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TOPIC: Descriptive comparison of the government accounting systems of Costa Rica and Panama

In the particular case of Latin American countries, research on Related to government accounting has been scarce and even more so in the Central American region. Therefore, the present research is important because it contributes to To fill this gap by comparing, in a descriptive way, government accounting systems in these countries. In this sense, we have proposed and applied a comparison methodology Descriptive that is singularized in a concrete reality, as it is the case of the countries in way Of development such as those that concern us. There is no evidence that for the Modernization of the accounting regulations of the countries analyzed, have been involved in Representatives of the academic sector, colleges or professional associations and audit firms External. Taking into account the important role that these actors have played in Similar in other geographical areas, we consider it important that those responsible for these Processes consider the possibility of incorporating such sectors in the working groups. Government accounting systems in these countries have a Public, that is to say, besides responding to the needs of control and compliance with the Legislation, have become a means to make available to other users Of the public sector. In addition, there is a common orientation in most Reforms in accounting systems: the introduction of more informative and Next to the business model. This process, although certainly slow, can be As an indicator of a tendency of natural approach between the different systems of Government accounting, an approximation that occurs through convergence towards a Common reference point: the IFAC IPSAS. In general, the annual financial statements presented by both countries, although Approach to what is recommended by the IPSAS, it is considered that they do not reach the Of such international regulations. There is still much room for improvement, especially in terms of Information to be included in the notes to the financial statements, and therefore require Important changes affecting not only states and notes as such, but also Its contents.

Product of the comparison of the detailed information in the financial statements Presented in the annual reports of these countries in relation to what is established in IPSAS 1, That the main concern of the government authorities has focused In the presentation of financial information, as in the case of the Financial performance, on the other hand, non-financial information, as is the case with Management indicators, receives little attention in terms of disclosure. Information and communication technologies, specifically the Internet, have been Become an important tool for governments in the Establish a channel of communication with its citizens that allows, among others, the surrender Accountability and improved government transparency. In spite of the incipient legislation in InterSedes. Vol. XI. (20-2010) 70-95. ISSN: 2215-2458 90 The countries studied in respect of the Administration's obligation to disclose information of Financial and budgetary nature through their websites, some Advances to make at least part of this information available to citizens. So by For example, both countries make financial statements available to citizens, Of the respective websites of the ministries of finance or finance, as appropriate. TO In spite of the similarities from the geographical, socio-economic and socio-economic Political, the fact is that the government accounting systems of these countries show a Level of heterogeneity, particularly in relation to Accounting and human capital regulation.