JOB DESCRIPTION - IFAC

JOB DESCRIPTION
Supervisor’s Title:
Title: Technical Manager – IPSASB
Technical Director – International Public Sector
Accounting Standards Board
Date: September 2008
I. About IFAC
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is the global organization for the
accountancy profession. It works with its 157 member bodies in 123 countries to protect
the public interest by encouraging high quality practices by the world’s accountants.
IFAC members and associates, which are primarily national professional accountancy
bodies, represent 2.5 million accountants employed in public practice, industry and
commerce, government, and academia. Its structure and governance provide for the
representation of its diverse constituencies and interaction with external groups that rely
on or influence the work of professional accountants.
The primary activities of IFAC are:
• Serving the Public Interest—IFAC provides leadership to the worldwide accountancy
profession in serving the public interest by: developing, promoting and maintaining
global professional standards and a Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants of a
consistently high quality; actively encouraging convergence of professional
standards, particularly, auditing, assurance, ethics, education, and public and private
sector financial reporting standards; seeking continuous improvements in the quality
of auditing and financial management; promoting the values of the accountancy
profession to ensure that it continually attracts high caliber entrants; promoting
compliance with membership obligations; and assisting developing and emerging
economies, in cooperation with regional accounting bodies and others, to establish
and maintain a profession committed to quality performance and to serve the public
interest.
• Contributing to the Efficiency of the Global Economy—IFAC contributes to the
efficient functioning of the international economy by: improving confidence in the
quality and reliability of financial reporting; encouraging the provision of high quality
performance (financial and nonfinancial) within organizations; promoting the
provision of high quality services by all members of the worldwide accountancy
profession; and promoting the importance of adherence to the Code of Ethics for
Professional Accountants by all members of the accountancy profession, including
members in industry, commerce, the public sector, the not-for-profit sector, academia
and public practice.
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• Providing Leadership and Spokesmanship—IFAC is the primary spokesperson for the
international profession and speaks out on a wide range of public policy issues,
especially those where the profession’s expertise is most relevant, as well as on
regulatory issues relating to auditing and financial reporting. This is accomplished, in
part, through outreach to numerous organizations that rely on or have an interest in
the activities of the international accountancy profession.
II. International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board is a standard setting body
designated by, and operating under the auspices of, IFAC.
The objectives of the IPSASB are to serve the public interest by developing high quality public
sector financial reporting standards and by facilitating the convergence of international and
national standards, thereby enhancing the quality and uniformity of financial reporting
throughout the world.
The IPSASB is currently supported by six technical staff and one administrative assistant. The
IPSASB offices are located in Toronto, Canada.
Additional information about IFAC and the IPSASB can be found on the IFAC website at
www.ifac.org.
III. Position Summary
The Technical Manager- IPSASB works in support of the IPSASB, which is made up of
volunteer members from around the world. The Technical Manager reports to the Technical
Director, IPSASB. The Technical Manager is a key member of the IFAC staff and is expected
to understand, support and promote the objectives of IFAC and the IPSASB. The Technical
Manager is expected to be sufficiently experienced and adaptable such that responsibility for
other tasks within IFAC can be assumed, should the needs of the organization require it.
IV.
Responsibilities
• Conduct project research, including liaison with standard-setters/IFAC members and
associates around the world.
• Develop agenda papers including consultation papers, exposure drafts and proposed IPSASs,
for the consideration of the IPSASB and/or its subcommittees and task forces, and present
those papers at public IPSASB and other meetings as appropriate.
• Manage designated IPSASB projects, including finalization, publication and distribution of
consultation papers, exposure drafts and IPSASs.
• Attend IPSASB meetings; participate in discussions and record discussions and decisions.
• Provide administrative support to the IPSASB and its Chair and subcommittees and steering
committees and contribute to the organization and efficient operation of IPSASB meetings
and related IPSASB initiated promotional activities.
• Assist the Technical Director in responding to questions regarding the IPSASB.
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• Make presentations on the IPSASB’s activities and/or specific projects at seminars and
conferences and assist the IPSASB members in their presentations.
• As appropriate, liaise with other IFAC staff, IFAC Boards and Technical Committees.
V. Preferred Background and Experience
VI.
VII.
The ideal candidate will have:
• A professional accounting qualification or equivalent recognized qualification.
• An excellent knowledge of issues relating to accounting in the public sector -understanding
of public sector issues and experience in financial reporting by or auditing of government
agencies; in-depth knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued
by the IASB would be an asset.
• Standard-setting experience is a major asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills. Fluency in written and
spoken English is critical – knowledge of another language is very desirable.
• Strong organizational skills and computer literacy.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:
• Ability to liaise with senior members of the accountancy profession and senior officials from
other external organizations, particularly governments.
• Ability to work with many cultures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to internal and externally imposed deadlines.
• Commitment to quality processes and products.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with flexibility especially important.
The successful applicant will be a self-starter, able to work without supervision and able to
respond quickly to issues. He/she will be willing to travel internationally 15-20 days per year.
Terms and Conditions
The successful applicant will be located in the IFAC office in Toronto.
IFAC offers competitive salary and benefits appropriate for the qualifications and experience of
the successful applicant. IFAC will pay reasonable relocation costs if the successful applicant
must relocate. If necessary, IFAC will apply for a visa for the successful applicant to meet
working condition requirements.
The position is available November 2008 and can be assumed once all necessary formalities
have been completed.
Interested candidates should submit a résumé (CV) and cover letter highlighting salary history
and a writing sample by October 31, 2008.
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IFAC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Submit résumés to:
International Federation of Accountants
Human Resources
545 Fifth Avenue, 14 th Floor
New York NY 10017-3610, USA
Fax: +1 (212) 471-8700
Email: jobs@ifac.org
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