Government and resource accounting

We maintain a separate page on Accounting for local authorities.

Public Sector Community
The Community provides practical support to accountants and finance professionals working in or with the public sector. It offers news updates, technical guidance and publications, as well as conferences and seminars.

Public sector resources
The latest insights on the public sector, including developments in financial reporting, accounting, audit and assurance.

IPSAS vs IFRS - what is the most suitable accounting framework for the public sector?
The adoption of accrual accounting by governments is gathering momentum. In this four-part series of articles from ICAEW, the differences between International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and the suitability of each for public sector financial reporting, is explored. Published in September 2023.

UK guidance

Government financial reporting manual (FReM)
Technical accounting guide for the preparation of financial statements by various government departments and entities. The annually published manual includes practical examples and guidance.

Public Sector Internal Audit Standards
The Public Sector Internal Audit Standards are mandatory for all central government departments, agencies and executive NDPBs. A set of good practice guidance documents is also available.

Whole of government accounts
The latest consolidated set of financial statements for the UK public sector, published by HM Treasury. Includes guidance for central and local government preparers of Whole of Government Accounts. Guidance and accounts from previous years are also available.

Further resources

IPSAS in your pocket
Regularly updated guide published by Deloitte covering the International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

International public sector financial accountanbility index
Index produced by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) providing information on financial reporting bases and frameworks used by federal and central governments around the world. An overview of public sector reporting trends is also available in the 2021 index status report.

Organisations

UK

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
UK-based professional accountancy body dedicated exclusively to public finance. Site includes articles and insights on central government finance.

Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB)
Independent advisory body in the UK, established in 1996, which liaises with the Treasury on its application of financial reporting standards for whole of government accounts. The website includes reports, press notices and other communications from the board.

Government Finance Function
Operates across the Civil Service to enable the delivery of high quality public services and ensure public money in the UK is spent efficiently and effectively.

National Audit Office (NAO)
UK body that audits the accounts of government departments and agencies. The site includes guidance, press notices and publications.

International

International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
Board affiliated to IFAC that develops standards, guidance and resources for use by public sector entities around the world for the preparation of financial statements.

The library provides access to a range of articles in full text from leading business, finance and management journals. Access to articles is provided to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users subject to suppliers' terms of use.

• View a list of articles and books in our collection on central government accounting
• View a list of articles and books in our collection on resource accounting

To find out how you can borrow books from the Library please see our guide to borrowing books.

You can obtain copies of articles or extracts of books and reports through our document supply service.