IPSAS conceptual framework and views on selected national frameworks

Abstract

This chapter is about conceptual frameworks in public sector accounting, particularly addressing the IPSAS conceptual framework. While taking this as a reference, the chapter also offers brief views on selected national frameworks from a group of European countries–namely the UK, Finland, Austria, Germany and Portugal–, as illustrative examples of how conceptual frameworks can approximate or diverge from that of IPSASB. The explanations enable an understanding of the role of a conceptual framework underlying public sector accounting standards, as well as the main issues normally included in it.