Public Sector Accounting is Evolving: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This research endeavors to examine the developmental trajectory and uncover the intellectual framework underpinning the literature on Public Sector Accounting through a bibliometric methodology. Drawing on an extensive search of the Scopus database, 553 documents published over the period spanning 1985 to 2026 were retrieved and analyzed. From an export of 553 records, 159 documents with complete bibliographic metadata, spanning 1982 to 2026, were analyzed for publication trends, leading sources, productive authors, contributing countries, citation impact, and the co-occurrence of thematic terms. The findings demonstrate a marked upward trend in scholarly output over the past two decades, with academic discourse predominantly concentrated within prominent outlets such as Public Money and Management and Financial Accountability and Management. Through keyword co-occurrence analysis, four principal thematic clusters were identified within the corpus of literature: (1) the implementation and accompanying challenges of accrual-based accounting, (2) issues of public accountability and transparency, (3) the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and (4) the transition from New Public Management (NPM) toward public value and sustainability reporting. These findings indicate a discernible shift in research emphasis—away from reforms oriented purely toward managerial efficiency and toward governance frameworks grounded in trust and harmonized reporting practices. By furnishing a structured synthesis of the existing literature and highlighting avenues for future investigation, this study offers meaningful value to scholars, policymakers, and standard-setting bodies engaged with public sector accounting.

Keywords: Public Sector Accounting; Accrual Accounting; Accountability; IPSAS; New Public Management