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New Guide on Compilation Engagements Helps Accountants Meet Changing Market Demand

Sep 24, 2015 | New York, New York | English

The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession, today released the Guide to Compilation Engagements. The Guide aims to help professional accountants in practice, especially those operating in small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs), in conducting compilation engagements in compliance with ISRSTM 4410 (Revised), an International Standard on Related Services developed exclusively by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®).

“The regulatory environment is changing. As a result, increasingly small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) may now be able to choose from an array of assurance and related services to meet their needs,” said IFAC SMP Committee Chair Giancarlo Attolini. “Accounting practices, especially SMPs that typically serve SMEs, need to be prepared to help their clients navigate this choice, while being prepared to meet clients’ changing demands. The Guide can help practitioners increase their knowledge and understanding of compilation engagements, thus broadening their service offerings and strengthening their practices in this important area.”

Practitioners can use the Guide as an introduction to compilation engagements, to deepen their prior understanding and knowledge, as a day-to-day reference guide, or as the basis for training modules. The Guide includes practical guidance on the application of the requirements in the standard and “Consider Points,” which offer suggestions to facilitate efficiency and address areas where practitioners often encounter difficulties. Featuring illustrative examples alongside relevant extracts from the standard, the Guide also includes appendices with key checklists and forms that practitioners can use as is or modify to meet the requirements of their particular jurisdiction.

Visit SMP Publications & Resources for access to the Guide, which forms part of IFAC’s suite of implementation support and includes comprehensive Guides covering the implementation of the IAASB’s audit, quality control, and review standards: ISATM, ISQCTM, and ISRETM 2400 (Revised), respectively. For access to additional implementation resources from IFAC and notable organizations from around the world, see the Global Knowledge Gateway, in particular, the areas of audit & assurance and ethics.

About the SMP Committee
The SMP Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) represents the interests of professional accountants operating in small- and medium-sized practices (SMPs). The committee develops guidance and tools and works to ensure the needs of SMPs are considered by standard setters, regulators, and policy makers. The committee also speaks out on behalf of SMPs to raise awareness of their role and value, especially in supporting SMEs, and the importance of the small business sector overall.

About IFAC
IFAC is the global organization for the accountancy profession, dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. It is comprised of more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing over 2.8 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.