Public Sector Accrual Accounting and IPSAS Implementation Course

Introduction
Public sector institutions worldwide are transitioning from cash-based accounting systems to accrual accounting to enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Accrual accounting provides a comprehensive view of government financial position, performance, and long-term obligations beyond cash flows.
This course offers an in-depth understanding of accrual accounting concepts within the public sector context, emphasizing their relevance to public financial management reforms. Participants will explore how accrual accounting supports improved budgeting, asset management, and informed policy decision-making.
International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) provide a globally recognized framework for high-quality public sector financial reporting. The course examines IPSAS principles, structure, and requirements, highlighting their role in harmonizing public sector accounting practices.
Participants will gain practical insights into the technical and institutional challenges of IPSAS implementation, including systems readiness, change management, and capacity development. The course addresses common pitfalls and lessons learned from IPSAS reforms across different jurisdictions.
Through applied examples, case studies, and guided exercises, the training demonstrates how accrual accounting and IPSAS improve asset and liability recognition, revenue and expense measurement, and financial statement presentation in public sector entities.
Designed for government professionals and reform practitioners, this course equips participants with the skills required to plan, implement, and sustain accrual accounting and IPSAS reforms that strengthen public trust, fiscal sustainability, and financial governance.

Who Should Attend

• Government accountants and finance officers
• Public sector auditors and internal auditors
• Treasury and budget officers
• Policy makers and senior public administrators
• Public financial management reform teams
• Supreme audit institution staff
• State-owned enterprise finance managers
• Development partners and PFM advisors
• Academics and public finance researchers
• Consultants supporting IPSAS implementation

Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand public sector accrual accounting concepts and explain how they differ from cash-based systems in improving fiscal transparency and accountability.
• Interpret and apply IPSAS requirements to public sector financial transactions, ensuring consistency, comparability, and compliance with international standards.
• Design a structured roadmap for transitioning from cash to accrual accounting within government institutions and public sector entities.
• Identify and address technical, institutional, and capacity challenges associated with IPSAS implementation in diverse public sector environments.
• Apply accrual accounting principles to the recognition, measurement, and reporting of public sector assets and liabilities.
• Strengthen financial statement preparation and presentation in line with IPSAS, including statements of financial position and performance.
• Integrate accrual accounting information into budgeting, planning, and performance management processes.
• Support audit readiness and assurance processes by improving the quality, reliability, and documentation of financial information.
• Assess the impact of accrual accounting reforms on fiscal sustainability, debt management, and public sector balance sheets.
• Contribute effectively to public financial management reforms through informed leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Public Sector Accrual Accounting

• Evolution of public sector accounting reforms
• Cash versus accrual accounting in government
• Benefits of accrual accounting for PFM
• Role of accrual information in decision-making

Module 2: Overview of IPSAS Framework

• IPSAS Board structure and standard-setting process
• Cash and accrual IPSAS explained
• Scope and applicability of IPSAS
• Relationship between IPSAS and national standards

Module 3: Transition from Cash to Accrual Accounting

• Phased approaches to IPSAS implementation
• Institutional readiness and capacity assessment
• Change management and stakeholder engagement
• Legal and regulatory considerations

Module 4: Recognition and Measurement of Assets

• Property, plant, and equipment accounting
• Infrastructure and heritage assets
• Intangible assets and impairment
• Asset valuation and depreciation methods

Module 5: Accounting for Liabilities and Obligations

• Financial liabilities and provisions
• Employee benefits and pension obligations
• Contingent liabilities and commitments
• Public debt recognition and measurement

Module 6: Revenue and Expense Accounting

• Non-exchange and exchange revenue under IPSAS
• Tax and transfer revenue recognition
• Expense classification and accrual principles
• Grants, subsidies, and social benefits

Module 7: Financial Statement Preparation and Presentation

• IPSAS-compliant financial statements
• Notes and disclosures requirements
• Consolidation of public sector entities
• Whole-of-government financial reporting

Module 8: Systems, Controls, and Data Management

• Financial management information systems (FMIS)
• Internal controls and data quality assurance
• Chart of accounts design
• Integration with budgeting systems

Module 9: Audit, Assurance, and Governance

• Role of internal and external audit in IPSAS
• Audit readiness and compliance reviews
• Governance and oversight arrangements
• Managing audit findings and recommendations

Module 10: Emerging Issues and Practical Case Studies

• Accrual accounting for public–private partnerships
• Sustainability and climate-related disclosures
• IPSAS developments and future standards
• Country case studies and reform lessons

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, airport transfers, Upskill gift package, guided tour and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better