Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie

According to Law 88-108 on the Chartered Accountancy Profession, the Control Committee is responsible for the establishment of a quality assurance (QA) review system. While formally independent from the Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT), it is supported administratively by the OECT Secretariat, and review team members are drawn from the profession. The OECT reports that ISQM 1 and 2 are integrated into the QA review system and that the QA review system operating in the jurisdiction is in line with the requirements of SMO 1.

OECT supports its members in implementing quality standards by offering continuing professional development (CPD) trainings and disseminating ISQM 1 and 2 in French. It has also obtained the French version of IFAC’s Guide to Quality Control for Small- and Medium-sized Practices (SMPs) to assist members and has developed a training program and case study to guide firms as they design and implement quality control procedures. OECT disseminates updates on the activities and exposure drafts of the IAASB, encouraging member engagement in consultations.

Over the past decade, the OECT has undertaken several initiatives to establish a multi-tiered QA system. In 2019, it established a Quality Committee responsible for conducting peer review campaigns, including audits focused on anti-money laundering compliance. A new campaign is expected in the near future. Additionally, OECT has proposed the creation of an independent oversight body, the Institute of Assurance Services Control (IASC), which would focus exclusively on assurance services. This body would be staffed by non-practicing Chartered Accountants and operate independently from its own premises.

The reform was developed with support from the World Bank, including regional workshops with the Ordre des Experts Comptables of Morocco and the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR). In 2015, a multi-stakeholder Steering Committee developed a draft action plan that was submitted to the Ministry of Finance. OECT issued a formal response to the recommendations in 2017; however, the plan remains under review as part of broader regulatory reform efforts.

OECT remains committed to ensuring that any future QA system revisions are consistent with SMO 1.

Current Status: Sustain

The Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT) is responsible for implementing elements of initial professional development (IPD), including practical experience, and setting continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for Chartered Accountants. These responsibilities are exercised under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance.

Between 2017–2019, Tunisia’s university accounting curriculum underwent a major reform. OECT actively participated in this process through a task force with the Ministry of Higher Education and academic institutions. The revised curriculum, implemented in the 2019–2020 academic year, incorporates the 2019 IES and other best practices, including ISAR model curriculum components. A comparative matrix was developed in 2023 to benchmark Tunisia’s education framework with that of CPA Québec, supporting a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the two bodies.

OECT monitors the internship phase for Chartered Accountants, requiring semi-annual reports and final dissertations. It mandates 40 hours of annual training for interns, including at least 20 hours delivered by OECT’s internal training institute (IFPC).

The OECT CPD system follows an input-based approach, requiring 120 hours over a three-year period, of which 60 must be verifiable. Monitoring mechanisms are in place, including mandatory annual self-declarations and random audits of documentation. Non-compliance procedures include graduated sanctions.

To broaden access to learning, OECT launched an online CPD platform in March 2020 and entered into new training partnerships in 2024, such as with CPA Québec and Global Institute of Governance and Social Sciences (GIGS), to offer quality-certified training, including in sustainability and ESG.

OECT continues to monitor IES revisions and incorporates updates into university partnerships and CPD offerings. It encourages universities to reflect these changes in their syllabi. Representation in university scientific councils further supports alignment of academic programs with professional requirements.

While the system is significantly aligned with the IES for Chartered Accountants, ongoing assessment is encouraged, particularly a comprehensive gap analysis against the 2019 IES using IFAC’s Accountancy Education E-Tool and IES Checklist (available in French), to ensure continued compliance across all professional accountancy pathways in Tunisia.

Current Status: Execute

The Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT) has adopted the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) as the authoritative standards for all statutory audits conducted in Tunisia. The adoption process is governed by a formal strategy approved by the OECT Board in May 2019, which includes a standardized nomenclature and a three- to five-year “stability period” between major updates, allowing time for member firms to adjust to changes.

OECT adopts ISAs as issued by the IAASB, using official French translations provided by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) or the Institut des Réviseurs d’Entreprises (IBE-IRE) in Belgium. When necessary, a dedicated Standards Committee forms task forces to assess the applicability of new or revised pronouncements and recommend their adoption with or without modifications. These modifications are limited to compliance with local laws or the removal of options where appropriate. Final standards are approved by the Ministry of Finance and published by OECT.

To support ongoing implementation of ISA, OECT provides a range of resources and activities for its members. It delivers continuing professional development (CPD) through workshops, seminars, and online platforms, and ensures that revised auditing standards, including updates from the 2022 IAASB Handbook, are integrated into its CPD programming. OECT also provides printed and digital access to the French translations of IAASB to facilitate understanding and application. In addition, the institute circulates exposure drafts of proposed ISA revisions to its members, compiles their feedback, and submits consolidated comments to the IAASB. To further support localized implementation, OECT is developing practical guidance tailored to Tunisia’s legal environment, such as an interpretation of ISA 600 (Group Audits), which is scheduled for publication in 2025.

In May 2024, OECT launched a new committee to set the national adoption strategy for the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (ISSA 5000), with a target implementation date of 2026.

Although OECT has made substantial progress, it continues to seek additional technical and financial resources via the World Bank and the African Development Bank, to strengthen its capacity for standard adoption and implementation.

OECT is encouraged to minimize the time lag in standard adoption by ensuring that the most recent edition of the IAASB Handbook is adopted which is the 2023-2024 Handbook of International Quality Management, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements.

Current Status: Review & Improve

The Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT), under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for establishing and maintaining ethical standards for Chartered Accountants in Tunisia. OECT adopts the IESBA Code of Ethics as issued by IESBA and translated into French by recognized Francophone professional bodies, primarily the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) or the Belgian institute Institut des Réviseurs d’Entreprises (IBE-IRE). As of the date of this assessment, the 2022 French translation of the revised IESBA Code is applicable in Tunisia.

To support implementation and awareness of the IESBA Handbook, OECT has taken a number of proactive steps. It circulates translations and revisions of the Code to its members to promote understanding and elicit feedback. Ethical topics such as independence, conflicts of interest, and legal obligations, are integrated into OECT’s continuing professional development (CPD) curriculum. The institute also organizes targeted workshops that focus on key areas of the Code, including non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR) and auditor independence, often using case-based discussions to encourage practical application.

To support ongoing oversight, OECT maintains an Ethics Observatory, established in 2017, which monitors legal and ethical risks related to audit engagements, including matters of independence and rotation. Furthermore, the institute actively engages with academic institutions to encourage updates to university ethics curricula and collaborates with faculty to better align academic training with the expectations set out in the IESBA Code.

OECT continues to monitor the IESBA work plan to ensure timely consideration of new standards and exposure drafts. It aims to comment on relevant exposure drafts and develop a strategy for more systematic monitoring of IESBA developments going forward.

OECT is encouraged to minimize the time lag in standard adoption by ensuring that the most recent edition of the IESBA Handbook is adopted which is the 2024 Handbook of the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.

Current Status: Review & Improve

The Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT) supports the adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) by actively engaging with the government’s reform agenda, although OECT does not have a direct mandate to adopt public sector standards.

Since 2016, OECT has participated in the National Council of Public Sector Accounting Standards (CNNCP), which is tasked with implementing accrual-based national standards inspired by IPSAS. OECT representatives contribute to technical commissions within the CNNCP and advocate for alignment with international norms.

OECT has established an internal IPSAS Committee to support the advancement of accrual-based public sector accounting in Tunisia. This committee contributes technical input to the development of new public sector standards and collaborates with the Ministry of Finance on IPSAS-based pilot projects for local governments. To promote awareness and understanding, the committee leads various outreach activities, including continuing professional development (CPD) trainings, national and regional workshops, and technical events focused on the benefits and implementation of IPSAS. Additionally, the committee engages with academic institutions and public sector accountants to build local capacity for accrual-based reporting, helping to lay the groundwork for broader IPSAS adoption in the future.

While IPSAS has not yet been formally adopted in Tunisia, OECT’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to international best practices in public sector financial reporting. The institute may further support progress by disseminating the French translation of the 2022 IPSASB Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements and leveraging IFAC tools such as the Train the Trainers: Introduction to IPSAS resource.

OECT is encouraged to continue its advocacy and capacity-building efforts in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders, helping ensure a successful transition toward full accrual-based public sector accounting.

Current Status: Review & Improve

The Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT) is responsible for implementing the investigation and discipline (I&D) system for its members in accordance with Law 88-108. The process is initiated by the Control Committee, which investigates cases of professional misconduct and refers confirmed cases to the Disciplinary Chamber of OECT. This Chamber includes independent professionals and government representatives to help ensure objectivity.

In 2014 (and again in 2025), OECT conducted the first comprehensive review of its investigation and discipline (I&D) system against the requirements of SMO 6 and identified several areas in need of improvement. These included the need to establish a clearer separation between the investigative and disciplinary functions, formalize appeal mechanisms and suspension procedures, and improve public access to disciplinary outcomes. In response, OECT drafted a new law in 2015 to incorporate these enhancements. The law was approved by the OECT General Assembly but remains pending government approval due to repeated transitions in government and leadership at the Ministry of Finance.

To support implementation and raise awareness of its I&D system, OECT organized the first member awareness workshop in December 2015 and began publishing an annual summary disc of disciplinary judgments to inform members about enforcement activities. The institute has stated its intention to relaunch awareness and implementation support activities once the new law is enacted, which would further align its I&D system with international best practices under SMO 6.

OECT is encouraged to continue engaging with the Ministry of Finance to advance the proposed reforms and to prepare implementation guidance and member outreach in anticipation of the new law’s approval. These reforms will bring Tunisia’s I&D system into fuller alignment with SMO 6 and strengthen accountability within the profession.

Current Status: Execute

Although the Ordre des Experts Comptables de Tunisie (OECT) does not have direct authority to adopt accounting standards, it plays an active role in supporting the implementation and dissemination of IFRS in Tunisia.

The Conseil National de la Comptabilité (CNC), under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance, is responsible for adopting accounting standards in the country. In 2018, CNC approved the gradual adoption of IFRS, beginning with public interest entities by 2021 (later extended to 2023) and targeting full adoption for all companies by 2025. However, Tunisian Accounting Standards (TAS) remain applicable for non-public interest entities during the transition, and IFRS for SMEs has not yet been introduced.

OECT actively supports the adoption and implementation of IFRS in Tunisia through a variety of strategic and educational initiatives. It participates in technical discussions and reform efforts led by the Conseil National de la Comptabilité (CNC), contributing to the national standard-setting process. To promote awareness and understanding of IFRS, OECT organizes continuing professional development (CPD) courses and seminars, and delivers comprehensive training programs through its affiliated training entity, the Académie Internationale des Métiers du Contrôle et de la Finance (AIMCF). One such initiative includes a 150-hour IFRS course, which was attended by professionals from the accountancy and banking sectors.

OECT also works to ensure accessibility of IFRS materials by providing links to French-language resources on its website, although it currently links to the 2014 translation while the 2023 edition is now available and should be promoted. Additionally, the institute disseminates guidance notes issued by CNC, shares regional best practices, and monitors developments from IASB. This includes circulating exposure drafts to members and submitting consolidated feedback to contribute to the international standard-setting process.

OECT is encouraged to continue promoting awareness and implementation of IFRS and IFRS for SMEs by maintaining up-to-date CPD offerings and engagement with CNC. In particular, OECT should update its website to include a link to the 2023 French translation of the IFRS Standards, as the current 2014 version is significantly outdated. Making the most recent version easily accessible would better support members and stakeholders in aligning with international reporting requirements.

Current Status: Review & Improve