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.

Gina Maldonado-Rodek is a Director of Global Independence for Grant Thornton International Ltd. In her role, she oversees the development of independence policies and training courses and advises member firms throughout the Grant Thornton network in the application of independence rules, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.

Mrs. Maldonado-Rodek is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and a member of the American Institute of CPAs. She holds an MBA in international business from Rutgers University (US) and a BS in accounting from New York University (US). 

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.