CIPFA launches new Japanese branch

30 Sep 13
CIPFA today launched CIPFA Japan in what was hailed a ‘milestone’ in relations between the institute and Japan’s public sector and accounting communities.

By Vivienne Russell | 30 September 2013

CIPFA today launched CIPFA Japan in what was hailed a ‘milestone’ in relations between the institute and Japan’s public sector and accounting communities.

It is hoped that establishment of the new branch, which was marked by a signing ceremony at CIPFA’s London headquarters, will be a prelude to the roll out the CIPFA qualification in Japan.

The signatories were outgoing CIPFA chief executive Steve Freer and Professor Toshihiko Ishihara of Kwansei Gakuin University’s Institute of Business and Accounting. Ishihara will take on the role of president of CIPFA’s Japan branch.

Speaking to Public Finance International after the signing ceremony, Ishihara said there was no professional accountancy body in Japan focusing on public sector financial management.

Describing the current state of public financial management in Japan as ‘not good’, Ishihara noted that a cash rather than accruals basis was used in Japan’s local government budgetary systems.

‘They tend to think about this year’s problem, they don’t think about next year. There’s no planning, no strategy.’

The ‘major mission’ of CIPFA Japan was to establish a new title for finance professionals working in the Japanese public sector, he said. Ishihara said his aim was for 100 students to be working towards a CIPFA qualification in Japan next year, and 300 in 2015.

Freer told PF International that the establishment of CIPFA Japan was a ‘really important initiative for the institute to take’.

He said: ‘We’ve developed strong relationships with a group of people at Kwansei Gakuin University who are very keen to bring better public financial management to public services in Japan.’

Incoming CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman added that the formation of CIPFA Japan was a ‘very exciting development’.

He said: ‘We are particularly grateful for the leadership and support of Professor Ishihara and for the remarkable enthusiasm and commitment of his team.

‘Japan is a critically important economy and its government and public services face significant challenges. CIPFA relishes the opportunity to work with them to bring to bear the benefits of stronger public financial management.’

Other representatives of CIPFA Japan who attended the signing ceremony included Yuichiro Hanyu, director of the Japan Local Government Centre,Toru Sera, partner of Deloitte & Tohmatsu, Yasushi Maruyama of Gifu County Council and Naoki Inoue of Nara City Council.

 

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