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IPSAS Adoption Checklist for Ministries of Finance

A 12-point checklist covering the steps you must complete before going live with accrual IPSAS. Drawn from engagements across the Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

What is in the checklist

  1. Lock the data model — chart of accounts mapped to IPSAS line items before any system change.
  2. Inventory the standards in scope — first-time adoption uses IPSAS 33 plus the standards effective in your transition year.
  3. Identify exemptions you will use under IPSAS 33 — and the deadlines for closing each one.
  4. Capture the opening balance — measurement basis decided per asset class.
  5. Decide your transition disclosures — reconciliation from previous basis to IPSAS.
  6. Map your IFMIS to the new line items — including budget line mapping (IPSAS 24).
  7. Train preparers and reviewers — minimum 40 hours per finance officer.
  8. Document accounting policies — short-form policy manual approved by the CFO.
  9. Walk through one full reporting cycle in parallel — old basis and IPSAS side-by-side.
  10. Get audit pre-engagement — auditor sign-off on opening balances before going live.
  11. Set the cut-over date — and the date by which all amendments must be closed.
  12. Plan the post-implementation review — month 6 and month 12.