A call for nominations for the four international standard-setting boards is issued today. For nearly two decades, the global economy and financial market stability have been supported by the work of these international, independent standard-setting boards. Members of these boards are highly knowledgeable and informed individuals with insight and perspectives relevant to global standards.

The Call for Nominations for 2019 details the upcoming opportunities for qualified individuals to join the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB), International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), and International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). Serving on these boards allows individuals with diverse professional backgrounds to contribute to the development of international standards, and to gain international experience while serving the public interest.

Nominations for the 22 open volunteer positions can come from all stakeholders, interested parties, and the general public. Travel support is available to qualified candidates from developing nations, self-nominees, and public members.

Gender equality is especially important to the Nominating Committee and, therefore, nominations of strong female candidates are strongly encouraged. Although candidates are ultimately selected based on professional background and experience, nominations from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East are particularly welcome to promote greater diversity on each board.

Candidates should have relevant subject-matter knowledge as well as strong English proficiency. Each board meets up to four times per year; the required time commitment is approximately 300 to 850 hours per year, depending on the board, member involvement, preparation, and travel time. 

The Nominating Committee requests submissions by February 15, 2018 via the Nominations Database. 

About the IAASB
The IAASB is an independent standard-setting board that develops auditing and assurance standards and guidance for use by all professional accountants under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAASB, and the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

About the IAESB
The IAESB is an independent standard-setting board that develops education standards, guidance, and information papers for use by IFAC member organizations under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAESB, and the IAESB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAESB are facilitated by IFAC.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IESBA, and the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC.

About the IPSASB
The IPSASB is an independent standard-setting board that works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It receives support 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).

About the Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee follows an open and transparent process with public interest oversight to select the most suitable candidates for the available positions, while also aiming to achieve gender, regional, and professional balance. For more information about the Nominating Committee, its due process, or guidance in selecting candidates, please visit the Nominating Committee web page.

About the PIOB
The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) is the global independent oversight body that seeks to improve the quality and public interest focus of the international standards formulated by the IAASB, IAESB and IESBA in the areas of audit and assurance, education, and ethics. Through its oversight activities, the PIOB works to bring greater transparency and integrity to the audit profession, thereby contributing to the enhanced quality of international financial reporting.

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 International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published its initial views to the Monitoring Group Consultation Paper on changes to the international audit and ethics standard-setting process.

While IFAC agrees with some aspects of the Monitoring Group Consultation Paper, including the introduction of a multi-stakeholder model, broad geographical representation, sufficient checks and balances, and a review of the nominations process, it has concerns about far reaching proposals that would fundamentally dismantle the current model.

IFAC is also concerned that the consultation paper offers no evidence for such a drastic change and that fundamental key issues are omitted from the consultation or deferred, including: funding, oversight and governance, transition process, and an impact and risk assessment. Additionally, aspects of the Consultation Paper do not accurately reflect the current standard-setting arrangements, and offer proposals that are contrary to the Monitoring Group’s stated aims.

As an alternative to the proposals in the Monitoring Group Consultation Paper, IFAC proposes changes, which further enhance the independence of international standard setting while retaining separate audit and ethics boards and allowing ethics standards to remain applicable to all professional accountants, including auditors. They reinforce a multi-stakeholder approach across all aspects of standard setting, including the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) and Nominating Committee; clarify the role of the PIOB and enhance transparent, independent public interest oversight; and advocate for a funding model with contributions from all stakeholders.

IFAC welcomes regular reviews of the standard-setting process that are in the public interest and ensure that the structures for international standard setting remain relevant in a changing world.

The Monitoring Group is considering all feedback from stakeholders. Comments should be submitted by February 9, 2018 to: MG2017consultation@iosco.org.

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.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has agreed to collaborate with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to strengthen international assurance standards on sustainability reporting.

The collaboration supports WBCSD’s Redefining Value program and its objective to incorporate sustainability reporting within mainstream reporting, while ensuring external reporting follows the applicable IAASB international assurance standards (or their national equivalents). This consistency will champion the road to create greater alignment across reporting frameworks and build trust and confidence in sustainability reporting.

The WBCSD engaged IAASB as a key collaborator for this new project because it is the global standard setter for auditing and assurance standards.

Assurance of sustainability information continues to be an issue for preparers and assurance providers. Investors have consistently stated that assurance is important for building confidence in sustainability information in order for the information to be relevant and decision-useful. External assurance provides a critical role in building trust and confidence around sustainability information.

With support and funding from WBCSD, the IAASB approved a major new project to develop voluntary guidance on applying its existing assurance standards to emerging forms of external reporting (EER). EER goes beyond traditional financial reporting to include sustainability (or ESG) information and integrated reporting.

Recent publications by WBCSD and IAASB highlight the need to develop guidance on how EER assurance engagements are performing. This is because companies are at different stages of maturity in applying assurance and may face various barriers or challenges that they need help to overcome. WBCSD considers the independence of IAASB’s decision making to be a fundamental strength in supporting better EER assurance

Rodney Irwin, Managing Director of Redefining Value at WBCSD, said, “The scale of the challenges we face in moving towards a system that considers financial and non-financial information requires unprecedented collaboration. We have chosen to work with the IAASB because of their internationally renowned methods of setting the highest standards and encouraging companies/countries to adhere to them. We look forward to a working together towards an economy that values the true cost, true profit, true value of business.”

Work will begin in December 2017 and draft guidance on key challenges is expected to be published in Q4 2018.

Notes to Editors
This project is part of the Conservation and Financial Markets Initiative, a five-year effort of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation that aims to leverage the power of mainstream financial markets in order to help drive the food sector away from practices that degrade natural ecosystems.

About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.

Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. WBCSD is uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues.

Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability: united by our vision of a world where more than 9 billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.

www.wbcsd.org
Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

About IAASB
The IAASB develops auditing and assurance standards and guidance for use by all professional accountants under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAASB, and the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAASB 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 Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation:
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation fosters path-breaking scientific discovery, environmental conservation, patient care improvements and preservation of the special character of the Bay Area. Visit www.moore.org or follow @MooreFound. 

The International Federation of Accountants^® (IFAC^®) is seeking exceptional candidates with a strong commitment to the public interest to contribute to the strength and vitality of accounting globally by filling open volunteer positions.

The Call for Nominations for the IFAC Board and Committees in 2019, issued today, details openings and the requirements for successful nominations for membership on the IFAC Board, Compliance Advisory Panel, and three IFAC committees—Professional Accountants in Business Committee, Professional Accountancy Organization Development Committee, and Small and Medium Practices Committee.

For 2019, the Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the next IFAC Deputy President. Nominees for this key leadership position should be senior and highly respected members of the profession, able to demonstrate a commitment to IFAC’s strategy and mission, and make astute business decisions in the best interest of the public and the global profession. The IFAC Deputy President is a two-year term position with a significant annual time and travel commitment.

Nominees are also sought for Chair of the Compliance Advisory Panel for 2018, an important leadership role that works directly with IFAC’s member organizations and global adoption and implementation of international standards.

“Each year, we ask our members to help us find diverse, accomplished leaders committed to the public interest and advancing the global accountancy profession,” said IFAC President Rachel Grimes. “With an emphasis on diversity and two significant leadership positions open, we are seeking nominations from all sectors and jurisdictions. We also thank our member organizations for the time and resources devoted to ensure continuing leadership development for future nominations.”

The Nominating Committee encourages all IFAC members to review the Call for Nominations, including the detailed information on vacancies and composition targets as well as specific membership qualifications and requirements. The companion guide offers strategic guidance in selecting candidates, including identifying the most qualified nominee for each available position. IFAC members are encouraged to make diverse nominations that reflect the depth and breadth of the global accountancy profession. Gender equality is especially important to the Nominating Committee to ensure balance on the IFAC Board and other committees; nominations of qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged.

Nominations can be submitted online via the Nominations Database by February 15, 2018. Additional information on the Nominating Committee and its open, transparent selection process is available on the Nominating Committee web page.

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.

The International Federation of Accountants^® (IFAC^®) is pleased to announce that three new Board Members were elected, and two Member Organizations and one Associate Organization were admitted to the organization, at its 40^th Annual Council meeting.

Three new IFAC Board Members are:

• Asmâa Resmouki, Morocco, nominated by Ordre Des Experts Comptables;
• ElbanoDe Nuccio, Italy, nominated by Consiglio Nazionale Dei Dottori Commercialisti Degli Esperti Contabili;
• YacoobSuttar, Pakistan, nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan.

Two existing IFAC Associates were admitted as Members:

• Association of Accounting Technicians of Sri Lanka, sponsored by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka;
• Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro, sponsored by the Slovenian Institute of Auditors.

And a professional accountancy organization was admitted as an IFAC Associate:

• Lithuanian Association of Accountants and Auditors, sponsored by the Lithuanian Chamber of Auditors.

“We are delighted to welcome our newest Board Members, as well as two Member Organizations and an Associate,” said IFAC President Rachel Grimes. “Our Board Members bring passion and experience from their home countries to support the global accountancy profession in the public interest.”

“When IFAC was founded in 1977, it had 63 founding members. Today, we have more than 175 members. This tremendous growth has been made possible by thousands of volunteers—who like today’s Board and Committee Members and their Technical Advisors—are committed public interest champions,” she said.

IFAC’s Council meeting this year brought more than 100 member and associate organizations from around the world to Brussels. The next Council meeting will take place in Sydney, Australia, in November 2018, to coincide with the 20^th World Congress of Accountants.

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

El Consejo de Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad del Sector Público (The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® o IPSASB^®) ha publicado para recibir comentarios del público su Proyecto de Norma (ED) número 63, Beneficios sociales, que aborda el tema de la contabilidad para la prestación de beneficios sociales, tales como los beneficios por retiro, por desempleo y por incapacidad.

Estas propuestas tienen como objetivo mejorar la coherencia, la transparencia y la información de las entidades del sector público sobre planes de beneficios sociales, que representan una gran parte del desembolso gubernamental en la mayoría de las jurisdicciones.

Las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad del Sector Público (International Public Sector Accounting Standards^® o IPSAS^®) vigentes no proveen requisitos u orientación sobre cómo contabilizar los beneficios sociales, lo que hace que los usuarios no cuenten con la información necesaria para evaluar el desempeño del Gobierno.

“Los beneficios sociales son un gasto importante para la mayoría de los Gobiernos, y la ausencia de una norma IPSAS para estos programas es una brecha importante en la literatura del consejo”, explica Ian Carruthers, Presidente del IPSASB. “Las propuestas del ED 63 mejorarán la responsabilidad y la transparencia y mejorarán la toma de decisiones en esta área crítica de interés público”.

El ED 63 define los beneficios sociales y propone requisitos para el reconocimiento y la medición de los planes de beneficios sociales. También propone requisitos de divulgación que brindan información adicional para que los usuarios evalúen el efecto de los beneficios sociales en las finanzas gubernamentales futuras.

Se solicita que se envíen los comentarios sobre el Proyecto de Norma hasta el 31 de marzo de 2018.

Cómo enviar comentarios
Para acceder al Proyecto de Norma y su resumen At-a-Glance, o para enviar un comentario, ingrese al sitio web de IPSASB: www.ipsasb.org. Se solicita que se envíen los comentarios sobre el Proyecto de Norma hasta el 31 de marzo de 2018. El IPSASB alienta a las organizaciones miembro de IFAC y a las organizaciones contables regionales a facilitar este Proyecto de Norma a todos sus miembros y empleados.

Acerca del IPSASB
El IPSASB trabaja para fortalecer la gestión financiera pública a nivel mundial a través del desarrollo de las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad del Sector Público basadas en acumulaciones (IPSAS®) y otras formas de orientación para uso de los Gobiernos y otras entidades del sector público. Recibe apoyo del Banco Asiático de Desarrollo, el Instituto Canadiense de Contadores Públicos Autorizados, la Junta de Informes Externos de Nueva Zelanda y los Gobiernos de Canadá y Nueva Zelanda. La Federación Internacional de Contadores (IFAC) facilita las estructuras y los procesos que respaldan las operaciones del IPSASB. Para obtener información relacionada con derechos de autor, marcas y permisos, ingrese a la sección de permisos o comuníquese con permissions@ifac.org.

Acerca del Comité de Interés Público
Las actividades gubernamentales y normativas de IPSASB son supervisadas por el Comité de Interés Público (PIC), para garantizar que sigan el debido proceso y reflejen el interés público. El PIC está compuesto por personas con experiencia en el sector público o informes financieros y con participación profesional en organizaciones que tienen interés en promover la información financiera de alta calidad y comparable en un nivel internacional.

Following September's web meeting, the Professional Accountants in Business Committee published a meeting summary report, Professional Accountants as Business Partners and Value Enablers.

The report shares the collective knowledge, ideas, and experience of the committee regarding the role of professional accountants as business leaders and value enablers for organizations, examining:

• Enterprise Performance Management;
• The Role of Finance Leaders and Business Partners in Technology;
• Effective Accountant Involvement in Risk Management;
• Creating and Communicating Value through Integrated Reporting and Thinking;
• PAO Support Tools;
• Audit Quality and Audit Committee Effectiveness; and
• Professional Skepticism

IFAC and the Committee are working to drive forward the major initiatives covered in the report. Professional accountancy organizations’ support and input into these initiatives is requested and most welcome. To achieve their mission and objectives, most IFAC member organizations continue to focus on the success of their members working in business and the public sector. However, it is important to continue raising the bar and learning from others so that their membership have the skills they need throughout their careers. In this fast changing world, ongoing skill and competency acquisition and development is more important than ever. Relevance is critical to the reputation of both individual members and their PAOs.

The IFAC accountants in business agenda addresses the areas of opportunity and risk for the profession in the 21st Century, while also enhancing the attractiveness of the profession. The accountancy profession needs to continually ensure our skills and competency remain relevant and support effective business partnership. 

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has published a revised IPSAS, Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting (the Cash Basis IPSAS). The amendments address some of the main barriers to adoption of this standard.  

This revised version of the Cash Basis IPSAS implements the proposals made in Exposure Draft 61, Amendments to Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting. These amendments recast from mandatory to voluntary:

• Preparation of consolidated financial statements;
• Disclosure of information about external and other assistance; and
• Disclosure of information about payments made by third parties.

The amendments also ensure that the standard’s requirements and encouragements are better aligned with requirements in relevant accrual IPSAS issued since 2008.

The revised version takes effect on January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption encouraged.

“These amendments respond to the views of preparers by removing some of the obstacles to adoption of the Cash Basis IPSAS,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “Robust financial reporting on a cash basis can be an important foundation for broader improvements in public sector financial management. However, the revisions make clear that the IPSASB views the Cash Basis IPSAS as an important stepping stone on the journey to full accrual accounting rather than an end in itself.”

First issued in 2003, and modified in 2006 and 2007, the Cash Basis IPSAS is the only IPSASB pronouncement that deals with the cash basis of accounting. 

About the IPSASB

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It receives support 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.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has released for public comment Exposure Draft (ED) 63, Social Benefits, which addresses accounting for the delivery of social benefits, such as retirement, unemployment, and disability.

 These proposals aim to improve consistency, transparency, and reporting by public sector entities of social benefit schemes, which account for a large portion of government expenditure in most jurisdictions.

Existing International Public Sector Accounting Standards^® (IPSAS^®) do not provide requirements or guidance on how to account for social benefits, leaving users without the information needed to assess government performance.

“Social benefits are a major expenditure for most governments, and the absence of an IPSAS standard for these programs is a noted gap in the Board’s literature,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “The proposals in ED 63 will enhance accountability and transparency and improve decision making in this critical public interest area.”

ED 63 defines social benefits and proposes requirements for the recognition and measurement of social benefit schemes. It also proposes disclosure requirements that provide additional information for users to evaluate the effect of social benefits on future government finances.

Comments on the Exposure Draft are requested by March 31, 2018.

How to Comment
To access the Exposure Draft and its summary At-a-Glance document, or to submit a comment, visit the IPSASB website at www.ipsasb.org. Comments on the Exposure Draft are requested by March 31, 2018. The IPSASB encourages IFAC member organizations and regional accountancy organizations to promote the availability of this Exposure Draft to their members and employees.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through the development of accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It receives support 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.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in more than 130 countries, is seeking an outstanding individual to become its next Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will join IFAC in late 2018 to allow for an orderly transition and will succeed current CEO Fayezul Choudhury when he steps down on December 31, 2018.

The successful candidate for the CEO role must have a keen interest in and deep personal commitment to IFAC’s mission: to serve the public interest by promoting the value of professional accountants worldwide; speaking out on public interest issues where the accountancy profession’s expertise is most relevant; developing strong professional accountancy organizations and accounting firms; and supporting the development, adoption and implementation of high-quality international standards.

The IFAC CEO must also exhibit superior leadership, management skills, a proclivity for strategic thinking, diplomatic and ethical behavior in both personal and professional life, and a future-focused attitude that will continue to drive IFAC’s strategy.

The CEO is expected to provide leadership in identifying and formulating policy positions on important issues impacting the global accountancy profession as well as critical public interest issues and will conduct outreach to build consensus on significant matters. The CEO works in close cooperation with IFAC’s volunteer leadership to support the organization’s mission and is responsible to the IFAC Board.

The international executive search firm Korn Ferry has been retained for the search and is partnering with IFAC to actively engage IFAC member organizations, the accountancy community, and other stakeholders in the recruitment process, encouraging a diverse and international applicant base. IFAC is initiating the recruitment process now to allow time for a comprehensive search and seamless transition.

Interested candidates should contact Korn Ferry Senior Client Partner Chuck Eldridge at chuck.eldridge@kornferry.com or Association Sector Leader Lorraine Lavet at Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com. For reference, the profile for the IFAC CEO can be found here.

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.