Today, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) published its Strategy for 2020‒2023 (the Strategy) and Work Plan for 2020‒2021 (the Work Plan).

The strategy, developed through extensive external consultation over two years, looks to build sustained trust in financial and other reporting through high-quality audits, assurance, and related services engagements. The IAASB also recognizes the need to address the impact of technology, demands relating to changing reporting needs (including demands in relation to non-financial reporting), and changing expectations for the audit.

“The IAASB recognizes the significant challenges facing the audit profession and the standards that govern it. This Strategy and Work Plan provides an important compass for our organization to address these challenges in a highly responsive and innovative manner,” said Tom Seidenstein, Chair of the IAASB. “We will inevitably need to adapt over the strategy’s four-year period, but the emphasis on the public interest, innovation and agility, and collaboration should remain relevant.”

Consistent with governance requirements, the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB), the IAASB’s independent oversight body, concluded at its March 2020 meeting that the IAASB developed its Strategy and Work Plan in accordance with due process and with proper regard for the public interest.

Key IAASB Strategy and Work Plan Elements

The strategy sets three strategic objectives to focus IAASB priorities and resources during 2020‒2023:

1. Increase the emphasis on emerging issues to ensure that the IAASB International Standards provide a foundation for high-quality audit, assurance and related services engagements
2. Innovate the IAASB’s ways of working to strengthen and broaden our agility, capabilities, and capacity to do the right work at the right time
3. Maintain and deepen relationships with stakeholders to achieve globally relevant, progressive and operable standards

The Work Plan describes, at the time of the December 2019 approval, how the IAASB intends to increase its focus on emerging issues, while completing the existing work already committed to and underway. In the Work Plan, the IAASB anticipates standard-setting projects on going concern, fraud, and audit evidence, and work to address the needs of auditors of Less Complex Entities, among other topics. To support an evidence-based and structured consideration of new topics, the IAASB Work Plan highlights a new Framework for Activities, comprising several key components, to help the IAASB develop informed and targeted responses to address emerging issues and topics of global relevance.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Strategy and Work Plan

While the IAASB approved its strategy before the pandemic, the three strategic objectives remain relevant. The IAASB has used these strategic objectives to help prioritize its crisis response. For example, the IAASB has developed, and is continuing to develop, guidance on audit considerations in response to the pandemic. The IAASB is enhancing its interactions with national audit standard-setters, regulators, and independent audit oversight regimes.

At the same time, the IAASB recognizes that its Work Plan and timelines may need to adapt as new priorities emerge, the pandemic and associated restrictions impact our ability to work, and stakeholder capacity for change becomes constrained. In the coming weeks and months, the IAASB will consider potential impacts and consult, as appropriate, with the PIOB, the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, and other stakeholders.

The outcome of IAASB consultations could lead to the reprioritization of topics and changes in the timing of projects and consultation efforts. The IAASB will post any changes on its Website.

The Public Interest Oversight Board’s (PIOB) Standard-Setting Boards Nominations Committee is now accepting applications for three practitioner vacancies on the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), with terms beginning January 1, 2027. The application window remains open until May 3, 2026.

Serving as a member of the IAASB is a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to help shape global auditing and assurance standards in the public interest. These vacancies are for individuals who meet the Monitoring Group’s definition of a practitioner—those currently or recently affiliated with a public accounting firm within the last four years.

The PIOB seeks candidates with strong technical expertise and practical experience to support the IAASB’s delivery of its 2024–2027 Strategy and Work Plan and to help frame its 2028–2030 Strategy and Work Plan. In particular, candidates with experience in areas such as the application and implementation of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), insights into network firm methodologies across jurisdictions, and knowledge of emerging topics—including technology and quality management—are encouraged to apply.

IAASB members play an increasingly strategic role within the IAASB’s multi-stakeholder composition of sixteen members. Supported by an expanded and enhanced technical staff, IAASB members help guide the development of relevant, timely, and high-quality international standards that strengthen trust and confidence in financial reporting worldwide.

In addition, the PIOB has issued an Invitation for Application for three vacancies on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)—including one practitioner and two non-practitioner roles—providing experienced professionals a chance to contribute to IESBA’s strategic development of ethics and independence standards in the public interest.

For more details on the nomination process, visit the PIOB’s nominations web page or contact SSBNominations@ipiob.org.

About the IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. Along with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the IAASB is part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees IAASB and IESBA activities and the public interest responsiveness of the standards. For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) welcome the appointment of Emily Fitts as the new Chair of the Monitoring Group. The Monitoring Group is a group of international financial institutions and regulatory bodies committed to advancing the public interest in areas related to international audit standard setting and audit quality.

Commenting on Ms. Fitts’ appointment, Gabriela Figueiredo Dias and Tom Seidenstein, Chairs of the IESBA and IAASB respectively, said: 

“We are pleased to welcome Emily Fitts as the new Chair of the Monitoring Group. Her extensive experience in public accounting and public service, including her leadership on international audit and standard-setting matters at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, brings valuable insight to this important role. 

“The Monitoring Group plays a vital role in supporting the credibility and effectiveness of the international audit, assurance, ethics, and independence standard-setting system. We are confident that under Ms. Fitts’ leadership, the Monitoring Group will continue to advance high-quality global standards that serve investors and the broader public interest. 

“We look forward to working closely with Ms. Fitts and continuing our strong engagement with the Monitoring Group. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that international standards evolve in step with the needs of global markets and stakeholders. 

“We also thank Ryan Wolfe for his leadership and contributions during his tenure as Chair.” 

Note for Editors
Monitoring Group Members: The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, European Commission, Financial Stability Board, International Association of Insurance Supervisors, International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators, International Organization of Securities Commissions, and the World Bank

About IAASB and IESBA 
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants are part of the International Foundation for Ethics and Audit (IFEA), a nonprofit organization that supports high-quality, international ethics, audit, and assurance standards in the public interest. The IAASB and IESBA develop and issue their standards independently and in accordance with an approved due process and the Public Interest Framework, overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board. 

The IAASB develops auditing, assurance, related services, and quality management standards and guidance in the public interest that support consistent performance of quality engagements. 

The IESBA is an independent global standard-setting board that serves the public interest by developing high-quality international ethics and independence standards. These standards promote ethical behavior in business and strengthen public trust in financial and non-financial information, which is essential for the effective functioning and long-term sustainability of organizations, markets, and economies worldwide. 

The IAASB and IESBA develop and issue their standards independently and in accordance with an approved due process and the Public Interest Framework, overseen by the Public Interest Oversight Board. 

For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please visit Permissions. 

Professional skepticism is fundamental to a high-quality audit. It is not a single step; it is a mindset maintained throughout the audit.

In this short video, the IAASB highlights the importance of pausing to critically assess audit evidence, challenge assumptions, and remain alert to conditions that may indicate possible material misstatement due to fraud or error.

Through a series of reflective prompts, The Skeptic’s Pause encourages auditors to consider whether they have obtained sufficiently persuasive evidence, addressed higher assessed risks appropriately, and remained mindful of potential bias.

Watch the video and reflect on how maintaining professional skepticism strengthens audit quality and supports the public interest.

Expected publication Date: 2026-04-30

Expected publication Date: 2026-09-01

Expected publication Date: 2026-07-31