A contingency theory perspective on the analysis of central government accounting disclosure under International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1089-1117
Author(s):  
Yosra Mnif ◽  
Yosra Gafsi
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Contingency Theory ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Accounting Disclosure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Public Sector Accounting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of central government financial information disclosed in accordance with accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and to investigate the environmental factors affecting this level, drawing on the contingency theory framework. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a self-constructed checklist of 116 items to measure the IPSAS disclosure level by 100 public sector entities from different countries across the globe during the period 2015–2017. Panel regressions have been used. Findings The results show significant differences in compliance levels with IPSAS disclosures across nations. They reveal a positive influence of the degree of government openness (political culture), quality of public administration and management and prior experience with International Accounting Standards (IAS)/International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the public sector on this level, whereas government financial condition is a nonsignificant factor. Practical implications The research findings are potentially relevant to academics, researchers, practitioners, standard-setters and government policymakers. By examining the influencing factors of IPSAS disclosure level, this paper paves the way for further investigation of this topic with a more extensive set of micro and macroeconomic variables whether at the central or local government level in other jurisdictions Originality/value This study provides new insights into the assessment of the transparency and completeness of government accrual-based financial statements. Based on the contingency theory, this paper is the first to empirically investigate the factors affecting the level of disclosure under accrual-based IPSAS by central government entities in a cross-country analysis.

The IPSASB's recent strategies: opportunities for academics and standard-setters

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwenda Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Fitness For Purpose ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Ongoing Dialogue ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to contribute to an ongoing dialogue between practitioners and academics. This article describes the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) recent strategies and highlights the IPSASB's increasing outreach to academics.Design/methodology/approachThis is a practitioner's viewpoint which reflects the IPSASB's publicly available documents, and the opinions of a practitioner directly involved in the IPSASB's work and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) development.FindingsThe findings are that the IPSASB has increased its outreach to academics and now academics have more opportunities to engage with the IPSASB and IPSAS developments. The IPSASB's strategy has remained relatively constant over time, focusing on IPSAS to address public sector-specific issues, alignment with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and reduction of differences between IPSAS and Government Finance Statistics (GFS) reporting guidelines.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this article (which are also its strength in terms of fitness for purpose) are that as a practitioner's viewpoint it provides a brief overview and personal judgments, rather than an empirical analysis of developments applying a theoretical framework.Practical implicationsThe practical implications were IPSASB's increased outreach to the research community providing opportunities for academics to have increased input into IPSAS development, with likely benefits to researchers and the IPSASB.Social implicationsPractitioners’ engagement with academics supports increased understanding of the respective views leading to better outcomes for practitioners and academics working in the area of public sector financial reporting and its regulation.Originality/valueThis article is the first to (a) describe the IPSASB's increasing outreach to academics during 2019–2020 and (b) compare the IPSASB's strategies for the period of 2019–2023, with its strategies since the beginning of IPSAS developments in 1996–1997.

The harmonization of government financial information systems: the role of the IPSASs

2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardino Benito ◽  
Isabel Brusca ◽  
Vicente Montesinos
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Financial Information ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Near Future

The publication of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) in the field of governmental financial reporting has raised the necessity for a wide-ranging discussion about the harmonization of public sector accounting systems. The article has a double aim: to show the adoption or not of IPSASs in local and central government and to analyse the level of convergence between the different countries studied. In order to achieve these objectives, we carried out an empirical study, whose results allow us to show that while some accounting systems are very close to the IPSASs model, others are completely different. Nevertheless, we think that this could be a starting point and that in the near future countries could tend towards IPSASs more and more, which may be the most probable way to reach convergence accounting systems between them.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards in Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Javed Miraj ◽  
Zhuquan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Accountability Measures ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
The Government ◽  
Poor Management

The significance and impact of Accrual-based Public Sector Accounting Standards (APSAS) in financial reporting has in recent times gained traction and has prompted debates which are aligned towards APSAS reporting. This implies that reforms in the government’s management systems are becoming critical towards examination of actions and steps taken to enhance demands for better transparency and accountability in the management of public finance. As is presently presented in Pakistan, there are numerous fundamental challenges that currently inhibit the efficiency of the government’s finance and accounting management. These problems arise due to poor supervision, poor management of basic financial functions, inefficient financial information including support for decision making, poor staff motivation and finally lack of proper accountability measures. Due to these arising challenges, the purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the implementation of Accrual-based International Public sector Accounting Standards (AIPSAS) in public sector of Pakistan. The study whose objective was to evaluate the barriers in the adoption of AIPSAS in Pakistan adopted a descriptive qualitative study model. A five-point Likert type scale was utilized to evaluate the results of the study. The study adopted simple randomization process to obtain the population sample group/respondents. The results of the research study recommended improvement of capacity building through training and offering educational courses which will help advance the enforcement of strong financial reporting standards.

scholarly journals IPSAS for European Union member states as starting points for EPSAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 247-264
Author(s):  
Tobias Polzer ◽  
Christoph Reichard
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
The European Union ◽  
National Accounts ◽  
Member States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Institutional Contexts

Purpose The European Commission is pursuing an initiative to establish European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS) as a common mandatory set of rules for financial reporting of all member states of the European Union (EU). As a basis for developing EPSAS, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are being used. The purpose of this paper is to structure and analyze the discussion around EPSAS, with particular emphasis on the arguments that were brought forward by governments and other stakeholders of various EU countries regarding the suitability of IPSAS. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on several schools of thought in new institutional theory, how the prevailing institutional contexts in countries influence the debates is explored. Empirically, this research investigates the responses to a consultation on the suitability of IPSAS for EU member states and takes a closer look, via document analysis, at France and Germany as two critical cases. Findings It is found that, first, the majority of arguments from respondents are framed in a rational choice way. Second, skeptics of IPSAS tend to make arguments rather from positions closer to historical and/or sociological institutionalism. Research limitations/implications The paper illustrates that while technical matters around EPSAS seem solvable, political, historical and cultural differences go deeper, and need to be addressed by change agents. Regarding limitations of the research, first, the analysis concentrates on financial reporting and does not deal with the implications for more reliable and comparable national accounts in the context of the European System of Accounts (ESA, 2010). Second, it is focused on debates in the context of the EPSAS proposal, and there is a need for an evaluation after the changes have gone live. Originality/value The study looks at a text genre that has so far received less attention in public sector accounting research: responses to consultations. The paper contributes to the literature by showing how institutional contexts matter in settings characterized by contestation of reform contents.

Effects of implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards on Nigeria’s financial reporting quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 323-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saheed Adekunle Muraina ◽  
Kabiru Isa Dandago
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Financial Reporting Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Accounting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on Nigeria’s financial reporting quality. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a survey research design to determine the effects of the implementation of the IPSAS on Nigeria’s financial reporting quality. Partial Least Square 3(SmartPLS 3) technique of analysis was applied to achieve the research objective. Findings The study found that accountability positively and significantly affects the quality of financial reporting in Nigeria. Specifically, IPSAS has improved the level of accountability, which in turn improved Nigeria’s financial reporting quality. Research limitations The study only explored two explanatory variables whereas other variables such as transparency, corruption minimization, comparability and faithful representation were not considered in this study. It is, therefore, recommended that further studies could expand the scope to cover some other variables not included in this paper. Practical implications IPSAS-Accrual has engendered the Nigerian Government to launch the Asset Tracking and Management Project (ATMProject) in order to easily track its assets for the purpose of accountability. Thus, accountability was discovered in this study to be the most essential factor to enhance the quality of financial reporting using accrual-based IPSAS in Nigeria. Social implications Accountability will impact positively on the lives of Nigerians in relation to the application of public funds to impact on the lives of the masses. Originality/value The statistical significance of accountability found in this study, using partial least square technique of data analysis, will further enhance financial integrity in the country.

scholarly journals “Does your walk match your talk?” Analyzing IPSASs diffusion in developing and developed countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 117-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Polzer ◽  
Levi Gårseth-Nesbakk ◽  
Pawan Adhikari
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Diffusion Theory ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Accounting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a global overview of the adoption status of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) in the different contexts of developed and developing countries on central government level, particularly delineating key reform issues and attempts to overcome these. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on an analytical framework that combines neo-institutional theory with diffusion theory, prior research and official documents were re-analysed. Findings There are substantial differences regarding whether countries acknowledge having experienced large implementation challenges and the extent to which the reform benefits have been achieved. The study sheds light on the (institutional) underpinnings of these differences. Research limitations/implications First, the analysis could be extended to regional and local governments, as well as social funds. Both qualitative and quantitative strategies are suggested. Second, the implementation of the conceptual framework deserves further attention. Third, further research should more thoroughly scrutinise cost-benefit analyses used for justifying the (non)implementation of IPSASs, and in particular the assumptions that are being made in such analyses. Practical implications The paper informs policymakers and standard setters by delineating the areas and issues complicating the widespread adoption of IPSASs across countries, including pointing out directions to overcome these. Social implications Substantial amounts of public money are invested internationally to converge accounting standards and translate them into native languages. A close(r) monitoring is needed to ensure that these efforts obtain sufficient value for money. Originality/value This study is original as it applies an analytical framework that combines neo-institutional theory and diffusion theory to examine public sector accounting convergence issues internationally. Such an approach explicitly puts a focus on decoupling between reform “talk” (decision) and “walk” (implementation) and helps to analyse the reasons for this decoupling.

scholarly journals Heritage assets in financial reporting: a critical analysis of the IPSASB's consultation paper

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Biondi ◽  
Fabio Giulio Grandis ◽  
Giorgia Mattei
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Individual Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Italian Case ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
Critical Case Study ◽  
Consultation Paper

PurposeWithin the stream of research on public sector accounting standards, heritage asset accounting represents a difficult and challenging issue. This paper intends to join the debate on heritage reporting by carrying out a critical review of the Consultation Paper (CP) “Financial Reporting for Heritage in the Public Sector” issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) in order to highlight its strengths and weaknesses and to make recommendations.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, the current study adopts document analysis as a qualitative research method by referring to Italy as a typical and critical case study. Moreover, the authors actively took part in the Italian working group on heritage assets reporting, so they are well-informed people about the Italian point of view as well as the broad discussion underpinning the Italian response.FindingsEvidence demonstrates that, although the proposals included in the CP represent a new step towards an organic regulation of heritage asset reporting, if these preliminary views are confronted with the reality of an emblematic context, as in the Italian case, much room for improvement remains regarding the definition, recognition, measurement and disclosure of such assets.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies in its contribution to overcoming the current controversial aspects of heritage assets reporting and the issuing of an accounting standard. In doing so, the authors also attempt to answer the call made by Anessi-Pessina et al. (2019) to investigate in detail an individual country experience to better understand the state of the art in national and international accounting standards on heritage assets.

First-time adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards by Russian universities: Practical aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-383
Author(s):  
L.I. Kulikova ◽  
I.I. Yakhin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Academic Excellence ◽  
Public Sector Accounting ◽  
First Time ◽  
Russian Universities

Subject. This article examines the practice of first-time applying the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) by Russian higher education institutions. Objectives. The article aims to identify and address the problems associated with such application, and conduct a critical analysis of Russian universities' compliance with the requirements of the International Standards on their first-time adoption. Methods. For the study, we used observation, systematization, and a comparative analysis. Results. The article examines and describes the practical experience of the first-time use of IPSAS in the preparation of reporting by Russian educational institutions participating in the Russian Academic Excellence Project (5Top100 Project). It presents the results of the most typical reclassification adjustments of reporting items made by the universities when preparing their inductive statements of financial position as of the date of transition to IPSAS. Conclusions and Relevance. Most of the universities studied complied with the requirements of the IPSAS first-time adoption and provided comparative information in their first IPSAS financial reporting. The importance of the study is to justify the provision that financial reporting in accordance with IPSAS is appropriate to improve the international competitiveness of universities, which makes it possible to better reflect financial information on the activities of universities. The results of the study can be used in the practical activities of the Russian economy public sector organizations, and in the educational process of higher education institutions.

scholarly journals Institutional Isomorphism And Adoption Of International Public Sector Accounting Standards By African Countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Muganda Munir Manini
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Public Funding ◽  
Accounting Standards ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Institutional Isomorphism ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Sector Accounting

The international harmonization of financial reporting standards in the public sector is one of the significant public sector accounting reforms which have gained prominence in the recent past under the New Public Financial Management order. However, previous empirical evidence provided mixed results on the extent of African countries’ decision on the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards and its relationship with institutional isomorphism factors. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of institutional isomorphism (normative, mimetic and coercive) on the adoption International Public Sector Accounting Standards by African countries. The target population was 54 countries; however the final sample was 29 countries which comprised the dataset. A logistic regression analysis was thereafter conducted. Based on the Institutional Theory, the study revealed external public funding (coercive isomorphic pressure), the countries’ global competitiveness (mimetic isomorphic pressure), and human capital (normative isomorphic pressure) were non significant factors in a countries decision to adopt IPSAS. This study contributes to the literature on the international accounting in the public sector. The results of the study have significant managerial and theoretical implications for accounting standards regulators, researchers, and multilateral organizations.

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