By Nick Mann | 4 March 2013

Ian Ball has taken up a new voluntary role as a principal adviser to the International Federation of Accountants after stepping down as chief executive of the global accountancy organisation.

Ball was at the helm of IFAC for more than ten years before leaving last month to be replaced by former World Bank executive Fayez Choudhury.

Following his departure from the chief executive role, Ball will also represent IFAC as a member of its board and as chair of the Working Group of the International Integrated Reporting Council.

In a statement issued on Friday, IFAC highlighted the ‘remarkable growth’ Ball had overseen in the organisation’s presence, outreach and global influence during a turbulent period for both the accountancy profession and the global economy.

He was a particularly strong advocate for transparency in government management and financial reporting and also called for greater convergence of global professional standards, it noted.

‘It was a real privilege to lead IFAC during a period of great challenge and great opportunity for the global accountancy profession,’ Ball commented. ‘As integrated reporting receives more and more attention and the IIRC continues to make significant progress, I am looking forward to focusing on these new endeavours and working with the IIRC and IFAC.’

Warren Allen, president of IFAC, added: ‘As the chief executive of IFAC during a critical time for the international profession, Ian Ball’s leadership has served as a catalyst for a decade of momentum and achievement.

‘Thanks to Ian Ball, as a global organisation, IFAC has never been better positioned as an authoritative, highly respected voice on global economic issues.’

To read Public Finance International’s exclusive interview with Ball’s successor, Fayez Choudhury, click here.