Course detail

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Contents

• Introduction
• Prerequisites
  
• Course Level
  
• Topics
  
• Course Benefits
  
• Teaching Method
  
• Continuing Professional Education
  
• Venue
  
  

Introduction

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Entities that elect to adopt International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accrual basis of accounting face a number of challenges. While the technical challenge of applying all relevant IPSAS should not be underestimated, just as important are making the right choices over accounting policies to select; whether and how to use any of the transitional provisions in IPSAS; managing stakeholders; data gathering; ensuring systems and processes are adequate and managing the overall transition project.

In general, entities that change accounting policies to comply with IPSAS do this retrospectively; however, to ease this transitional process the IPSAS Board (IPSASB) allows the use of transitional provisions in certain Standards. Where transitional provisions exist, they may allow an entity additional time to meet the full requirements of a specific accrual based IPSAS or provide relief from certain requirements when initially applying an IPSAS.

Using real-world examples and case studies, this two-day course provides a comprehensive look at the complex issues facing first-time adopters of accrual based IPSAS, whether transitioning from the Cash Basis IPSAS or from local accounting frameworks. Coverage includes the transitional provisions in IPSAS and guidance on setting up the conversion project, with application demonstrated via practical case studies and examples.

This practical program includes discussion of real-world experiences in transitioning to IPSAS and answers to implementation questions. Strategies and guidance for establishing IPSAS accounting policies are also discussed.

The program answers questions such as:

• What are the transition requirements of each IPSAS and what are the implications of the available choices?

• What are the available policy options and their short-term and long-term consequences?

• How can the costs and benefits of various courses of action be determined?

• In what ways will systems require modification in order to implement accrual based IPSAS?

• What are the most common pitfalls that occur during transition to accrual based IPSAS and how can they be avoided?

Prerequisites

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Understanding of accounting principles based on national standards together with some understanding of IPSAS (refer to Course 3100: IFRS versus IPSAS and Course 3210: International Public Sector Accounting Standards IPSAS Accrual Basis).

No advance preparation is required for this course.

Course Level

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Intermediate

Topics

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• Transitional Provisions and Implementation Guidance
• Presentation of Financial Statements - IPSAS 1
• Net Surplus or Deficit for the Period - Fundamental Errors and Changes in Accounting Policies – IPSAS 3
• Property, Plant and Equipment – IPSAS 17
• Investment Property – IPSAS 16
• Intangible Assets – IPSAS 31
• Borrowing Costs – IPSAS 5
• Revenue from Non Exchange Transactions (Taxes and Transfers) – IPSAS 23
• Revenue from Exchange Transactions - IPSAS 9
• Leases – IPSAS 13
• The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates - IPSAS 4
• Financial Instruments: Presentation – IPSAS 28
• Other implemention issues - disclosures
• Financial Instruments: Disclosures – IPSAS 30
• Related Party Disclosures - IPSAS 20
• Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements – Accounting for Controlled Entities IPSAS 6
• Segment Reporting - IPSAS 18
• Disclosure of Financial Information About the General Government Sector - IPSAS 22
• Managing the IPSAS Transition Process
• Planning the project
• Involving the whole business
• Staff training
• Implementing the changes
• Collecting the data
• Operating parallel reporting systems

Course Benefits

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• Apply the requirements of the IPSAS transitional provisions
• Understand the available policy options and their short-term and long-term consequences
• Discern the costs and benefits of various courses of action
• Implement practical strategies for managing the transition to IPSAS and avoid common pitfalls
• Determine the system modifications and other changes that will be required in order to implement IPSAS
• Gain the understanding required to develop an effective implementation plan for your company

Teaching Method

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• Live group instruction, cases, examples, group work, open discussions
• Description and explanation of IPSAS technical requirements in clear and simple language
• Identification of the critical issues involved in the transition to and implementation of IPSAS
• Extensive use of case studies and examples with practical application of the requirements of the IPSAS transitional provisions
• Active participation is encouraged
• All participants receive a comprehensive binder containing copies of the presentation slides, handouts and other course materials

Bring This Course In House

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To bring this course in-house please contact us and we will be pleased to assist.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

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16 hours

Venue

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This event will be held at Hotel Warwick Geneva. Detailed Joining Instructions are sent to all registered delegates by email approximately one month before the event. The Joining Instructions will confirm exact venue details and nearby (or onsite) hotel recommendations with bedroom rates where available. Coffee and lunch will be provided. .