The Technology Position outlines how the IAASB will respond proactively to the challenges and opportunities that emerging technologies present for audit and assurance. This initiative is focused on meeting the commitments set out in the Technology Position,which lists eight guiding actions the IAASB will undertake to facilitate the appropriate use of technology by firms and practitioners.
Jasper joined the IAASB in 2013 and has been involved in a number of key projects, including the IAASB’s projects on fraud, less complex entities, group audits, accounting estimates and key audit matters. In addition, he is a member of the IAASB’s Staff leadership team which leads the delivery of the IAASB’s strategy and work program and is responsible for managing the Staff team.
Prior to joining the IAASB, Jasper worked for KPMG in the Netherlands and Canada. During his tenure at KPMG, Jasper worked on audits of mid-sized and large private and public companies in various industries.
Jasper is both a Canadian (Ontario) and a Dutch qualified accountant.
Kalina is a Director at the IAASB, where she leads the Audit Evidence and Risk Response project. Since joining the IAASB in 2019, she has directed key international standard-setting projects aimed at enhancing audit quality and maintaining public confidence in the global assurance profession.
Prior to joining the IAASB, Kalina was a Senior Financial Management Specialist at the World Bank in Vienna, Austria, where she advised governments and regulators on corporate financial reporting reform and the development of the accounting and auditing profession, with a particular focus on international auditing standards. Prior to that, Kalina was an Executive Director with Ernst and Young with many years of practical audit experience.
Kalina is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
The objective of the Innovation Working Group (Formerly Innovation, Needs and Future Opportunities (INFO) Working Group) is to explore emerging developments in the audit, assurance and related services fields for the purpose of assisting the IAASB in identifying opportunities for relevant and effective standard setting, or determining other potential actions, in a timely and informed manner.
The work of the Auditor Reporting Implementation Working Group (ARIWG) was to promote awareness, understanding and support effective implementation of the new and revised auditor reporting standardsthrough the issueance of the below guidance material. The ARIWG also undertook a post-implementation review (PIR) of the new and revised auditor reporting standards in order to:
The reliability and quality of financial reporting and supporting investors’ and regulators’ trust in the information hinge on the effectiveness of the external reporting supply chain.
On behalf of the IAASB, we are pleased to share our public report, Foundation for the Future, summarizing the Board’s achievements from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019.
This period, chaired by Professor Arnold Schilder, was one of great productivity for our Board and staff. Five new and revised standards were approved. Six exposure drafts were issued and we consulted with stakeholders on five key areas. The IAASB also published nine project proposals, project updates and feedback statements. To help our stakeholders better understand and implement our standards, the IAASB developed 31 implementation and support resources.
In line with the 2015-2019 strategy, the IAASB’s activities have focused on enhancing audit quality and addressing engagements other than audits of financial statements. The IAASB has also increasingly focused on what more can be done to better understand and address the challenges some users face in applying the International Standards on Auditing in audits of less complex entities.
In addition, the IAASB has remained true to our commitment to a rigorous program of international outreach (IAASB members and staff engaging with stakeholders by way of personal visits and meetings, participation in conferences, discussion groups and forums, as well as webinars and other methods of communication to inform and engage on technical topics). From 2016 to 2019, almost 400 outreach activities across 44 countries were conducted with key stakeholder groups. By working with our stakeholders and strengthening our relationships, we are better able to understand issues affecting our standards and promote their adoption and implementation.
As we enter a new phase for the IAASB, we are proud of the broad reach of our standards and recognize the significant responsibilities that come with this. During the period covered by this report, the number of jurisdictions worldwide that use or are committed to using the International Standards on Auditing increased from 111 to 130.
We are now completing the development of a new strategy and work plan in the knowledge that there is a strong foundation in place. At the same time, we accept the need to identify and respond to emerging challenges to ensure that we continue to deliver international standards that are relevant, robust and operable.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Seidenstein Willie Botha Chair (Effective July 2019) Technical Director
