Public Sector and Not-For-Profit Accounting Special Interest Group

AIMS

The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) of AFAANZ provide a valuable service to members through the recognition and facilitation of the special interests of members. The mission of the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit (PSNFPA) is to provide services to members that enhance the interaction among those with common specialist interests to assist in the fulfilment of the mission of AFAANZ.

Members of the PSNFPA comprise experienced and well-published academics, early and mid-career academics and higher degree research students. Members include those with interests in all aspects of accounting, accountability, auditing, governance, and performance management in public and not-for-profit sectors.

The aims of the public sector and not-for-profit accounting (PSNFPA) Special Interest Group are:

•  To facilitate research by its members into public sector and not-for-profit accounting via peer review of research grants applications.

• To provide services to members that enhance interaction among those with public sector and not-for-profit interests through face-to-face meetings, e-mails, electronic publications and other activities.

• To provide research development and academic support to members through peer review of their working papers for journal submissions.

• To help establish links with academics, practitioners and institutions, locally and internationally, with similar interests.

• To assist the AFAANZ annual doctoral colloquium initiative by encouraging public sector and not-for-profit HDR students to attend the AFAANZ colloquium.

• To do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above aims.

AFAANZ 2026 Public Sector and Not-for-Profit Accounting Interest Group (SIG 6)

Beyond Financial Statements: The Expanding Landscape of Public and NFP Reporting

Venue: Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, Australia
Date: Sunday 5 July 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Join us at the AFAANZ 2026 Conference in Melbourne for the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit Special Interest Group SIG 6 Symposium.

This year’s theme explores the expanding landscape of reporting in the public sector and not-for-profit sectors. While financial statements remain central to accountability, organisations are increasingly expected to communicate a broader picture of their performance, impact, sustainability, service outcomes and stakeholder value.

This session will bring together researchers, standard setters and professional bodies to discuss how public sector and NFP reporting frameworks are evolving, and how academic research can inform future developments in accounting standards, policy and practice.

Expert Panel Discussion

Gain insights from leading academics, standard setters and professional representatives on the future of public sector and NFP reporting. The panel will explore emerging developments in service performance reporting, sustainability-related disclosures, impact and outcomes reporting, assurance, stakeholder accountability, and the role of research in shaping policy and standard-setting.

Confirmed Panel Members

	Emeritus Professor James Guthrie Macquarie University A globally influential scholar in public sector accounting, auditing, accountability, social and environmental accounting, and performance measurement. Professor Guthrie has published more than 250 journal articles and 60 book chapters, presented at over 400 national and international events, and co-edited 22 public sector management and accounting books. He is Joint Founding Editor of Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal and a founding member of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research.
	Dr Sabine Schuhrer Senior Manager, Australian Accounting Standards Board Dr Sabine Schuhrer is a Senior Manager at the AASB, focusing on not-for-profit public and private sector reporting standards. She brings extensive experience in public sector accounting, auditing, research and education, gained through previous roles at the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance and the University of Adelaide.
	Maggie Man Australian Accounting Standards Board Maggie Man joined the AASB in 2021 and works on the Not-for-Profit Financial Reporting Framework project. She brings practical regulatory and compliance experience from her previous roles at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and the Australian Taxation Office.
	Nimash Bhikha Technical Director, External Reporting Board, New Zealand Nimash Bhikha is Technical Director at New Zealand’s External Reporting Board. He has over 15 years of experience in financial reporting and auditing and leads the development of accounting standards that shape corporate transparency in New Zealand. His previous roles include Senior Audit Inspector at the Financial Reporting Council in the UK and advisory roles with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
	Ram Subramanian Interim Head of Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia Ram Subramanian oversees CPA Australia’s advocacy, thought leadership and external communications activities across key issues affecting CPA Australia’s membership and the broader accounting profession. He previously led CPA Australia’s external reporting and audit and assurance policy activities and has senior public practice experience in the United Kingdom.

Research Presentations and Panel Feedback

Selected SIG 6 members will present their current studies, early-stage research or research proposals. The expert panel will provide constructive feedback on how to strengthen these projects for academic contribution, policy relevance and practical impact.

Why Attend?

This symposium is an opportunity to connect with leading scholars, standard setters and professional bodies working at the forefront of public sector and NFP reporting. Join us to explore how accounting research can contribute to more meaningful, transparent and accountable reporting frameworks.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and contribute to the future of public sector and not-for-profit accounting research.

Click HERE to register!

Forum

Each year the SIG holds a forum prior to the AFAANZ Conference. The SIG Annual General Meeting is held at the conclusion of the Forum. 

Elected Officers

Contact

For more information on the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit (PSNFPA)SIG please contact Ushi Ghoorah at ushi.gh@westernsydney.edu.au

MEMBERSHIP

To become a member of the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit (PSNFPA) Special Interest Group you will first need to become a member of AFAANZ. The fee for AFAANZ membership is AU$148.50 including GST for applicants residing in Australia and AU$135 for applicants residing outside Australia. Note that membership is based on a calendar year.

The fee for the Public Sector and Not-for-Profit (PSNFPA) Special Interest Group is AU$22 including GST for applicants residing in Australia and AU$20 for applicants residing outside Australia.