Introduction

For more than 20 years, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) (and its predecessor body, the Public Sector Committee) has developed accounting standards specifically for the public sector. International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) are high-quality accounting standards, which are intended to facilitate credible, high-quality financial reporting that is transparent and allows users the ability to hold governments and other public-sector entities to account. Over 80 countries, along with many international organizations, including the UN System Organizations, have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, IPSAS, either directly or indirectly. In its Strategy and Work Plan 2019–2023 – Delivering Global Standards, Inspiring Implementation, the IPSASB overarching objective is Strengthening Public Financial Management globally through increasing adoption of accrued-based IPSAS.

The ILO supports its constituents to develop comprehensive and sustainable social protection for all and to increase the capacities of social security organizations (SSO) to improve the governance and sustainability of social protection systems. ILO’s experience in conducting actuarial valuations of social security schemes shows that SSO are not reporting according to IPSAS. This seems to be due to a lack of knowledge of IPSAS and/or a lack of interest in IPSAS by the auditing firms in IPSAS, which they consider the same as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Objective

In accordance with the IPSASB objective of raising awareness of IPSAS and the ILO objective of strengthening financial management of social protection, IPSASB and ILO are organizing e-discussions with SSO. The objectives of the e-discussions are to share knowledge about the IPSASB, IPSAS and the IPSAS 42 Social Benefits in the context of social security programmes. SSO will then be better equipped to discuss with its auditors about the applicability of the IPSAS 42.

Target audience

• Directors and relevant staff of SSO
• Auditors of SSO
• Governments
• General Accountants

1st e-discussion 

Introduction to IPSASB
Introduction to IPSAS
12 April 2021
10.00 am-12.00 pm (AST)

2nd e-discussion

Applicability of IPSAS 42
Social Benefits
13 September 2021
10.00 am-12.00 pm (AST)