Assurance News

PUBLIC SECTOR STANDARDS BOARD PUBLISHES HANDBOOK

New York - The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board has published its 2010 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements. In two volumes, the handbook contains all current IPSASB pronouncements, including 31 accrual-based standards and the IPSASB's cash-basis standard. Five of these standards were approved by the IPSASB in 2009, including requirements and guidance for all aspects of accounting for financial instruments, as well as intangible assets and agriculture.

The handbook can be downloaded free in PDF format or ordered in print from http://web.ifac.org/publications. Print copies of Parts I and II of the handbook are available as a three-piece boxed set with the Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The boxed set is being offered free of charge, but shipping and handling charges apply.

Orders can be placed by calling (212) 471-8722.

IIA PUBLISHES AUDITING GUIDANCE ON PAY

Altamonte Springs, Fla. - The Institute of Internal Auditors has published a new practice guide to provide an overview of key executive compensation risks that should be understood before assessing whether a company's controls and governance over executive compensation and benefits programs are effective.

The risks could include financial reporting hazards. Excessive, illegal or unethical executive compensation and benefits could be misclassified or otherwise hidden within the financial statements. Operating or financial data could be manipulated to trigger incentive-compensation payments or artificially inflate the value of stock options.

The guidance, whose application is strongly recommended but not mandatory under the IIA's International Professional Practices Framework, also provides audit approaches and considerations. It is available at www.theiia.org/guidance/standards-and-guidance.

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