The Centre provides knowledge services and capacity development assistance. Services include analytical and advisory services, learning and skill development, know-how and knowledge transfer, and technical assistance and institutional strengthening. All CFRR publications are available on this site.

Public Oversight Systems for Statutory Audit in the EU

Publication | 2017

Public oversight of audits and auditors is a relatively recent development, particularly in light of the length of time that capital markets and the audit profession have operated. This paper reflects on the rationale for public oversight of auditors, summarizes the relevant EU legislation and international benchmarks for public oversight systems, and thereafter compares and contrasts the different approaches taken by EU member states to operate their public oversight systems.

Focus Areas

Public Sector Internal Audit: Focus on Fraud

Publication | 2017

Strong internal controls, including maintaining a robust internal control environment, are the best way public sector organizations can mitigate fraud. However, even a strong internal control environment cannot guarantee that no frauds will take place within organizations. Implementation of further lines of defense, such as an efficient and effective internal audit function, is important.

Focus Areas

PULSAR Brochure

Brochure | 2017

Public Sector Accounting and Reporting Program (PULSAR) aims to support the enhancement of participating countries’ Public Sector Accounting (PSA) and financial reporting frameworks in line with international standards and in accordance with good practices, in order to improve government accountability, transparency, and performance.

Focus Areas

Serbia - Public sector accounting review: report on the enhancement of public sector financial reporting

Report | 2017

The government’s public financial management (PFM) Reform Program 2016-2020 foresees the gradual transition of public sector financial reporting from a cash basis to an accrual basis of accounting and the application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This will significantly improve the quality of financial information and should enable better informed decision-making, more efficient use of public funds and resources and improved fiscal performance.

Focus Areas

The Republic of Moldova: Support to State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) - Preliminary Diagnostics and Reform Assessment Report

Report | 2017

This report is the result of research and analysis undertaken as technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Moldova, delivered by the World Bank Governance team in collaboration with the UK’s Good Governance Fund. It focuses on the issues identified by OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance as important in ensuring that state owned enterprises (SOEs) operate in an efficient, transparent and accountable way.

Focus Areas

"Connecting Voices" - Financial Information: Catalyst for Growth

Publication | 2016

This special edition of “Connecting Voices” was published to coincide with the World Bank Centre for Financial Reporting Reform’s (CFRR) Ministerial Conference in Vienna on 27 April 2016. The theme of the magazine, Financial Information: Catalyst for Growth, is reflected in its articles and interviews, which focus on the importance of timely, reliable, and transparent financial information as a driver and contributor of sustainable economic growth.

Focus Areas

A Comparison of Polish Public Sector GAAP with IPSAS

Publication | 2015

The Report "A Comparison of Polish Public Sector GAAP with IPSAS" dated May 2015 was prepared at the request of the Polish Ministry of Finance as a support to prepare future directions of public sector accounting reform in a response to the Eurostat initiative to promote the harmonization of public sector accounting across the EU including the introduction and adoption of European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS) based on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Focus Areas

Accounting Vouchers and Principles of Bookkeeping - Expectations in 21st Century

Publication | 2015

This study is available in English and Polish. It assesses the current regulations and practices related to accounting vouchers and bookkeeping in Poland, including cross-cutting tax regulations, and compares them with selected EU countries (France, Germany and UK). The study was undertaken at the request of the Polish Ministry of Finance, and funded under the Financial Reporting Technical Assistance Program (FRTAP) by a grant from Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution to the Enlarged European Union.

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Review of Polish and International Accounting Standards in Scope of Financial Instruments

Publication | 2014

This report is available in both English and Polish and contains an analysis of domestic and international accounting standards applicable to financial instruments. It also features a review of literature available on the subject as well as practical information and case studies. In conclusion, the report proposes enhancements to existing legislation to ensure compliance with EU laws and regulations, in particular with Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the annual financial statements.

Focus Areas

Study on Accounting Regulation for Business Combinations

Publication | 2014

This study is available in both English and Polish and includes an analysis of domestic and international accounting standards applicable to business combinations. It also features a review of literature available on the subject as well as practical information and case studies. In conclusion, the report proposes enhancements to existing legislation to ensure compliance with EU laws and regulations, in particular with Directive 2013/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on the annual financial statements.

Focus Areas