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This study examines the feasibility of Differential Reporting in Brazil's small- and medium-sized public sector entities to balance global harmonisation with local needs. The global standards, while providing a framework for harmonisation, often require adaptations to meet diverse local conditions effectively. Through a comprehensive survey involving over 2,000 local government accountants and interviews with professionals in Brazil, the research investigates the factors influencing IPSAS implementation. Key findings suggest that localised Differential Reporting could be a practical strategy to maintain global harmonisation while addressing local issues, underscoring the necessity of adapting these global standards to local contexts to address unique local challenges without compromising global accounting principles. The study highlights the potential revival of the IPSAS Lite project, emphasising the need for standards that balance global principles with local applicability. The outcomes highlight key challenges and opportunities in IPSAS implementation, showing that while IPSAS offers a uniform framework, its success in local settings depends on regulatory bodies' willingness to adapt and implement these standards in ways that reflect local financial and operational realities. This adaptation is crucial for sustaining local relevancy while achieving global harmonisation, particularly in environments with varying resource availability and infrastructural support. This research contributes to the broader discourse on public sector accounting and ongoing discussions on Differential Reporting and potential reliefs beneficial for smaller entities, highlighting the critical role of tailored approaches in the broader implementation of IPSAS.