Proposes Revisions to the International Independence Standards to Clarify and Strengthen Independence Requirements in a Group Audit
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today released for public comment the Exposure Draft Proposed Revisions to the Code Relating to the Definition of Engagement Team and Group Audits.
The proposed revisions establish provisions that comprehensively address independence considerations for firms and individuals involved in an engagement to perform an audit of group financial statements. The proposals also address the independence implications of the change in the definition of an engagement team―a concept central to an audit of financial statements―in the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s (IAASB) International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 220, Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements.
“Auditor independence, in fact and in appearance, is fundamental to public trust and confidence in the financial statement audit, which in turn plays a major role in safeguarding the integrity of the financial system,” said IESBA Chair Ms. Gabriela Figueiredo Dias. “These proposals bring much needed clarifications and reinforcement in an area of auditor independence that can be especially challenging, given that many audits are performed for the largest and most complex groups around the world. I wish to acknowledge the close coordination with, and support of, the IAASB in developing those proposals.”
Among other matters, the proposals:
- Establish new defined terms and revise a number of existing terms, including for application with respect to independence in a group audit context.
- Clarify and enhance the independence principles that apply to:
- Individuals involved in a group audit.
- Firms engaged in the group audit, including firms within and outside the group auditor firm’s network.
- More explicitly set out the process to address a breach of an independence provision at a component auditor firm, including reinforcing the need for appropriate communication between the relevant parties and with those charged with governance of the group.
- Align a number of provisions in the Code to conform to changes in the IAASB’s Quality Management standards.
The development of the proposals has benefited from close coordination with the IAASB’s group audits and quality management projects.
How to Comment
The IESBA invites all stakeholders to comment on the ET-GA ED by visiting the IESBA’s website. Comments are requested by May 31, 2022.
About the IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA serves the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust, globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards).
The IESBA believes a single set of high-quality ethics standards enhances the quality and consistency of services provided by professional accountants, thus contributing to public trust and confidence in the accountancy profession. The IESBA sets its standards in the public interest with advice from the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) and under the oversight of the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).