Reporting entities around the world including governments and other public sector organizations often apply financial reporting standards to guide the preparation of their financial statements. Reporting standards are important because they objectively define accounting numbers which often form the basis for contractual entitlements in corporate organizations. Some organizations apply reporting standards developed by national standard setters and others adopt reporting standards developed by international standards setting bodies. This article discusses the arguments for and against financial reporting standards and assesses the global adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) might think that sustainability is only relevant to large companies. Maybe they think they cannot afford to be sustainable, that measuring and managing environmental performance amounts to a costly and unnecessary burden. Moreover, their accountants, both those employed by the business (accountants in business) and those providing services to the business (accountants in practice), will tell you it is a hard sell getting SMEs to embrace sustainability. However, SMEs that integrate sustainability into their core business strategy can benefit from lower costs, reduced risk, and new opportunities. And their accountants, typically operating in small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs), can play a key role in their journey.