International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

The programme

Programme overview

This enhanced IPSAS training course provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Designed to equip participants with the practical tools needed to implement IPSAS, the course integrates real-world case studies and the latest global trends affecting public sector accounting.

Participants will explore key IPSAS principles, from the fundamentals of accrual-based accounting to advanced financial reporting topics, including financial instruments, leases, consolidation, and pension liabilities. The Ratomac International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Training course also addresses contemporary challenges such as sustainability reporting, digital transformation in financial reporting, and transparency requirements in public finance.

By the end of this IPSAS Training, participants will have a strong grasp of IPSAS-compliant financial statement preparation and understand how IPSAS impacts governance, decision-making, and public accountability.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Public Sector Accountants
• Finance Managers and Directors
• Auditors
• Budget Analysts
• Policy Makers and Government Advisors

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Understand the core principles, structure, and global importance of IPSAS in public sector financial reporting
• Apply accrual-based IPSAS in preparing and interpreting financial statements
• Identify key differences between cash-based and accrual-based IPSAS accounting
• Gain expertise in asset, liability, revenue, and expense treatment under IPSAS
• Navigate complex IPSAS topics, including financial instruments, leases, consolidation, and pension liabilities
• Stay updated with the latest IPSAS updates, regulatory changes, and global best practices, including the newly issued IPSAS 43, 46, 47, and 48
• Examine case studies on IPSAS implementation, challenges, and emerging trends

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

• The Role of IPSAS in Public Sector Financial Management
• Differences Between Cash-Based and Accrual-Based Accounting
• IPSAS Scope, Framework, and Compliance Challenges
• Overview of the IPSASB (International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board)
• Case Study: IPSAS Adoption in Emerging Economies
• Understanding the Accrual Basis of Accounting in IPSAS
• Recognition and Measurement of Revenues and Expenses
• Transitioning from Cash Basis to Accrual Basis in IPSAS
• Common Pitfalls in Accrual Implementation
• Case Study: Government Transition from Cash to Accrual Accounting
• Structure of IPSAS-Compliant Financial Statements
• Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
• Statement of Financial Performance (Income Statement)
• Statement of Cash Flows and Notes to Financial Statements
• IPSAS Treatment of Property, Plant, and Equipment
• Recognising and Measuring Liabilities under IPSAS
• Accounting for Intangible Assets and Investment Properties
• Impairment of Assets and Fair Value Measurement
• IPSAS 46, Measurement — the current, unified measurement standard now underpinning asset and liability measurement across the IPSAS suite
• IPSAS 43, Leases — the current standard for lessee and lessor accounting in the public sector
• Case Study: Public Infrastructure Accounting Challenges
• IPSAS Guidelines for Revenue from Exchange and Non-Exchange Transactions
• Accounting for Government Grants and Donations
• IPSAS 23: Revenue from Non-Exchange Transactions (Taxes and Transfers), read alongside IPSAS 47, Revenue — the IPSASB's newly issued, unified revenue standard delegates should be aware of
• IPSAS 48, Transfer Expenses — the corresponding new standard governing the transferring entity's side of grants and transfers
• Deferred Income and Provisions for Revenue
• Case Study: Revenue Recognition Challenges in Public Health Funding
• Principles of Consolidation in the Public Sector
• IPSAS 35: Consolidated Financial Statements
• Accounting for Joint Ventures, Associates, and Interests in Other Entities
• Eliminating Inter-Entity Transactions in Consolidated Financials
• Case Study: Best Practices in Governmental Financial Consolidation
• IPSAS 41: Financial Instruments—Classification and Measurement
• Recognising Financial Liabilities and Debt Instruments
• Hedge Accounting and Derivative Instruments in the Public Sector
• Disclosure Requirements for Financial Instruments
• Case Study: Managing Public Debt and Financial Instruments
• IPSAS 39: Accounting for Employee Benefits
• Recognising Short-Term and Long-Term Employee Benefits
• Accounting for Pension Plans and Retirement Benefits
• Actuarial Valuations and Disclosures for Pension Liabilities
• Case Study: Pension Fund Sustainability in the Public Sector
• IPSAS 18: Segment Reporting in the Public Sector
• Reporting Budgetary Information and Variances
• Disclosure of Budgetary Comparisons in Financial Statements
• Best Practices for Segmental and Budgetary Reporting
• Case Study: Budget Transparency and Performance Reporting
• ESG and Sustainability Reporting in the Public Sector
• Digital Transformation in Public Sector Accounting
• Artificial Intelligence and Automation in IPSAS Compliance
• The Future of Public Finance Management and Global IPSAS Trends
• Case Study: Implementing AI in Government Financial Audits

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.