In light of the continuing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the International Auditing and Assurance Standard Board (IAASB)’s work plan and the capacity of our stakeholders, including recent requests to participate in consultations and events, the closing date for responses to the Auditor Reporting Stakeholder Survey has been extended to November 23, 2020.

The survey invites interested stakeholders to share their experience with, and provide feedback relating to, the Auditor Reporting Standards that were issued in 2015. This extension creates further opportunity for a broad range of input that will help the IAASB understand whether the revised Auditor Reporting Standards are achieving the intended purpose.

The IAASB appreciates the fact that different jurisdictions may be at different stages of adoption and implementation of the Auditor Reporting Standards. However, all interested stakeholders are invited to participate, regardless of where your jurisdiction is in the adoption and implementation process, since stakeholders’ perspectives and views may also be informed by, for example, early adoption activities, information gathering or field testing undertaken in preparing for implementation, research and outreach activities, and pilot testing. The online survey allows flexibility based on circumstances and experience.

The IAASB requests feedback from all stakeholders, including investors and other users of financial statements, auditors and audit firms, preparers of financial statements, those charged with governance, national standard setters, professional accountancy organizations, and regulators and audit oversight bodies.

Stakeholders also are asked to share the online survey with their respective networks in their jurisdictions that engage with auditors or use auditor reports.

Additional information about the Post-Implementation Review is available on 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 Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has extended the comment period for Exposure Drafts (EDs) 70-72 to November 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These three EDs, released in February this year, pioneer new approaches for some of the most prevalent public sector transactions, including government transfers and grants for the delivery of key government services to citizens.

With the fast-approaching comment deadline, stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about the Exposure Drafts, and submit their comments, by visiting the below links:

Exposure Draft 70: Revenue with Performance Obligations

Exposure Draft 71: Revenue without Performance Obligations

Exposure Draft 72: Transfer Expenses

James R. Dalkin has been re-appointed as the chair of the Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), effective October 1, 2020. His appointment, approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board, follows his election by IAASB CAG members at its September 2020 meeting.

The CAG is an independent body comprising regulators, preparers, international investor and user groups, and other stakeholders with an interest in international auditing and assurance. Mr. Dalkin will continue to play a key role ensuring the CAG’s views are included in the IAASB’s deliberations. In addition, Mr. Dalkin’s past leadership and experience will be increasingly valuable as the role of the IAASB CAG may change pending possible changes to the IAASB’s governance structure following the Monitoring Group’s recommendations published in July 2020.

“It is an honor to be re-elected by my colleagues to lead the IAASB CAG,” said Mr. Dalkin. “Recognizing the ongoing review of the IAASB’s governance and operating arrangements, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities in continuing to serve the public interest in this capacity.”

“Under Jim’s leadership, the CAG worked effectively and provided valuable input to the IAASB’s standard-setting activities,” said Tom Seidenstein, IAASB Chair. “I look forward to continuing our constructive working relationship as we execute our strategy and strive to serve the public interest.”

About Mr. Dalkin
Mr. Dalkin is a Director in the Financial Management and Assurance Team with the US Government Accountability Office (GAO). He is also an observer to the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission Advisory Board (COSO) and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. He has previously served as a board member of the American Institute of CPAs’ Auditing Standards Board.

At the GAO, Mr. Dalkin directs work to develop and maintain government auditing standards (the Yellow Book); internal control standards for the US federal government (the Green Book); and the GAO’s work with the accounting and auditing profession. He is also responsible for the audits of the US Securities Exchange Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

About the IAASB and the IAASB CAG
The IAASB is an independent standard-setting body that serves the public interest by setting high-quality international standards for auditing, quality control, review, other assurance, and related services, and by facilitating the convergence of international and national standards. In doing so, the IAASB enhances the quality and uniformity of practice throughout the world and strengthens public confidence in the global auditing and assurance profession.

The IAASB follows a rigorous due process in developing its pronouncements. Input is obtained from a wide range of stakeholders including the IAASB's CAG. Representatives of the CAG member organizations provide advice on numerous areas, including:

• The IAASB’s agenda and project timetable (work program), including project priorities;
• Technical projects; and
• Other matters of relevance to the IAASB’s activities.

Climate change is increasingly front of mind for investors and other stakeholders of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) as its effects are increasingly visible. Given climate change’s potential to impact most, if not all entities, directly or indirectly, the IAASB issued a Staff Audit Practice Alert, The Consideration of Climate-Related Risks in an Audit of Financial Statement.

This Staff Audit Practice Alert assists auditors in understanding what already exists in the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) today and how it relates to auditors’ considerations of climate-related risks in an audit of financial statements.

“Climate-related events or conditions are impacting entities worldwide as global and local policy actions continue to evolve and given the growing demand by investors for climate-related information for their economic decision making,” said IAASB Technical Director Willie Botha. “This Staff Audit Practice Alert shows that while the phrase ‘climate change’ does not feature in the ISAs, the auditor’s responsibilities under the ISAs encapsulate the consideration of events or conditions relevant to the susceptibility to misstatement of amounts and disclosures in an entity’s financial statements, which would include climate-change risk.”

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 Technology Working Group of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today released non-authoritative support for using automated tools and techniques when performing audit procedures. 

The publication assists auditors in understanding whether a procedure involving automated tools and techniques may be both a risk assessment procedure and a further audit procedure. It also provides specific considerations when using automated tools and techniques in performing substantive analytical procedures in accordance with International Standard on Auditing 520, Analytical Procedures.

This publication does not amend or override the ISAs, the texts of which alone are authoritative. Reading the publication is not a substitute for reading the ISAs.

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of its independent Chair, Ian Carruthers, for a third term through 2024.

Mr. Carruthers will continue to lead the Board as it continues to focus on delivering high-quality financial reporting standards for the public sector, inspiring their implementation, and, thereby, strengthening public financial management globally. In the coming four years, he will continue to advance the Board’s ambitious standard-setting agenda while remaining responsive to emerging stakeholders needs and building on the current implementation momentum.  

“There have been few times in history when public sector accountability has been more important than now, as governments worldwide face the huge economic challenges arising from COVID-19,” said Mr. Carruthers. “With many pivotal initiatives on our agenda now and in the next few years, as well as the building implementation momentum globally, I look forward to continuing to lead the IPSASB in serving the public interest, and helping governments to address these challenges effectively and transparently. In doing so, it is a pleasure to work with such a talented Board and staff, and to benefit from the ongoing advice from both IPSASB’s Consultative Advisory Group, and the Public Interest Committee.”

“As the global standard setter for public sector accounting, the IPSASB must continually challenge what it does, and how it delivers timely, relevant and high-quality international standards. Mr. Carruthers’ reappointment assures continuation of the IPSASB’s strong track-record under his leadership,” said James Gunn, Managing Director, Professional Standards.

Mr. Carruthers was initially appointed as IPSASB Chair in 2016. His current term ends in 2021, and his re-appointment is for a final term ending on December 31, 2024.

About the IPSASB
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) works to strengthen public financial management globally through developing and maintaining accrual-based International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSAS®) and other high-quality financial reporting guidance for use by governments and other public sector entities. It also raises awareness of IPSAS and the benefits of accrual adoption. The Board receives support 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.

Together with ICAEW, The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) today released the first installment in its Anti-Money Laundering: The Basics educational series: Installment 1: Introduction to Anti-Money Laundering for Professional Accountants.  

The publication is part of a 6-month short series helping professional accountants enhance their understanding of how money laundering works, the risks they face, and what they can do to mitigate these risks and make a positive contribution to the public interest. The series, with its focus on accessibility and ease of use, will be a resource for Small and Medium Practices (SMPs,) and accountants less familiar with AML, while also providing guidance for those looking for a quick refresher or reference.

“Fighting money laundering—a key priority of IFAC—allows millions of professional accountants worldwide to make a real difference for the public good every day.” said Scott Hanson, Principal, Public Policy & Regulation at IFAC.  “Events like the recent FinCEN leaks serve as another timely reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant on this important issue.”

Sophie Wales, Director, Technical Strategy, Tax, Ethics and Law Group, at ICAEW, said: “We are pleased to launch this new educational series with IFAC, which we hope will help chartered accountants improve their understanding of money laundering. Accountants are the gatekeepers to the financial system and play a crucial role in identifying the red flags when it comes to economic crime, so it’s vital we do what we can to ensure criminals can’t find someone else to clean their dirty money.”

Anti-Money Laundering: The Basics will be featured on both the IFAC and ICAEW websites and available for download for free. To be globally relevant, the series uses the risk-based approach of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog – as a starting point. 

The series is the latest in IFAC’s ongoing commitment to promote AML in the public interest, following the organization’s Point of View on fighting corruption and money laundering –  and its recently released joint report with CPA Canada on Beneficial Ownership Transparency.

For more information about IFAC, visit www.ifac.org.

For more information about ICAEW, visit https://www.icaew.com/.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today opened a public consultation, Fraud and Going Concern in an Audit of Financial Statements: Exploring the Differences Between Public Perceptions About the Role of the Auditor and the Auditor’s Responsibilities in a Financial Statement Audit. The consultation will remain open until January 12, 2021. [Please note the comment period deadline has changed. The consultation will now remain open until Feb. 1, 2021.]

As the auditor’s role in relation to fraud and going concern in audits of financial statements continues to receive heightened public attention, amplified by high-profile corporate failures in recent years, the IAASB has recognized the need to further explore these topics. This Discussion Paper is aimed at gathering perspectives from a broad range of stakeholders across the financial reporting ecosystem about the role of the auditor in relation to fraud and going concern in an audit of financial statements. Stakeholders are asked for their perspectives on whether the auditing standards related to fraud and going concern need to be updated to reflect the rapidly evolving external reporting landscape, and, if so, in what areas.

“Issues related to fraud and going concern are consistently raised as areas requiring attention and potential improvement in order to enhance confidence in audits. These two topics are priorities in our recently issued strategy and work plan,” said IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein. “This Discussion Paper is an important step in understanding the needs of users of financial reports, how changes in the financial reporting environment impact the role of the audit in terms of fraud and going concern, and the limitations of the existing standards.”

The feedback collected will inform decisions about possible further actions on these topics. The IAASB is also hosting a roundtable discussion on September 28 that will explore fraud and going concern expectations. The roundtable discussion will be live streamed on the IAASB’s YouTube channel, with un-aired breakout sessions shared via YouTube in October.

The IAASB invites all interested stakeholders to respond to this Discussion Paper, including, but not limited to, investors and other users of financial statements, those charged with governance of entities, preparers of financial statements, national standard setters, professional accountancy organizations, academics, regulators and audit oversight bodies, and auditors and audit firms.

Stakeholders can submit responses through the “Submit a Comment” button 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 IAASB invites you to listen in to a high-level roundtable discussion between global leaders, stakeholder groups and the IAASB addressing differences between public perceptions and the auditor’s responsibilities as well as feedback on the new and revised auditor reporting standards on September 28 at 8:15 am live streaming on YouTube. This roundtable, the second in part of an IAASB series, will:

• Consider the “expectation gap” with regards to fraud and going concern, which includes (among others) knowledge, performance, and evolution gaps;
• Stimulate discussions with stakeholders to better understand expectations for auditors in relation to fraud and going concern in financial statement audits, and explore how this “expectation gap” may be narrowed; and
• Gather stakeholder views on the implementation of the IAASB’s new and revised auditor reporting standards, including how practical challenges and concerns are being address and whether there is global demand for additional information in the auditor’s report to improve transparency.

Moderated by IAASB Deputy Chair Fiona Campbell, the September 28 roundtable participants, including governance experts, corporate directors, academics, auditors and audit profession leaders, audit regulators, and representatives from banking, investor and ratings groups will address, among other topics:

• The main causes of differences between public perception and auditor’s responsibilities with regard to fraud and going concern in audits of financial statements;
• What can be done across the external reporting ecosystem to address these differences; and
• New auditor’s reports, including Key Audit Matters (KAM) and if the IAASB standards issued in 2016 have increased confidence in audits.

This discussion will help the IAASB determine appropriate responses to global conversations on audit and the direction of future projects. It will also feed into the IAASB’s post-implementation review of the auditor reporting standards released in 2016, which includes the current auditor reporting survey for stakeholders. Stakeholders who are interested in these issues are encouraged to respond to the survey as well as read the recently released Discussion Paper on fraud and going concern.

We hope you are able to listen in to the group sessions on YouTube. We will also post the full sessions, including breakout small group discussion we aren’t able to live stream, online following the event—follow us on Twitter and YouTube or register/subscribe for updates and announcements.

Roundtable Agenda
September 28, 2020, 8:15-8:45 am EDT and 9:30-10:00 am EDT
IAASB YouTube

Save the date for the final IAASB roundtable in this series: 

IFAC, the global voice of the accountancy profession, today called for the creation of a new sustainability standards board that would exist alongside the IASB under the IFRS Foundation. The proposed board would address the urgent and growing demand from investors, policy makers and regulators for a reporting system that delivers consistent, comparable, reliable, and assurable information relevant to enterprise value creation, sustainable development and evolving stakeholder expectations.

IFAC’s overview of the objectives, structure and building blocks of the proposed board can be found at The Way Forward.

Kevin Dancey, CEO of IFAC, said, “The time for a global solution is now. Given the momentum that has developed this year—because of work by Accountancy Europe, WEF/IBC, the European Commission, the IOSCO Task Force and the five leading reporting initiatives—we have a unique opportunity to act in concert to do the right thing in the public interest. IFAC believes the IFRS Foundation, with the backing of public authorities, is optimally positioned to lead and coordinate this initiative, and they would do so with our full support. We recommend that the proposed board adopt a “building blocks” approach, working with and leveraging the expertise and disclosure requirements of the CDP, CDSB, GRI, IIRC and SASB.”

Veronica Poole, Global IFRS Leader and Head of Corporate Reporting at Deloitte, said: “Transparent measurement and disclosure of sustainability performance is a fundamental part of effective business management and is essential for preserving trust in business as a force for good. IFAC’s vision is fully aligned with the joint vision of the leading standard-setters on how their current standards and frameworks could complement IFRS Standards and US GAAP, and serve as a natural starting point for progress towards a more coherent, comprehensive corporate reporting system.”

“We now have a unique opportunity to accelerate progress and house all the relevant standards under one roof as suggested by IFAC, to connect sustainability disclosure standards focused on enterprise value creation to financial GAAP. Integrated reporting together with the IASB’s work on Management Commentary can provide a framework for this connectivity. IOSCO has stated its commitment to bring about the system change for the capital markets and the IFRS Foundation trustees indicated that they are going to consult on introducing a sustainability focused standard-setter under the umbrella of the IFRS Foundation—the stars are lining up to bring about the fundamental shift in reporting that investors, business and society at large have been calling for.”

Charles Tilley, IIRC Chief Executive Officer, said, “The IIRC has long championed a vision of a comprehensive and cohesive corporate reporting system to drive effective corporate governance and sustainable value creation. Bridging the gap between the two worlds of financial reporting and sustainability reporting is a vital element in fulfilling this vision and we support the development of a conceptual framework, based substantially on integrated reporting principles, to facilitate the linkages that will break down silos and restore trust.”

Barry Melancon, AICPA President and CEO, and IIRC Board Chair, added, “IFAC’s recommendations are powerful, coming out at a time when the world is in search of answers. This is an important moment for the IFRS Trustees, as businesses and investors need robust and trusted standards and interconnected oversight. A cohesive approach to reporting is not just more efficient, it is essential to unlock the positive force of value creation. We also need innovation to complete the corporate reporting system, to ensure we have an assurance process that is fit for purpose and the technology to support high quality reporting and governance.”

About IFAC
The International Federation of Accountants (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 comprises more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.