Accounting Standards and Compliance Course

Course Overview
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and public sector institutions are held to high standards of financial accountability due to their stewardship of public and donor funds. The Accounting Standards and Compliance course equips finance professionals, program managers, and compliance officers with practical knowledge of accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting obligations specific to NGOs and public sector entities.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and donor-specific compliance frameworks, as well as essential internal controls, grant reporting requirements, and audit readiness practices. The course emphasizes the alignment of accounting practices with legal mandates, funder expectations, and internal accountability systems.
Through hands-on sessions, real-life examples, and compliance toolkits, participants will learn to ensure accurate financial reporting, avoid compliance pitfalls, and strengthen the financial governance of their institutions.
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Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand accounting principles and standards relevant to NGOs and the public sector.
•Apply IPSAS (and other relevant frameworks) in financial recording and reporting.
•Maintain compliance with donor, statutory, and regulatory financial requirements.
•Implement sound internal controls to safeguard funds and prevent misreporting.
•Prepare accurate financial reports for internal, donor, and external audit purposes.
•Promote transparency and accountability in financial operations.
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Target Audience
This course is designed for:
•Accountants and finance officers in NGOs and government institutions
•Compliance officers and internal auditors
•Grants managers and donor reporting staff
•Project and program managers involved in financial oversight
•Finance support teams in civil society, international development, and donor-funded programs
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Training Methodology
•Expert-led technical presentations and simplified explanations of standards
•Practical exercises in IPSAS-compliant accounting and donor reporting
•Real-world case studies and peer learning
•Compliance checklist development and audit readiness sessions
•Action planning for improved financial governance
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will gain the capacity to manage accounting and financial compliance with confidence. They will leave with tools and templates to meet internal and external financial standards, support audit processes, and enhance financial transparency in their organizations.