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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to discuss the most relevant literature related to the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in the public sector in developed and developing countries, identifying the constraints and stimuli they represent in the implementation of the public accounting reform. It also presents future research proposals on the factors identified. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology is based on a systematic review of the literature described by Moher et al. (2009). The final sample includes 90 academic papers published from 2000 to 2022. Findings: The main findings indicate that there are differences between constraints and stimuli in the implementation of accounting standards between developed and developing countries. In terms of constraints, the main factor in developed countries is the lack of training, whereas in developing countries it is the limitation on financial resources. In addition, the results demonstrate that in developed countries the factors that most encourage the implementation of accounting standards are modernization and improvement of accounting, while in developing countries, encouragement comes mainly from external and internal pressure. Practical implications: This study helps countries and institutions to learn from experience and better prepare for the accounting reforms of public administration that they will undertake. Managers of public organizations may be willing to make decisions in the adoption of IPSAS if they take into account the factors established herein. Social implications: This study helps countries and institutions to learn from the experience, better prepare for the public administration accounting reforms that they will undertake and add greater transparency in the accountability of public accounts to citizens. Originality/value: In addition to previous studies, this study addresses a number of factors perceived by those involved in the implementation of IPSAS in developed and developing countries and provides a robust research agenda to pursue during the coming years, as there are several important unexplored questions that invite further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the company-related benefits expected by executives of public accounting companies consolidating accounting practices and the implications of these expectations for company performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case study approach involving the review of publicly available information and interviews with executives and senior professionals of two Australian, publicly-owned accounting companies. Analysis of the financial performance of the two companies was performed using data from annual reports. Findings – Executives predominantly expected to achieve revenue growth and efficiency benefits through consolidation and change in ownership form. In one of the cases these benefit expectations emerged over the course of the acquisition program. The paper highlights the difficulty in estimating and realising the magnitude, timing and associated costs of consolidation benefits and the consequences of failure to achieve expected benefits; also it suggests advantages in a more conservative consolidation approach. Research limitations/implications – Care is required generalising findings to other professions and other geographic jurisdictions. Practical implications – This paper has implications for entrepreneurs and executives consolidating professional service firms, partners considering selling their firms and investors in publicly-owned professional service firms. Originality/value – This is the first study to consider the benefits expected by executives of the recently emerged, publicly-owned accounting companies and the associated costs of implementation. The paper highlights opportunities for researchers provided by the availability of data for publicly-owned accounting and other professional service firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This study aims to examine the potential factors influencing the hiring decisions of experienced auditors in public accounting practices in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach – Multinomial logistic regression is used to analyze the survey data, which is the first time such an approach has been used in the literature. A total of 337 interview rating forms are collected in actual employment interviews from two Big 4 firms. Graves and Powell's hiring model is adapted to this Hong Kong study. Interpersonal attraction theory is employed to assist in analyzing the results. Findings – The results indicate that subjective qualifications have the highest explanatory power. Big 4 recruiters regard subjective qualifications as important considerations in the evaluation of experienced auditors. Interpersonal attraction is the second most important factor. These findings are consistent with the theory of interpersonal attraction. Perceived similarity and objective qualifications are also perceived as significant factors. Physical attractiveness, dress effect and gender are not found to be factors influencing the hiring decisions, in contrast to the findings of earlier literature in the USA. Originality/value – These findings indicate that recruiters would look for attributes other than those primarily based on objective qualifications. Job relevant skills, knowledge and demonstrated initiatives are important. The accounting profession could conduct more training programs for auditors to improve and demonstrate their "soft skills" in the interview process so as to enhance their chances of employment, particularly during a recessionary environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies analyze turnover in public accounting by focusing on why employees leave. None has discussed the critical question of why employees stay. The present article reports results from a survey of Big Eight public accounting employees who discussed their reasons for staying, and suggests approaches for improving retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]