The Association of Educational Accountants (AEA), Volta Region, has called for continuous professional development and stronger internal controls as the education sector transitions towards the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

The Chairman of the AEA, Volta Region, Divine Ferg Afedo said the association organised a capacity-building workshop to equip members with the knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the transition to IPSAS.

He said the changing financial management environment required education accountants to continuously update their knowledge and develop the competencies necessary to meet emerging professional demands.

“This workshop was therefore designed to expose participants to relevant knowledge and practical approaches that would strengthen financial governance within educational institutions,” he said.

“I urged members to apply the knowledge acquired to their daily work and contribute to improved accountability and prudent management of school resources in our various schools,” he added. 

The Regional Accountant of GES, John Baptist Aidoo, said IPSAS adoption should not be treated merely as an accounting or financial reporting exercise.

He indicated that the transition should form part of a broader transformation of public financial management, requiring changes in professional attitudes, systems and institutional practices.

Mr Aidoo urged education accountants to continuously upgrade their professional skills and strengthen internal controls to ensure value for money in the use of public resources.

“Effective internal controls were necessary to prevent financial leakages, improve accountability and ensure that funds allocated to schools were used for their intended purposes and we must apply all that will happen during this four days capacity building,” he indicated.

He further encouraged financial officers to embrace professional development and remain abreast of changes in public sector accounting standards.

“The successful implementation of IPSAS would require collective commitment from accountants, school authorities and other stakeholders to promote transparency, efficiency and responsible financial management within the education sector,” Mr Aidoo said. 

Meanwhile, as part of the capacity building , the association will elect new executives to lead the association.