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Kathryn A. Byrne Appointed New Chair of the IFAC Compliance Advisory Panel

Byrne Brings 20+ Years of Experience to Her New Role

Oct 9, 2015 | New York, New York | English

Following a global nominations process, the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization representing the accountancy profession with more than 175 members and associates in 130 countries, today announced the appointment of Kathryn A. Byrne, CPA, as the new chair of the Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP). The appointment was approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board. Ms. Byrne will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2016.

In this role, Ms. Byrne will lead the CAP as it oversees the implementation of the IFAC Member Compliance Program (the Program). The CAP is a critical component of the Program, which serves the public interest by promoting the adoption and support of implementation of international standards on private and public sector accounting, auditing, ethics, education as well as the establishment of related quality assurance and enforcement mechanisms. It does this through the Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs), a recognized international framework for credible and high-quality professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) and the role these organizations play in the global financial system. The CAP also provides expert advice to IFAC staff on membership and enforcement issues, setting strategy in relation to membership, and developing assessment methodology, tools, and guidance in support of the Program.

Ms. Byrne comes to her new role having worked with IFAC and the accountancy profession for a number of years. She has served as the Deputy Chair for the CAP since early 2013 and been a member since 2010. Ms. Byrne is currently a Partner at WeiserMazars LLP and a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the New York State Society of CPAs, and the Women’s Corporate Directors group. She serves on the Board of Directors of Signature Bank and its Audit Committee and the James Madison University College of Business Board of Advisors. Ms. Byrne previously served as a member of the Transnational Audit Committee of the Forum of Firms from 2001 to 2003.

“Kathryn’s experience with the CAP, IFAC, and as a professional accountant make her an excellent leader for the important work that the CAP does for the global profession and in the public interest,” according to IFAC CEO Fayez Choudhury. “As the profession continues to evolve, Kathryn will be able to help ensure that it provides a suitable framework for PAOs to fulfill the SMOs and support their local economies.”

“The IFAC Member Compliance Program helps PAOs support their national accountancy professionals, who provide the foundation for strong and sustainable economies and organizations, which in turn, support the global financial system,” Ms. Byrne said. “As the new Chair of the CAP, I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement the recently issued 2016-2018 Program strategy, maintaining its focus on the role of PAOs and their contribution to the adoption and implementation of international standards.”

About the Compliance Advisory Panel and IFAC Member Body Compliance Program
The Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) oversees the IFAC Member Body Compliance Program, which serves the public interest by promoting the adoption and support of implementation of international standards on private and public sector accounting, auditing, ethics, education as well as the establishment of related quality assurance and enforcement mechanisms through the Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs), which serve as a framework for credible and high-quality professional accountancy organizations focused on serving the public interest. As one of IFAC’s public interest activities, the CAP is overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board. The CAP’s Terms of Reference further describe its role and responsibilities.

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 approximately 2.8 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.