Adoption Enhancing Program and Performance Budgeting in the Higher Education Sector in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq through the Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards and Government Financial Statistics Manual

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the practical dimensions of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Government Financial Statistics Manual (GFSM), and Program and performance budgeting in the higher education sector in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among practicing accountants, auditors, and specialized academic professionals in the higher education sector. The survey aimed to test the relationship between the study variables and determine the degree of compatibility between the opinions of academics and professionals regarding the application of these variables. To evaluate and analyze the study variables, a descriptive survey method was employed, and statistical analysis tools were used to analyze the collected data. A special survey list was prepared for this purpose to investigate the opinions of a random sample of professionals and academic specialists in the field of accounting and auditing. An inferential statistical method was also adopted to test the study hypotheses, which consisted of three main hypotheses. The study findings indicate that the integrated application of IPSAS and GFSM is essential and beneficial for adopting Program and performance budgeting in the higher education sector in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.