The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants^® (IESBA^®) is pleased to announce two 90-minute webinars supporting the roll-out of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).

To join one of the two webinars, any professional using, applying and enforcing the Code should click the link on their preferred date below to register:

• Thursday March 28, 2019 at 7:00 AM EST
• Wednesday April 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM EST

During the webinar, the IESBA representatives will explain the Code’s new structure; and the substantive revisions, including to the conceptual framework and provisions relating to inducements, including gifts and hospitality; pressure; and preparing and presenting information. The webinar will also touch on the new Non-compliance with Laws and Regulation (NOCLAR) and  revised Long Association provisions which are already effective; as well as the IESBA’s e-Code initiative.

Effective mid-June 2019, the Code reinforces professional accountants’ responsibility to comply with the five fundamental principles of ethics and emphasizes the International Independence Standards that apply in performing audits, reviews and other assurance engagements.

More information about the Code is available at the IESBA’s website.   

If you have questions about this webinar, please email Geoff Kwan at geoffkwan@ethicsboard.org.  

Accounting technicians play an important role in many jurisdictions and an accounting technician qualification is frequently a pathway into the accountancy profession. IFAC is delighted to share a framework for professional accountancy organizations that will support a competent, skilled and future-ready accounting technician workforce.

“Prepared by the AAT, and based on the association’s competency framework, An Illustrative Competency Framework for Accounting Technicians is a conversation starter,” explained Joseph Bryson, Head of Quality & Development at IFAC. “IFAC hopes that every professional accountancy organization with an interest in the accounting technician qualification shares their experiences and helps to grow this important segment of the global accountancy ecosystem.”

The Framework’s illustrative example is a resource for professional accountancy organizations creating an Accounting Technician designation as an additional pathways into the accountancy profession. Those interested in sharing their experience and knowledge should email their articles and/or resources marked “IFAC AAT Framework Discussion”.

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.

The International Audit and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) announced today that after an extensive global search Mr. Willie Botha has been appointed IAASB Technical Director.

In this role, Mr. Botha leads a team that works closely with the IAASB and its Chair to advance the international audit and assurance standard-setting program and engage with key stakeholders to heighten audit quality worldwide and enhance credibility and trust in external reporting.

Mr. Botha brings a wealth of experience to the IAASB team. Most recently he served as Senior Executive, Assurance and Practice, with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), where he was responsible for advancement and support of the profession in the audit and assurance field. He has also served as Member to the Institute’s Assurance Guidance Committee, and Member to the Audit Regulator’s Committee for Auditing Standards. His prior roles included serving as Senior Technical Specialist responsible for the audit methodology project of the Auditor General South Africa, and practicing Audit Partner and Technical Director with a firm based in Pretoria, South Africa, as well as serving as head of Department of Accounting, and as Associate Professor of Auditing, at the University of Pretoria.

The global search for an exceptional individual to lead the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is in its final weeks with all applications from qualified candidates due by January 31, 2019.

The Chair leads the IAASB’s strategic direction and development of high-quality international audit standards, as well as facilitates the consultative processes that underpin the board’s credibility and activities. The Chair develops and maintains effective relationships with international oversight authorities and regulatory bodies, national standard setters, investor and preparer communities, the audit practitioner community and other key stakeholders.

The successful candidate has significant, senior-level experience and is well recognized within professional and regulatory communities. He or she has effective leadership, diplomacy, communication and strategic skills; demonstrated professional competency; and a strong commitment to the IAASB’s public interest mission. He or she also understands the significant travel commitment involved.

The IAASB Chair is appointed for a renewable three-year term, commencing May 1, 2019. A complete job description, along with application instructions, is available on the IAASB website. Applications are due January 31, 2019.

This global search is being conducted by the Interim Nominating Committee, which was formed in February 2018 to conduct the process for the next IAASB Chair. The search has recently restarted after the designated appointee decided not to assume the post for personal reasons. More information on the Committee is available online.

00:12 - Introduction: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director
00:56 - Highlights & Key Developments: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
03:38 - Non-Assurance Services: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
05:00 - Role & Mindset: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
06:17 - Technology: Patricia Mulvaney, IESBA Member
09:57 - eCode: Don Thomson, eCode Working Group Chair
12:04 - Alignment of Part 4B with ISAE 3000: Caroline Lee, IESBA Member
16:03 - Final thoughts: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
16:36 - Closing Remarks: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director

The global search for an exceptional individual to lead the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has been restarted and applications from qualified candidates around the globe are now being accepted.

The Chair leads the IAASB’s strategic direction and development of high-quality international audit standards, as well as facilitates the consultative processes that underpin the board’s credibility and activities. The Chair develops and maintains effective relationships with international oversight authorities and regulatory bodies, national standard setters, investor and preparer communities, the audit practitioner community and other key stakeholders.

The successful candidate has significant, senior-level experience and is well recognized within professional and regulatory communities. He or she has effective leadership, diplomacy, communication and strategic skills; demonstrated professional competency; and a strong commitment to the IAASB’s public interest mission. He or she also understands the significant travel commitment involved.

The IAASB Chair is appointed for a renewable three-year term, commencing May 1, 2019. A complete job description, along with application instructions, is available on the IAASB website. Applications are due January 31, 2019.

This global search is being conducted by the Interim Nominating Committee, which was formed in February 2018 to conduct the process for the next IAASB Chair. The search has recently restarted after the designated appointee decided not to assume the post for personal reasons. More information on the Committee is available online.

On December 19, 2018, IFAC will host a one-hour webinar on a future model for advancing international accountancy education in the public interest. The webinar will preview planning to date and provide an outline of the model prior to approval and implementation in 2019.

This model is aimed at ensuring the global accountancy profession addresses the challenges stemming from a rapidly changing environment by harnessing a comprehensive and integrated approach.

To include as many interested parties as possible, the webinar will be available at two times (registration required):

• December 19, 2018, 0800 EST
• December 19, 2018, 1800 EST

The transition from the current structure to a future model was announced by IFAC and the International Accounting Education Standards Board in August 2018, followed by the creation of the International Accountancy Education Transition Advisory Group to advise on the model’s development and transition plans.

The IAASB recently published its first update to stakeholders highlighting the IAASB’s efforts to appropriately reflect professional skepticism in its standards. The Professional Skepticism Communiqué also includes other relevant news and information and recent activities of the IESBA and IAESB related to professional skepticism.

00:12 - Introduction: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director
00:52 - Highlights & Key Developments: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
04:08 - Fees: Ian McPhee, IESBA Member
06:14 - Non-Assurance Services & Rollout of the Restructured Code: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
09:01 - Professional Skepticism: Richard Fleck, IESBA Deputy Chair
11:45 - Alignment of Part 4B with ISAE 3000: Liesbet Haustermans, IESBA Member 
14:18 - Final thoughts: Stavros Thomadakis, IESBA Chairman
15:10 - Closing Remarks: Diane Jules, IESBA Deputy Technical Director

The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) seeks nominations from individuals, or representatives from organizations, interested in serving as a member of the IPSASB Consultative Advisory Group (CAG).

The CAG is an integral part of the IPSASB’s formal process for consultation and a forum for the IPSASB to obtain the views of those interested in, or affected by, the development and maintenance of high-quality International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). CAG members have an opportunity to get involved in shaping the development of IPSAS.  

CAG members serve an initial term of three years. The CAG meets twice a year in different locations across the globe. Interested nominees should be committed to attending each meeting in person.

The IPSASB is particularly interested in nominees with skills and experience that include:

• Deep understanding of IPSAS; such as those involved in the adoption and implementation of IPSAS or IPSAS-based standards;
• Strong knowledge of public financial management; and/or
• Ability to perceive strategic public sector issues important to financial reporting and the use of financial statements.

Geographic and gender diversity remain a top priority in the IPSASB’s nominations process. In pursuit of a globally representative advisory group, we particularly encourage women and those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to apply.

How to Apply:

Those interested in CAG membership should submit their nominations by email to cagchair@IPSASB.org. The nomination should include the CV and contact details of the nominee, as well as a cover letter that notes the reasons for their interest and the value they would add to the CAG.

Nominations are due by October 31, 2018.