Professionalising the public sector Global steps to better PFM Alan Edwards, International Director, CIPFA
CIPFA is campaigning for stronger government accounting and audit Partnerships with.. International agencies National governments Multi lateral development banks Charitable foundations Making a step-change in government accounting and auditing is completely within leaders control. The on-going crisis screams out for urgent concerted global action. Chris Bilsland, CIPFA President Professional accountancy institutes Accountancy and other firms Academic institutions Representative international bodies
We are seeing signs that calls for PFM reform are growing Draft Declaration on Good Financial Governance in Africa Core principles Transparency Accountability Institution building Results orientation Balancing reforms and capacity Autonomy in reforms choices A framework to be adopted by all Finance Ministries across Africa, potentially supported by a better organised profession in Africa. cipfa.org.uk Eurostat review of accrual accounting and IPSAS across EU Likely to recommend adoption of accruals accounting by EU and member states IPSASs represent an indisputable reference framework for EU harmonised public sector accounts ("EPSAS") Gradual stage approach to implementation of EPSASs Some issues: Capacity for implementing accruals Relationships with the profession Obtaining multi-partisan support Education for politicians
One possible model Global PFM qualifications Global approach to PFM capacity building Global PFM community Global PFM products and services Global PFM thought leadership Global PFM donor funding In short a Global PFM profession
Strengthening PFM around the world cipfa.org.uk Professional training Accredited Training Partners UNDP FreeBalance Dual designation India SAI Capacity Development World Bank/DFID Nigeria Lesotho Bangladesh Balkans Sri Lanka International Standards IPSAS implementation partnership - EY Eurostat - FEE IFAC Public Sector Governance 4 IIA/CIPFA PFM projects FM model - GFOA Associates DFID - TCI Partners PwC - EU Partners WYG Tajikistan Partners NAO - Trinidad
The largest PFM reform programme is being undertaken in Bangladesh Bangladesh aspires to become a middle income country with appropriate public service institutions and management SPEMP is a multi year multi agency programme of reform Aims: Strengthen and modernize core institutions of budgeting and financial management for stronger, more accountable and transparent public institutions. Improve the effectiveness of formal institutions of financial transparency and accountability for stronger and more capable oversight functions of the government, ensuring accountability Build a better informed public: Citizens who are aware of how tax money is being spent and can demand better management of public funds for better delivery of public service
CIPFA is leading SPEMP-B Component 3 Project Development Objective to build the faculty and management practices of FIMA to deliver appropriate short courses in PFM and to become approved to deliver internationally recognised professional accreditation courses in PFM Expected Outcomes Over 300 staff undertaking CIPFA professional training Stronger sustainable FIMA
Sri Lanka is embracing public finance reform and IPSAS Sri Lanka has embarked on a major PFM reform programme CIPFA is assisting ICASL to explore building a public sector stream into their existing qualification framework This is likely to involve utilising modules from CIPFA s existing IPFM qualifications In addition CIPFA is assisting with some initial training on IPSAS and their applicability to Sri Lanka This will involve tailoring some training materials from CIPFA s Cert IPSAS plus some training of trainers in Sri Lanka
Some PAOs have embraced dual designation cipfa.org.uk
In Africa we have created partnerships with PAOs The Accountant General of the Federation The Auditor General for the Federation The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria The Federal Treasury Academy The World Bank
UNDP are adopting professional training for their finance staff cipfa.org.uk Professional Strategic Financial Management Strategic Leadership Full CPFA Membership Entry point with appropriate exemptions Advanced Diploma Governance, Public Policy and Ethics Public Finance Strategy Corporate Financial Reporting Associate Membership Entry point with appropriate exemptions Diploma Public Sector Financial Reporting Audit & Assurance Managing Organisation Managing Finance Affiliate Membership Certificate Financial Accounting Management Accounting Entry point: students can begin study at any of the entry points as long as they have the relevant requirements for entry
Training is crucial for IPSAS implementation CIPFA supports individuals, organisations and PAOs prepare for IPSAS The Certificate explains each standard in detail It can be studied online, face to face or via distance learning Assessment is via a two hour online examination A cash IPSAS only variant is available www.cipfa.org/training-and- Qualifications/Qualifications/Certificate-in- International-Public-Sector-Accounting-Standards- Cert-IPSAS
CPD for public finance staff is a universal demand cipfa.org.uk
Looking ahead a new PFM Academy? Government Group fees and subscriptions Individual fees and subscriptions The PFM Academy ATPs IPFM courses Cert IPSAS Networks & Forums Publications Conferences Other events CIPFA
Professionalisation what works best cipfa.org.uk Bottom-up approach addresses training and development needs at day-to-day operational level Locally led and managed programmes And Tangible link to development of a professional qualification Genuine, active partnership of equals between local providers and external supporter(s) Supportive, long-term assistance from donor Integration of academic with workplace aspects of learning Proven success in raising qualification levels and capacity within the sector Society that recognises the value of a professional qualification HR systems that reward professional development Sustainability built in from day one 14
Outputs from PFM professionals prepare budgets and financial statements design PFM systems provide advice give assurance Quality accounts and unqualified audits certify accuracy and integrity monitor compliance
Outcomes from PFM professionals better quality decision making more effective targeting of resources more efficient use of resources stronger accountability improved transparency Donor/ lender confidence in country systems greater comparability
If we do that we will have Fixed the Foundations cipfa.org.uk And stopped any more dominoes falling!
Professionalising the public sector Global steps to better PFM Alan Edwards International Director CIPFA alan.edwards@cipfa.org Tel +44 207 543 5690