On December 19, 2018, IFAC will host a one-hour webinar on a future model for advancing international accountancy education in the public interest. The webinar will preview planning to date and provide an outline of the model prior to approval and implementation in 2019.

This model is aimed at ensuring the global accountancy profession addresses the challenges stemming from a rapidly changing environment by harnessing a comprehensive and integrated approach.

To include as many interested parties as possible, the webinar will be available at two times (registration required):

• December 19, 2018, 0800 EST
• December 19, 2018, 1800 EST

The transition from the current structure to a future model was announced by IFAC and the International Accounting Education Standards Board in August 2018, followed by the creation of the International Accountancy Education Transition Advisory Group to advise on the model’s development and transition plans.

The Call for Nominations for 2020 volunteer opportunities to serve on the independent international audit and ethics standard-setting boards is now open.

There are five volunteer openings on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and six volunteer opportunities on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), including public member positions.  

High-quality international standards that underpin the global accountancy profession are developed by independent standard-setting boards comprised of dedicated volunteers committed to the public interest.

Nominations for these volunteer positions are open to all stakeholders, including institutional investors and analysts, audit committee members, corporate governance professionals, academics, regulators, policy makers, standard setters as well as individuals from governmental agencies, accountancy firms and the general public. Nominations of non-accountants for the public member vacancies are strongly encouraged. Travel support is available to public members, self-nominees and qualified candidates from developing nations.

Candidates should have strong knowledge of the subject matters considered by a particular board and be fluent in English. While selection for a board is based on objective review of qualifications and experience, the nominations process is focused on encouraging a diverse pool of candidates. Nominations of highly qualified candidates from Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Caribbean and Asia are strongly encouraged. Nominations of female candidates from all regions are particularly welcome.

Nominations can be submitted through the Nominations Database before February 15, 2019. For more details regarding available positions and membership requirements, please see the Call.

The nominations process, with public interest oversight, aims to select the most suitable candidates for the available positions, while also aiming to achieve gender, regional and professional balance.

About the IAASB
The IAASB develops auditing and assurance standards and guidance for use by all professional accountants under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAASB, and the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit https://www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

This Call for Nominations for the IAASB and IESBA Membership in 2020 is issued to key stakeholders and interested parties to invite their nominations for volunteer service on the independent international audit and ethics standard-setting boards.

Volunteers are central to the effective functioning of our global standard setting boards, through active participation in meetings, task forces and outreach activities.

IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) today calls upon G20 countries to pursue smart regulation, heightened transparency, and inclusive growth to rebuild trust in institutions and advance global economic progress.

“Low levels of public trust threaten both economic and political stability,” said Fayezul Choudhury, IFAC CEO. “Leaders in government and business must work together to bolster good governance and collaborate for effective public policies that inspire confidence in the institutions supporting the global economy.”

G20 countries play a crucial role in fostering institutions and governance models that can anticipate, respond to, and mitigate future crises. In advance of the 2018 G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, IFAC issues 10 actionable recommendations for G20 countries to support the global economy.

Develop Smarter Regulation

Regulation must effectively support the public interest through well-targeted conception, effective design and committed implementation. To achieve smarter regulation, G20 countries must:

• Develop and adopt consistent, comprehensive, and high-quality regulation
• Create a coherent, transparent global regulatory environment that limits divergence; and
• Implement internationally-accepted standards to enhance confidence and stability in the global financial system.

Increase Transparency

Robust transparency in the public and private sectors is key to earn public trust, fight corruption, encourage good governance and promote ethical business practices. To increase transparency in the global economy, G20 countries must:

• Strengthen governance in the public and private sectors
• Embrace integrated reporting
• Enhance public sector financial management; and
• Collaborate to tackle corruption.

Enable Inclusive Growth

The fruits of a growing global economy must be shared inclusively to inspire confidence in the future. To enable inclusive growth, G20 countries must:

• Foster an environment that supports small- and medium-sized entity growth
• Create a secure and digital-ready investment environment; and
• Collaborate for a coherent international tax system.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.