Public sector accounting contexts in the EPSAS change: a comparative study of Italy and Sweden

Abstract

Comparing Italy and Sweden, which are countries with different cultural and accounting traditions, this article focuses on the characteristics of their standard-setting processes for the public sector in order to evaluate their prerequisites for international harmonization. The recent attempt by European bodies to stimulate an international public sector accounting harmonization process, the European Public Sector Accounting Standards programme, requires that each country involved in the process assumes its position, taking into account a number of national factors and conditions. To this end, the research identifies the potential positive factors of a national public sector accounting standard-setting context that are favourable to international harmonization. While both countries differ in some respects, the study discusses how the ideal prerequisites can constitute a positive environment in which to implement international harmonization in the European context. Points for practitioners This comparative study identifies conditions to enhance an efficient and reliable national standard-setting process, summarizing the potential positive factors investigated in both countries. It argues that institutional arrangements and specific governance factors (a flexible legal system, efficient auditing, vertical harmonization, an inclusive and participative standard-setting process, and the maturity of accrual accounting) can support key actors in the public sector to react positively to international harmonization, with some emerging scepticism regarding the European Public Sector Accounting Standards programme.