Implementing the International Public Sector Accounting Standards for consolidated financial statements: Facilitators, benefits and challenges

Portugal and Spain have reformed their national standards to adapt them to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This paper explains the process of implementing the IPSAS for consolidated reporting in the two countries and the advantages and disadvantages which have emerged. The results highlight the role of the IPSAS in improving the quality and use of consolidated financial statements (CFS) and will be of interest to other countries that are intending to implement the IPSAS. IMPACT This paper will be of value to academics and practitioners with an interest in IPSAS and in the use of consolidated financial statements (CFS). The authors describe the experiences of two European continental countries in the implementation of accrual basis providing important lessons for countries that are considering implementing accrual accounting and/or IPSAS. Findings from this study will help managers and policy-makers to decide about the use of CFS taking IPSAS as a reference.