Today, the IESBA announced that the eCode – a digital tool to access and navigate the  International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code) – will be moving to the recently announced eIS, or e-International Standards, platform.  eIS is a web-based platform that provides electronic access to the authoritative standards developed by the IESBA, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB). In addition to the standards, eIS provides access to non-authoritative resource materials, including staff-prepared Basis for Conclusions and Questions and Answers publications.

“Over two years ago, the IESBA and IFAC jointly launched the eCode to provide a web-based resource for the adoption and use of the IESBA Code,” said Dr. Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman. “Now, with the launch of eIS, the profession has convenient access to an enhanced version of the eCode – or eCode 2.0 – alongside the digitized standards of the IAASB and the IPSASB. The new platform leverages technologies to further refine existing features and user experience of the eCode. The platform sets the stage for new functionalities in the future, including translations. I am confident that users will expand their use of eCode 2.0 and that the reach of the Code of Ethics will become even broader”.

The eIS is intuitive, easily navigable and offers direct access to the 2021 edition of the IESBA Handbook and relevant resources. The eCode has a new look that will further enhance the user experience regardless of the device used to access the Code.  Constituents across the breadth of the stakeholder community were surveyed during the development phase to learn how they currently use the standards and how that use could evolve in a digital environment. The eIS and eCode 2.0 also benefited from the input from representatives of the IESBA and IESBA staff.

“eIS is another significant leap forward as the IESBA continues to leverage modern technologies, including mobile access, to make the content of the Code as widely accessible, visible and user-friendly as possible,” said Ken Siong, the IESBA Program and Senior Director. “Between 2020 and 2021, as the eCode became a valuable resource for firms, national standard setters, regulators and audit oversight bodies, professional accountancy organizations, investors, academia and others, pageviews of the platform jumped nearly 40%. We’re looking forward to seeing that trend continue and accelerate under eIS.”

Users of the current eCode will still be able to access the platform at www.IESBAeCode.org until December 30, 2021. However, as of December 31, 2021, they will be re-directed to the eIS platform.

To learn more about eIS, click here. 

To learn more about the IESBA, visit www.ethicsboard.org.

The IPSASB launched eIS – a centrally located digital gateway to the international standards that guide the accountancy profession, including IPSAS, the international accrual-based accounting standards increasingly used by governments and other public sector entities around the world.

eIS, or e-International Standards, makes the official standards of the IPSASB more accessible and easily digestible by allowing for convenient digital access anywhere with an internet connection and across multiple devices.

Previously, the standards were only available as harder-to-navigate PDFs or as printed copies and handbooks. The intuitive navigation, advanced search functions and filters, and straightforward controls of eIS make the standards easier to access and utilize. Current and previous versions of standards are available in one place for use and comparison without the need to obtain multiple handbook editions.

 “Accrual financial reporting is fundamental to transparency and accountability in the public sector, as well as providing information for good decision making. By 2030, 81% of the jurisdictions in the 2021 International Public Sector Accountability Index reporting on accrual are projected to be making use of IPSAS as part of their accrual financial reporting frameworks.” said Ian Carruthers, IPSASB Chair. “Given the projected growth of IPSAS adoption and implementation globally, eIS is a timely and crucial platform that will improve the accessibility of the standards.”

eIS was developed by IFAC collaboratively with the IESBA, the IAASB, and the IPSASB. The four organizations, through surveys and conversations with key stakeholders, identified the key elements required to deliver a practical, modern platform allowing the profession easier access to international standards, while providing enhanced usability.

To learn more about eIS, visit https://eis.international-standards.org/.

To explore accrual-based reporting frameworks and IPSAS adoption globally, visit the International Public Sector Financial Accountability Index.

About the IPSASB

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support from the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the New Zealand External Reporting Board, and the governments of Canada and New Zealand. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). For copyright, trademark, and permissions information, please go to permissions or contact permissions@ifac.org.