The International Federation of Accountants^® (IFAC^®) today announced the availability of the current editions of the handbooks from the:

• International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board^® (IAASB^®);
• International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®);
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board^® (IPSASB^®); and
• International Accounting Education Standards Board™ (IAESB™);

2015 Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements

The latest edition of the handbook includes new and revised Auditor Reporting standards designed to enhance auditor’s reports for investors and other users of financial statements, as well as changes to other ISA™ pronouncements to address the auditor’s responsibilities in relation to going concern, financial statement disclosures, and other information (i.e., annual reports). Volume III continues to include the IAASB’s Framework for Audit Quality: Key Elements that Create an Environment for Audit Quality, a topic that is a key area of focus in the IAASB’s current work plan.

These substantive changes will be effective for audits of financial statements ending on or after December 15, 2016.

To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IAASB’s website at www.iaasb.org.

2015 Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

The 2015 IESBA Handbook contains the entire Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants™. This edition also includes changes to certain non-assurance services pronouncements for both audit and assurance clients that will be effective in 2016. Early adoption is permitted; see “Changes” for details.

To access an electronic copy—available on mobile-optimized and fully searchable web-based platform or in PDF for personal use—purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IESBA’s website at www.ethicsboard.org. 

2015 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements

The 2015 edition is available only in electronic format and contains the complete set of IPSAS™ pronouncements. It also includes the Conceptual Framework for General Purpose Financial Reporting by Public Sector Entities, which was published in October 2014.

The 2016 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements, scheduled to be available in 2Q 2016, will be available in print and electronic versions.

To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IPSASB’s website at www.ipsasb.org.

2015 Handbook of International Education Pronouncements

The 2015 Education Handbook contains the IAESB’s suite of the newly revised and redrafted IES™ 1-6, the re-drafted IES 7, Continuing Professional Development (2014), IES 8, Competence Requirements for Audit Professionals (2008), and the revised Framework for International Education Standards for Professional Accountants and Aspiring Professional Accountants.

One of the more significant changes to the handbook is the addition of a new section that includes the newly revised IES 8, Professional Competence for Engagement Partners Responsible for Audits of Financial Statements, that has been approved by the IAESB, but is not yet effective.

To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IAESB’s website at www.iaesb.org.

About the Handbooks
The standards and pronouncements in each of the handbooks were developed by the IAASB, IAESB, IESBA, and IPSASB, respectively. The structures and processes that support the operations of these independent standard-setting boards, including publishing the handbooks, are facilitated by IFAC.

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. It 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.

Gillian Waldbauer FCA has been with the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany (IDW) since 2003 as a technical manager in the department of international affairs and from November 2014 as head of international affairs. In June 2023, she became the Principal of Public Affairs. Her work at IDW is concentrated on international issues in auditing and assurance, financial reporting, non-financial reporting and previously financial reporting in the public sector. Within the IDW she provides support to both the accounting and auditing boards in regard to international auditing and corporate reporting issues. She is also involved in drafting the IDW's comment letters on international auditing and accounting issues.

Ms. Waldbauer’s international experience includes active involvement in the Audit and Assurance Policy Group and the Sustainability Policy Group of Accountancy Europe; she is also currently technical advisor on the IFAC Board and the IFAC Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group.

Ms. Waldbauer is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has several years of audit experience with a medium-sized firm of professional accountants in London.

In cooperation with IFAC Member Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Costa Rica (CCPCR), IFAC is hosting a Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs) workshop in San Jose, Costa Rica, on February 13. The workshop will bring together leaders and representatives from 17 professional accountancy organizations in Central and South America and the Caribbean to address regional issues affecting the profession.

The event will also provide insights on the status of fulfillment of the IFAC SMOs in the region and provide the opportunity for a greater explanation and discussion of the Dashboard Reports methodology now used by IFAC. In addition, the event will be a key opportunity to share experiences, both successes and challenges, and identify opportunities for regional collaboration.

The event also supports the IFAC Member Compliance Program’s strategic objective of collaboration and seeks to help IFAC and the Compliance Advisory Panel more fully understand the challenges some jurisdictions face in adopting or implementing some of the SMOs.