Wirtschaftsprüferkammer

Germany’s quality assurance framework continues to operate at the jurisdiction level, with the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) responsible for quality assurance reviews of statutory audits outside the public interest entity segment under the oversight of the Abschlussprüferaufsichtsstelle. Within this framework, WPK continues to play a direct and sustained role through the Commission on Quality Assurance, which remains responsible for reviewer oversight, evaluation of review results, and remedial measures within the system.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to support implementation through guidance, training, and communication to members and reviewers. The 2024 annual report of the Commission on Quality Assurance states that WPK held seven continuing education events and three training events for reviewers in 2024, with 170 participants in total, and that the Commission continued preparing the system for the expected extension of quality control to sustainability assurance engagements. WPK also continues to publish technical guidance and frequently asked questions for the quality assurance system.

Recent jurisdictional developments also affect fulfillment. WPK’s 2025 update on the APAS work program notes that APAS continues to assess WPK’s quality assurance system against critical success factors, indicating continued active public oversight of the system. In parallel, WPK’s recent publications confirm that the implementation of International Standard on Quality Management 1, International Standard on Quality Management 2, and International Standard on Auditing 220 (Revised) has been embedded into the professional framework and related guidance.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities in operating and supporting the jurisdiction’s quality assurance review system, including reviewer training, technical guidance, and adaptation of the system to new quality management and sustainability-related requirements. SMO 1 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Initial and continuing professional development requirements for the statutory audit profession in Germany continue to be established at the jurisdiction level under the Public Accountant Act, the Public Accountant Examination Regulation, and the professional bylaws of the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK). Within this framework, WPK continues to play a direct role through its Examination Unit, which has administered the nationwide admission and examination process since 2004, together with its ongoing oversight of continuing professional development requirements for members.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to support aspiring professionals through updated examination guidance, recognized study-program frameworks, lists of training providers, and practical exam information. Recent WPK materials confirm continued nationwide administration of the modular examination system, updated guidance for the 2026/2027 examination cycle, and further expansion of electronic written examinations, which supports accessibility and consistency in the qualification process.

Recent jurisdictional developments also affect fulfillment. WPK’s professional bylaws continue to require at least 40 hours of continuing professional development annually, including structured learning, and recent legal and bylaw developments have added a specific 40-hour sustainability-related training requirement for auditors of sustainability reports under section 13d of the Public Accountant Act. These developments show that WPK continues to adapt the professional education framework to emerging competency needs.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities in administering entry to the profession, maintaining the examination framework, and supporting continuing professional development for members. SMO 2 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Germany’s auditing framework continues to be established at the jurisdiction level through standards issued by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer in Deutschland e.V. (IDW). Within this framework, the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) continues to support implementation through member communications, practical guidance, and participation in international due process on auditing standards.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to provide implementation support through regularly updated practice materials on its website, including its overview of International Standards on Auditing and related international pronouncements, which was updated through December 2025, and practice guidance on professional implications of ISA [DE] 600 (Revised). WPK has also kept members informed of major international developments, including publication of the 2025 IAASB Handbook and ISA 570 (Revised).

WPK has also remained active in standard-setting outreach. Recent public materials confirm that it submitted comments to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board on proposed changes to ISA 240 in 2024 and on the 2025 narrow-scope amendments arising from the external expert and public interest entity projects. These activities support representation of German professional views in the international standard-setting process.

Recent jurisdictional developments also affect fulfillment. The continued rollout of ISA [DE] 600 (Revised), together with ongoing APAS oversight priorities communicated through WPK channels, shows that the framework continues to evolve and that practitioners require ongoing implementation support. WPK’s continued publication of guidance and updates helps members respond to these changes in practice.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities to support implementation of auditing standards in Germany through guidance, communication, and international engagement. SMO 3 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Ethical requirements for the statutory audit profession in Germany continue to be established at the jurisdiction level under the Public Accountant Act, the German Commercial Code, the Berufssatzung für Wirtschaftsprüfer/vereidigte Buchprüfer, and applicable European Union independence requirements. Within this framework, the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) remains the primary body responsible for maintaining and updating the national ethical framework and for supporting implementation among members.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued updating and communicating ethics developments. Its recent publications highlight ongoing monitoring of revisions to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards), including the approval of the sustainability-related ethics and independence standards in December 2024 and publication of the 2025 Handbook. WPK has also continued to publish information for members on these developments and on related international consultations.

WPK also continues to support implementation through awareness-raising and participation in international standard-setting. Publicly available materials show that WPK submitted comments on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants strategy and work plan and remains engaged in more recent ethics consultations, including consultations in 2025. These activities help ensure that German professional perspectives are reflected in the international process while keeping members informed of emerging ethics and independence requirements.

Recent jurisdictional developments remain relevant to fulfillment. The national ethical framework continues to evolve through amendments to the Berufssatzung für Wirtschaftsprüfer/vereidigte Buchprüfer, while the release of the 2024 and 2025 Handbooks and the new sustainability-related standards increases the importance of continued convergence and implementation support in Germany. In this environment, WPK’s role in updating the national framework and communicating new requirements remains significant.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities to maintain the national ethical framework, participate in international ethics developments, and support implementation among members. SMO 4 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Public sector accounting in Germany continues to be determined by separate legal and regulatory frameworks at the federal, state, and local levels, and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) have not been adopted in the jurisdiction. Within this environment, the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) continues to play a more limited but relevant best-endeavours role by keeping the public sector on its professional agenda and by disseminating information of relevance to members through its communications channels.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to identify the public sector as one of the topics supporting its strategic priorities. Its member communications also continue to provide legal and professional updates through the WPK Magazin, which the chamber describes as a source of information on developments relevant to members’ professional work.

Recent regulatory developments also keep this area relevant. European Union work on European Public Sector Accounting Standards (EPSAS) remains active, and earlier WPK public materials show the chamber has engaged with EPSAS-related discussions and acknowledged IPSAS as the international reference point for that work. In the current environment, WPK’s continued inclusion of public sector matters in its professional agenda supports member awareness even though it does not have authority to adopt public sector accounting standards.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate best-endeavours activities by maintaining public sector accounting as a professional topic and by informing members of relevant developments. SMO 5 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Germany’s investigation and discipline framework continues to operate at the jurisdiction level under the Public Accountant Act, with the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) responsible for professional oversight over the broader profession and the Abschlussprüferaufsichtsstelle responsible for the public interest entity audit segment. Within this framework, WPK continues to play a direct and sustained role through its professional oversight function, including case handling, publication of final measures, and annual reporting on oversight activity.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to strengthen transparency and monitoring of the system. Its 2024 report on professional oversight notes that completed oversight proceedings rose to 150 in 2024 from 105 in the prior year, while newly initiated proceedings totaled 137. WPK also continues to publish final disciplinary measures on its website pursuant to section 69 WPO, supporting public awareness of the system and its outcomes.

WPK also continues to support implementation through preventive and supervisory activities linked to professional conduct and reporting quality. Its published priorities for Abschlussdurchsicht for 2025 and 2026 identify recurring areas of concern in audit reporting and financial statement review, which helps members understand expectations and recurring deficiencies and strengthens the link between oversight findings and preventive action.

Recent jurisdictional developments also remain relevant. WPK informed members of the 2025 work program of the Abschlussprüferaufsichtsstelle, which confirms continued public oversight focus on inspections, enforcement, and quality-related findings in the jurisdiction. Taken together, these developments indicate that the system remains active, transparent, and operational, with WPK continuing to fulfill an important role in its implementation.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities in support of the jurisdiction’s investigation and discipline system. SMO 6 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain

Financial reporting requirements in Germany continue to be established at the jurisdiction level through the German Commercial Code and directly applicable European Union legislation, with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) required for consolidated financial statements of listed entities. Within this framework, the Wirtschaftsprüferkammer (WPK) continues to support implementation by informing members of current IFRS developments and related reporting requirements relevant to professional practice.

Since the previous assessment, WPK has continued to disseminate information on IFRS developments through its website and member communications. Recent examples include updates on the IFRS Accounting Taxonomy 2025, the related 2025 ESEF core taxonomy, and changes to the ESEF Reporting Manual, all of which are relevant to listed entities and practitioners involved in IFRS-based reporting.

WPK also continues to keep members informed of emerging financial reporting issues affecting IFRS financial statements. Its recent communications on audit focus areas for the 2026 reporting season highlight matters such as geopolitical risks and related disclosure implications for IFRS financial statements, thereby supporting awareness of current reporting expectations.

Recent regulatory and jurisdictional developments remain relevant to fulfillment. The ongoing update of the IFRS taxonomy and ESEF framework at the European level continues to affect reporting by listed entities in Germany, and WPK’s continued publication of these developments helps members respond to evolving requirements in practice.

Overall, WPK continues to undertake appropriate and sustained activities to support member awareness and implementation of IFRS-related developments in Germany. SMO 7 fulfillment is therefore assessed as Sustain.

Current Status: Sustain