Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin

Quality assurance review requirements for statutory audits in Benin are established through the regional regulatory framework of the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). These frameworks require professional accountants performing statutory audits to comply with applicable auditing and quality management requirements.

Within the scope of its mandate, the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) has taken active steps to develop and operationalize a quality assurance review system for audits performed by its members. The institute has established internal procedures and governance arrangements to support the implementation of quality assurance reviews and continues to support members through training, guidance materials, and self-assessment activities.

OECCA-Bénin has also undertaken activities to prepare firms for external quality assurance reviews, including the use of self-assessment questionnaires, technical training, and dissemination of regional guidance and manuals issued within the OHADA framework.

In addition, the institute continues to engage at the regional level through collaboration with other professional accountancy organizations and regional bodies to support the implementation of quality assurance mechanisms and promote consistent practices across OHADA member states.

While the institute demonstrates that it is actively executing its plan to fulfill the requirements of Statement of Membership Obligations 1 (SMO 1), the available information does not yet demonstrate that a fully established cycle of periodic inspections covering all mandatory audits is operational. Accordingly, the fulfillment status is assessed as Execute.

Going forward, OECCA-Bénin should focus on fully operationalizing a regular cycle of periodic quality assurance inspections covering all mandatory audits and aligning its framework with the current quality management standards, including International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) and International Standard on Quality Management 2 (ISQM 2).

Current Status: Execute

Initial professional development requirements for professional accountants in Benin are established at the regional level through the regulatory framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Within this framework, the Diplôme d’Études Supérieures de Comptabilité et de Gestion Financière (DESCOGEF) and the Diplôme d’Expertise Comptable et Financière (DECOFI) form the basis of entry into the profession across WAEMU member states.

Within the scope of its mandate, the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) is responsible for enforcing the regional initial professional development requirements and establishing continuing professional development requirements for its members. The institute requires members to complete 48 hours of continuing professional development annually and actively monitors compliance through its internal governance arrangements.

OECCA-Bénin also supports professional accountancy education through partnerships with academic and professional institutions, including support for professional examinations and capacity building initiatives for aspiring accountants and educators. In addition, the institute engages with national and regional stakeholders, including the Ministry of Higher Education and OHADA-related bodies, to support curriculum review and reforms aimed at strengthening alignment with the International Education Standards (IES).

The institute also plays an advocacy and advisory role in supporting education reforms and capacity-building initiatives related to new accounting and reporting standards applicable within the jurisdiction.

While OECCA-Bénin demonstrates that it is actively executing activities to fulfill the requirements of Statement of Membership Obligations 2 (SMO 2), the available information does not yet demonstrate full alignment of the regional qualification framework with all current IES requirements, including competency-based learning outcomes, information and communications technology competencies, and professional skepticism requirements. Accordingly, the fulfillment status is assessed as Execute.

Going forward, OECCA-Bénin should continue to focus on advocating for regional curriculum reform and strengthening national continuing professional development programs to support full alignment with the latest International Education Standards.

Current Status: Execute

International Standards on Auditing (ISA) are adopted in Benin through the regional regulatory framework established by the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), which requires all member states, including Benin, to apply ISA as issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

Within the scope of its mandate, the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) maintains well-established ongoing processes to support the implementation of ISA by its members. The institute continues to provide technical guidance, continuing professional development courses, and targeted training on new and revised auditing standards, including auditor reporting requirements and updates to the ISA Handbook.

OECCA-Bénin also supports members through the dissemination of regional OHADA guidance, implementation tools, and French-language technical resources obtained through collaboration with Francophone and international professional bodies. This includes ongoing access to translated standards, exposure drafts, and practical implementation materials.

The institute continues to monitor developments in international auditing standards and supports members in preparing for new and revised pronouncements issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, including standards applicable to less complex entities where relevant. Accordingly, the fulfillment status for Statement of Membership Obligations 3 (SMO 3) is assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Review & Improve

Ethical requirements for professional accountants in Benin are established through the regional regulatory framework of the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), which requires member states, including Benin, to apply the OHADA Code of Ethics. The OHADA framework currently reflects the 2015 version of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants and related ethical provisions contained in the Acte uniforme relatif au droit comptable et à l’information financière (AUDCIF).

Within the scope of its mandate, the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) is responsible for ensuring that its members comply with applicable ethical requirements and professional conduct standards. The institute has established internal ethical requirements aligned with the OHADA framework and continues to support implementation through continuing professional development activities, training, and awareness-raising initiatives for members and relevant stakeholders.

New members are provided with the applicable Code and are required to attend mandatory training on ethical requirements. Existing members continue to receive implementation support through ongoing professional development and access to relevant guidance materials.

OECCA-Bénin also supports broader public interest initiatives through participation in anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and professional integrity initiatives at the national level.

While the institute demonstrates that it is actively executing activities to fulfill the requirements of Statement of Membership Obligations 4 (SMO 4), the ethical framework currently in force at the jurisdiction level remains based on a pre-2018 version of the Code. Accordingly, the fulfillment status is assessed as Execute.

Going forward, OECCA-Bénin should continue to focus on supporting member implementation of the latest International Code of Ethics, including provisions relating to non-compliance with laws and regulations and other post-2018 revisions, while continuing its advisory and advocacy role with OHADA to support regional adoption of the updated Code.

Current Status: Execute

Public sector accounting standards in Benin are established through the regional public financial management framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and implemented through national government authorities. The adoption and implementation of public sector accounting standards, including the consideration of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), fall outside the direct regulatory mandate of the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin).

Within the scope of its mandate, OECCA-Bénin continues to support public sector financial reporting reforms through advocacy, awareness-raising, technical training, and participation in regional and national discussions related to IPSAS and public financial management reforms.

The institute has actively participated in regional conferences and working groups on public sector accounting and continues to engage with relevant stakeholders, including government authorities and regional bodies, to support the consideration of IPSAS-based reforms. OECCA-Bénin also provides technical training and capacity-building activities for members and stakeholders where relevant.

Given the nature of its mandate and the legal and regulatory environment, OECCA-Bénin does not have direct responsibility for the adoption of public sector accounting standards in the jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the institute continues to maintain appropriate support and advocacy activities in this area. Accordingly, the fulfillment status for Statement of Membership Obligations 5 (SMO 5) is assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

The investigative and disciplinary (I&D) system for members of the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) is established under Law No. 2004-03 of 2006, which authorizes the institute to establish and operate disciplinary procedures for its members.

The framework provides for the initiation of proceedings, investigation of complaints, disciplinary sanctions, and appeals. OECCA-Bénin operates a Disciplinary Board that receives and investigates complaints and makes recommendations to the institute’s Council. Depending on the severity of the matter, cases may be referred to the National Chamber of Discipline, which may impose more significant sanctions, including suspension of practicing rights, removal of professional designation, and exclusion from membership. Appeal mechanisms are also established through the judicial framework.

OECCA-Bénin has strengthened the operationalization of its I&D system, including improved convening of the disciplinary bodies and public communication of disciplinary outcomes through the appropriate channels. The institute also continues to raise awareness among members, the judiciary, and other stakeholders regarding disciplinary procedures and professional conduct expectations.

The institute has conducted a self-assessment of its I&D system against the requirements of Statement of Membership Obligations 6 (SMO 6) and has identified areas for further strengthening, including information-based initiation of proceedings and stronger linkage between quality assurance findings and disciplinary processes.

While OECCA-Bénin demonstrates that it is actively executing activities to strengthen and operationalize its I&D system, the available information indicates that some elements of full SMO 6 alignment remain in progress. Accordingly, the fulfillment status is assessed as Execute.

Going forward, OECCA-Bénin should continue to focus on strengthening the linkages between quality assurance reviews and disciplinary procedures, enhancing information-based case initiation mechanisms, and continuing stakeholder awareness efforts.

Current Status: Execute

Financial reporting standards in Benin are established through the regional accounting framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Organisation for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA). Under the OHADA framework, the Système Comptable OHADA (SYSCOHADA) remains the primary accounting framework, while International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are required for listed companies and entities seeking financing from public capital markets in consolidated financial statements.

Within the scope of its mandate, the Ordre des Experts-Comptables et Comptables Agréés du Bénin (OECCA-Bénin) maintains well-established ongoing processes to support the implementation of applicable financial reporting standards by its members. The institute has actively supported the regional convergence of SYSCOHADA with IFRS and participated in regional technical discussions and implementation initiatives related to the revised OHADA framework.

OECCA-Bénin continues to provide implementation support through training, technical guidance, and capacity-building activities for members, students, and other stakeholders. This includes participation in regional Train-the-Trainers initiatives and collaboration with national stakeholders to strengthen understanding and application of IFRS and the revised SYSCOHADA requirements.

The institute also continues to support awareness-raising and education efforts following the adoption of the revised OHADA framework, including training activities for educators and practitioners. Accordingly, the fulfillment status for Statement of Membership Obligations 7 (SMO 7) is assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain