Factors Influencing the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards in Pakistan

Abstract

The significance and impact of Accrual-based Public Sector Accounting Standards (APSAS) in financial reporting has in recent times gained traction and has prompted debates which are aligned towards APSAS reporting. This implies that reforms in the government’s management systems are becoming critical towards examination of actions and steps taken to enhance demands for better transparency and accountability in the management of public finance. As is presently presented in Pakistan, there are numerous fundamental challenges that currently inhibit the efficiency of the government’s finance and accounting management. These problems arise due to poor supervision, poor management of basic financial functions, inefficient financial information including support for decision making, poor staff motivation and finally lack of proper accountability measures. Due to these arising challenges, the purpose of this study is to determine the factors affecting the implementation of Accrual-based International Public sector Accounting Standards (AIPSAS) in public sector of Pakistan. The study whose objective was to evaluate the barriers in the adoption of AIPSAS in Pakistan adopted a descriptive qualitative study model. A five-point Likert type scale was utilized to evaluate the results of the study. The study adopted simple randomization process to obtain the population sample group/respondents. The results of the research study recommended improvement of capacity building through training and offering educational courses which will help advance the enforcement of strong financial reporting standards.