To develop, regulate and promote an internationally recognized accountancy profession that upholds public interest through capacity building, advocacy, innovation and sustainable practices.
INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS OF KENYA
(Established under the Accountants Act, Laws of Kenya)
Transition to IPSAS Accrual course
Theme: Transition to IPSAS Accrual: Practical Guidance for Successful Implementation
Date: 3rd -4th September 2026
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Venue: CPA Centre
Overview
Across the globe, governments are increasingly transitioning from cash-based and modified cash accounting frameworks to accrual-based financial reporting aligned with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This shift is widely recognized as a cornerstone of modern public financial management (PFM) reform, enabling governments to produce more transparent, comprehensive, and decision-useful financial information.
In Kenya and many other jurisdictions, the transition to IPSAS Accrual represents a major transformation in the way public sector entities recognize, measure, and report financial transactions. Under the accrual framework, entities must record not only cash movements but also assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and commitments, thereby providing a more complete picture of financial performance and financial position.
However, transitioning to IPSAS Accrual is a complex institutional reform that goes far beyond technical accounting changes. It requires significant adjustments in policies, systems, processes, data management, asset registers, staff capacity, and governance frameworks. Public sector entities must undertake detailed preparatory work, including identifying assets and liabilities, developing opening balances, aligning financial management systems such as IFMIS, and strengthening internal controls and documentation practices.
International experience demonstrates that entities often encounter significant challenges during the transition phase. These may include:
Without adequate preparation, these challenges can result in delays, inconsistencies, and significant audit issues during the first accrual reporting cycle.
This workshop is therefore designed as a practical capacity-building program to support entities preparing for the transition to IPSAS Accrual. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical aspects of IPSAS, the training emphasizes practical implementation strategies, transition planning, opening balance preparation, and system readiness.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of:
By the end of the training, participants will be better equipped to plan, manage, and execute the transition to IPSAS Accrual, thereby strengthening the credibility, transparency, and usefulness of public sector financial reporting.
Topics to be Covered
| DAY | MODULE | TOPICS | KEY AREAS TO BE COVERED |
| Day 1 | Introduction to IPSAS Accrual and the Transition Framework | Understanding the shift from cash-based to accrual-based public sector accounting | ·        Global trends in public sector financial reporting reforms
·        Rationale for adopting IPSAS Accrual ·         Key differences between cash, modified cash, and accrual accounting ·        Benefits of accrual accounting for transparency and accountability |
|
|
Planning and Managing the IPSAS Transition | Developing a structured roadmap for successful implementation | ·        Developing an IPSAS transition strategy
·         Institutional governance and leadership roles ·         Roles of finance teams, management, auditors, and oversight bodies ·         Change management and stakeholder coordination ·         Risk management during transition |
| Preparation of Opening Balances | Establishing reliable opening balances under IPSAS Accrual | ·         Importance of opening balances in IPSAS transition
·        Identification and recognition of assets and liabilities ·        Use of transitional provisions and exemptions ·         Documentation and supporting evidence for audit purposes ·         Common challenges in opening balance preparation |
|
| Day 2 | Asset Recognition and Measurement under IPSAS | Accounting for public sector assets during transition | ·        Property, Plant and Equipment (IPSAS 45)
·         Intangible Assets (IPSAS 31) ·         Heritage and infrastructure assets ·         Asset verification and asset register development ·         Valuation challenges and practical approaches |
| Revenue, Liabilities and Key Accounting Areas | Recognition and measurement of major transactions under accrual accounting | ·        Revenue from non-exchange transactions (IPSAS 47)
·         Grants, transfers, and donor-funded projects ·         Provisions and contingent liabilities (IPSAS 19) ·        Recognition of receivables and payables ·        Commitments and obligations |
|
| Systems Readiness and Preparing IPSAS Accrual Financial Statements | Strengthening systems and preparing the first accrual financial statements | ·        Aligning financial management systems (IFMIS) to IPSAS Accrual
·        Chart of Accounts and data requirements ·         Structure of IPSAS financial statements ·         Disclosure requirements and supporting schedules ·        Common transition pitfalls and practical solutions |
 Target Audience
 The course to all professionals in all spheres.
 Continuous Professional Development Units (CPD UNITS):
Members of ICPAK and reciprocating professional bodies will be awarded 10 Structured CPD Units upon successfully completion of the course.
Financial Commitment
The webinar charges are Kshs. 18,500. Charges will cater for online video access fees, learning materials, and e-certificates of attendance.
Online Booking
Registration: Delegates are reminded to note that online booking for the workshop is mandatory on https://www.icpak.com/event-registration/Online Booking
We call on interested participants to note that booking for the event is available online at www.icpak.com and will close two hours before the training session.
National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) Reimbursement
The Institute is registered as a trainer with National Industrial Training Authority. The Institute’s registration number is DIT/TRN/47. Participants who are registered levy contributors should apply to NITA for reimbursement of their fees. Please note that this is applicable for Kenyan citizens only and subject to NITA regulations. Remember that to qualify you should apply to NITA for approval prior to the date of the conference. Further details can be obtained from their website (www.nita.go.ke)
Further requests can be channeled to us via telephone calls on +254 719 074 000, or via email to marketing@icpak.com
To develop, regulate and promote an internationally recognized accountancy profession that upholds public interest through capacity building, advocacy, innovation and sustainable practices.
