New publication spotlights artificial intelligence
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) today released a new resource, Exploring the IESBA Code, A Focus on Technology: Artificial Intelligence. This two-page publication highlights the application of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code), in particular, the relevance of the Code’s fundamental principles and its conceptual framework to addressing ethics issues that might arise when artificial intelligence (AI) is used or implemented by professional accountants. Specifically, the installment sets out an AI scenario to assist accountants in identifying, evaluating and addressing threats to compliance with the Code’s fundamental principles.
Originally launched in 2019, the Exploring the IESBA Code is a unique resource developed in collaboration with the staff of the IESBA. This installment focusing on AI has also benefited from input from the IESBA’s Technology Working Group. The Exploring the IESBA Code series is intended to promote awareness of the Code and support its global adoption and implementation. It is non-authoritative and is not a substitute for reading the Code. Each installment highlights important concepts and topics in the Code and seeks to help readers understand how to use and navigate the Code so that they can quickly identify and access the ethics and independence standards and guidance relevant to them.
Previous installments have been translated into multiple languages. Topics previously covered by the series include: the fundamental principles, the conceptual framework, auditor independence, conflicts of interest, inducements, responding to non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR), pressure, the role and mindset expected of the professional accountant with a focus on bias, and the “building blocks” structure of the Code. Click here to access this and previous installments.
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. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
About IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust, globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).