Press Release
The Government of Belize continues to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance through the successful implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Certification Programme within the Treasury Department.
IPSAS are globally recognized standards that enhance the quality, consistency, and comparability of public sector financial reporting. Their adoption enables governments to present a more complete and accurate picture of their financial position, including assets, liabilities, and long-term obligations, thereby improving overall public financial management.
The IPSAS–ACCA capacity-building programme was jointly conceptualized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Treasury Department following Belize’s participation in the 2024 Foro de Contadurías Gubernamentales de Latinoamérica (FOCAL) held in El Salvador. Building on discussions at the forum, both institutions collaborated to develop a structured initiative aimed at advancing Belize’s public financial management capabilities.
Launched in April 2025, the programme was delivered using a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual instruction. It consisted of a six-month instructional course followed by the ACCA IPSAS Certificate examination for officers who successfully completed the coursework. A total of twenty-two (22) Treasury officers, including the Accountant General, participated in the programme. The instructional phase concluded in October 2025, and participants sat the ACCA examination in December 2025, following completion of registration requirements.
At the programme’s certification ceremony held on Friday, January 30, 2026, in Belize City, Mr. Stephen Hall, ACCA’s representative in Belize and President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Belize (ICAB), described the initiative as a momentous achievement, noting that it is the first programme of its kind in Belize and the wider Caribbean region. He emphasized that the programme represents a significant advancement in technical capacity and professional training within the public sector.
Mrs. Teresita Miranda, Accountant General, highlighted the long-term impact of the programme, noting that “Implementing IPSAS within Treasury operations and financial statements will improve accuracy, comparability, and decision-making, while strengthening public trust.”
Hon. Henry Charles Usher, Minister of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, also underscored the broader national significance of the initiative, stating that “Strong public financial management is essential to national development and good governance. This programme equips our officers with internationally recognized skills that support better planning, oversight, and decision-making across the government.”
The Ministry of the Public Service and Disaster Risk Management commends the Treasury Department and its officers for their dedication to modernizing financial reporting and strengthening public financial management.
The post Belize Advances Public Financial Management Through IPSAS Certification Programme appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Press Release The Government of Belize continues to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance through the successful implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Certification Programme within the Treasury Department. IPSAS are globally recognized standards that enhance the quality, consistency, and comparability of public sector financial reporting. Their adoption enables governments to present
The post Belize Advances Public Financial Management Through IPSAS Certification Programme appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
