For immediate release 25 February 2002
NZer To Head International Accounting Body
New Zealand Chartered Accountant Dr Ian Ball has been appointed Chief Executive of the International Federation of
Accountants (IFAC).
Recognised as the international voice of the accountancy profession, IFAC represents over 150 accountancy bodies in 114
countries. Through its member bodies, it currently represents more than 2.4 million accountants in public practice,
industry and commerce, education, and government.
IFAC’s mission is to develop and enhance the profession to enable it to provide services of consistently high quality in
the public interest. As Chief Executive, Dr Ball will be responsible for providing IFAC’s strategic and management
direction, and will be based in IFAC’s New York office.
Dr Ball said his appointment was evidence of the high standing that New Zealand accounting had around the world.
“New Zealand has significant influence internationally; in the public sector area, through its role on the IFAC
education committee, and in international standard setting. This appointment is further evidence of the regard in which
we are held,” he said.
Dr Ball said that while the collapse of Enron meant he was taking up appointment at a challenging time for the
profession, the affair had emphasised the importance of high quality financial reporting and auditing. It also
reinforced the role of organisations such as IFAC in setting and enforcing standards for the profession internationally.
“What it has done is to underline the importance of good financial information and high quality, independent audits,” he
said. “One of IFAC’s jobs is to set the international standards, and it has already taken steps to address the issues
raised by the Enron collapse.”
Ralph Marshall, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand, said Dr Ball’s appointment was a
tribute to his abilities and the contribution he had made to the profession.
“Ian has immense experience, strong relationships with international organisations, and the demonstrated ability to
work with governments worldwide. I think he is an outstanding appointment and the Institute wishes him every success in
his new role”
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Dr Ball has previously been actively involved with IFAC, including serving as Chairman of the Public Sector Committee
(PSC). During his term as Chairman of the PSC, Dr Ball launched one of IFAC’s most significant initiatives – the Public
Sector Standards Project. This project is designed to enhance the accountability and financial management of governments
worldwide through the development of an authoritative set of independent financial reporting standards for government.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand, Dr Ball is currently Principal of Public Sector
Performance (NZ) Ltd, which he founded in 1995. The company specializes in the design and implementation of public
sector management systems and in customized public sector management training, and operates in New Zealand and overseas.
He also holds the position of Professor of Accounting and Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington, where he
teaches accounting and public management.
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