes In Accounting Estimates and Errors, and the enhancement of the terminology in current value measurement disclosures.
The feedback received from ED 90 will help shape the final amendments related to the application of Current Operational Value across existing IPSAS.
About the IPSASB The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and the World Bank. 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 contactpermissions@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.
The IESBA today submitted a comment letter to the Committee of European Auditing Oversight Bodies (CEAOB) regarding the CEAOB’s draft non-binding guidelines on limited assurance on sustainability reporting under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in the European Union (EU).
Starting from financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, large companies in the EU are required to draw up sustainability statements in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These statements are required to be subject to an assurance engagement by statutory auditors or other assurance services providers.
To prevent fragmentation and promote consistency in practices until the European Commission’s (EC) adoption of an assurance standard at EU level by October 1, 2026, the EC has invited the CEAOB to develop non-binding guidelines regarding limited assurance on sustainability reporting.
To read the full comment letter, please click here.
About IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants serves the public interest by setting high-quality ethics standards, including independence requirements, as a cornerstone to ethical behavior in business and organizations, and to public trust in financial and non-financial information that is fundamental to the proper functioning and sustainability of organizations, financial markets and economies worldwide.
Along with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (“IAASB”), the IESBA is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (“IFEA”). The Public Interest Oversight Board (“PIOB”) oversees IESBA and IAASB activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards.
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) warmly welcomes the appointment of Eelco van der Enden as the new Chief Executive Officer of Accountancy Europe.
Lee White, Chief Executive of IFAC, said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with Eelco again and for the benefit of our global profession. His proven track record and visionary leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and evolution of the accountancy profession across Europe."
With his impressive background and extensive experience in the accountancy profession, bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial and sustainability senior management roles, Eelco van der Enden is set to lead Accountancy Europe into a new era of innovation and growth.
“I have personally had the privilege to work with Eelco for a number of years. He has been pivotal in leading GRI through increasing harmonization of sustainability reporting, working closely with partners towards a common baseline for globally applicable and comparable sustainability data. I am confident that he will now play a crucial role in advancing our shared goals,” Lee White commented.
“And as we welcome Eelco, I also want to praise the outstanding contribution of Olivier Boutellis-Taft during his tenure as CEO of Accountancy Europe," noted Lee White.
“Olivier's inspirational leadership over the past 18 years has been instrumental in navigating the organization through significant regulatory changes and advancing the role of accountants in the sustainability and digital transformations. His commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting transparency and accountability has left a lasting impact on the profession. Under his guidance, and thanks to Olivier’s “out-of-the-box” thinking and ability to take bold decisions, Accountancy Europe has solidified its position as a leading voice in the European accountancy community, and has become a key partner for EU policy-makers. I am deeply grateful for his dedicated service to our profession," Lee White added.
IFAC and Accountancy Europe share a longstanding commitment to promoting high-quality standards and practices within the accountancy profession, at all levels. Under Eelco van der Enden’s direction, both organizations are poised to further strengthen their collaboration to enhance the value for our members and serve the public interest.
"Our profession is at a critical juncture where the need for robust cooperation is more important than ever. Together, we can drive economic growth and sustainability transformation by enabling the necessary transparency and accountability that build trust in organizations," Lee White concluded.
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 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
The Public Interest Committee (PIC) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) are pleased to announce the establishment of a Search Committee to select the next Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) for an initial three-year term starting on January 1, 2026. The appointee will succeed Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair since 2016.
The Search Committee will be chaired by Mr. Vinod Rai, who served as the 11th Comptroller and Auditor General of India, and the chairman of the UN Panel of External Auditors. Mr. Rai has been recognized for strengthening public sector accountability and his legacy includes setting high standards for financial management and improvements in governance practices.
The Search Committee includes the following members:
Fergal Costello, Ireland, Principal, Department of Public Expenditure;
Assietou Sylla Diouf, Togo, Global Managing Director, Integrate Health;
Davit Gamkrelidze, Georgia, Head of the State Treasury; and
Heather Taylor, Canada, EY Partner, Climate Change & Sustainability Services.
The Search Committee will start its work in early September and plans to issue its Call for Applications for the next IPSASB Chair by mid-November 2024.
Mr. Rai, Search Committee Chair: “Strengthening the public sector to ensure sustainable and strong economic growth is my lifelong passion and career. I am honored by the opportunity to lead the search for this key position working with such esteemed colleagues from around the globe.”
Jon Blondal, PIC Co-Chair: “The standards promulgated by the IPSASB have contributed greatly to the advancement of accrual accounting and modernizing public financial management around the world. We look forward to the work of the Search Committee in identifying the next Chair of the IPSASB.”
Lee White, IFAC Chief Executive Officer: “With the timely broadening of the IPSASB's scope to include sustainability reporting, the IPSASB's next chair will be vital in continuing this development, which IFAC strongly supports. IPSASB's standards are crucial to effective public sector financial management and strong and sustainable public sector organizations. I am confident that the independent Search Committee, led by Mr. Rai, will find a strong Chair to continue the legacy built by Mr. Carruthers and his predecessors.”
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 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
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.
About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards™ (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, the government of Canada, and The World Bank. 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.
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released new supplemental guidance on auditor reporting as it relates to the International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities, known as the ISA for LCE. Meant to be read with the ISA for LCE, the new guidance provides assistance for auditors about modifications to the auditor’s report when using the standard. The guidance also includes information on using emphasis of matter and other matter paragraphs, reporting on other information, and reporting on a material uncertainty related to going concern.
Additionally, the guidance features eight illustrative auditor’s reports, including examples of adverse opinions, disclaimer of opinions, and opinions when there is a material uncertainty related to going concern.
Accessible on the IAASB website, this new Auditor Reporting Supplemental Guidance complements previously released resources, including videos and webinars, which provide a robust toolkit for navigating the ISA for LCE, adoption, and implementation. Additional resources will be published this quarter, including an adoption guide, supplemental guidance on the authority of the standard, and a first-time implementation guide.
The new guidance does not amend or override the ISA for LCE, the text of which alone is authoritative. Reading the guidance is not a substitute for reading the ISA for LCE.For more information and to access the new guidance, visit: www.iaasb.org/ISAforLCE
With 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies and an economic landscape characterized by rapid urbanization, a young demographic, and abundant natural resources, Africa’s development is vital in a regional and global context.
Achieving the continent's growth and sustainable development ambitions requires the active contribution of accountancy and finance professionals, as highlighted in The Accountancy Profession Enabling Africa’s Transformation, a new report from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA).
Launched yesterday at PAFA’s General Meeting, the report outlines how influential accountants on company boards, and as CFOs and trusted business advisers are to drive sustainable economic growth in Africa and navigate its challenges including energy access, a lack of regional integration, rising public debt, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation estimated to cost between USD 68 and 108 billion annually.
The report was informed by a panel of experts at IFAC’s Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group meeting in South Africa moderated by the PAIB Advisory Group Chair Sanjay Rughani, and including the Brookings Institution, The African Development Bank (AfDB), The World Bank, TradeMark Africa, Amundi Asset Management, Standard Chartered Bank, Nedbank, and Investec Bank. The panel also included Josephine Okui Ossiya who provided CFO lessons from the Bujagali hydroelectric power station.
“We believe the accountancy profession has a critical role in achieving transformation in Africa and empowering change,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White. “We value our partnership with PAFA to support regional efforts towards addressing Africa’s priorities to enable sustainable growth and build capital market efficiency and transparency.”
“By strengthening the capacity and influence of the accountancy profession in Africa, we enable our 56 member organizations in 45 countries to help drive sustainable growth and prosperity by enhancing trade and regional integration, investment, the quality of services and trust in institutions,” said PAFA Chief Executive Officer Alta Prinsloo. "This report highlights the key areas in which the accountancy profession can influence transformation to achieve a just and sustainable transition for Africa.”
Learn more about what accounting and finance professionals can do to enable Africa’s sustainable transition. The report is available in English and French.
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 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
About PAFA
PAFA is an IFAC Network Partner, representing the accountancy profession in Africa. PAFA has 56 member organisations in 45 countries in Africa and five international affiliates. PAFA’s vision is sustainable value creation for the citizens of Africa by strengthening the capacity and influence of the accountancy profession to enhance trade, the quality of services, and trust in institutions.
New report outlines how the accountancy profession enables transformative economic development in Africa
Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs) were created to mobilize private capital at scale towards nature-based climate solutions and innovative low-carbon technologies. The use of carbon credits within VCMs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) has been hotly debated and is increasingly scrutinized.
To add clarity and highlight potential risk factors, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), CPA Canada and the Institute for Sustainable have published a resource for professional accountants and existing and potential market participants, including businesses, capital providers and the broader public, on the state of VCMs and their future development, Understanding Voluntary Carbon Markets: Key considerations for professional accountants and purchasers on the carbon credit life cycle. This report examines existing VCMs and related standards and best practices to increase confidence in carbon markets and encourage investment in credible GHG reduction projects and schemes. It follows IOSCO's consultation report to promote the integrity and orderly functioning of the VCMs which now forms part of IOSCO's updated 2024 workplan.
This is the first instalment of a three-part series and covers the fundamentals of VCMs:
Why do voluntary carbon markets exist?
How do they differ from compliance markets?
What is a carbon credit and how are they processed and used?
Who is participating in the market and why?
What are the criticisms of carbon credits, and risks and challenges for market participants?
And what are the considerations for verifying, valuing and pricing credits?
Two future installments will dive deeper into the accounting and disclosure issues, particularly against the backdrop of identified risks and areas of manipulation in the market.
Stathis Gould, Director, IFAC: “Professional accountants are instrumental in making well-informed decisions to reduce GHG emissions and must be well-versed in the challenges and opportunities presented by VCMs to advance climate action, safeguard credibility and ensure transparency.”
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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
Understanding Voluntary Carbon Markets: Key considerations for professional accountants and purchasers on the carbon credit life cycle
