Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España

In Spain, the Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is responsible for the adoption and implementation of the quality assurance (QA) review system for statutory auditors and audit firms. The jurisdiction’s QA system covers audits of both public interest entities (PIEs) and non-public interest entities. ICAC has also adopted the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1, ISQM 2, and International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 220 (Revised), adapted for application in Spain as NIGC 1-ES, NIGC 2-ES, and NIA-ES 220 (Revised).

The Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) continues to support implementation of the QA framework through its cooperation with ICAC and through its contribution to the national standard-setting process. Public information from ICAC confirms ICJCE’s participation in the working group responsible for the development and publication of auditing and quality control standards, as well as in the translation working group for the International Standards on Auditing.

To support implementation by its members, ICJCE has continued to provide technical resources and training on the quality management standards. ICJCE participated in the authorized Spanish translation of NIGC 1-ES and NIGC 2-ES, together with ICAC and the Consejo General de Economistas de España (CGE). ICJCE also delivered training on the new quality management standards, including a course on NIGC 1, NIGC 2, and NIA-ES 220 (Revised), and it maintains a current auditor portal that gives members access to the applicable NIA-ES and NIGC standards and related implementation materials.

These activities indicate that ICJCE maintains an ongoing process to support the implementation of QA requirements in the jurisdiction and to assist members in applying the current quality management standards in practice. On this basis, ICJCE continues to demonstrate well-established processes and a commitment to continuous improvement in fulfilling its SMO 1 obligations.

Current Status: Sustain

In Spain, Law 22/2015 on Auditing of Accounts and its implementing Regulation approved by Royal Decree 2/2021 establish the initial professional development (IPD) and continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for statutory auditors. The Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is the competent authority responsible for establishing and overseeing these requirements, including the approval of training providers, the professional examination, and the continuing education framework. Accordingly, the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) does not have direct regulatory authority in this area.

Nevertheless, ICJCE continues to play an active supporting role in the implementation of the International Education Standards (IES) for the audit profession. ICJCE continues to provide extensive CPD offerings for its members through technical courses, conferences, webinars, and sector-specific training. Recent public information confirms that ICJCE has expanded its training portfolio to include emerging areas such as sustainability reporting and assurance, digitalization, technology, and data analytics, in addition to core audit and accounting topics. These activities support members in maintaining competence in line with current professional requirements.

ICJCE also continues to collaborate with universities and academic institutions to support the development of future professionals and strengthen alignment between academic curricula and professional competency needs. Recent initiatives include postgraduate and specialist programs in auditing and sustainability, as well as cooperation with higher education institutions on training pathways relevant to entry into the profession.

In addition, ICJCE continues to engage with ICAC and other stakeholders on matters related to education and professional competence, including the ongoing need to better align the national framework with the revised IES, particularly in areas related to learning outcomes, professional skills, values, ethics, and attitudes.

Given that ICJCE does not have direct regulatory authority over the jurisdiction’s education framework but maintains well-established and ongoing processes to support the implementation of professional education and CPD requirements for its members, the fulfillment status remains Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

In Spain, the Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is responsible for the adoption and publication of the national auditing standards applicable to statutory audits. The Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) does not have direct legal responsibility for adopting auditing standards. Nevertheless, ICJCE continues to play an important supporting role in the standard-setting process and in assisting members with implementation. Spain’s national standards continue to be published as the Normas Internacionales de Auditoría adaptadas para su aplicación en España (NIA-ES), and ICAC has continued updating them through 2025 and early 2026.

ICJCE continues to support the adoption process through its participation in the technical work surrounding the NIA-ES framework. Publicly available ICJCE and ICAC materials show that ICJCE provides members with access to the current NIA-ES texts and related implementation materials, including standards effective for audits beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and updates issued in 2025 and 2026.

To support implementation by its members, ICJCE continues to provide training and practical resources on the auditing standards. Its current training and auditor portal materials include support for the access examination and technical materials linked to the applicable NIA-ES framework. ICJCE also publishes the updated Spanish texts of revised standards, including NIA-ES 260 (Revised), NIA-ES 700 (Revised), and NIA-ES 600 (Revised), which assists members in applying new and revised requirements in practice.

In addition, ICJCE remains engaged in broader European and international auditing developments. It has publicly disseminated material relating to revisions to the national auditing standards and has previously engaged with developments relating to the International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities, which is consistent with its ongoing role in supporting implementation and monitoring international standard-setting developments.

Given that ICJCE does not have direct authority for adoption but maintains well-established and ongoing processes to support the development, dissemination, and implementation of auditing standards for its members, the fulfillment status remains Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

In Spain, only statutory auditors are legally required to comply with ethical and independence requirements, which are established under Law 22/2015 on Auditing of Accounts and its implementing Regulation. The Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is responsible for the jurisdiction-level ethical framework for auditors. While the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) does not have direct authority for adoption at the jurisdiction level, it continues to play an active role in supporting convergence with the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA).

ICJCE continues to maintain and disseminate its Code of Ethics for members and uses the IESBA Code as the benchmark for advocacy and implementation support activities. The organization has established an Independence Commission that develops guidance material, proposes ethics-related content for training programs, and monitors international developments in ethics and independence standards. ICJCE also continues to include ethics and independence topics in its conferences, seminars, and continuing professional development programs for members.

Recent public information indicates that ICAC continues to publish criteria and consultations on independence matters and continuing education for auditors, which supports the practical implementation of ethical requirements in the jurisdiction. ICJCE’s ongoing participation in technical discussions with ICAC and its continued use of the IESBA Code as a benchmark demonstrate that the PAO remains actively engaged in this area.

However, there continues to be a lag between the current IESBA Code and the ethical framework applied in Spain and within ICJCE’s own member guidance. The jurisdiction has not yet converged with the 2025 edition of the IESBA Code, and the prior SMO Action Plan notes that ICJCE’s own code historically reflected older versions of the Code.

ICJCE should continue to work with ICAC to reduce the lag in convergence with the latest IESBA Code, with particular focus on supporting the adoption or alignment of the 2025 ethical requirements, including recent revisions relating to technology, tax planning and related services, and sustainability assurance. Continued updating of member guidance and training materials to reflect the latest international requirements would further strengthen alignment with SMO 4.

Current Status: Review & Improve

In Spain, the Ministry of Finance, through the Intervención General de la Administración del Estado, is responsible for establishing public sector accounting standards. Accordingly, the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) does not have direct authority for the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Nevertheless, ICJCE continues to use its best endeavors to promote high-quality public sector reporting and to support awareness of international developments relevant to public sector accounting and assurance. Spain’s public sector accounting framework continues to be based on accrual-basis national standards aligned with IPSAS principles.

ICJCE continues to maintain a Public Sector Commission, which promotes public sector audit and reporting issues and supports dialogue on developments affecting the public sector. Recent public information from ICJCE’s 2024 reporting states that the Public Sector Commission continues to promote external audit in the public sector in order to strengthen oversight of public administrations. In addition, ICJCE used its 2024 National Audit Congress to present its Observatorio de la Información sobre Sostenibilidad en el Sector Público, showing continued activity in public sector reporting and transparency matters.

ICJCE also continues to support members through training, technical events, and dissemination of materials relevant to the public sector. The 2024 Congress program included a dedicated public sector sustainability session led by the Public Sector Commission, which indicates that ICJCE is continuing to provide implementation support and awareness-raising in areas related to public sector reporting.

Given that ICJCE does not have direct regulatory responsibility for public sector accounting standards but maintains ongoing activities to promote awareness, support implementation, and encourage stronger public sector reporting and assurance practices, the fulfillment status remains Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

In Spain, Law 22/2015 on Auditing of Accounts and its implementing Regulation approved by Royal Decree 2/2021 establish the investigation and discipline (I&D) framework for statutory auditors and audit firms. The Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is the competent authority responsible for carrying out I&D procedures at the jurisdiction level for the audit profession, including investigations, sanctions, and related oversight measures. ICJCE continues to report that ICAC’s I&D system fulfills the requirements of SMO 6.

In addition, the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE), as a professional accountancy organization with voluntary membership, maintains a complementary I&D framework for its members under its internal governance structure. Recent public reporting confirms that ICJCE’s Ethics and Deontology Commission remained active during 2023 and 2024, evaluating complaints from third parties regarding members’ professional conduct, deciding whether to process internal disciplinary procedures, and overseeing compliance with internal rules and policies. This indicates that the PAO’s system is operating in practice and continues to support professional conduct and accountability among members.

ICJCE also maintains procedures for coordination with the jurisdictional framework and continues to support the broader regulatory environment through its cooperation with ICAC. On the basis of the statutory framework, ICJCE’s continued reporting that ICAC’s system fulfills SMO 6, and recent evidence that ICJCE’s own complementary disciplinary processes are active and ongoing, the fulfillment status is at Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

In Spain, the Instituto de Contabilidad y Auditoría de Cuentas (ICAC) is responsible for proposing and adopting the national accounting framework, including the Plan General de Contabilidad (Spanish GAAP), in line with European Union Regulations and harmonized with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. IFRS are required for the consolidated financial statements of publicly traded companies and other domestic publicly accountable entities within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002. Accordingly, the Instituto de Censores Jurados de Cuentas de España (ICJCE) does not have direct authority for adoption in this area.

ICJCE continues to play an active supporting role in promoting high-quality financial reporting and supporting members with implementation. Public information confirms that ICJCE maintains a dedicated technical area and current professional publications focused on financial reporting, accounting standards, and sustainability reporting developments. Its technical resources and publications continue to disseminate updates on new and revised International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) pronouncements, including IFRS developments relevant to Spanish practitioners.

ICJCE also continues to support implementation through education and technical guidance. Its current training catalog includes regular courses and seminars on IFRS, Spanish GAAP, sustainability reporting, and financial statement preparation, including updates relating to International Sustainability Standards Board developments and European sustainability reporting requirements. These activities support members in applying both the national framework and IFRS in practice.

In addition, ICJCE continues to engage with the broader standard-setting and regulatory environment through its participation in national and European professional forums and its ongoing technical dialogue with the relevant authorities and stakeholders. Recent public reporting indicates continued collaboration in areas related to corporate reporting and sustainability disclosure, which further supports members’ implementation efforts.

Given that ICJCE does not have direct regulatory responsibility for adoption but maintains well-established ongoing processes to support awareness, implementation, and continuous monitoring of financial reporting standards, the fulfillment status is at Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain