Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo

Although SCAAK has no legal responsibility for the development of a quality assurance (QA) review system in the jurisdiction, it has played an active role in promoting the establishment of such a system and contributing to its development.

Under the Law No.06/L–032 on Accounting, Financial Reporting and Audit (Law No.06/L–032), the Public Oversight Board (POB), a branch of the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR), is authorized to perform mandatory QA reviews for the licensed statutory auditors and audit firms. However, as of 2025, a regular functioning QA system has not been implemented by KCFR.

Over the years, SCAAK worked with KCFR to establish a legal foundation for a QA review system that would be suitable for Kosovo circumstances and comply with SMO 1 requirements. SCAAK participated in the Working Group tasked with preparing proposals for the Law No.06/ L-032 to ensure it incorporates international best practices, including those formulated in SMO 1. It also has been assisting the KCFR and the Central Bank of Kosovo in developing relevant guidance and advising them on the results of SCAAK’s QA reviews.

In 2008, SCAAK established a Quality Control Committee and since then, with the assistance of the Royal NBA — Netherlands, has operated a QA review system. Initial reviews of auditors of PIEs were completed in 2009, followed by review of the Small and Medium Practices (SMPs) in 2011, and individual statutory auditors in 2015. In 2015, SCAAK established a QA Department (now called the Department of Quality Management in Compliance with Standards (DQMCS)) that would carry out the mandatory QA reviews for statutory auditors that are members of SCAAK. The review process commenced in 2016. Additionally, since 2020, SCAAK has also been conducting quality assurance reviews for its Certified Accountants responsible for the preparation and signing of financial statements in accordance with legal requirements. According to the self-assessment conducted by SCAAK, its system fully complies with the requirements of SMO 1.

Preparing its members for the implementation of a QA review system and increasing the quality of work of SCAAK members in general has been a priority for SCAAK. The QMCSC and DQMCS assist SCAAK members in implementing and maintaining an appropriate system of quality management and compliance with standards through reporting of annual activities, site visits to local SMPs in cooperation with the Royal NBA senior experts, QA reviews, organizing continuing professional development (CPD), and disseminating simplified guidance for SMPs developed in cooperation with the Albanian Institute of Certified Accountants and Royal NBA. As of 2025, SCAAK reports that translations of quality management standards are completed and disseminated.

QMCSC and DQMCS also conduct and publish research on compliance of audit reports with ISAs and compliance of financial statements with IAS/IFRS. These reports have been shared with external stakeholders and decision-makers.

SCAAK’s 2020–2024 Strategic Plan included the establishment of a formal quality assurance (QA) review system also for its members qualified as certified accountants and non-statutory auditors. It also envisioned the digitalization of the annual QA reporting process, which has been successfully implemented as of 2025. Furthermore, the 2025–2029 approved Strategic Plan foresees the continued implementation and enhancement of the QA review system.

SCAAK’s contribution to the development of a QA review system in the jurisdiction is commendable. SCAAK has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 1 obligations and has established processes to review and improve the approach on an ongoing basis. SCAAK is encouraged to continue offering its expertise to the KCFR and to ensure that the resulting QA review system incorporates best practices as formulated in SMO 1.

Current Status: Sustain

As a professional association of accountants and auditors licensed by the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR), SCAAK is responsible for certification of accountants and auditors and to this effect offers a professional education program developed in line with IES requirements as required by the Law No. 06/L–032 on Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing of 2019. Further, SCAAK offers other accountancy-related certifications such as Accounting Technician, Internal Auditor (which since 2016 is based on the materials and syllabus of Institute of Internal Auditors); licensed Forensic and Tax Expert (2017) and recently introduced the Fundamentals of ESG and IT Audit.

SCAAK reports that its professional education program was fundamentally redesigned in 2008 and has been continuously updated to include international developments and the requirements of IES leveraging its agreement with BPP Learning Media, under which SCAAK has exclusive right to use and translate educational materials in the core subjects.

The 2019 IES Handbook and other supporting materials have been translated and disseminated. SCAAK is actively revising its IPD and CPD curricula to incorporate the most recent updates to the International Education Standards (IESs) (e.g., IES 2, 3, and 4 on sustainability and 6 on examinations) with effect in 2026. It is including new modules of ESG, IT, and mandatory training in accounting software for all students.

SCAAK indicates it is also actively involved with other stakeholders in the jurisdiction to promote the incorporation of the IES requirements and ensuring that the education of professional accountants in the jurisdiction is of high, internationally acceptable quality. To this effect, an important stream of SCAAK’s activities relates to its accreditation process of higher education institutions in Kosovo to ensure alignment of their programs with IESs. The Education Standards Committee of SCAAK has drafted the criteria for higher education institutions, and the accreditation process is under the direct supervision of the SCAAK’s Board.

SCAAK has signed MoUs with public and private universities in Kosovo and reviewed the content of the universities’ curriculum and assessment methods of each subject to determine their compliance with IES 2 and will continue working towards defining the relationships between the universities and the professional body’s education program.

The continuing professional development (CPD) requirement for certified auditors is prescribed by law and is subject to monitoring by the KCFR. SCAAK has also established CPD requirements for its other members, which are in line with IES 7–8, according to SCAAK. SCAAK implements a 40-hour minimum requirement of CPD hours for accountants and auditors. Auditors are required to complete at least 24-hours of verifiable CPD and no less than 40-hours of CPD in total. Accountants have a minimum of 18 verifiable hours and annual total of 40 hours. SCAAK communicates the importance of CPD to members through its website and other means. While SCAAK states that it monitors compliance with CPD requirements, non-compliance is not subject to sanctions.

One of the SCAAK’s priorities is to develop tools and methods to help students and members throughout the certification program. In 2025, SCAAK demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing information technology through the launch of a comprehensive digital platform. This platform consists of integrated modules, including student and member services, education, quality management, human resources management, and additional components aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of its service delivery.

SCAAK also actively cooperates with other professional accountancy organizations, both regionally and internationally. As part of a MoU with the Albanian Institute of Certified Accountants (IEKA) signed in 2012, SCAAK organizes joint CPD training sessions. This MOU will be updated in 2025, with the aim to further enhance the profession in these two countries. SCAAK also collaborates with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), and the Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) and other regional PAOs on mutual recognition of certification programs for their members.

Furthermore, SCAAK also participates in the World Bank Center for Financial Reporting Reform, Education Community of Practice to exchange experiences. Through its 2025–2029 Strategy, SCAAK aims to provide diverse programs and services to ensure the sustainability of the profession and make it more appealing to the new generation. The strategy also emphasizes inclusiveness, member support, and the promotion of good governance.

SCAAK’s contribution to bringing educational practices in Kosovo in line with international standards are commendable. SCAAK has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 2 obligations and has established processes to review and improve the approach on an ongoing basis. At the PAO level, although SCAAK works to ensure that the CPD requirements are being fulfilled, stronger monitoring and a linkage to the I&D system are recommended. Within the jurisdiction, SCAAK is encouraged to further promote incorporation of IES requirements into national educational system for all professional accountants and offer its expertise in the area to other stakeholders in the jurisdiction.

Current Status: Sustain

ISA are adopted by the Law No. 06/L–032 on Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing of 2019 for application in all audits in Kosovo as promulgated by the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR). Therefore, SCAAK focuses on ensuring that the translated ISA are available to the profession under formal agreements with the Albanian Institute of Certified Accountants (IEKA) as well as on supporting its members with the implementation of the standards.

In 2012, SCAAK formalized a translation agreement with IEKA and subsequently established a working group with IEKA, the KCFR, the Central Bank of Kosovo, and universities, to produce an official common vocabulary for accounting and audit terminology to be applied in Kosovo. The Albanian translation of the 2018 IAASB Handbook is being applied with the 2021 Handbook being translated. ISQM 1 and ISQM 2 have also been translated and disseminated to SCAAK members.

Between 2014–2016, SCAAK, in collaboration with IEKA, also translated and disseminated to its members the Albanian version of the IFAC Small and Medium Practices Committee’s Guide to Using International Standards on Auditing in the Audits of Small- and Medium-Sized Entities, Third Edition.

To further support its members with the implementation of the auditing standards, SCAAK reports that it maintains an ongoing process of regularly updating the educational material with regards to new and amended IAASB standards. In 2024, SCAAK has updated its educational materials.

In addition, SCAAK is an active participant of the World Bank’s Center for Financial Reporting Reform Training of Trainers (ToT) for auditing and has incorporated ISA tools and materials delivered during these ToT sessions into its CPD sessions.

SCAAK also informs its members about the latest developments and disseminates IAASB exposure drafts to SCAAK members to submit comments.

SCAAK has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 3 obligations and has established ongoing processes to maintain compliance; although the translation process should try to reduce the time lag between the latest Handbook issued by IAASB and when it is effective in the jurisdiction. SCAAK is encouraged, if deemed pertinent, to consider participating in the international standard-setting by providing comments to the IAASB Exposure Drafts and other public consultations, possibly as part of a joint effort at the regional level.

Current Status: Review & Improve

As a licensed association of accountants and auditors, SCAAK is required by the Law No. 06/L–032 on Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing of 2019 to adopt the IESBA Code of Ethics for application by its members.

SCAAK signed an agreement in January 2012 with the Albanian Institute of Certified Accountants to provide an Albanian translation of the Code to its members. The 2023 International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants has been translated and SCAAK has adopted it for application by its members. The translation and adoption 202 International Code of Ethics is in progress.

To support its members with the implementation of the ethical requirements, SCAAK reports that it regularly updates its initial professional development and continuing professional development (CPD) courses to incorporate latest developments and IESBA pronouncements.

SCAAK indicates that compliance with the Code is reviewed as part of quality assurance reviews with the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR) overseeing the process. KCFR is ultimately responsible for enforcing compliance with the Code by auditors. SCAAK also reports conducting public outreach activities (seminars, media coverage) to ensure that public and business community are aware that SCAAK members are operating in the public interest under a mandatory code of ethics. SCAAK is a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, and as such promotes to the business community the importance of enforcing ethical requirements.

SCAAK is committed to fulfilling its obligations under SMO 4 within the scope of its responsibility and has established processes to review and improve compliance on an ongoing basis.  SCAAK is encouraged to consider enhancing its activities to support implementation of the Code by its members. If deemed pertinent, SCAAK may also consider participating in the international standard-setting by providing comments to the IESBA Exposure Drafts and other public consultations, possibly as part of a joint effort at the regional level.

Current Status: Review & Improve

As only cash-basis IPSAS are presently adopted for application in Kosovo, SCAAK reports to be promoting the incorporation of accrual-basis IPSAS into the national requirements through regular dialogue with the government.

SCAAK has also worked to incorporate IPSAS into its initial and continuing professional development requirements and reports to provide translated IPSAS and other IPSASB pronouncements to members and to the government. The association also reports to provide its comments to IPSASB exposure drafts.

Of note is SCAAK’s involvement in the education of accountants providing services in the public sector. In 2009, SCAAK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Finance for certification of civil servants and accordingly, SCAAK is the sole authorized body to train, organize exams, and certify candidates in the field of public sector accounting in Kosovo.

In 2009-2011, SCAAK and the Ministry of Finance established the Public Financial Management (PFM) Training Program with the aim of equipping financial officers in the public sector with necessary skills to improve financial management and reporting in the public sector. Subsequently, in November 2015, SCAAK signed an MoU with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for a joint PFM certification scheme to strengthen public financial management capacity in the country. The MoU was further extended in 2020. The joint CIPFA program consists of two levels (i) Accounting Technician and (ii) Public Sector Certified Auditor. The organizations work together to develop and implement a co-branded professional training program for public servants in Kosovo and for new interested students to eventually become professionally qualified members with both SCAAK and CIPFA.

Another important initiative has been the establishment of a certification scheme for Public Sector Auditors of the National Audit Office (NAO) in November 2016 in coordination with the Office of the Auditor General. In 2019, SCAAK reached agreement with NAO for delivering CPDs on yearly bases for their staff on IPSAS and ISSAIs.

Moreover, the development of the public sector certification program has attracted the interest of other countries in the region. The Albanian State Supreme Audit Institution (AL-SAI) and the SCAAK have signed an MoU to develop a strategy for the implementation of the certification scheme for Albanian SAI auditors.

To address the needs of stakeholders, SCAAK has also created a specialized program for forensic accounting. The purpose of this program is to help fight corruption and pave the way for economic development by building investigative capacity in the field of economic crimes. Officials from government institutions such as the Prosecution, Kosovo Police, Customs, Financial Intelligence Unit, Anti-Corruption Agency, and BIRN investigative journalists completed the training and examinations for this program.

SCAAK and representatives from the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance actively participate in the World Bank's PULSAR program, which supports the development of public sector accounting and financial reporting frameworks in line with international standards and best practices. Through this program, Kosovo’s representatives have gained experience and insights into the latest developments in IPSAS and sustainability reporting in the public sector.

SCAAK has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 5 obligations and has established ongoing processes to maintain compliance. SCAAK is encouraged to provide an update in its SMO Action Plan on the specific initiatives undertaken to promote the adoption of accrual-basis IPSAS in the jurisdiction.

Current Status: Sustain

As a licensed accounting and auditing association recognized by the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR), SCAAK is responsible for the investigation and discipline (I&D) of its membership under the Law No. 06/L–032 on Accounting, Financial Reporting and Auditing of 2019 and must report on its findings and disciplinary procedures for auditors regularly to the KCFR. Under the KCFR Administrative Instruction No. 01/2022 on the Investigation and Discipline Procedures, the Commission for Investigation and Discipline of KCFR conducts investigations, and subsequently disciplines licensed associations, audit firms, and statutory auditors.

SCAAK reports to be closely cooperating with KCFR on enhancing the I&D system in the jurisdiction, including providing technical advice and input to the development of secondary regulations following the adoption of the law in 2019.

SCAAK itself has established an Investigation and Disciplinary Committee tasked with developing procedures, imposing disciplinary measures, and liaising with the KCFR. According to the Statute of SCAAK, the Council reviews all regulations and procedures on annual basis. SCAAK has recently revised its internal regulations on I&D to align with the latest administrative instruction issued by KCFR in 2022.

The Committee cooperates closely with other committees within SCAAK, and the main goal of this cooperation is to ensure that its members, while performing their professional tasks, are showing professional values and offering assurance of their delivered services. The Committee ensures that members are informed about recent updates of the Code of Ethics through CPD and roundtables. In addition, a fifteen minutes’ introduction for awareness about Code of Ethics and the investigative and discipline process for each new group of students is organized on an ongoing basis.

SCAAK has a self-assessed against the requirements of SMO 6 in 2017, 2020, and 2025 and has reported enhanced compliance and improvements in meeting the SMO 6 benchmark each time.

SCAAK reports that in general it promotes awareness of I&D through continuing professional development its webpage, seminars, and communicates the consequences of non-compliance.

The association has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 6 best practices and has made progress in bringing its I&D system in line with the requirements. At the jurisdiction level, SCAAK is encouraged to raise awareness about best practices in SMO 6 related to the investigation and discipline of all professional accountants, among the KCFR and other professional associations. SCAAK may consider working with these stakeholders to establish an I&D system for all professional accountants in the jurisdiction.

Current Status: Review & Improve

To date, the 202 version of IFRSs and 2015 IFRS for SMEs as translated in Albanian and approved by the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR) are being applied in the jurisdiction.

SCAAK actively promoted the revision of the corporate financial reporting framework in the jurisdiction to account for public interest considerations. As part of these efforts, it established a dialogue and worked closely with the KCFR to assist the Corporate Financial Law Working Group to make changes in the scope and applicability of IFRSs in Kosovo. The association introduced a concept of a public interest entity, recommended appropriate accounting framework for non-public interest entities, and translated and disseminated the IFRS for SMEs, which have been applicable since 2015.

Having progressed with the adoption of standards, SCAAK indicates that it supports its members with implementation by maintaining and updating its continuing professional development (CPD) and educational programs to ensure that the latest IASB pronouncements are included.

Additionally, SCAAK informs its members about the latest pronouncements of the IASB and continues its efforts to ensure that updated and approved translations of IASB standards are available to all stakeholders.

SCAAK has demonstrated that, within the scope of its authority, it is committed to meet the SMO 7 obligations and has established ongoing processes to maintain compliance.

Current Status: Sustain