As the Public Sector Accounting (PSA) Handbook continues to evolve at a rapid pace, users of public sector accounting standards may find it difficult to keep up. This course provides a review of sections in the PSA Handbook that have recently been implemented or will soon come into effect. Furthermore, this course examines pending sections along with ongoing key projects and activities of the PSA Board. Finally, there is a look at emerging issues in public sector accounting and potential future projects. In order to relate the course to real life, the session will provide background information and examples to assist participants understand these changes.

This course is being offered to:

• Improve general awareness of the changes to the PSA Handbook allowing participants to better position themselves to plan for the changes and to advise others. 
• Provide real life examples and scenarios that will allow participants to engage in meaningful discussions to help clarify concepts with the assistance of others.

Topics Include:

• Overview of Upcoming Standards
  • The new Conceptual Framework
  • PS 1202 – Financial Statement Presentation
  • Employee benefits
• Update on current projects underway: 
  • Government not-for-profit strategy 
  • Intangibles  and Cloud Computing Costs
• Overview of recently implemented standards:
  • PS 3280 – Asset Retirement Obligations
  • PS 3160 – Public Private Partnership
  • PS 3400 – Revenue
• Other upcoming plans and emerging issues
  • PSAB’s 5-year plan, and current workplan
  • Potential PSA projects & emerging public sector issues including sustainability reporting
  • Summary of recent PSADG meetings since 2024 

NOTE: This course description has been revised and reflects updates for 2025. If you have any questions, please contact pdevents@cpaontario.ca.

Unlock learning anytime, anywhere with the Blackboard Learn app

Seamlessly access your on demand courses, assignments, and get PD hours on the go. Learn how to download now and elevate your education experience with the convenience of mobile learning.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Provide participants with an overview of the new and pending PSAS sections with an understanding of how such standards relate to existing PSA Handbook sections.
• Create awareness surrounding the current PSAB projects so participants can decide what projects they may want to provide stakeholder feedback on to the PSAB and staff.
• Walkthrough examples and exercises with the participants so the material can be used as a future resource when applying the standards in practice.
• Make participants aware of emerging issues in public sector accounting and reporting, so that they can understand the impact to them, and provide feedback to PSAB on areas of interest.