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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Comparative Analysis Between Portugal and Spain

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This chapter comparatively analyzes Portugal and Spain in relation to the implementation of the IPSAS-based accounting system as two European continental countries embedded in the Napoleonic administrative tradition and considered “latecomers” in the NPM reforms. It adds knowledge about the differences in the harmonization process and in the operationalization of the new accounting system in these particular contexts. Main findings show that IPSAS and the IFRS-based business accounting system have been important references for the new public sector accounting system in both countries. On the other hand, although Spain is more experienced in operationalizing the new IPSAS-based accounting system, we find that the country adopts a more sceptical approach of the boundaries of the new standards than Portugal.