Ordre National des Experts-Comptables et des Comptables Agréés du Burkina Faso

ONECCA-BF has established and operationalized a quality assurance (QA) review system covering all mandatory audits. The system applies to all audit firms and practitioners performing statutory audits and is structured using a risk-based approach combined with cyclical review elements to ensure periodic inspection of firms.

The Institute has adopted the International Standards on Quality Management (ISQM 1 and ISQM 2) and ISA 220 (Revised) and has updated its QA methodology accordingly. Firms are selected for review based on defined risk criteria, including size, public interest exposure, and prior inspection results, while ensuring that all firms are subject to review within an established cycle. Reviews assess the design and implementation of firms’ systems of quality management as well as engagement-level compliance with auditing standards.

Following a 2022 assessment of its QA system supported by the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), ONECCA-BF strengthened governance arrangements, enhanced reviewer selection procedures to reinforce independence, and updated review documentation tools. QA findings are formally communicated to reviewed firms with required corrective action plans, and the QA system is linked to the investigative and disciplinary mechanism where necessary.

To support adoption and effective implementation, ONECCA-BF has disseminated the quality management standards and related guidance to members and incorporated ISQM-focused training into its continuing professional development program. Annual reviews are now undertaken under the enhanced framework.

Current Status: Sustain

Initial professional development (IPD) requirements for professional accountants in Burkina Faso are established at the regional level by WAEMU through the DESCOGEF and DECOFI qualification framework. ONECCA-BF supports the implementation of these regional requirements at the national level and plays an active advocacy role in strengthening alignment with the International Education Standards (IES).

ONECCA-BF has contributed to curriculum reform efforts following the adoption of WAEMU Regulation No. 03/2020/CM/UEMOA, which aims to align the DECOFI program with international standards and the licence-master-doctorat (LMD) system. The Institute has advocated for incorporating updated IES requirements, including competency-based approaches and emerging skill areas such as digital competencies and anticipatory accountant capabilities, into the regional curriculum. The triennial review process led by CREFECF is expected to further strengthen alignment.

At the national level, ONECCA-BF supports accredited universities delivering DESCOGEF/DECOFI programs, with members serving on scientific committees and as lecturers. The Institute also reviews the regional qualification framework against IES benchmarks and engages with regional authorities to address identified gaps.

With respect to continuing professional development (CPD), ONECCA-BF requires members to complete 120 hours over a three-year period. In 2024, the CPD system was updated to align with revised IES 7 requirements. The Institute monitors CPD compliance and offers structured annual training programs aligned with members’ professional responsibilities.

To strengthen foundational education pathways, ONECCA-BF has operationalized a Training Institute for Accounting Technicians under the World Bank’s Foundational Accounting and Financial Management Skills Enhancement (FASE) Project. The Institute also integrates education initiatives under the African Professionalisation Initiative (API) to support professionalization of public sector accountants.

While significant progress has been made in supporting IES-aligned education, full alignment depends on completion of the regional curriculum reform process. ONECCA-BF is encouraged to continue conducting formal gap analyses against the most recent IES requirements and to maintain structured dialogue with regional authorities to ensure sustained alignment with evolving international benchmarks.

Current Status: Execute

International Standards on Auditing (ISA) are adopted at the regional level through OHADA Regulation No. 01/2017/CM/OHADA, which requires all audits in member states to be conducted in accordance with ISA as issued by the IAASB. Within this framework, ONECCA-BF focuses on supporting effective implementation and maintaining members’ technical competence.

ONECCA-BF disseminates new and revised ISA to its members and incorporates audit-related topics into its continuing professional development program. The Institute provides technical resources and updates through its website and structured training sessions. The operationalization of its quality assurance review system further reinforces implementation by assessing engagement-level compliance with ISA during inspections.

The Institute actively monitors developments from the IAASB and contributes to international standard-setting discussions through participation in regional technical advisory groups. It has indicated its intention to prepare analysis and advocacy materials relating to emerging standards such as ISA for Less Complex Entities (LCE) and ISSA 5000, particularly in coordination with regional authorities.

Through its Standards Committee and CPD structures, ONECCA-BF maintains ongoing processes to support members in applying ISA and adapting to revisions as issued.

Current Status: Sustain

Ethical requirements for professional accountants in Burkina Faso are established at the regional level through OHADA Regulation No. 01/2017/CM/OHADA, which incorporates the 2015 version of the IESBA Code of Ethics and complements it with provisions from the OHADA Uniform Act. Within this framework, ONECCA-BF is responsible for implementation and enforcement at the national level.

ONECCA-BF has committed to applying updates and revisions to the IESBA Code as issued and has taken steps to strengthen members’ awareness and understanding of revised ethical requirements. In 2023, the Institute translated the 2022 version of the IESBA Code into French to facilitate accessibility and comprehension among members. It has trained a group of trainers to support scaled delivery of ethics-focused training programs and has integrated ethical requirements into its continuing professional development offerings.

The Institute has also strengthened mechanisms supporting ethical compliance, including maintaining publicly available guidance on ethical obligations and providing an online channel for anonymous whistleblowing. Ethical requirements are reinforced through the investigative and disciplinary framework, which is formally linked to breaches of professional conduct.

ONECCA-BF contributes to ethical standard-setting discussions through participation in regional technical advisory groups and monitors developments from the IESBA, including emerging standards such as the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA).

As the regional framework currently embeds the 2015 version of the Code, ONECCA-BF is encouraged to continue advocating for regional updates to reflect the most recent IESBA Code in full, while maintaining ongoing member education on new and emerging ethical requirements.

Current Status: Execute

Public sector accounting standards in Burkina Faso are established at the regional level through WAEMU directives and implemented nationally through government decrees. Although accrual-based reforms have been introduced and elements of IPSAS have been incorporated into the national framework, full adoption of IPSAS as issued by the IPSASB has not occurred. ONECCA-BF does not have direct authority over public sector standard-setting; however, it plays a supportive and advocacy role.

The Institute engages in dialogue with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury authorities regarding public financial management reforms and the evolution of public sector accounting standards. ONECCA-BF participates in regional forums addressing public sector accounting developments and contributes to discussions on IPSAS exposure drafts through regional technical advisory groups.

Since January 2024, ONECCA-BF has nominated a member to serve on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), strengthening its contribution to international public sector standard-setting and increasing its ability to promote IPSAS awareness within the jurisdiction and the broader region.

The Institute also supports knowledge development among its members by incorporating IPSAS-related topics into its continuing professional development offerings and facilitating outreach activities focused on public financial management reforms.

While ONECCA-BF has demonstrated leadership and engagement in public sector accounting discussions, progress toward full accrual-based IPSAS adoption depends on governmental and regional authorities. ONECCA-BF is encouraged to continue structured engagement with public authorities, advocate for clearer alignment between national standards and IPSAS, and document progress toward convergence where feasible.

Current Status: Review & Improve

ONECCA-BF has established an investigative and disciplinary (I&D) system pursuant to Law No. 48/2005/AN and its implementing decree. The framework includes separate investigation and disciplinary committees, ensuring functional separation between investigative and adjudicative processes. Appeals are available through the national court system.

The system applies to all professional accountants registered with ONECCA-BF and is formally linked to the quality assurance review mechanism, allowing matters identified during inspections to be referred for further investigation where appropriate. Procedures governing complaints, investigations, hearings, sanctions, and record-keeping have been documented, and mechanisms are in place to allow members of the public to submit complaints, including through an online channel.

In 2024, ONECCA-BF conducted a structured assessment of its I&D system against the requirements of SMO 6. The review concluded that the system incorporates the core components of SMO 6; however, it also identified opportunities to further strengthen governance arrangements and enhance procedural clarity. An ad hoc committee was established to revise the procedures accordingly, and enhancement measures are being incorporated into the framework. Plans include conducting functionality testing of the revised procedures to ensure effective implementation.

ONECCA-BF reports that its I&D system is aligned with the requirements of SMO 6 and continues to evolve through periodic review and refinement.

As the revised procedures are fully embedded, the Institute is encouraged to document performance indicators such as case timelines, maintain transparent reporting of high-level outcomes, and periodically reassess the system to ensure sustained alignment with international best practices.

Current Status: Review & Improve

Financial reporting standards in Burkina Faso are established at the regional level through the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting and Financial Information (AUDCIF), effective from 2018 for individual accounts and 2019 for consolidated accounts, requires listed companies and companies seeking financing in a public capital market to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Other entities apply the SYSCOHADA framework, with IFRS permitted where applicable.

Within this framework, ONECCA-BF supports effective application of IFRS by maintaining structured processes to inform and guide its members. The Institute incorporates IFRS-related topics into its continuing professional development program and disseminates updates regarding new and revised standards. Technical resources are made available to members to support application of both IFRS and SYSCOHADA.

ONECCA-BF participates in regional and international discussions relating to IFRS developments through engagement in Pan African Federation of Accountants technical advisory groups and monitors pronouncements issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The Institute has indicated its intention to continue contributing to exposure drafts and engaging with regional stakeholders regarding the evolution of financial reporting requirements.

Given that IFRS adoption is established at the regional level and ONECCA-BF maintains ongoing structured processes to support application by its members, the Institute demonstrates sustained fulfillment of SMO 7 within the scope of its mandate.

Current Status: Sustain