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  • IFAC Global SMP Survey Identifies Key Challenges Facing SMPs Globally

    New York, New York English

    The biggest challenges facing small- and medium-sized accounting practices (SMPs) worldwide are complying with regulations and standards and attracting new clients, according to the 2014 IFAC® Global SMP Survey. Conducted annually, the Global SMP Survey provides unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing SMPs around the world.

    “IFAC is committed to building the capacity of SMPs worldwide, and the findings from our SMP Survey are critical to that mission,” commented IFAC CEO Fayezul Choudhury. “Understanding the challenges that SMPs and their clients face, both on a regional and global scale, helps IFAC and our member organizations better serve this important constituency and accurately represent them in our interactions with regulators, standard setters, and policy makers.”

    The key findings from the 2014 IFAC Global SMP Survey include:

    Challenges Facing SMPs

    • Keeping up with regulations and standards (57%) and attracting new clients (58%) were identified as the two greatest challenges facing SMPs worldwide. Pressure to lower fees (51%), rising costs (50%), and differentiating from the competition (50%) were nearly tied as the next biggest challenges.
    • Attracting new clients was found to be a key concern in the Middle East (80%), but much less of a concern in North America (33%) and Australasia/Oceania (36%).  
    • Regulatory concerns ranked highly at firms in Central and South America (68%), the Middle East (65%), and Europe (63%).

    Challenges Facing SME Clients

    • Rising costs (67%) and economic uncertainty (66%) were identified as the top two challenges facing SME clients.
    • This was especially apparent in the Middle East and Africa, where these challenges were ranked higher than any other region.

    Percentages in the above represent respondents rating these challenges as a “high challenge” or “very high challenge.”

    Performance and Outlook

    • SMPs show promising economic growth, with 72% of firms maintaining or growing the previous year’s practice fee revenues (31% reported that practice fee revenues stayed the same, 37% reported a moderate increase, and 4% reported a substantial increase).
    • Australia/Oceania (63%), North America (56%), and Africa (55%) ranked as the top three regions reporting moderate to substantial growth in practice fee revenues.
    • Tax (48%) and advisory/consulting services (50%) were projected to be the two biggest sources of revenue growth for the year ahead. (Percentages represent respondents rating these services as “increase moderately” or “increase substantially.”)

    “It is encouraging to see SMPs maintaining or growing their revenues as they are a crucial part of the global economy,” said SMP Committee Chair Giancarlo Attolini. “With solid performance this past year, and optimism regarding revenue growth in the coming year, SMPs reflect the current state of the global economy and the spectrum of opportunities for small businesses.”

    The year-end 2014 survey, which is being undertaken in collaboration with lead researchers from the University of Dayton in the US, received 5,083 responses from 135 countries, and was conducted in 21 languages. For full results of the IFAC Global SMP Survey, expected in March 2015, please visit and subscribe to SMP updates from: www.ifac.org/SMP. Due to different response rates in different geographic areas, results may not be statistically representative of global or regional populations of SMPs. IFAC wishes to thank the many member and regional organizations that helped with translation and distribution of the survey.

    About the SMP Committee
    The SMP Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) represents the interests of professional accountants operating in small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs). The committee develops guidance and tools and works to ensure the needs of the SMPs are considered by standard setters, regulators, and policy makers. The committee also speaks out on behalf of SMPs to raise awareness of their role and value, especially in supporting SMEs, and the importance of the small business sector overall.

    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. It is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • IFAC Issues Call for Nominations for Its Board and Committees

    New York, New York English

    The Call for Nominations for the IFAC Board and Committees in 2016 was issued today by the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession with more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries. The Call for Nominations sets out the upcoming opportunities for membership on the IFAC Board, its Compliance Advisory Panel, and four committees—Professional Accountancy Organization Development, Professional Accountants in Business, Small and Medium Practices, and Nominating.

    For 2016, there are 31 vacancies on the Board and committees, including the chair of the Compliance Advisory Panel. All vacancies on the Board and committees are open for nominations by IFAC members.

    “IFAC attracts extremely qualified individuals with wide-ranging expertise to serve on its Board and committees,” said IFAC President Olivia Kirtley. “The expertise and authority these volunteers bring with them are critical to IFAC and achieving our strategic goals. We thank all our members for their continued support and look forward to receiving their nominations.”

    The Nominating Committee encourages all IFAC members to review the Call for Nominations, including the detailed information regarding open vacancies, composition targets, specific membership qualifications, and requirements. The Call also offers strategic guidance in selecting candidates, including identifying the most qualified nominee for each available position.

    Nominations can be submitted through the Nominations Database (instructions are included in the Call for Nominations). All nominations should be submitted before March 15, 2015; any submitted after March 15, 2015 will be reviewed at the discretion of the Nominating Committee. Additional information on the Nominating Committee and its open, transparent 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. It is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • IAASB Issues Final Standards to Improve Auditor's Report

    New York, New York English

    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®) today released its new and revised Auditor Reporting Standards, designed to significantly enhance auditor’s reports for investors and other users of financial statements.

    "These changes will reinvigorate the audit, as auditors substantively change their behavior and how they communicate about their work," explained Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “Informed by extensive research and global outreach to investors, regulators, audit oversight bodies, national standard setters, auditors, preparers of financial statements, audit committee members, and others, the final International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) represent a momentous—and unprecedented—first step. Now, we must study, promote, and plan for the effective implementation of the new and revised standards.”

    "The IAASB has responded to calls from investors and others that it is in the public interest for an auditor to provide greater transparency about the audit that was performed," added Dan Montgomery, former IAASB Deputy Chair and Chair of the Auditor Reporting project. "Increasing the communicative value of the auditor’s report is critical to the perceived value of the financial statement audit."

    The most notable enhancement is the new requirement for auditors of listed entities’ financial statements to communicate "Key Audit Matters"—those matters that the auditor views as most significant, with an explanation of how they were addressed in the audit. The IAASB has also taken steps to increase the auditor’s focus on going concern matters, including disclosures in the financial statements, and add more transparency in the auditor’s report about the auditor’s work. Information about the enhancements to auditor reporting and the ISAs that are affected can be found in the Auditor Reporting Fact Sheet.

    "The introduction of Key Audit Matters for listed entities is a significant enhancement that will change not only the auditor's report, but more broadly the quality of financial reporting—and therefore the informative value to investors and other key stakeholders," said Linda de Beer, IAASB Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) Chair.  "The IAASB CAG, with its diverse membership base, has unanimously supported and encouraged the IAASB’s formidable leadership in effecting these changes."

    The new and revised Auditor Reporting standards will be effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2016. "While culminating an intense effort over the past six years, the release of the final standards is by no means the end of the IAASB’s work on the topic of auditor reporting," noted Kathleen Healy, IAASB Technical Director. "It is essential that the board and staff continue to promote awareness of these standards and facilitate their effective implementation."

    To this end, the auditor reporting section of the IAASB’s website has been redesigned and updated, debuting the first components of an "Auditor Reporting Toolkit." Additional resources will be subsequently released, so users should visit the website frequently to stay abreast of the latest guidance and resource materials. The IAASB also plans to undertake a post-implementation review, which will be critical in assessing whether the standards are achieving their intended effects and whether further changes to auditor reporting are needed in the public interest.

    About the 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).

    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 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.

    New and Revised Standards Establish 'Step Change' in Auditor Reporting

  • Call for Nominations Issued for Independent Standard-Setting Boards; Seeking Highly Qualified Candidates

    New York, New York English

    The Call for Nominations for the Independent Standard-Setting Boards in 2016 was issued today, seeking highly-qualified individuals to serve as volunteer members for three-year terms beginning January 1, 2016. The Call for Nominations includes 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®).

    For 2016, there are 25 vacancies on the independent standard-setting boards, including the chair of the IPSASB, for which a separate Call for Applications was issued in December with a deadline of February 6. All vacancies on the boards are open for nominations by all stakeholders, including professional accountancy and international organizations, government agencies, regulators, firms, and the public. Nominations of non-accountants for the public member vacancies are strongly encouraged.

    The most suitable candidates are those who are most likely to enhance the quality of the boards’ output. Factors taken into consideration include experience, a robust understanding of the international issues that affect the work of the specific board, technical skills, and knowledge of the board’s strategic objectives and current work plan. Candidates also must be proficient in English and able to commit the required time. Financial support for travel is available for those who qualify, as well as for public members.

    Nominations can be submitted through the Nominations Database (instructions are included in the Call for Nominations). All applications should be submitted before March 15, 2015. Any nominations submitted after March 15, 2015 will be reviewed at the discretion of the Nominating Committee. Additional information on the Nominating Committee and its open, transparent process is available on the Nominating Committee web page.

    About the IAASB
    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (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 IFAC.

    About the IAESB
    The International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) develops education standards, guidance, and information papers for use by IFAC member bodies 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 International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) develops ethics 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 other pronouncements. The structures and processes that support the operation of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

    About the IPSASB
    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) develops accounting standards and guidance for use by public sector entities. It receives support (both direct financial and in-kind) from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the South African Accounting Standards Board, and the governments of Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by IFAC.

    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. It is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • G-20: IFAC propone ocho recomendaciones para apoyar el crecimiento y la resiliencia global

    Nueva York, Nueva York Spanish

    La Federación Internacional de Contadores® (IFAC®) -la organización global para la profesión contable, dedicada a servir el interés público- ha emitido ocho recomendaciones para apoyar el crecimiento económico y la resiliencia global, para su consideración en la próxima Cumbre de los Líderes del G-20 en Brisbane, Australia, en noviembre 15-16.

    Las ocho recomendaciones de la IFAC para permitir lograr un crecimiento sólido, sostenible y equilibrado, se enfocan en tres temas centrales:

    • La consistencia global para estándares y regulación financieros para informes y auditoría;
    • Gestión financiera, informes, transparencia y responsabilidad gubernamental mejorados; y
    • Sistemas fiscales efectivos.

    Fayez Choudhury, director ejecutivo de la IFAC, comentó: "La IFAC entiende que para apoyar realmente el crecimiento económico global, la estabilidad y la resiliencia a largo plazo, los gobiernos y el sector privado deben primero 'tener las cifras correctas.' Nuestras recomendaciones detalladas tienen como objetivo recobrar el impulso hacia una regulación y adopción consistente de los estándares y requerimientos de información financiera internacional, auditoría e independencia del auditor de alta calidad, mejorando la transparencia del sector público y privado y reduciendo la opacidad tributaria. 

    "Hemos evidenciado demasiadas veces a lo largo de la historia cómo cifras erróneas, y las decisiones que impactan, pueden desatar la estabilidad económica global. La crisis financiera más reciente generó mucho interés global en la atención a prestar por fin a la necesidad de una regulación internacionalmente consistente y apropiada que permita evitar crisis futuras. El impulso se ha disipado y necesitamos recobrarlo. La acción gubernamental unilateral está creando una mayor divergencia, lo que no presenta buen augurio frente a la respuesta global coordinada a la próxima crisis.”

    "De ser adoptadas, nuestras recomendaciones servirían el interés público al presentar la integridad -en el reconocimiento, la medición, el procesamiento y el reporte de transacciones financieras- como el fundamento de las cifras en las cuales confían los decisores para mantener el rendimiento económico y la cohesión social.”

    "Las habilidades y la experiencia de la profesión contable son esenciales para potenciar la estabilidad económica, fortalecer los sistemas financieros y la arquitectura, y promover la responsabilidad y la sostenibilidad y crecimiento a largo plazo. Hemos propuesto a los líderes del G-20, ocho recomendaciones efectivas y prácticas que se enfocan en proteger y servir al interés público global. De ser adoptadas, estas recomendaciones mejorarían significativamente la estabilidad económica global," comentó.

    Acerca de IFAC
    IFAC es la organización global para la profesión contable, dedicada a servir el interés público a través del fortalecimiento de la profesión y contribuir en el desarrollo de economías internacionales sólidas. La IFAC se compone de 179 miembros y asociados en 130 países y territorios, representando aproximadamente a 2,5 millones de contadores en la práctica pública, la educación, el gobierno, la industria y el comercio.

    G-20: IFAC Proposes Eight Recommendations to Support Global Growth And Resilience

  • IPSASB aprueba Marco Conceptual del sector público

    Nueva York, Nueva York Spanish

    El Consejo de Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad para el Sector Público® (IPSASB®) ha aprobado su Marco Conceptual para Estados Financieros con Propósito General de Entidades del Sector Público (el Marco Conceptual).

    El Marco Conceptual establece los conceptos que orientarán el enfoque del IPSASB frente a la definición de estándares y guías. Abarca conceptos aplicables a los estados financieros del sector público y una serie más amplia de necesidades en términos de informes financieros del sector público. El Marco Conceptual identifica y responde a características claves del sector público, particularmente que el propósito principal de la mayoría de los gobiernos y las entidades del sector público es proporcionar servicios a ciudadanos y demás. Por ende, el propósito de los informes financieros en el sector público es ofrecer información útil a receptores de servicios y proveedores de recursos.

    "La aprobación del Marco Conceptual es un logro histórico para el IPSASB y un punto de referencia para la definición de estándares globales de contabilidad para el sector público," comentó Andreas Bergmann, presidente del IPSASB. "Estos conceptos proporcionarán la base para nuestro desarrollo continuo de Estándares Internacionales de Contabilidad para el Sector Público™ (IPSASs™) consistentes e útiles y Directrices de Práctica Recomendadas. Ofrecerán igualmente una guía para los preparadores que se enfrentan a problemas en los informes financieros que no hayan sido abarcados por los IPSAS o las Directrices de Práctica Recomendadas.

    Se espera que el Marco Conceptual completo sea emitido a finales de octubre 2014. Los últimos cuatro capítulos fueron aprobados por el IPSASB durante su junta de septiembre. Esos cuatro capítulos, que abarcan la definición, el reconocimiento y la medición de los “elementos” (o cimientos) de los estados financieros y la presentación en los Estados Financieros con Propósito General, se unen a los cuatro capítulos originales, los cuales fueron emitidos a inicios de 2013, dejando el Marco Conceptual con un total de ocho capítulos. El proceso de desarrollo incluyó ocho consultas públicas con la delegación global del IPSASB.

    El proyecto del Marco Conceptual ha sido la prioridad estratégica clave para el IPSASB en años recientes. Su finalización exitosa permite al IPSASB enfocarse en proyectos que serán identificados a través de su consulta pública sobre la estrategia para 2015 en adelante y el programa de trabajo para 2015-2019, junto con proyectos que ya han sido iniciados, incluyendo beneficios sociales. El Marco Conceptual ofrecerá una base sólida para futuras definiciones de estándares del IPSASB. El IPSASB continuará trabajando en el interés público, respondiendo a las necesidades en términos de informes financieros globales de los gobiernos y demás entidades del sector público, como sea apropiado.

    Acerca del IPSASB
    El IPSASB desarrolla normas contables y guías para uso de las entidades del sector público.  El IPSASB recibe el apoyo (tanto financiero como en especie) del Banco Mundial, el Banco Asiático de Desarrollo, los Contadores Profesionales Certificados de Canadá, el Consejo Sudafricano de Normas Contables, y los gobiernos de Canadá, Nueva Zelanda y Suiza. Las estructuras y los procesos que soportan las operaciones del IPSASB son facilitados por la IFAC.

    Acerca de IFAC®
    IFAC es la organización global para la profesión contable, dedicada a servir el interés público a través del fortalecimiento de la profesión y contribuir en el desarrollo de economías internacionales sólidas. La IFAC se compone de 179 miembros y asociados en 130 países y territorios, representando aproximadamente a 2,5 millones de contadores en la práctica pública, la educación, el gobierno, la industria y el comercio.

    IPSASB Approves Public Sector Conceptual Framework

  • Consejo de Ética celebra el nombramiento de Stavros Thomadakis como presidente; Publicación de Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo a 5 años

    Nueva York, Nueva York Spanish

    El Dr. Stavros B. Thomadakis ha sido nombrado presidente del Consejo de Normas Internacionales de Ética para Contadores® (IESBA®, el Consejo de Ética), iniciando en enero 1, 2015 para un periodo de tres años. El nombramiento del Dr. Thomadakis ha sido aprobado por el Consejo de Supervisión del Interés Público* (PIOB).

    La carrera profesional del Dr. Thomadakis incluye 40 años como profesor de economía financiera en la universidad de Atenas, la universidad City University de Nueva York y MIT, al igual que diferentes roles regulatorios y de supervisión. Stavros presenta familiaridad con el Consejo de Ética bajo la capacidad de supervisión, ya que laboró como primer presidente del PIOB de 2005 a 2011. Es miembro actual del Grupo de Stakeholders de los Mercados de Valores de la Autoridad Europea del Mercado de Valores.  Adicionalmente, ha presidido la Comisión de Mercado de Capitales de Grecia y el Comité Regional Europeo de la Organización Internacional de las Comisiones de Valores; es actualmente presidente del Consejo de la Universidad del Egeo.

    Como presidente del Consejo de Ética, el Dr. Thomadakis liderará al Consejo en la implementación de su Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo, 2014-2018 recién publicada (ver más abajo). Una función clave del presidente es permitir y promover un entendimiento más profundo de las partes interesadas y el público sobre la estrategia y las actividades del Consejo de Ética. El presidente coordina igualmente los procesos deliberativos y consultativos del consejo; adicionalmente, desarrolla y mantiene relaciones efectivas con los reguladores, el preparador, el inversor y las comunidades de gobierno corporativo, los emisores de estándares nacionales, la profesión contable y otras partes interesadas claves.

    "Los estándares de ética son una base de confianza en la profesión contable y son esenciales para cumplir con la responsabilidad de actuar en el interés público. Es un honor liderar el trabajo del Consejo de Ética. Ansío progresar en la agenda del Consejo y, particularmente, continuar con el programa extendido de participación iniciado por el presidente anterior, Jörgen Holmquist, cuya dedicación y liderazgo no serán olvidados," comentó el señor Thomadakis.

    El Consejo de Ética emitió igualmente su Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo, 2014-2018. La publicación resalta las prioridades del consejo y las acciones planeadas para lograr el objetivo de la definición de estándares de ética de alta calidad para contadores profesionales que han sido ampliamente adoptados alrededor del mundo.

    La Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo dispone temas estratégicos interconectados que articulan la visión del Consejo en el mediano y largo plazo:

    • mantener un Código de Ética para Contadores Profesionales™ (el Código) de alta calidad para aplicación de los contadores profesionales a nivel global;
    • promover y facilitar la adopción y la implementación efectiva del Código;
    • desarrollar el Código para una relevancia continuada en un entorno global cambiante; y
    • aumentar el compromiso y la cooperación con las partes interesadas.

    "El Código ha sido adoptado o utilizado como base para los estándares de ética nacionales en más de 100 territorios alrededor del mundo. El fortalecimiento continuado del Código y el objetivo de dirigirnos hacia una mayor aceptación y convergencia global con el Código, es el punto fundamental de nuestra Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo a cinco años," resaltó el presidente delegado Wui San Kwok, agregando "lo más importante es que el Consejo está determinado, a través de la Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo, a reforzar la confianza pública en el Código y garantizar que continúa siendo relevante en el apoyo de diferentes roles vitales que desempeñan los contadores profesionales en el interés público."

    La Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo fue desarrollado con aportes de un amplio rango de partes interesadas, incluyendo una encuesta de partes interesadas y un Documento de Consulta pública.

    Para acceder a toda la Estrategia y Plan de Trabajo y conocer más acerca de los proyectos del Consejo, visitar la página web del Consejo de Ética: www.ethicsboard.org.

    *Nota a los Editores

    El Consejo de Supervisión del Interés Público (PIOB) fue establecido en febrero de 2005 a fin de garantizar que los estándares internacionales de auditoría y aseguramiento, ética y educación para la profesión contable sean definidos de manera transparente, reflejando el interés público. El objetivo del PIOB es potenciar la confianza de los inversores y demás, estableciendo que dichas actividades, incluyendo la definición de estándares del IESBA, responden adecuadamente al interés público. Los miembros del PIOB son nominados por instituciones internacionales y entes regulatorios.

    Acerca del IESBA
    El Consejo de Normas Internacionales de Ética para Contadores (IESBA) es un consejo independiente de emisión de normas que desarrolla y emite -en el interés público- normas de ética de alta calidad y demás declaraciones para los contadores profesionales alrededor del mundo. A través de sus actividades, el IESBA desarrolla el Código de Ética para Contadores Profesionales, el cual establece los requerimientos éticos para contadores profesionales. Las estructuras y los procesos que soportan las operaciones del IESBA son facilitados por la IFAC. Visita la página www.ethicsboard.org para mayor información, y síguenos en Twitter @Ethics_Board.

    Acerca de la IFAC®
    IFAC es la organización global para la profesión contable, dedicada a servir el interés público a través del fortalecimiento de la profesión y contribuir en el desarrollo de economías internacionales sólidas. La IFAC se compone de 179 miembros y asociados en 130 países y territorios, representando aproximadamente a 2,5 millones de contadores en la práctica pública, la educación, el gobierno, la industria y el comercio.

    Ethics Board Welcomes Appointment of Stavros Thomadakis As Chair; Publishes 5-Year Strategy & Work Plan

  • IPSASB Publica Documento De Consulta Sobre La Aplicabilidad De Los IPSAS A Empresas Gubernamentales Y Demás Entidades Del Sector Público

    Nueva York, Nueva York Spanish

    El Consejo de Estándares Internacionales de Contabilidad para el Sector Público® (IPSASB®) ha emitido para comentario el Documento de Consulta, La aplicabilidad de los IPSAS a empresas gubernamentales y demás entidades del sector público.

    Las empresas gubernamentales son generalmente entidades comercialmente orientadas que pueden tener un impacto significativo en el rendimiento financiero del gobierno y en su situación financiera. Globalmente, las empresas gubernamentales varían en tamaño, en los bienes y servicios que ofrecen, en sus objetivos financieros y en sus acuerdos de gobierno. Las empresas gubernamentales incluyen a las empresas más grandes en áreas como transporte y servicios públicos.

    Actualmente, el término "empresa gubernamental" se encuentra definido en el Estándar  Internacional de Contabilidad para el Sector Público™ (IPSAS™) 1, Presentación de estados financieros. Los IPSAS no están desarrollados para empresas gubernamentales. La sección de alcance de cada IPSAS establece que las empresas gubernamentales aplican los Estándares Internacionales de Información Financiera emitidos por el Consejo de Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad. El IPSASB ha recibido retroalimentación indicando que existe un amplio rango de entidades que son descritas como empresas gubernamentales. Algunas de estas entidades evidentemente no cumplen con la definición de empresa gubernamental establecida por el IPSASB. En otros casos, existen diferentes interpretaciones de los componentes de la definición.

    El IPSASB ha desarrollado dos enfoques para comunicar su visión de las entidades a las cuales aplican los IPSAS. Bajo el primer enfoque, el IPSASB describiría las características de las entidades del sector público para las cuales están destinados los IPSAS.  Esto se haría utilizando la literatura actual y en desarrollo del IPSASB o haciendo referencia a la terminología de las directrices de las Estadísticas Financieras del Gobierno.  Bajo este enfoque, ya no habría una definición de las empresas gubernamentales en la literatura del IPSASB.

    Bajo el segundo enfoque, se mantendría la definición de empresa gubernamental.  El IPSASB aclararía la definición de empresa gubernamental y la limitaría probablemente a entidades con un objetivo de lucro.

    La visión preliminar del IPSASB es que el primero de estos dos enfoques es el mejor camino hacia adelante. Esto se debe a que se basa en principios y se enfoca en las características de alto nivel de las entidades a quienes están destinados los IPSAS.

    "El IPSASB reconoce el rol de los reguladores al determinar los estándares de contabilidad a ser aplicados por las diferentes entidades en sus territorios," comentó el presidente Andreas Bergmann. "El IPSASB considera que tiene la responsabilidad de ser transparente sobre los tipos de entidades del sector público para quienes está desarrollando IPSAS. Esperamos la retroalimentación para saber si los constituyentes apoyan la descripción a alto nivel de las características de las entidades del sector público para las cuales están destinados los IPSAS o, si apoyan la conservación y el mejoramiento de la definición de la empresa gubernamental.

    Cómo comentar
    Para acceder al Documento de Consulta y al documento At-a-Glance, el cual proporciona un resumen del Documento de Consulta, o para enviar su comentario, favor remitirse al sitio web del IPSASB: www.ipsasb.org. Los comentarios acerca del Documento de Consulta deben ser enviados antes de diciembre 31, 2014. El IPSASB invita a los miembros, asociados, y organizaciones contables regionales de la IFAC a promover la disponibilidad de este Documento de Consulta a sus miembros y empleados.

    Acerca del IPSASB
    El IPSASB desarrolla normas contables y guías para uso de las entidades del sector público.  El IPSASB recibe el apoyo (tanto financiero como en especie) del Banco Mundial, el Banco Asiático de Desarrollo, los Contadores Profesionales Certificados de Canadá, el Consejo Sudafricano de Normas Contables, y los gobiernos de Canadá, Nueva Zelanda y Suiza. Las estructuras y los procesos que soportan las operaciones del IPSASB son facilitados por la IFAC.

    Acerca de IFAC®
    IFAC es la organización global para la profesión contable, dedicada a servir el interés público a través del fortalecimiento de la profesión y contribuir en el desarrollo de economías internacionales sólidas. La IFAC se compone de 179 miembros y asociados en 130 países y territorios, representando aproximadamente a 2,5 millones de contadores en la práctica pública, la educación, el gobierno, la industria y el comercio.

    IPSASB Publishes Consultation Paper on the Applicability of IPSASs to GBEs and Other Public Sector Entities

  • Call for Applications for the IPSASB Chair Issued

    New York, New York English

    The Call for Applications: Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) was issued today, seeking an exceptional individual to serve as IPSASB Chair beginning January 1, 2016.

    The Chair will lead the strategic direction of the IPSASB and facilitate the deliberative and consultative processes that underpin the authority and credibility of the IPSASB, its standards, and activities. In addition, the Chair is responsible for developing and maintaining effective relationships with national standard setters, regulators, and other key stakeholders.

    The successful candidate for the position must have demonstrated technical and professional competency, including relevant experience in the public sector and public sector accounting; a commitment to the IPSASB mission; and a dedication to the public interest that is genuine, time-tested, and global in nature. The successful candidate will have effective leadership, communication, and strategic skills; an ability to work effectively among numerous cultures and professional specializations; strong public speaking and communications skills for both technical and non-technical audiences; and proficiency in oral and written English.

    The IPSASB Chair reports functionally to a public interest oversight authority and refers to the Managing Director, Professional Standards, as a resource and key source of advice. The IPSASB Chair is initially appointed for a three-year term and can be re-appointed twice for a total service of nine years.

    For further information about the position and instructions on how to apply, please see the Call for Applications: Chair of the IPSASB on the IFAC website. Applications are due by February 6, 2015.

    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 World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the South African Accounting Standards Board, and the governments of Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland.  The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by IFAC.

    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. It is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • The IAASB Continues Focus on Audit Quality and Strengthening Public Confidence in Financial Reporting in Its New Strategy and Work Plan

    New York, New York English

    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®) today released its Strategy for 2015–2019: Fulfilling Our Public Interest Mandate in an Evolving World and its Work Plan for 2015–2016: Enhancing Audit Quality and Preparing for the Future. The Strategy and Work Plan illustrate the IAASB’s commitment to strengthening public confidence in financial reporting and contributing to the ongoing relevance of the financial statement audit, while staying abreast of emerging developments to ensure its work addresses pertinent public interest matters relevant to its wide range of stakeholders.

    The board’s five-year Strategy is underpinned by three strategic objectives that reflect a continued focus on International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as the basis for high-quality audits, the importance of the IAASB’s standards for other services to address emerging needs of stakeholders, and the board’s intention to strengthen collaboration with others to address public interest matters relevant to its work. These objectives will guide the board’s work throughout the five-year period.

    “The widespread and growing international use of the clarified ISAs underscores the importance of the IAASB continuing to focus its efforts on maintaining the quality and proportionality of these standards, and to meeting the expectations that stakeholders have regarding their application,” noted Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “As a result, the board’s initial focus in its five-year strategy is designed to address key topics relevant to audits, while at the same time monitoring other relevant developments.”

    Influenced by the findings from the IAASB’s ISA Implementation Monitoring project and its extensive outreach program, the Work Plan for the next two years prioritizes the most pertinent public interest issues and impacts on audit quality, including group audits, quality control, professional skepticism, and audit considerations relevant to financial institutions.

    The IAASB also recognizes the role that its other assurance and related services standards play in addressing the needs of investors and other users as financial and integrated reporting evolves. Explains Kathleen Healy, IAASB Technical Director, “The ongoing work of our Innovation Working Group, as well as considerations of whether our standards for services other than audits are meeting the needs of small- and medium-sized entities, will be invaluable in keeping the board informed of matters relevant to its stakeholders and informing future standard-setting and other activities.”  

    About the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (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).

    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 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.