Title: International public sector accounting standards board aims to enhance international accountability through reporting service performance information

Authors: Lisa R. Parker; David R. Bean

Addresses: Governmental Accounting Standards Board, 401 Merritt 7, P.O. Box 5116, Norwalk, Connecticut 06856-5116, USA. ' International Federation of Accountants, 277 Wellington Street West, Suite 802, Toronto, ON M5V3H2, Canada

Abstract: General purpose financial reports (GPFRs) of public sector entities are developed primarily to respond to the information needs of service recipients, resource providers, and their representatives, who do not possess the authority to require a public sector entity to disclose the information they need for accountability and decision-making purposes. GPFRs can report information about the past, present and future that is useful to users - including financial and non-financial, quantitative and qualitative information about: a) the achievement of financial and service delivery objectives in the current reporting period; b) anticipated future service delivery activities and resource needs. The IPSASB is currently exploring how service performance information can assist users in assessing how efficiently and effectively public sector entities are using resources to provide services and achieve their objectives.

Keywords: service performance information; accountability; decision making; users; financial objectives; service delivery objectives; inputs; outputs; outcomes; efficiency indicators; effectiveness indicators; International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board; IPSASB; financial reporting; accounting reform.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPSPM.2012.048746

International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, 2012 Vol.2 No.1, pp.96 - 103

Published online: 15 Nov 2014 *

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