Introduction

Public sector organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and consistency in financial reporting. As governments and public institutions face greater scrutiny from stakeholders, regulators, and funding bodies, the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) has become a critical component of effective financial governance and public sector reform.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) training course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the IPSAS framework, its underlying principles, and the practical requirements for preparing compliant financial statements and disclosures. Participants gain insight into key IPSAS standards, financial reporting requirements, consolidation principles, and the transition from cash-based to accrual-based accounting systems. 

By exploring implementation challenges, reporting practices, and change management considerations, this training course enables professionals to support successful IPSAS adoption, enhance financial reporting quality, and strengthen organisational accountability within the public sector.

Key focus areas include:

Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) training course, participants will be able to:

Training Methodology

This training course uses an interactive and practical learning approach that combines expert instruction, case studies, discussions, and applied exercises. Participants explore IPSAS requirements through real-world public sector reporting scenarios, enabling them to translate accounting standards into practical financial management and reporting practices.

International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

Who Should Attend?

This International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) training course is designed for:

  • Finance Directors and Heads of Finance
  • Public Sector Accountants and Finance Professionals
  • Audit and Advisory Committee Members
  • Government Officials and Public Sector Managers
  • Board Members and Governance Professionals
  • Regulatory and Oversight Personnel
  • Business Consultants and Professional Advisers

Course Outline

Day 1

Introduction to IPSASB

  • Introduction to Regulatory Environment and structure of IPSASB
  • The purpose of financial statements and any ongoing projects
  • Background into financial accounting
  • Key principles of Global Accounting Standards
  • The development of Global Accounting Standards
  • Underlying financial principles
  • Disclosure and transparency aspects
  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • The current global adoption of Global Accounting Standards
Day 2

IPSAS Standards

  • The strategic planning process roadmap
  • Mapping regional standards to Global Accounting Standards
  • Review of current IPSAS standards
  • The correct application of individual IPSAS standards
  • Overcoming key challenges
  • Obtaining guidance and support from International Federation of Accountants
  • Key IPSAS requirements within financial statements (IPSAS 1)
  • Producing the statement of financial position
  • Producing the statement of financial performance
  • Producing the cash flow statement (IPSAS 2)
Day 3

IPSAS Financial Performance

  • Understanding of
    • Non-exchange revenue (IPSAS 23)
    • Exchange revenue (IPSAS 9)
    • Construction contracts (IPSAS 11)
  • Accounting for assets and liabilities
    • Property plant and equipment (IPSAS 17)
    • Intangible assets (IPSAS 31)
    • Investment property (IPSAS 16)
    • Impairment of cash generating assets (IPSAS 26)
    • Impairment of non-cash generating assets (IPSAS 21)
  • Borrowing costs (IPSAS 5)
    • Inventories (IPSAS 12)
Day 4

Consolidation

  • Consolidated and separate financial statements (IPSAS 6)
  • Interests in joint ventures (IPSAS 8)
  • Investments in associates (IPSAS 7)
  • Translation of financial statements of foreign operations (IPSAS 4)
  • Financial reporting in hyperinflationary economies (IPSAS 10)
  • Disclosure standards and presentation of budget information (IPSAS24)
  • Segment reporting (IPSAS 18)
  • Related party disclosures (IPSAS 20)
  • Disclosure of financial information (IPSAS 22)
  • Service concessions (IPSAS 32)
Day 5

Cash Basis IPSAS & First Time Adoption

  • The statement of cash receipts and payments
  • Disclosures
  • Consolidation under the cash basis
  • Presentation of budget information in the financial statements
  • The additional disclosures encouraged in part 2 of the cash basis IPSAS
  • Migrating from cash to accrual basis
  • First time adoption of IPSAS (IPSAS 33)
  • Change management and the adoption of IPSAS

International Standards & Professional Alignment

Our training courses are aligned with internationally recognised professional standards and frameworks across leadership, strategy, finance, governance, risk, compliance, and audit. By integrating globally trusted models, we ensure learners develop practical, relevant, and industry-recognised capabilities.

Our trainings draw on leading international standards and professional frameworks, including ISO, ISACA, COSO, OECD, IIA, FATF, Basel, IFRS/ISSB, GRI, NIST, CPD, ILM and the OECD AI Principles. This alignment ensures consistency with global best practices across financial management, risk oversight, digital governance, sustainability, and strategic decision-making..

Designed in alignment with globally recognised professional bodies, our courses support continuous professional development, strengthen organisational capability, and provide clear pathways toward professional certifications valued worldwide.

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