IFAC releases 2008 Handbook of Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Pronouncements

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has released its 2008 Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance, and Ethics Pronouncements.

The handbook can be downloaded free-of-charge in PDF format from the IFAC online bookstore (http://www.ifac.org/store), and print copies can be ordered now for shipment in mid-March. In addition, the 2008 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements is currently being finalized and will be available for download from the IFAC bookstore later in March.

The 2008 auditing and assurance handbook is presented in two parts. The first part contains pronouncements on auditing, review, other assurance, and related services issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) as of January 1, 2008. It also includes the IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, along with new definitions for “firm,” “network,” and “network firm.” The second part of the handbook features nine International Standards on Auditing redrafted by the IAASB to improve their clarity, as well as background information on the IAASB’s Clarity project.

Print copies of the handbook can be ordered for US$150.00 plus shipping. Discounts are available for students, academics, and individuals living in developing countries, as well as for orders of 10 or more copies.

The 2008 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements will contain all pronouncements of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) as of December 31, 2007. It will also feature two new standards - International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) 25, Employee Benefits, and IPSAS 26, Impairment of Cash-Generating Assets - as well as an updated Cash-Basis IPSAS, Financial Reporting under the Cash Basis of Accounting. Print copies of the public sector handbook can be ordered for no charge, except for a US$25.00 shipping cost, for shipment in late-March.

The 2008 Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance, and Ethics Pronouncements can be downloaded or ordered from the IFAC online bookstore at http://www.ifac.org/store. Orders can also be placed by calling IFAC at +1 (212) 471-8722.

IFAC is the global organisation for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 157 members and associates in 123 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets international standards on ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.

Global survey on performance measurement in public sector

(New York) - The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is inviting professional accountants and others who work in the public sector to complete an online survey on the ways in which public sector entities set objectives, measure performance, and report on results.

Currently, there is little information available about public sector performance measurement structures around the world. This global survey is designed to identify similarities and differences in performance measurement structures and the extent to which these structures help public sector entities meet their objectives. The survey also seeks examples of strengths and weaknesses of performance measurement structures and what can be done to further improve the assessment, monitoring and reporting of financial and non-financial performance in the public sector.

The survey is part of a project to help professional accountants in business and others in evaluating and improving performance measurement systems. The results will also assist IFAC’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee in considering specific public sector aspects when developing its principles-based guidance.

The survey, which takes 10-15 minutes to complete, can be accessed online at www.ifac.org/publicsectorperformancesurvey. Responses are requested by April 30, 2008.

For more information on the work of IFAC’s PAIB Committee, visit: http://www.ifac.org/paib.

IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 157 members and associates in 123 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets international standards on ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.