The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has selected Ms. Sheila Fraser of Canada and Dr. Andreas Bergmann of Switzerland as the 2024 recipients of the IFAC Global Leadership, recognizing their outstanding contributions to public sector accounting.

Ms. Sheila Fraser

Sheila Fraser is highly respected for her pioneering work in public sector auditing and governance. She is a former Auditor General of Canada and was the first woman to hold this position. During her tenure, she set new benchmarks for transparency and accountability in government financial management. Fraser’s efforts focused on promoting ethical governance and strengthening public sector accountability across Canada, making her a globally recognized advocate for financial integrity.

Fraser also contributed her expertise internationally, serving on several key advisory groups and boards. She has been an influential voice on global public sector finance issues, particularly as a member of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). She served as the IFRS Foundation Vice-Chair and as an IFAC Board Member, as well as serving in various other international audit forums where her insights have helped shape public sector auditing standards and practices around the world.

Her career has been marked by a dedication to fostering trust in public institutions and a commitment to rigorous financial oversight, which continues to inspire financial professionals globally.

"It is a great honor to present this award to Sheila, whose career has been a beacon of integrity and accountability," said IFAC President Asmâa Resmouki. "Through her exemplary leadership as Auditor General of Canada and her invaluable contributions on the international stage, Sheila has tirelessly championed transparency and good governance in the public and private sectors. Her unwavering commitment to public interest and financial stewardship continues to inspire professionals across the globe and strengthens the foundation of trust in our profession."

Dr. Andreas Bergmann

Dr. Andreas Bergmann, Director and Professor of Public Finance at the ZHAW School of Management and Law in Zurich, is a prominent figure in advancing public sector finance and governance. As the inaugural Chair of the IPSASB Academic Advisory Group, he fosters collaboration between academic research and international standard-setting bodies to tackle emerging public finance issues, such as sustainability reporting. Dr. Bergmann has also played a crucial role in supporting the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in various regions, including Latin America, through partnerships with organizations like the Swiss aid agency SECO.

Beyond his academic contributions, Dr. Bergmann is recognized for his leadership as the former Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) from 2010 to 2015. During this time, he strengthened global trust in public sector accounting standards, particularly in response to the sovereign debt crisis, and through leading the development of the ground-breaking Conceptual Framework, which has shaped all of the Board’s subsequent standard-setting work. He was also instrumental in establishing the Public Interest Committee (PIC), which has actively provided advice and recommendations concerning the development and delivery of the IPSASB strategy and work program to ensure that the Board’s activities, the appointment process for its members, and its standard-setting due processes all reflect the public interest. His advisory work extends across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and particularly Latin America, helping governments improve financial transparency and governance. Dr. Bergmann has also authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and books, contributing to best practices in public sector accounting worldwide.

"I am honored to present this award to Andreas, a visionary leader whose work has transformed public sector finance globally," said IFAC President Asmâa Resmouki. "From his leadership during challenging economic times as Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) to his continued advocacy for public sector transparency and governance reforms, Andreas has had a lasting impact on the profession. His commitment to enhancing global standards and fostering public trust is exemplary, and his contributions will continue to shape the future of public finance."

Established in 2017 by the IFAC Board, the IFAC Global Leadership Award in Honor of Robert Sempier recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to the global accountancy profession. The award honors the contributions of Robert Sempier, IFAC’s first executive director who greatly contributed to the development of the profession worldwide.

The Global Leadership Award was presented during IFAC’s Council meeting, held on November 6, 2024.

About IFAC

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The global search for the next International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) Chair is underway, led by the independent Search Committee (Search Committee) established by the Public Interest Committee and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

The global accountancy profession, through the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), is urging G20 leaders to focus on sustainability, transparency, and governance as the 2030 deadline for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaches.

A new publication, G20 Call to Action 2024: Building a Just World & a Sustainable Planet, underscores the essential role high-quality sustainability information, reporting and assurance play in achieving global sustainability targets. IFAC calls for G20 leadership in fostering a comprehensive ecosystem of sustainability reporting and assurance, grounded in international standards and supported by strong corporate governance practices.

A Focus on Sustainability and Governance

The Brazilian G20 Presidency highlights the importance of sustainability across climate, environmental, and governance dimensions—and the profession’s Call to Action aligns with this focus. It urges G20 leaders to adopt the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s recently approved International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountant’s forthcoming ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance.

“As the 2030 deadline rapidly approaches, balancing environmental and societal priorities has never been more urgent,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer Lee White. “Professional accountants, with their unique skills, experience, and public interest mandate, are driving the creation of a sustainable future. We’ve already seen policymakers, businesses, and society aligning with us to pursue these common goals, and we welcome the expansion of these crucial partnerships.”

Key Recommendations for G20 Policymakers

• Promote Trust Through High-Quality Information: Advocate for a global framework built on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and ISSA 5000 for assurance.
• Enhance Public Sector Transparency: Support the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) in developing global public sector sustainability standards.
• Strengthen Public Financial Management: Encourage governments to adopt accrual accounting and professionalize public finance to boost transparency.
• Support SMEs in Sustainable Development: Ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have access to the tools and resources needed to contribute to sustainability efforts.

Accountancy Profession Taking Action

In parallel with these recommendations, the global accountancy profession is taking concrete steps to support sustainability and governance objectives, including advancing the adoption of sustainability reporting standards, enhanced corporate governance, and improved transparency across sectors. Professional accountants and firms are also preparing for the adoption of ISSA 5000, ensuring they meet evolving sustainability reporting needs.

In the public sector, IFAC is working with governments to implement accrual accounting and strengthen public financial management, enhancing accountability at all levels of government.

United for Global Progress: A Shared Responsibility for Sustainability

IFAC’s publication underscores that a just and sustainable planet is within reach, but only through collective action. “G20 policymakers must maintain their important momentum and seize this moment,” said Lee White. “The global accountancy profession is already moving forward, playing key roles in achieving the SDGs. We welcome the G20’s continued and increasing involvement. By adopting these recommendations and collaborating closely with the accountancy profession, we can build a sustainable future that leaves no one behind.”

About IFAC
IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global.

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition.

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and its Chief Executive Officer Lee White congratulate Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, on today’s announcement that Mr. Koziel has been named to succeed Barry Melancon, in January 2025, as Chief Executive Officer of the AICPA & CIMA.

Mr. White said: “I offer my personal congratulations to Mark on this significant appointment. Having had the opportunity to collaborate with Mark at many points in our respective careers, I very much look forward to continuing our work together, and to helping to ensure that the accountancy profession is truly global. 

“Mark’s creative and strategic leadership will be a strength of foundation to continue the constructive relationship that AICPA & CIMA and IFAC share. Together, and indeed with other members of our profession, we will continue to use our collective voice, connected learnings and commitment to the public interest to ensure a strong and vibrant profession.”

AICPA & CIMA, a champion of integrity and professional quality, is a longstanding and valued IFAC member, thanks in large part to the leadership of CEO Barry Melancon, who previously announced his intention to retire at the end of 2024.   

Mr. White continued, “I also wish to recognize Barry Melancon, and his truly incredible contributions to our profession. Barry’s commitment and vision have been unparalleled, and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of his life.”

About IFAC 

IFAC, by connecting and uniting its members, makes the accountancy profession truly global. 

IFAC member organizations are champions of integrity and professional quality, and proudly carry their membership as a badge of international recognition. 

IFAC and its members work together to shape the future of the profession through learning, innovation, a collective voice, and commitment to the public interest.

This report highlights that while sustainability reporting in these regions is rapidly improving and nearing the levels of G20 countries, the assurance of these reports continues to lag behind.

Key Findings from the Report

Today, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) released the third and final installment in its three-part publication series to help small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs) implement the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s (IAASB) suite of quality management standards. Installment Three: Monitoring and Remediation provides tips and guidance for the practical implementation of the monitoring and remediation of a firm’s system of quality management.  

Installment Three addresses: 

• The factors driving the nature, timing and extent of the monitoring activities. 
• The scope and outcome of monitoring activities to establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement.   
• Establishing a framework for evaluating findings, identifying deficiencies, and evaluating the severity and pervasiveness of deficiencies, which includes investigating root causes.   
• Responding to identified deficiencies and communication about monitoring and remediation.  
• The ongoing evaluation of the system of quality management.   

Installment Three includes multiple documentation aids covering annual monitoring and evaluation of the system of quality management, cyclical inspection of completed audits and other engagements and a monitoring and remediation report to assist practitioners. It also continues the case study introduced in the previous installments. 

Installment One of the series addressed the mindset change the new standards require and the shift in focus from quality control to quality management. Installment Two covered development of an implementation plan for quality management.  

This series joins IFAC’s collection of available resources that support quality management implementation, including webinars, articles and videos, as well as the IAASB first-time implementation guides, all of which are available at ifac.org/qualitymanagement. 

This publication series and other resources like it underscore IFAC’s commitment to supporting SMPs and empowering them to provide the best possible service to their clients. IFAC acknowledges and appreciates feedback from IFAC’s Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group and Forum of Firms representatives in the development of the series. 

About IFAC 
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 135 jurisdictions, representing millions of professional accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

The MENA Sustainability Forum is presented by IFAC in partnership with the Emirates Association for Accountants & Auditors. 

This is the third and final installment in a three-part publication series to help small- and medium-sized practices implement the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s new quality management standards. The IAASB’s suite of quality management standards were issued in December 2020 and came into effect in December 2022.

Installment Three: Monitoring and Remediation provides tips and guidance for the practical implementation of the monitoring and remediation of a firm’s system of quality management.