Ordre des Experts-Comptables de Côte d’Ivoire

Following approval from the Ministry of Finance in 2014 to establish a quality assurance (QA) review system, and further reinforced by the Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (OHADA) Regulation No. 01/2017/CM/OHADA, OEC-CI established a Quality Assurance Committee to lead the development and implementation of the system.

The committee has developed quality control guides for members and member firms, complemented by the OHADA-issued QA manual and implementation tools such as the Pack-PE tool to support the application of audit standards and quality management requirements.

OEC-CI has also undertaken significant capacity-building activities, including training on quality control and the preparation of quality reviewers. In December 2019, the institute completed training for 20 quality controllers to support the future operationalization of inspections.

While the launch of QA inspections was delayed due to the pandemic, OEC-CI has continued to review the requirements of SMO 1 and identify areas for enhancement as the system moves toward full operationalization, including alignment with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s quality management standards effective from December 2022.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Execute, reflecting that it is actively carrying out its plan to establish and implement a QA review system aligned with SMO 1.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue prioritizing the operational launch of periodic QA inspections, strengthen the alignment of its system with the full requirements of SMO 1, including the International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) and International Standard on Quality Management 2 (ISQM 2), and establish a regular inspection cycle with documented follow-up and remediation procedures.

Current Status: Execute

Initial professional development (IPD) requirements for professional accountants in Côte d’Ivoire are established at the regional level through the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) qualification framework, including the Diplôme d’Études Supérieures de Comptabilité et de Gestion Financière (DESCOGEF) and the Diplôme d’Expertise Comptable et Financière (DECOFI).

At the national level, OEC-CI is responsible for implementing the regional qualification requirements and establishing continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for its members. Pursuant to Decree No. 95-904 of November 3, 1995, the institute may admit qualified individuals who satisfy the regional educational requirements or who hold the Conseil Supérieur de l’Ordre des Experts-Comptables Diplôme d’expertise comptable (DEC) qualification.

OEC-CI is also reviewing its bylaws to facilitate the admission of holders of other recognized foreign qualifications and reciprocity agreements, while requiring training on local legislation prior to membership admission.

The institute has established a mandatory CPD requirement of 40 hours annually for all members and actively supports implementation through regular training programs offered to members and professionals in firms. OEC-CI reports that it has trained over 900 professionals to date.

In addition, the institute established an Evaluation Committee in 2018 to monitor compliance with CPD requirements and ensure that members are meeting their annual obligations.

While initial professional development requirements are established at the regional level, OEC-CI continues to play an active role in supporting curriculum reforms and advocating for closer alignment with the International Education Standards (IES), including recent developments relating to information and communications technologies and professional skepticism.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Execute, reflecting that it is actively carrying out its responsibilities in the areas of education, professional development, and member compliance monitoring.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue working with the Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (OHADA), WAEMU, and peer professional accountancy organizations in the region to assess the current education framework against the latest IES requirements and to support the incorporation of competency-based learning outcomes, practical experience, final assessment requirements, and emerging skills such as information and communications technologies and professional skepticism.

Current Status: Execute

The Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (OHADA) Regulation No. 01/2017/CM/OHADA requires all member states, including Côte d’Ivoire, to apply the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) as issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), effective January 2018.

Prior to the regional adoption, OEC-CI had proactively supported the adoption of ISA at the national level. In 2014, the institute submitted and received approval from the Ministry of Finance for the application of the French translations of the Clarified ISA and other IAASB pronouncements.

Following the entry into force of the OHADA regulation, OEC-CI has continued to maintain its implementation support activities through regular dissemination of information, technical guidance, OHADA implementation tools and guides, and ongoing training for members on the applicable auditing standards.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Sustain, reflecting that it maintains well-established ongoing processes to support the implementation and application of ISA within the jurisdiction.

Current Status: Sustain

At the regional level, the Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (OHADA) Regulation No. 01/2017/CM/OHADA requires professional accountants in member states, including Côte d’Ivoire, to comply with the OHADA Code of Ethics, which is based on the 2015 version of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), together with relevant ethical requirements contained in the Acte uniforme relatif au droit comptable et à l’information financière (AUDCIF).

At the national level, OEC-CI is authorized by Law No. 92-568 to establish ethical requirements for its members, subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance. Prior to the issuance of the OHADA regulation, OEC-CI had proactively supported the adoption of ethical requirements aligned with the IESBA Code through the development of a national Code of Ethics, which was approved by the Ministry of Finance in 2014.

Following the regional adoption of the OHADA Code of Ethics, OEC-CI has continued to support implementation through regular training for members and the dissemination of guidance and support materials relating to ethical requirements.

In addition, the institute continues to play an advisory and advocacy role by promoting alignment with the latest versions of the IESBA Code and supporting discussions at the regional level regarding future updates to the OHADA ethical framework.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Execute, reflecting that it is actively carrying out its responsibilities to support ethical awareness, implementation, and advocacy in this area.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue leveraging its advisory and advocacy role with OHADA and regional stakeholders to promote the incorporation of the latest International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, including revisions related to non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR), independence, and emerging ethical requirements, while continuing to strengthen implementation support and member guidance.

Current Status: Execute

Public sector accounting standards in Côte d’Ivoire are established through the regional framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). At the national level, responsibility for adopting and implementing these standards rests with the Conseil National de la Comptabilité (CNC) of Côte d’Ivoire and the Treasury.

Within the scope of its authority, OEC-CI has been actively involved in discussions relating to the development and implementation of public sector accounting standards based on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Representatives of the institute have participated in regional technical workshops and consultations led by WAEMU and the West African Accounting Council to support revisions to the regional standards framework.

At the national level, OEC-CI has supported the development of charts of accounts, balance sheet formats, information technology updates, and accounting nomenclature required for implementation. The institute has also established a working group with representatives of CNC-Côte d’Ivoire to assess the impact of the revised standards and support implementation planning.

In addition, OEC-CI has committed to providing implementation support through training modules for Treasury officers and its members on the applicable WAEMU public sector accounting guidelines.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Review & Improve, reflecting that it has undertaken substantial activities in this area and continues to strengthen its support and advocacy efforts.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue strengthening its collaboration with WAEMU, CNC-Côte d’Ivoire, and the Treasury to support the implementation of public sector accounting reforms, including practical training, stakeholder engagement, and continued advocacy for closer alignment with International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Current Status: Review & Improve

In accordance with Order No. 2009-387 of December 2009, OEC-CI has established investigative and disciplinary procedures applicable to its members. The procedures include provisions for the initiation of proceedings, investigation of complaints, sanctions, and administrative procedures.

The institute’s Conseil de Discipline is responsible for receiving and investigating complaints and recommending sanctions to the Chambre Nationale de Discipline, which is chaired by a judge of the Commercial Tribunal. Appeals against decisions of the National Chamber may be brought before the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court.

OEC-CI is also active in preventing unauthorized individuals from holding themselves out as professional accountants and has established a submission form on its website to receive complaints relating to both members and non-members.

The institute has undertaken a self-assessment of its investigative and disciplinary system against the requirements of SMO 6 and has identified areas for enhancement, including formal linkage with quality assurance reviews, strengthening administrative case monitoring procedures, increasing public interest safeguards, and implementing regular reviews of system effectiveness.

OEC-CI has also proposed legislative reforms and requested approval from the Ministry of Finance to strengthen the public interest dimension of its disciplinary bodies through broader representation of non-members.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Review & Improve, reflecting that it has established and operationalized its investigative and disciplinary system and is actively strengthening it through ongoing reforms and process improvements.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue prioritizing the alignment of its investigative and disciplinary procedures with the full requirements of SMO 6, including formal linkage with quality assurance reviews, stronger case monitoring procedures, enhanced public interest safeguards, and regular effectiveness reviews of the system.

Current Status: Review & Improve

Côte d’Ivoire applies the regional accounting framework established by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Organisation pour l’Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (OHADA). The revised Acte uniforme relatif au droit comptable et à l’information financière (AUDCIF), effective from 2018 for individual accounts and 2019 for consolidated accounts, requires listed companies and companies seeking financing from public capital markets to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in consolidated financial statements.

Within the scope of its authority, OEC-CI played a key role in advocating for the convergence of the Système Comptable OHADA (SYSCOHADA) with IFRS and supporting the work of the Commission de Normalisation Comptable de l’OHADA (CNC-OHADA) in developing the revised framework.

The institute participated in regional technical discussions, benchmarking exercises, and drafting work relating to the revised standards and also contributed to implementation support tools, including transition schedules and technical reference materials such as SYSCOA Revised: 23 fact sheets for easy application.

At the national level, OEC-CI continues to support implementation through training programs for members and students, together with technical guidance on the application of IFRS within the OHADA framework.

Accordingly, OEC-CI is assessed at Review & Improve, reflecting that it has undertaken substantial activities within the scope of its authority and continues to strengthen its implementation support and advocacy efforts.

OEC-CI is encouraged to continue strengthening implementation support for members applying IFRS, including practical training, dissemination of French-language IFRS resources, and continued advocacy at the regional level for closer alignment of financial reporting requirements with international standards and best practices.

Current Status: Review & Improve