The World Bank's chief financial officer is set to give council finance chiefs the inside track on changes in international accounting. At a time when the global financial system is under extreme pressure due to the credit crunch Tony Hegarty, will use the International Seminar at CIPFA's conference in Brighton on 17 June to reveal how the World Bank is rising to the challenge. Reforms in international accounting standards following the Enron scandal in the United States were intended to improve transparency. But the credit crunch has brought fresh questions about government finances and their response to the crisis. And in the UK concern has been raised over the accounting performance of some parts of the public sector, particularly Primary Care Trusts in the health service. Despite reported improvements in public financial management, progress has been slower than expected and the desired improvements in governance remain elusive. Key sessions will also be held on shared services, financial reporting, lean systems, what makes organisations successful, comprehensive area assessments and local strategic partnerships. Mark Lowcock, director general of the country programme at the Department for International Development (DfID), will give delegates an overview of what CIPFA are doing abroad and to provide them practical ways they can help. CIPFA has worked with public service officials from 41 countries, including 12 in Africa. A spokesman from CIPFA said: ‘The international seminar has had a very big response. CIPFA is leading new thinking into how public sector professionals with key roles in international standard setting and ethical practice, as well as in grass roots capacity development, can play a more effective role.' To find out more go to www.cipfa.org.uk
