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  • Companies, investors and professional accountants add their voices to the call for global alignment between sustainability reporting standard setters and frameworks

    New York, New York English
    • 65 organizations today endorse a joint statement calling for stronger alignment of regulatory and standard-setting efforts around sustainability disclosure. 
    • They encourage major actors, including the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) and the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to continue to work closely together.  
    • Capital market participants are supportive of establishing a global baseline of sustainability disclosure requirements, on top of which local jurisdictions can add their own interoperable reporting requirements. 
    • Find the full text of the endorsed statement here.

    Sixty-five companies, investors and professional accounting firms from across the world add their voices to the call for major standard-setting efforts to more closely align with and support a global baseline for reporting sustainability-related information.

    The endorsed statement was developed jointly by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). In addition to formal consultation responses, this public statement makes clear the momentum and encouragement behind stronger alignment between sustainability standard-setting efforts.

    Significant efforts by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the European Commission together with the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), all aim to address the need to enhance and evolve corporate reporting to include and consider sustainability information. However, current draft standards and initiatives are not technically compatible in terms of concepts, terminologies, and metrics.

    As these proposed sustainability-related disclosure requirements are refined and finalized, leading financial market participants are asking financial market regulators to avoid regulatory and standard setting fragmentation by aligning on key concepts, terminologies, and metrics on which disclosure requirements are built.

    A comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures is required for reporting entities to avoid undue burden and for investors to make investment decisions that truly contribute to sustainable outcomes.

    A globally consistent, comparable, reliable, and assurable corporate reporting system is indispensable in providing all stakeholders with a clear and accurate picture of an organization’s ability to create sustainable value over time.

    The endorsed statement released today is signed by:  

    • Achmea Investment Management
    • ADM
    • Arçelik Global
    • Assicurazioni Generali
    • Ayala Corporation
    • Baloise Asset Management
    • BCSD Taiwan X Taiwan Sustainable Finance Platform
    • BDO
    • Beach Point Capital Management
    • Borealis Group
    • Boston Trust Walden
    • Brunel Pension Partnership
    • Bühler Group                                                                                                    
    • Calvert Research and Management
    • CentraRSE
    • Dalton Investments
    • Dana Investment Advisors
    • DBS Group
    • de Pury Pictet Terrettini
    • Deloitte
    • Desjardins Global Asset Management
    • DNV
    • East Capital Group
    • Ecofi
    • EFG Asset Management
    • EmergeVest
    • Empresas CMPC S.A.
    • ENI S.p.A.
    • Equitile Investments
    • Ernst & Young Global Limited
    • Etica Funds – Responsible Investments
    • Future Super
    • GAM Investments
    • Grant Thornton International, Ltd.
    • Hewlett Packard Enterprise
    • HÖ Sabanci Holding
    • Holcim Ltd
    • Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    • Ingka Group
    • Investment Management Corporation of Ontario
    • Kieger
    • KPMG International
    • Lyrical Asset Management
    • Mercedes-Benz Group AG
    • Nestlé
    • Newton Investment Management
    • Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committeee
    • Octagon Credit Investors
    • Öhman Fonder
    • Olam Food Ingredients
    • Pegaso Pension Fund
    • Perennial Investment Management
    • PKA
    • PwC
    • Rathbones Group
    • Resona Asset Management
    • Responsible Investment Association Australia
    • Royal DSM
    • SABIC
    • SCG
    • Shell plc
    • STAR Capital Partnership
    • Swisscanto by Zürcher Kantonalbank
    • Tareno AG
    • Webster Equity Partners
    • Wespath Benefits and Investments

    Find the full text of the endorsed statement here and a PDF version of the statement here.

    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 180 members and associates in 135 jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    About PRI
    The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. Supported by the United Nations, it works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions. The PRI acts in the long-term interests of its signatories, of the financial markets and economies in which they operate and ultimately of the environment and society as a whole. Launched in New York in 2006, the PRI has grown to more than 5,000 signatories, managing over US$121 trillion. For more information visit www.unpri.org

    About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)  
    WBCSD is the premier global, CEO-led community of over 200 of the world’s leading sustainable businesses working collectively to accelerate the system transformations needed for a net zero, nature positive, and more equitable future. We do this by engaging executives and sustainability leaders from business and elsewhere to share practical insights on the obstacles and opportunities we currently face in tackling the integrated climate, nature and inequality sustainability challenge; by co-developing “how-to” CEO-guides from these insights; by providing science-based target guidance including standards and protocols; and by developing tools and platforms to help leading businesses in sustainability drive integrated actions to tackle climate, nature and inequality challenges across sectors and geographical regions. 

    Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than USD $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. Since 1995, WBCSD has been uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues.

    Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability, united by our vision of a world in which 9+ billion people are living well, within planetary boundaries, by mid-century. 

    www.wbcsd.org

    Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn  

  • More Companies Obtaining Independent Assurance on Sustainability Data, According to Global Study by IFAC, AICPA & CIMA

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    • 58% of global companies obtained ESG assurance in 2020
    • Assurance engagements were mostly limited in scope
    • 61% of ESG assurance services were performed by professional accounting firms, with substantial variation in practice within different jurisdictions

    The number of global companies obtaining independent assurance on their environmental, social and governance (ESG) information increased from 51% to 58% in 2020, compared to the previous year, according to new data from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the latter two of which represent the unified voice of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

    The 2020 information released today is an update to the accounting bodies’ inaugural study last year that examined global trends in both sustainability-related reporting and its assurance. This latest update offers the first benchmark of progress relative to the original data. A follow-up study that incorporates 2021 information is expected to be released at a later date.

    When it comes to ESG assurance, 82% of engagements were limited in scope in 2020, essentially the same as in 2019 (83%). Some 61% of assurance engagements were performed by audit firms on a global basis, a slight decline from the previous year (63%). Jurisdictions with some of the highest rates of assurance performed by professional accountants include Australia, France, Italy, Germany and Spain. In other countries, including South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States, most assurance engagements are conducted by service providers outside of the accountancy profession. Professional accountants have high professional standards, including independence, and are subject to regulatory oversight, which is critical in this space.

    On the reporting side, the study found 92% of global companies provided some ESG data to investors, either through integrated, annual or standalone reports. The use of, or reference to, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards more than doubled in 2020. This is important because new disclosure proposals from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) include and build upon SASB standards. (SASB’s parent organization, The Value Reporting Foundation, will consolidate into the IFRS Foundation on Aug. 1, 2022, to support the work of the ISSB.)

    “It’s encouraging to see continued high levels of reporting on sustainability information and an overall increase in assurance globally,” said IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey. “But our research tells us that 80% of companies are using multiple frameworks or standards, which results in data that is not consistent, comparable or decision-useful for investors, stakeholders or society at large. Sustainability reporting and assurance will only reach its full potential when it is based on a harmonized global system led by the International Sustainability Standards Board’s comprehensive baseline of disclosure.”

    The 2020 study data also shows 89% of companies presented at least some information in each of four categories: greenhouse gasses, other environmental factors, social and governance. Yet only 43% provided assurance for all four categories. The most common area for independent assurance was greenhouse gases (95%).

    Seventy percent of global companies that engaged a professional accounting firm to perform the ESG assurance engagement chose the firm that audits their financial statements.

    “High-quality reporting requires high-quality assurance,” said Susan S. Coffey, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA’s CEO of public accounting. “Auditors already have a holistic view of a company’s risk profile, structure and processes, so it makes sense for that firm to also engage in ESG assurance. Professionally qualified and licensed accountants have the requisite expertise, objectivity, integrity and commitment to professional standards that are essential for instilling trust in ESG reporting.”

    About the Study

    IFAC and AICPA & CIMA partnered with Audit Analytics to understand the state of play involving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting and assurance practices on a global basis. The inaugural version of the study was published last year. This latest update reviewed data from 1,400 global companies from the G20 nations plus Hong Kong S.A.R., China and Singapore. The full methodology is referenced within the study.

    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 180 members and associates in 135 jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, and AICPA & CIMA

    The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), representing AICPA & CIMA, advances the global accounting and finance profession through its work on behalf of 689,000 AICPA and CIMA members, students and engaged professionals in 196 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members and engaged professionals with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

    The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state and local governments. It also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination and builds the pipeline of future talent for the public accounting profession.

    The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer’s choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.

  • IAASB Offers Support for ISSB Proposals and Comments on Assurability of the two Draft Sustainability Reporting Standards

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    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has submitted a response to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) on its exposure drafts on sustainability- and climate-related disclosures. In its response, the IAASB noted the importance of reliable, high-quality, globally consistent sustainability reporting that investors and regulators are able to trust.

    “The reliability and quality of sustainability reporting and supporting investors’ and regulators’ trust in the sustainability information hinge on the effectiveness of the external reporting supply chain,” noted IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein. “As in financial reporting, external assurance has a key role in contributing to reporting reliability and investor confidence. This is why the IAASB’s feedback focuses on the ability of practitioners to obtain assurance on an entity’s sustainability reporting prepared in accordance with the ISSB draft standards, and why we’re committed to collaborating with and supporting the ISSB.”

    The IAASB highlighted the value of long-term cooperation between the IAASB and ISSB, as well as the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, to strengthen the connectivity between sustainability reporting external sustainability assurance, and ethical standards—especially as standards become increasingly refined and enhanced. External assurance should play a crucial role in enabling organizations to demonstrate that the sustainability information reported is reliable and credible.

    The IAASB has begun its journey to sustainability reporting assurance standards: at the June 2022 IAASB meeting, the IAASB committed to its next steps in developing a bespoke assurance standard for sustainability reporting. This journey to enhanced sustainability assurance standards was noted recently by the Financial Stability Board’s decision to include the IAASB’s work in its Climate Roadmap.

    About the IAASB
    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board 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.

    IAASB Efforts to Develop Sustainability Assurance Standards Will Complement ISSB Efforts

  • New Implementation Guide Available for Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement in An Audit of Financial Statements

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    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today released its First-Time Implementation Guide for ISA 315 (Revised 2019), Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement. The guide focuses on the more substantial changes that were made to International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 315 (Revised 2019) and will help stakeholders understand and apply the revised standard as intended.

    ISA 315 (Revised 2019) is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2021. This publication does not amend or override ISA 315 (Revised 2019), the text of which alone is authoritative. Reading this publication is not a substitute for reading the standard.

  • IAASB Proposes Narrow Scope Amendments to Operationalize Changes to the IESBA Code that Enhance Transparency about Independence

    New York, New York English

    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today released proposed narrow scope amendments to International Standard on Auditing 700 (Revised), Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements and ISA 260 (Revised), Communication with Those Charged with Governance. The proposed amendments will help operationalize recently approved changes to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ (IESBA) International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) related to listed and public interest entities. The changes to the IESBA Code require firms to publicly disclose when the independence requirements for public interest entities have been applied in an audit of financial statements.

    “There are heightened expectations about auditor independence for audits of public interest entities. The recent changes to the IESBA Code, reinforced through the IAASB’s proposed changes to the ISAs, will enhance transparency to the public about application of independence requirements for audits of financial statements of public interest entities,” said IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein. “This is a further sign of enhanced IAASB-IESBA coordination, a strategic commitment of both boards in our joint effort to better serve the public interest.”

    This Exposure Draft is part of a broader IAASB project that responds to recent revisions to the IESBA Code related to listed and public interest entities, which are undertaken as two tracks—this is Track 1. Other narrow-scope amendments that may be considered in Track 2, on a separate timeline and with a later effective date, include:

    • Aligning to the greatest extent possible the definitions and key concepts underlying the definitions in the International Standards on Quality Management (ISQMs) and International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) related to listed and public interest entities to IESBA’s definitions and key concepts in the revisions to the IESBA Code; and
    • Considering the applicability of existing differential requirements for listed entities in the ISQMs and ISAs, and whether these need to be amended in light of IESBA’s revisions that address the definitions of “publicly traded entity” and public interest entities.  

    How to Comment
    The IAASB invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft via the IAASB website. Comments are requested by October 4, 2022. As part of this public consultation, the IESBA invites stakeholders to comment on aspects of the Exposure Draft for its consideration of the need for any further action.

    About the IAASB
    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board 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.

  • IFAC calls on global business leadership to drive trust and sustainable value creation by championing an “integrated mindset”

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    Functional and information silos within organizations are barriers to delivering high-quality sustainability-related information, which is necessary for decision making and trustworthy corporate reporting. Boards and CEOs are turning to CFOs and finance functions to break down these silos and to drive connectivity between sustainability and financial information and processes, thereby creating a critically important “integrated mindset.” 

    At its core, an integrated mindset is about improving the quality of sustainability information and processes and connecting these to financial reporting and the value of the business. This leads to better decision making and communication with stakeholders, and consequently to reduced risk and cost of capital, as well as growth opportunities.

    The CFO and finance function are essential facilitators of an integrated mindset given their expertise in connecting and prioritizing information—both financial and sustainability-related—into a more integrated corporate reporting process that provides an accurate picture of performance and value creation to the organization, its investors, and other stakeholders.

    Business held its position as the most trusted institution in the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, which indicated an enormous need for business to continue delivering tangible action and results on society’s most critical issues. IFAC believes that trustworthy, comprehensive corporate reporting is critical to delivering on this need and driving long term value creation and trust.

    “Sustainable value creation will not result from siloed thinking and information,” said Kevin Dancey, IFAC CEO. “Enabling management and boards to make informed decisions and deliver decision-useful disclosure for investors requires breaking down functional silos and connecting information on sustainability, value creation, and financial performance. Professional accountants are poised to deliver this integrated mindset, and we're calling on all businesses to take action.”  

    IFAC’s call-to-action, Championing an Integrated Mindset to Drive Sustainable Value Creation, highlights what it means to adopt an integrated mindset, why it is important and how it is achieved.  

    About IFAC

    The International Federation of Accountants (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. Comprised of 180 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, IFAC represents more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce.

    Over four decades, IFAC has represented the global profession and supported the development, adoption, and implementation of international standards that underpin the contributions of today’s global accountancy profession. IFAC has maintained a long-term approach to building and strengthening a global accountancy profession that supports transparent, accountable, and sustainable organizations, financial markets, and economies.

    New IFAC initiative highlights the critical role of CFOs and finance functions in enabling an integrated mindset

  • USAID Joins IFAC, The Global Fund, and Gavi in Efforts to Strengthen Public Financial Management in the Public Health Sector

    New York, New York English

    USAID (United States Agency for International Development) has joined the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC); The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support in-country financial management. The agreement supports programming for local accountancy and finance professionals and efforts to improve financial transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts in the public health sector.

    The MOU supports continued donor collaboration, the importance of which was emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for accountability and transparency on the use and stewardship of funds. The partnership between IFAC, USAID, The Global Fund, and Gavi demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening public financial management globally. Through this agreement, USAID, IFAC, the Global Fund, and Gavi seek to strengthen accountancy and financial professionals’ expertise and help close the gaps in accountancy skills in implementing countries, which can impact the reliability and effectiveness of managing and disbursing funds. The MOU builds on a 2011 agreement and aims to optimize the joint efforts of global partners to maximize the performance of investments and support the sustainability of health programs.

    Ultimately, this partnership will help improve the integration of donor investments into country systems, strengthen internal controls to reduce fiduciary and financial risks, enhance absorption of grants, and produce greater impact.

    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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    About USAID
    USAID is the world's premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID's work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience. USAID’s global health efforts include investments in HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning, Nutrition, other infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening. 

    About Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
    Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership that helps vaccinate half the world’s children against some of the world’s deadliest diseases. Since its inception in 2000, Gavi has helped to immunise a whole generation – over 822 million children – and prevented more than 14 million deaths, helping to halve child mortality in 73 lower-income countries. Gavi also plays a key role in improving global health security by supporting health systems as well as funding global stockpiles for Ebola, cholera, meningitis and yellow fever vaccines. After two decades of progress, Gavi is now focused on protecting the next generation and reaching the unvaccinated children still being left behind, employing innovative finance and the latest technology – from drones to biometrics – to save millions more lives, prevent outbreaks before they can spread and help countries on the road to self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.gavi.org and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

    The Vaccine Alliance brings together developing country and donor governments, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. View the full list of donor governments and other leading organizations that fund Gavi’s work here.

    About the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
    The Global Fund is a worldwide movement to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. We raise and invest US$4billion a year to fight the deadliest infectious diseases, challenge the injustice which fuels them and strengthen health systems in more than 100 of the hardest hit countries. We unite world leaders, communities, civil society, health workers and the private sector to find solutions that have the most impact, and we take them to scale worldwide. Since 2002, the Global Fund has saved 38 million lives.

  • Tom Seidenstein Reappointed as IAASB Chair

    New York, NY English

    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is pleased to announce the reappointment of Tom Seidenstein as IAASB Chair for a further three-year term commencing July 1, 2022.

    Mr. Seidenstein has chaired the IAASB since July 2019 and has been instrumental in the delivery of milestone projects, such as the new quality management standards, and addressing the issue of standards for less complex entities.

    “We are delighted with Tom's reappointment as Chair of the IAASB,” said Linda de Beer, Chair of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB). “He has proven himself to be an effective, strategic leader, who is focused on delivering results in the public interest.  He has the confidence of the PIOB to lead the IAASB on the next chapter of its journey to prioritize standards development in a timely manner to respond to the needs and challenges of the market.”  

    The reappointment comes at a pivotal time for the IAASB. The Board has released an ambitious work plan (A Public Interest Focus in Uncertain Times) and is active and engaged on trending topics such as fraud, going concern, sustainability reporting and assurance, and technology.

    “It is an honor to continue the work we’ve started at the IAASB,” said Mr. Seidenstein. “Together with a great staff and Board, we’ve delivered on our work plan commitments. We provided real help to the market during the pandemic by publishing real-time guidance to the accountancy profession. Now, as the public interest demands evolve with issues such as sustainability assurance and technological innovation, the IAASB must remain resolute in delivering globally accepted standards in a timely manner that respond to changing public interest needs. I’m excited for the next three years!”

    Prior to joining the IAASB, Mr. Seidenstein has held senior strategic leadership positions at the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, and the IFRS Foundation. Mr. Seidenstein has also served as a Trustee of the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) and on XBRL International’s Board of Advisors. He holds a Master in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

    About the IAASB

    The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board 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.

  • IAASB LCE Conference Yields Key Takeaways—and Strong Support for an LCE Standard

    New York, New York English

    Today, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) published key takeaways from its recent Paris conference on the audits of financial statements of less complex entities (LCEs). Drawn from two days of discussions with more than 130 participants from 33 jurisdictions, the takeaways indicate a strong steer for the IAASB to finalize the develop of a separate standard for audits of financial statements of LCEs in the public interest.

    Key takeaways focus on themes around the continuing need for a timely global solution comprising a separate, standalone standard; working towards a common understanding of what an ‘LCE’ is and that this should also appropriately include audits of group financial statements; ways to support adoption and implementation of the standard; and the importance of communication about how the standard helps serve the public interest.

    Along with the feedback from the public consultation on the exposure draft of the landmark new LCE standard, the key takeaways will help shape the draft standard and IAASB actions. The IAASB will next discuss the proposed LCE standard at its June meeting, which will be livestreamed on YouTube.

  • New IFAC Audit Fees Survey Reveals Audit, Tax, Other Services Insights

    New York, New York English

    To answer questions about the cost of audit and how it compares to the fees companies pay for other professional services provided by statutory auditors, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) today published Audit Fees Survey 2022: Understanding Audit and Non-Audit Service Fees, 2013-2020. The new study details information about audit-related, tax-related, and other non-audit professional services in the US, Canadian, and European markets across mega-cap, large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and micro-cap exchange-listed companies in nine industries.

    “The data clearly shows differences across jurisdictions and industries, while demonstrating that fees for non-audit services appear to be on a flat or declining trend,” said IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey. “As audit quality and reform continue to be a focus for the global accountancy profession, this data provides necessary transparency and fosters understanding about the quality, cost and value of the professional services that public practice firms provide to their clients.”

    This study updates an analysis first published by IFAC in 2019. IFAC also plans to update this study with fiscal year 2021 data later this year. 

    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 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    Data will inform evidence-based discussions on audit costs and their function as value-added services