The IAASB's June 2012 Invitation to Comment: Improving the Auditor’s Reportprovided an indicative direction of the board’s future standard-setting proposals to improve how and what auditors report. Starting on page 9, the ITC featured an illustrative auditor’s report with the IAASB’s suggested improvements, and provided the board’s rationale for them. It also discussed the potential value and impediments of each of the suggested improvements.
At the heart of the suggested improvements is the need for transparency on matters specific to the audited financial statements and the audit that was performed. A proposed new section in the auditor’s report, “Auditor Commentary,” is envisaged to be the mechanism by which auditors may call attention to matters that are, in the auditor’s judgment, likely to be most important to the users’ understanding of the audited financial statements or the audit. There are also suggested improvements with respect to new statements regarding going concern and other information in documents containing the audited financial statements, the description of the responsibilities of the auditor and key features of the audit itself, and enhancement to the format of the auditor’s report.
To further inform this important initiative, the IAASB held three global roundtables in 2012. These events brought together representatives from a broad range of stakeholder groups to share perspectives on the IAASB’s suggested improvements to the auditor’s report.
As part of the IAASB’s technology focus, this publication provides an update on efforts to appropriately address the technology related issues in recently and soon-to-be issued standards and exposure drafts. It also includes additional relevant news and information on technology in audit, and recent technology working group activities.
The IAASB recognizes the global call for action to address issues of complexity, length, understandability, scalability, and proportionality related to using the ISAs. Continuing the debate on these strategic issues, the Discussion Paper explores how the IAASB, and others, could further support auditors working in increasingly evolving environments.
The IAASB welcomes input from all interested stakeholders as we chart an appropriate way forward. The consultation will remain open until September 12, 2019. French and Spanish translations will be available on the IAASB’s website in mid-May.
Furthering the Debate on Applying the ISAs in Audits of Less Complex Entities
Exploring Possible Options to Address the Challenges in Applying the ISAs
The IAASB seeks to further understand the challenges of using ISAs in audits of less complex entities—and views about possible actions to address these challenges. It recognizes the global call for action to address issues of complexity, length, understandability, scalability, and proportionality related to using the International Standards on Auditing. Continuing the debate on these strategic issues, this Discussion Paper explores how the IAASB, and others, could further support auditors working in increasingly evolving environments.
