The Exposure Draft Proposed Technology-related Revisions to the Code seeks to enhance the Code’s robustness and expand its relevance in an environment being reshaped by rapid technological advancements. The proposed amendments will guide the ethical mindset and behavior of professional accountants in business and in public practice as they deal with changes brought by technology in their work processes and the content of the services they provide.
“Technological innovation is transforming the world of business and professional services in ways we would never have imagined even a decade ago,” said IESBA Chair Ms. Gabriela Figueiredo Dias. “Technology is not neutral, and professional accountants’ working relationship with it must be shaped by ethics. These timely proposals are designed to emphasize and strengthen the ethical principles that should guide them as they navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities created by these developments, recognizing ultimately their responsibility to act in the public interest.”
Among other matters, the proposals:
Draw special attention to the professional competence and confidentiality imperatives of the digital age.
Address the ethical dimension of professional accountants’ reliance on, or use of, the output of technology in carrying out their work.
Further enhance considerations relating to threats from the use of technology as well as considerations relating to complex circumstances in applying the Code’s conceptual framework.
Strengthen and clarify the International Independence Standards (IIS) with respect to technology-related non-assurance services (NAS) firms may provide to their audit clients or technology-related business relationships they may enter into with their audit clients.
Explicitly acknowledge that the IIS that apply to assurance engagements are applicable to assurance engagements on non-financial information, for example, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures.
The development of the proposals has been informed by extensive fact-finding work and outreach to stakeholders.
The proposed revisions build on the role and mindset changes that became effective last December, and the revised NAS provisions that will become effective in December 2022.
How to Comment
The IESBA invites all stakeholders to comment on the Exposure Draft by visiting the IESBA website. Comments are requested by June 20, 2022.
Proposes Technology-Related Enhancements to Global Ethics Code
This exposure draft seeks to enhance the Code’s robustness and expand its relevance in an environment being reshaped by rapid technological advancements. The proposed amendments will guide the ethical mindset and behavior of professional accountants in business and in public practice as they deal with changes brought by technology in their work processes and the content of the services they provide.
A global search has begun for highly qualified individuals to fill four volunteer openings on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) for an initial term of service of up to 3 years, commencing January 1, 2023.
The Public Interest Oversight Board’s (PIOB) newly formed Standard Setting Boards’ Nominations Committee has issued Invitations for Application, which includes the calls for both IESBA members and members of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The application period will be open until March 30, 2022. The Board terms are renewable after the initial three years, for a maximum term of service of six years.
The Nominations Committee will make recommendations to the PIOB for up to four appointments and re-appointments to the IESBA. Individuals may also make nominations on their own behalf.
The publication is designed to highlight, illustrate or explain aspects of the revised fee-related provisions in the Code and thereby assist in their proper application. It is intended to complement the Basis for Conclusions for the final standard and assist national standards setters, professional accountancy organizations, and professional accountants in public practice (including firms) as they adopt and/or implement the revised provisions. The publication is also intended to assist regulators and audit oversight bodies, the corporate governance community, investors, preparers, educational bodies or institutions, and other stakeholders in understanding the revised standard and its application.
*The revised standard addresses a number of topics, including threats to independence created by fees paid by an audit client (including fees for services other than audit), fee dependency, and transparency of fee-related information to those charged with governance and to the public from an auditor independence perspective in the case of public interest entities. The revised standard becomes effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2022. Read the provisions here.
