Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel

Member | Established: 1931 | Member since 1977

ICPAI is the nation’s professional accountancy organization (PAO) uniting and supporting the accountancy profession throughout Israel. In July 1948, the forefather to ICPAI, the Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors in Israel was recognized by the Israeli government as the sole body that would represent the accounting profession in the country. Today, ICPAI’s membership is voluntary and is comprised of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) licensed by the Auditing Council as well as other accountancy professionals.

The Institute undertakes a variety of functions including: serving its members and developing the profession in Israel, advancing the accounting profession, developing and setting professional accounting and auditing standards, issuing and enforcing ethical rules, and strengthening the public confidence.

The ICPAI is a founding Member of IFAC as well as a member of Accountancy Europe and the Federation des Experts Comptables Mediterranees (FCM).

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Statements of Membership Obligation (SMO)

The Statements of Membership Obligations form the basis of the IFAC Member Compliance Program. They serve as a framework for credible and high-quality professional accountancy organizations focused on serving the public interest by adopting, or otherwise incorporating, and supporting implementation of international standards and maintaining adequate enforcement mechanisms to ensure the professional behavior of their individual members.

Methodology
Last updated: 09/2021
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SMO Action Plan

Status of Fulfillment by SMO

• SMO 1: Quality Assurance

  ICPAI is not responsible for Quality Assurance (QA) reviews, with the responsibility for inspections held by the Israeli Oversight Board (IOB). Reviews are mandatory for all Certified Public Accountant (CPA) firms that audit the financial statements of public and reporting companies. Other firms may voluntarily opt into the QA system for review. In its 2020 SMO Action Plan, ICPAI indicates that the system is mostly in line with SMO 1. As of the date of this assessment, ICPAI reports that the only gap that remains is that QA reviews only apply to firms that audit listed companies.

  As an auditing standard-setter, ICPAI has adopted the Israeli Auditing Statement # 67 "Guidelines in Respect of Quality Review in Certified Public Accounting Firms". The Committee for Auditing Statements of ICPAI adopted ISQC 1 in 2020.

  ICPAI on an annual basis holds a quarterly meeting with the Board of Directors of the IOB to receive a detailed and thorough report on the quality assurance reviews and publishes a summary of the report on the Institute’s website.

  Recognizing that ICPAI is not directly responsible for QA reviews, the institute is strongly encouraged to work with IOB to address the gap that was identified in alignment at the jurisdiction level.

  Furthermore, the new suite of Quality Management standards that will become effective in 2022 will require significant change management for regulators and firms. To prepare auditors in the jurisdiction for the implementation of the standards, ICPAI is encouraged to closely follow the developments and publication of implementation support materials, raise awareness of its members about the forthcoming change, and update its educational programming to ensure that its members are sufficiently prepared for the application of the standards once they become effective.

  Current Status: Review & Improve

• SMO 2: International Education Standards

  The Israeli legislator is responsible for passing the relevant laws and regulations related to initial professional education of professional accountants. There are no requirements for continuing professional development (CPD). ICPAI reports that it uses its best endeavors to promote to the regulator to pass laws and regulations in accordance with the International Education Standards (IESs); however, no specific activities have been indicated.

  Accountancy education programs are administered by the universities which are under the academic supervision of the Israeli Council for Higher Education (CHEI) and the professional supervision of the Auditors' Council. The ICPAI maintains members on the Auditors’ Council and reports that they are actively involved working to support the incorporation of IESs in university accountancy education. However, as of the time of the writing of this report, the extent of alignment of university accountancy education with 2019 IES is not clear.

  A key area of deviation from the IESs exists in the lack of requirements for CPD attainment in Israel for CPA license holders. ICPAI indicates that it supported proposed legislation that would require continuing professional education for all licensed CPAs. However, it is not clear whether this legislation has been passed.

  There is no requirement for ICPAI members to undertake CPD either. ICPAI maintains a voluntary program of CPD for its members and records, monitors, and verifies member participation. In 2015, ICPAI began a program of offering recognition for (incentivizing) participation in voluntary CPD offerings and providing certificates of achievement to members with a high degree of participation in CPD programs.

  ICPAI established the Institute for Continuing Professional Education and Certificate Programs in 2003 to offer CPD programs and undertakes development of seminars, conferences and trainings on a variety of subjects through this Institute in order to ensure offering of relevant courses / activities.

  ICPAI should establish plans to collaborate with other stakeholders involved in the education of professional accountants in the jurisdiction to conduct a review of the national requirements against those of the 2019 IES, raise awareness about the requirements of IES as well as the need to bring the national educational requirements in line with IES to the relevant authorities. The IES Checklist and the Accountancy Education E-Tool developed by IFAC may be used to conduct an assessment and to consider available implementation support materials. Subsequent steps should include updating ICPAI’s continuing professional development programs to ensure they are in line with 2019 IES and working with education providers and universities to ensure that their programs are in line with IES, among other activities. Additionally, as CPD is not mandatory for all CPAs, ICPAI should consider mandating its members to undertake CPD. Also, ICPAI should provide a status update on its efforts to promote legislation requiring CPD attainment for CPA licensure in Israel and any new or revised timetables for expected passage.

  Current Status: Consider

• SMO 3: International Standards on Auditing

  Auditors Regulations (ways of the Auditor's Practice) 5715-1973 grant authority to the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel (ICPAI) to set auditing standards to be used in all audits.

  ICPAI maintains an Israel Auditing Standards Committee, responsible for a variety of standard setting activities, including the ongoing review and recommendation for adoption of International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) Pronouncements, modifications to ISA to ensure applicability to the Israeli context, and review and examination of translations into Hebrew.

  ICPAI has issued 9 standards that are based on the Clarified ISA (ISA 560, 230, 200, 320, 450, 580,250 and 220), and is in the process of adopting 8 other ISA relating to the Auditor’s Report (700 series).

  ICPAI supports implementation of Israeli Auditing Standards through its Institute for Continuing Professional Education and Certificate Programs, which has conducted several seminars about implementing auditing standards. ICPAI plans to provide ongoing seminars about future new standards and updates and improve its offerings on a continual basis.

  Additionally, ICPAI disseminates information about national and international standards through its website, newsletter, and other communication means.

  ICPAI is encouraged to provide additional information regarding the rationale and modifications made to ISA in order to adapt to the Israeli context and whether there are plans to fully align auditing requirements with the currently effective ISA (the 2018 Handbook became fully effective in December 2019 and includes revised standards ISA 250 and 540). As there have been delays in the program of developing a full set of auditing standards within Israel it would be helpful to understand the reasons for delays. Finally, ICPAI is encouraged to comment on the Proposed International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE) Exposure Draft (due January 31, 2022).

  Current Status: Consider

• SMO 4: Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

  In Israel, ethical standards are set by two bodies: the Ministry of Justice (through its promulgation of Regulations) and the rules of Ethical behavior as set by the ICPAI according to its Article of Association (ICPAI Rules). There is no indication that both sets of requirements incorporate those of the 2020 IESBA Code.

  The ICPAI maintains an Ethics Committee, which provides explanations, guidance and opinions concerning ethical matters to ICPAI members or others. The Ethics Committee supervises the implementation of the ICPAI Rules and makes its recommendations to the Board of Directors of actions to impose said rules. Matters of significance are brought to the members' knowledge by ICPAI publications.

  Although ICPAI reports that it promotes the convergence with the IESBA Code of Ethics within the Ministry of Justice and the other regulatory authorities, no specific actions or concrete plans have been indicated. Similarly, an update is needed on ICPAI’s plans to review the Rules of the ICPAI and undertake gap analysis against the IESBA Code of Ethics. ICPAI has noted this as ongoing effort since 2011.

  The 2020 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants is now available and includes the following changes: Revisions to Part 4B of the Code to reflect terms and concepts used in the IAASB's International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised). Revised Part 4B and the related conforming amendments to the Glossary came into effect in June 2021. Revisions to promote the role and mindset expected of professional accountants. These revisions are to Sections 100, 110, 120, 220 and the Glossary to the Code and will come into effect in December 2021. These changes can be accessed using the IESBA eCode and ICPAI is encouraged to raise awareness of the changes among its membership. Finally, ICPAI is encouraged to show activities aimed at supporting members with the implementation of the ethical requirements.

  Current Status: Consider

• SMO 5: International Public Sector Accounting Standards

  Although ICPAI has no direct role in IPSAS adoption, the institute reports that it supports the education and training of professionals in the area of IPSASs and public financial management through technical conferences and CPD offerings.

  ICPAI also offers a technical support hotline which allows members to make inquiries on technical matters, including public sector accounting and auditing. In addition, members may request written replies from ICPAI’s technical department.

  ICPAI is encouraged to update IFAC regarding the status of IPSAS adoption in country – previous efforts at adoption have included the adoption of 22 of the IPSAS standards.

  Current Status: Review & Improve

• SMO 6: Investigation and Discipline

  Investigation and discipline (I&D) of professional accountants in Israel is addressed by both the Auditors' Council and the ICPAI. The Auditors Council addresses all complaints concerning breaches of professional misconduct or breaches of ethical requirements as stated in the Auditors Law and Regulations.

  ICPAI maintains its own Disciplinary Tribunal which has the authority to administer sanctions against members violating its Rules. The Ethics Committee recommends and issues an appeal, subject to the Board of Director's approval, to the ICPAI Disciplinary Tribunal against a member violating ICPAI Rules.

  The Disciplinary Tribunal is an institution formed according to the ICPAI Articles of Association which is binding for its membership. If the ICPAI internal court finds a member guilty of violating ICPAI rules, it may impose a variety of different sanctions up to and including expulsion from membership.

  ICPAI raises awareness of I&D by embedding the requirements within the framework of ICPAI conferences and professional development courses, initiated, organized or sponsored by the ICPAI.

  ICPAI requires each new member to sign a written declaration stipulating adherence to the code and commitment according to the Ethical code and other professional standards, rules and requirements.

  ICPAI completed a self-assessment of its I&D system and while its procedures are largely aligned with SMO 6 requirements, there are some gaps in areas of public interest considerations and initiation of proceedings. Specifically, ICPAI reports that QA reviews are not linked to the I&D system, and not all results of the investigative and disciplinary proceedings are made available to the public.

  ICPAI is encouraged to report on how it aims to address the gaps that were identified in alignment with SMO 6 requirements.

  Current Status: Review & Improve

• SMO 7: International Financial Reporting Standards

  With no responsibility for the adoption of private sector accounting standards, ICPAI reports that it supports the Israeli Accounting Standards Board (IIASB), which has partially adopted IFRS, in analyzing reporting needs of private companies. In coordination with the IIASB, ICPAI planned to conduct a study of the implementation of IFRS for SMEs worldwide. However, it is not clear whether the study has been conducted.

  ICPAI promotes on an ongoing basis awareness of changes in IFRSs and financial reporting requirements to ICPAI membership through ICPAI professional development courses, conferences, and professional publications.

  As previous communications have noted joint ICPAI / IIASB research on the implementation of IFRS for SMEs worldwide, it is requested that ICPAI provide IFAC with status update and any related reports (if available in English) that have resulted from these efforts. Finally, if it does not already do so, ICPAI may also wish to consider participating in the international standard-setting process by coordinating with the IIASB to submit comments to exposure drafts issued by the IASB.

  Current Status: Review & Improve

Disclaimer

IFAC bears no responsibility for the information provided in the SMO Action Plans prepared by IFAC member organizations. Please see our full Disclaimer for additional information.