The Process of Modernization of the Public Accounting Systems in the Central American Countries

Abstract

With the purpose of increasing the quality of public financial information, improving decision-making, transparency and accountability processes, the countries of the Central American region have made substantial efforts to improve their governmental accounting systems. For this reason, most countries have chosen to implement the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) issued by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). This process has been enhanced by the impulse of international financial organizations that aim to these countries advancing their government financial management practices. In this context, the objective of this research is to define the IPSAS implementation processes in the countries of Central America as well as to analyze the main elements of the environment that are in favor or against this process, as indicated by Professor Lüder's Contingency Model.