Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants

Quality assurance (QA) reviews of auditors in Qatar are conducted by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority for listed entities and by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under Audit Law No. 8 of 2020 for other statutory audits. QCPA does not operate the jurisdictional QA system but engages with the relevant authorities within the scope of its mandate.

QCPA supports implementation of quality-related standards through continuing professional development programs and technical sessions that address auditing and quality management requirements. These activities are delivered under the oversight of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and are intended to support auditors in understanding regulatory expectations.

QCPA maintains dialogue with regulators regarding professional development and implementation matters and promotes awareness of international quality management standards among its members.

While QCPA does not have direct authority over the QA framework, it is executing activities within its remit to support quality assurance implementation and strengthen professional capacity.

To further strengthen alignment with SMO 1, IFAC staff encourage QCPA to continue enhancing structured coordination with the relevant regulatory authorities regarding quality assurance developments and to expand targeted guidance and technical support to members in response to identified practice review findings. Strengthening documentation of these activities and their impact may support continued progress toward full alignment with SMO 1 benchmarks.

Current Status: Execute

Initial and continuing professional development requirements for auditors in Qatar are established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, while the Ministry of Justice establishes requirements for Accounting Experts. QCPA delivers continuing professional development programs for auditors under the oversight of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and supports professional development activities within the jurisdiction.

QCPA organizes training programs, technical seminars, and professional events to support ongoing competency development. In addition, QCPA is progressing the development of its national Chartered Accountant qualification program under the oversight of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is intended to strengthen the development of locally qualified professionals.

While QCPA actively supports professional development initiatives, the International Education Standards are not formally adopted at the jurisdiction level, and full alignment with all IES requirements is not demonstrated.

To further strengthen alignment with SMO 2, IFAC staff encourage QCPA to continue advancing its national qualification framework with reference to the latest International Education Standards and to consider conducting and documenting a structured benchmarking exercise against the current IES requirements, including IES 8.

Current Status: Execute

International Standards on Auditing are required for statutory audits in Qatar and are established by the relevant regulatory authorities. QCPA supports the effective implementation of auditing standards through its continuing professional development programs and technical activities delivered under the oversight of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

QCPA organizes training sessions, seminars, and professional events that address new and revised auditing standards and related quality management requirements. These activities are intended to support auditors in understanding regulatory expectations and maintaining professional competence.

Through its ongoing professional development framework and engagement with stakeholders, QCPA maintains established processes to support implementation of International Standards on Auditing within the scope of its mandate.

Current Status: Sustain

Ethical requirements applicable to auditors in Qatar are established by the relevant regulatory authorities. QCPA supports implementation of ethical standards through its continuing professional development programs and professional activities.

Ethics and independence requirements are addressed in training sessions, seminars, and technical updates organized by QCPA. Members of QCPA are required to adhere to QCPA’s code of conduct and professional ethics and are subject to its internal monitoring mechanisms.

Through its professional development framework and ongoing engagement with regulators and members, QCPA maintains established processes to support awareness and implementation of ethical requirements within the scope of its mandate.

Current Status: Sustain

Public sector accounting standards in Qatar are established by the Ministry of Finance. QCPA does not have regulatory authority over the adoption of public sector accounting standards; however, it supports awareness of developments in public financial management and international public sector reporting within the scope of its mandate.

QCPA addresses public sector–related topics through professional events, technical sessions, and continuing professional development activities where relevant. Through these activities, QCPA contributes to strengthening professional awareness of public sector reporting developments.

Given the nature of its mandate and the regulatory framework in the jurisdiction, QCPA maintains established processes within its remit to support awareness of international public sector accounting standards.

Current Status: Sustain

Investigative and disciplinary systems applicable to auditors and Accounting Experts in Qatar are operated by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the Ministry of Justice under the respective governing laws. QCPA does not operate the jurisdictional investigative and disciplinary framework but maintains internal procedures applicable to its members.

QCPA monitors compliance of its members with its code of conduct and professional ethics and promotes awareness of regulatory requirements through continuing professional development activities and professional events. QCPA also maintains communication with relevant regulatory authorities regarding professional matters affecting its members.

While QCPA does not have direct authority over the jurisdictional I&D systems, it is executing activities within its mandate to promote compliance and professional conduct among its members.

To further strengthen alignment with SMO 6, IFAC staff encourage QCPA to continue enhancing structured engagement with regulatory authorities regarding disciplinary developments and to consider documenting mechanisms for reviewing and supporting improvements in transparency, independence safeguards, and consistency of disciplinary processes across the regulated segments of the profession.

Current Status: Execute

International Financial Reporting Standards are required for applicable entities in Qatar and are established by the relevant regulatory authorities. QCPA supports the effective implementation of financial reporting standards through its continuing professional development programs and professional activities delivered under the oversight of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

QCPA organizes training sessions, seminars, and professional events that address new and revised IFRS requirements and emerging financial reporting developments. These activities support members in maintaining technical competence and understanding regulatory expectations.

Through its ongoing professional development framework and engagement with stakeholders, QCPA maintains established processes to support awareness and implementation of IFRS within the scope of its mandate.

Current Status: Sustain