The global standard-setting boards for auditing, accounting ethics and accounting education today released a new publication showcasing observations and potential ways to enhance professional skepticism.

The publication, Toward Enhanced Professional Skepticism, was produced by a joint working group comprised of representatives from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) and the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB). It outlines observations about the current environment and sets out actions the global standard-setting boards will take, as well as the role that other stakeholders can play, in enhancing professional skepticism.

The importance of professional skepticism is underscored by the increasing complexity of business and financial reporting, including the greater use of estimates and management judgment, business model changes due to technological developments, and the fundamental reliance of the public on dependable financial reporting. It lies at the heart of a quality audit.

“When this initiative began, the boards were looking for input on whether and how each of their standards could contribute to strengthening the understanding and application of professional skepticism as it applies to an audit,” said Prof. Annette Köhler, Joint Working Group Chair. “We have shared our observations and recommendations with the boards, and professional skepticism now features prominently in each of the boards’ strategic considerations.”

This publication is the first ever jointly commissioned by the three boards. Each of the boards has acted on the input received; the publication also includes a snapshot of their immediate actions and longer-term studies.

About the IAASB
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) 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.

About the IAESB
The International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) develops education standards, guidance, and information papers for use by IFAC member organizations under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAESB, and the IAESB 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 IAESB are facilitated by IFAC.

About the IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

Navigating the national regulatory environment is a crucial part of establishing and developing an effective professional accountancy organization (PAO). The right accountancy regulation model is vital to ensuring a well-functioning profession that produces high-quality financial information, supports economic growth and development, and is relevant to professional accountants and their clients. In light of regulatory evolution in recent years and the ongoing need for PAOs to adapt to, and actively influence, their environment, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) today released new guidance to support PAOs in these efforts.

“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution for accountancy regulation; there are many different models in place around the world that work effectively,” said IFAC Executive Director Alta Prinsloo. “Understanding the key principles of accountancy regulation, and how they function in practical terms, helps PAOs and their key constituents ensure the profession’s long-term sustainability, and their ability to continue to function in the public interest.”

Making Regulation Work: Principles and Models for the Accountancy Profession explores the scope of accountancy regulation, why it is needed, and key principles for consideration, as highlighted in IFAC Public Policy Position 1, Regulation of the Accountancy Profession and From Crisis to Confidence: A Call for Consistent, High-Quality Global Regulation. It also provides regulatory model examples used in a number of countries, with further information available in country profiles on the IFAC website.

The guidance is part of the PAO Capacity Building Series, which includes guidance on PAO governance, advocacy and public policy, partnerships, and engaging professional accountants in business. It also builds on one of the key findings of the MOSAIC PAO Global Development Report, which cites strengthening PAOs’ legal and regulatory foundations and internal capacity as a critical need for the global accountancy profession.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Thinking beyond the financial elements of an organization to other key areas of value creation can help small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) develop a better understanding of their business and provide key insights for the future. Today, it is critical for organizations to think broadly about performance and strategy, and improve communication to shareholders, investors, customers and suppliers on what drives value for the organization.

Creating Value for SMEs through Integrated Thinking: The Benefits of Integrated Reporting, published today by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), highlights how SMEs—and the professional accountants serving them—can benefit from integrated thinking and reporting.

“As the engines of economic development, SMEs are critically important to the world’s economy,” said Sylvia Tsen, IFAC Executive Director. “They have significant value beyond the financial, which integrated thinking and reporting helps uncover. An integrated approach can help SMEs, including not-for-profits, increase their impact because it encourages an inclusive view of operations, risks and opportunities, and future outlook.”

Integrated reporting embraces the six capitals established by the IIRC’s International Integrated Reporting Framework: financial, human, intellectual, manufactured, natural, and social and relationship. Considering each holistically, organizations can build a clearer understanding of the factors necessary to build value over the short, medium, and long term, including how the business uses and effects its resources.

“Integrated reporting is well underway to becoming the global norm, so it has to work for all businesses, large and small,” said Richard Howitt, IIRC Chief Executive Officer. “I am delighted how this new publication shows the considerable benefits for smaller organizations. The IIRC’s principles-based framework is deliberately flexible so that SMEs can apply it to their own specific circumstances.”

Whether advising an organization or working within it, professional accountants are equipped with the skills and understanding to apply integrated reporting, help discover important insights, and provide stakeholders with a broader picture of how the business meets its strategic objectives. Additional resources to help professional accountants improve integrated thinking are available on the Global Knowledge Gateway, including Creating Value with Integrated Thinking: The Role of the Professional Accountant.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) welcomes the adoption by the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) of a new auditing standard to enhance auditor’s reports by providing additional, relevant information to users, including critical audit matters.

The PCAOB’s new standard, which is subject to US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval, is comparable with the IAASB’s new and revised Auditor Reporting Standards, which require the communication of key audit matters in auditor’s reports of listed entities and became effective for December 2016 year-end audits.

“The PCAOB’s adoption of a standard to enhance auditor’s reports is a significant step forward in providing useful and relevant information to investors and other users,” said Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “Auditor’s reports are no longer “boilerplate” reports—auditors are now providing additional information about the audit, which is highly valued by users. We are particularly pleased that the PCAOB’s requirements are comparable to those of the IAASB. Coordination among standard setters is important in striving toward auditing standards that are, in principle, globally consistent.”

Two new publications comparing the IAASB and PCAOB standards have been developed by the IAASB’s Auditor Reporting Implementation Working Group. These publications will assist users in understanding the key similarities and differences between the IAASB and PCAOB requirements. Additional information on the IAASB’s new and revised Auditor Reporting Standards, as well as support materials, are available online.

About the IAASB
The IAASB 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.

The Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®) has unanimously elected Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger as CAG Chair until June 2020.

Created in June 2016, the IPSASB CAG is a forum composed of 22 representatives of public and private sector organizations and individuals that are interested in, or affected by, the IPSASB’s work, including those engaged in the preparation, audit, or evaluation of public sector financial reports. The CAG provides advice to the IPSASB on the IPSASB’s strategy and work plan; IPSASB’s projects, including views on technical issues or matters that may impede the adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards^™; and other matters relevant to the IPSASB’s standard-setting activities. Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger was appointed inaugural Chair at the CAG’s inception in 2016 until the membership was in a position to hold a formal vote.

“I am delighted Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger will continue as CAG Chair. His election confirms that CAG members have valued his commitment and strong leadership since its first meeting in June 2016. He has helped develop the CAG as an effective forum for discussing key public interest issues related to the IPSASB’s work,” said IPSASB Chair Ian Carruthers. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Thomas and the CAG members.”

Thomas Müller-Marqués Berger is a distinguished public sector accounting expert. Currently Global Head of International Public Sector Accounting for Ernst & Young, Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger’s deep experience in accounting standard setting includes chairmanship of the Public Sector Group of Accountancy Europe since 2011, membership of the German Public Sector Committee since 2002, and service to global standard setting as an IPSASB member from 2009–2014.

“I am very appreciative of the support expressed by the unanimous vote of the CAG members in electing me. The CAG has made great progress and we look forward to continuing to foster meaningful input to the IPSASB’s project work and to the development of the IPSASB’s next strategy and work plan,” said Mr. Müller-Marqués Berger.

About the IPSASB
The IPSASB develops accounting standards and guidance for use by public sector entities. It receives support (both direct financial and in-kind) 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.

About the Public Interest Committee
The governance and standard-setting activities of the IPSASB are overseen by the Public Interest Committee (PIC), to ensure that they follow due process and reflect the public interest. The PIC is comprised of individuals with expertise in public sector or financial reporting, and professional engagement in organizations that have an interest in promoting high-quality and internationally comparable financial information.

At the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)’s 2017 Conference in Manchester, UK, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and CIPFA announced the launch of the Public Sector Financial Accountability Index.

Developed jointly by IFAC, as part of its Accountability. Now. initiative, and CIPFA, with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences as knowledge partner, the index will be the first of its kind to provide an accurate global picture of public sector financial reporting quality.

In particular, the index will provide a picture of the extent of accrual accounting and adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. It will also aim to provide a better understanding of accounting and budgeting reform plans, and help stimulate public financial management (PFM) reforms.

The main output will be a regularly updated country-by-country public database. It will initially focus on central government, and expand over time to include state/provincial and local government.

The index will initially be populated with research data on individual countries and regions, collected by various international institutions. National standard setters will be invited to review, comment upon, and supplement the information, after which the first set of data will be made available in November 2017.

“The Public Sector Financial Accountability Index will provide better insight into the extent of global public financial reporting reform, and stimulate further reform,” said Fayez Choudhury, IFAC Chief Executive Officer.

“High-quality accrual-based information that captures the entire picture of a government’s finances and its funding commitments, both now and in the future, is the foundation for strong public financial management,” said Rob Whiteman, CIPFA CEO. “It strengthens economies, and, most importantly, builds trust with citizens. CIPFA is proud to be supporting the development of this index, which we believe will be a relevant and timely contribution to global PFM reform.”

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.

Accountability. Now. is an initiative of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) to promote high-quality financial accounting and reporting by governments to improve transparency and help strengthen public financial management and accountability in the public interest. Further information can be obtained via the Accountability. Now. brochure.

Global economic stability and transparency and the rebuilding of public trust will be greatly enhanced by a determined G20 push for stronger governance across all sectors, according to IFAC—the International Federation of Accountants. In advance of the G20 Summit 2017 in Hamburg, Germany on July 7-8, IFAC issued actionable recommendations for G20 countries that will support both the global economy and the G20’s 2017 objectives.

“Rebuilding trust in the global economy and financial systems is critical to inspiring the confidence the world needs for sustained economic growth. Especially in these uncertain times, stakeholders with a passion for transparent, accountable governance must work together,” said IFAC Chief Executive Officer, Fayez Choudhury. “Individuals and institutions must be empowered by strong governance; fortified by a consistent, transparent regulatory environment; and enabled by access to a high-speed, secure digital environment.”

IFAC calls on the G20 and other key stakeholders in the global economy to collaborate on:

• Raising governance standards across all economic sectors to increase transparency and accountability, and help restore trust and inspire confidence in business and government, key to the G20’s aspirations to: build resilience, improve sustainability, and assume responsibility.
• Fostering greater transparency and regulatory consistency to achieve growth, confidence, and stability. This requires an inclusive digital and economic environment for businesses of all sizes, as well as implementation and adoption of high-quality internationally-accepted regulations and standards.

IFAC’s member organizations represent almost 3 million accountants globally. They contribute nearly USD$250 billion gross value added annually, and facilitate higher standards of living. Recent research also shows that a higher percentage of accountants in the workforce strongly correlates to better outcomes in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index—and that the impact is improved even further when accountants operate in countries with strong governance architectures.

IFAC strengthens the accountancy profession by:

• supporting the development of high-quality international standards;
• promoting the adoption and implementation of these standards;
• building the capacity of professional accountancy organizations; and
• speaking out on public interest issues.

Visit IFAC’s website for IFAC’s full recommendations to the G20.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) today released for public comment the Exposure Draft, Proposed Application Material Relating to Professional Skepticism and Professional Judgment. The proposed guidance for the first time links key concepts in the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants^™ (the Code) and clarifies their application, namely:

• how compliance with the fundamental principles in the Code supports professional skepticism by auditors and assurance practitioners for audit, review, and other assurance engagements; and
• the importance of professional accountants obtaining a sufficient understanding of the facts and circumstances known to them when exercising professional judgment in applying the conceptual framework underpinning the Code.

“Compliance with the fundamental principles and professional skepticism are essential obligations of professional accountants for audit and other assurance engagements,” said IESBA Chairman Dr. Stavros Thomadakis. “We are articulating for the first time the linkage between the two, making clear the important role that the fundamental principles play in enabling auditors and assurance practitioners to meet the public’s expectations about exercising professional skepticism.”

The proposed guidance addressing the fundamental principles and professional skepticism responds to a recommendation from the tripartite Professional Skepticism Working Group established by the IESBA, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), and the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB).

“While developing this guidance, the IESBA also emphasizes the importance of professional accountants not simply accepting information at face value when exercising professional judgment,” noted IESBA Technical Director, Ken Siong.

Once finalized, this material will be included in the clarified and restructured Code that the IESBA plans to complete by the end of 2017. Beyond this, the IESBA will continue to explore further issues relating to professional skepticism in close coordination with the IAASB and IAESB, and in consultation with stakeholders.

How to Comment
The IESBA invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft by visiting the Ethics Board’s website at www.ethicsboard.org. Comments are requested by July 25, 2017.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Significant changes in how auditors evaluate accounting estimates and related disclosures have been proposed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The changes will require auditors to sharpen their focus on risks of material misstatements arising from accounting estimates, and to address those risks with more granular audit requirements.

“Accounting estimates are used in many financial statements—often they are complex, and require judgement or have estimation uncertainty. It is especially important that auditors are required to design and perform procedures to ensure estimates’ reliability,” said Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “The proposed standard will bring significant changes to many audits, but particularly to audits of financial institutions, such as banks and insurers, given the recent shift to accounting for expected credit losses.”

The proposed standard continues the evolution of audit to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global economy. It was developed following extensive consultation with regulators and practitioners, including those who audit small, medium, and large businesses.

The proposed standard:

• enhances requirements for risk assessment procedures to include specific factors related to accounting estimates, namely complexity, judgment, and estimation uncertainty;
• sets a more detailed expectation for the auditor’s response to identified risks, including augmenting the auditor’s application of professional skepticism; and
• is scalable regardless of the size or sector of the business or audit firm.

International Standard on Auditing 540 (Revised), Auditing Accounting Estimates and Related Disclosures, is open for public comment until August 1, 2017. The IAASB invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft via the IAASB website. 

About the IAASB
The IAASB 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.

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) today released an online survey seeking comments, views, and insights from all stakeholders to help shape its future strategic direction. The survey closes on July 18, 2017.

The survey seeks early input into the key issues the IESBA should address that might impact its Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants™ (the Code). This is a first step in the development of the IESBA’s strategy and work plan beyond 2018.

“By the end of 2017, the IESBA expects to have completed major projects to strengthen the Code as well as restructure it for greater clarity and usability. We recognize that beyond these improvements, it is in the public interest to continue to enhance the Code as a bedrock of public trust in the global accountancy profession, and to promote its further adoption and effective implementation around the world,” said Dr. Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman. “This survey is an important first step in gathering views on specific developments, needs, and priorities that will enable the Code to remain globally relevant, reinforce its high quality, and facilitate adoption and effective implementation.”

Responses to the survey will inform the IESBA’s development of a formal consultation paper on its Strategy and Work Plan beyond 2018. The consultation paper is expected to be issued in 2018.

A pdf version of the survey is also available.

About the IESBA
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.