IFAC President Warren Allen presented “Driving Sustainable Organizational Success” at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean’s (ICAC) 31st Annual Caribbean Conference held June 28 in Barbados.

IFAC believes that high-quality reporting lies at the heart of strong and sustainable organizations, financial markets, and economies, as the disclosure of useful information is crucial for the various internal and external stakeholders who need to make informed decisions regarding an organization’s capacity to create and preserve value. As organizations depend on their stakeholders for their sustainable success, it is in their interest to provide high-quality reports.

The SMP Committee submitted this comment letter to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)'s Consultation Paper, A Framework for Audit Quality. 

The pace of change and increased complexity in audit and financial reporting standards over the past few years has been dramatic and may weigh disproportionately on smaller accounting practices who typically audit smaller entities. This burden is being exacerbated by the difficult economic environment, which is prompting clients to put pressure on their accountants to lower fees. As a result, it is getting harder for practices to maintain sufficient profitability from audit work.

The good news is that automation, made possible by recent developments in technology and by process improvements, can help practices simultaneously boost the quality and efficiency of their audit work—in turn, lowering costs and ensuring its profitability. 

Increasing Audit Quality          

Automating your micro-entity audit practice provides an opportunity to improve audit quality at both firm-wide and individual engagement levels. At the firm level, setting up standardized templates helps ensure that all phases have been completed in every audit. Customized checklists can be updated as needed and incorporated into individual engagement files at the beginning of every engagement.

File automation can significantly increase quality at the engagement level as well. If you import data from one application program to another, data conversion errors should be eliminated and grouping and arithmetical errors can be minimized.

A word of caution: as every audit is unique, make sure you customize each and every file. The generic firm template is a great place to start but it is only a start. Customization for things such as industry characteristics and internal controls are as essential as fully automating the underlying file structure.

Boosting Engagement Efficiency

Much of the tangible output of auditing is very similar from file to file: individual practitioners typically use common file structures and similar checklists and forms. In addition, commercial audit file, spreadsheet, word processing, and database platforms often allow for seamless and rapid data sharing between applications and client files. None of these features are new, but are you using them to maximum advantage? There are many easy-to-implement ways to increase the efficiency of every micro-entity audit. The trick is to be creative and use your imagination. Here are a few suggestions.

Pre-Engagement Phase

When using commercially available software for micro-entity audit engagements, you can:

• Roll forward last year’s electronic file almost instantly;
• Call the client, or send an email, to discuss timing, and ask if there were significant events/changes over the past year; and
• Assuming not, email an engagement letter, an audit strategy letter, and a list of the materials you will need when you visit the client to begin the audit. All of these documents should have been already prepared as part of the file update.

Engagement Processing and Assembly

Following the pre-engagement phase, ask your client to email you a trial balance in a format you can import into the audit file.

Fieldwork Phase

An efficient automated audit of a micro-entity might progress as follows:

Arrive at the client’s office with the rolled-forward audit file. After an initial discussion with the client, update your rolled-forward schedules, documenting your knowledge of the client’s business for any industry, environment, and entity control changes since last year.

Program the engagement and performance materiality calculations and sample size calculations, based on the imported trial balance.

Review the multi-year account analyses (e.g., key ratio analysis such as gross profit percentage), all of which can be pre-programmed.

Print confirmations required and have them signed at your client’s office.

Review for relevance and complete the rolled-forward engagement checklists. (Again, a word of caution: avoid falling into the trap of simply repeating last year’s procedures without having first used your professional judgment).

Draft key points for communication to management and those charged with governance as required by International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 260, Communication with Those Charged with Governance, and ISA 265, Communicating Deficiencies in Internal Control to Those Charged with Governance and Management, at the client’s office as they arise and review them with the client to ensure you have your facts right.

Forming an Opinion Phase

Review the post-fieldwork analytical review automatically updated for your audit adjustment.

Email the adjusted trial balance and proposed audit adjustments to your client.

Email the client the letter of representation and an updated ISA 260 audit summary document.

Email/mail a copy of the signed auditor’s report and an invoice once appropriate personnel have accepted responsibility for the statements.

The above assumes you have taken time to standardize data fields across all your client files. Client names and address fields, year-end and other dates, and other standard documentation can all be programmed into a master file containing individual templates for correspondence, planning lists, etc. Firm-wide standardization is essential if you want to maximize efficiency with automation.

Be Smart About the Automation Process

There are a number of cautions to heed before embarking on even a modest automation project.

1) Be realistic. The initial automation process will likely take longer than you think.

2) Spend time up-front to get it right. If you have an error in your template, you will have to fix it each time you use it. That significantly increases the cost of automation.

3) Aim for consistency across clients. Using standardized templates for analytical schedules, financial statements, statement coding, and file indexing avoids having to reinvent the wheel on every micro-entity audit engagement.

Summary

Automation of your practice is an exacting process requiring project management skills and a significant time commitment from senior members of the firm. If you have the discipline to make it happen, automation will pay off over the long term many times over.

IFAC Resources

IFAC hosts a range of resources and tools, including guides and articles, to help implement audit and quality control standards: See Resources and Tools at www.ifac.org/SMP. 

In “How accounting standards such as IPSASs will return the UK to growth,” Paul Williams reports how a senior member of ACCA’s Global Forum believes public sector finances will play a critical role both in economic recovery and preventing future crises. 

Kristian Koktvedgaard has been appointed chair of the Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA or the Ethics Board). The Ethics Board is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants for global application by professional accountants operating both in business and in practice.

The IESBA CAG^* is an independent body that provides the forum in which the representatives of its various member organizations—including regulators, preparers, and others with an interest in international ethics standards for professional accountants, including auditor independence—provide advice on technical and public interest matters relating to the drafts of the Ethics Board’s standards and strategy.

As a senior advisor focusing on auditing and accounting with the Confederation of Danish Industry, Kristian Koktvedgaard currently represents BUSINESSEUROPE on the IESBA CAG and the CAG of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. He was elected by the IESBA CAG membership to succeed the current chair, Richard Fleck, who has served as the first independent chair of the IESBA CAG since May 2006. Kristian Koktvedgaard’s appointment—a three-year term effective July 1, 2013—has been approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB), which oversees the activities of the Ethics Board and of the CAG.

The chair of the CAG acts as the primary representative of those who use or rely on the Ethics Board’s standards and guidance and encourages a deeper understanding by the Ethics Board of the public's needs and expectations. The chair of the IESBA CAG provides leadership direction to the CAG, overseeing the achievement of the CAG's objectives. As the CAG’s liaison with the PIOB, the Ethics Board, and identified key stakeholders, the chair is also responsible for communicating the views of the CAG to these bodies and conveying the views of these bodies to the CAG.

“I congratulate Mr. Koktvedgaard on his appointment to this important role,” said Mr. Fleck. “His broad knowledge and experience working on ethics, audit, and accounting issues will be great assets to the CAG as it provides public interest input to the Ethics Board.”

Commenting on the appointment, Jörgen Holmquist, chair of the Ethics Board, said, “Kristian’s experience and expertise as a senior advisor on policy matters relating to the accountancy profession will serve him well in leading the CAG to provide effective public interest input to the development of our standards and guidance. I very much look forward to working with him in his role as chair of the CAG.”

Kristian Koktvedgaard is a member of the Danish Accounting Council and the Danish disciplinary tribunal for State Authorized and Certified Public Accountants. He is also actively involved in the Danish Accounting Forum, a body that brings together Danish stakeholders to discuss accounting issues. In addition, he is a member of the BUSINESSEUROPE Accounting Sounding Board and has represented BUSINESSEUROPE in audit matters on numerous occasions. Previously, he served on the Danish Supervisory Authority on Auditing.

Kristian Koktvedgaard stated, “The IESBA CAG plays a vital role in enabling all those concerned in the work of, or services provided by, professional accountants—regulators, preparers, users of financial information, and other participants in the financial reporting supply chain—to have a voice in the development and maintenance of standards that ensure a high level of ethical conduct by professional accountants. It is critical for the credibility of professional accountants to have these constituents involved in the setting of high-quality ethics standards for the profession. I am truly honored that my colleagues on the CAG have appointed me to lead the CAG in this role, and I look forward to the challenge. I also would like to take this opportunity to recognize the vision, leadership, and commitment that Richard Fleck brought to the CAG over the past seven years.”

About the IESBA

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent standard-setting board that develops and issues, in the public interest, high-quality ethical standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide. Through its activities, the IESBA develops the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes ethical requirements for professional accountants. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information.

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 173 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

^*IESBA CAG Members (As at July 1, 2013)

Asian Financial Executives Institutes

Basel Committee on Banking Supervision

BUSINESSEUROPE

CFA Institute

European Commission

European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs

European Financial Executives Institutes

Fédération des Experts-Comptables Européens

Gulf States Regulatory Authorities

Institute of Internal Auditors

International Association of Insurance Supervisors

International Corporate Governance Network

International Organization of Securities Commissions

International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

North American Financial Executives Institutes

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board

UK Financial Reporting Council

World Bank

World Federation of Exchanges

IESBA CAG Observers (As at July 1, 2013)

IFAC Small and Medium Practices Committee

US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

Podcast: IPSASB Chair Andreas Bergmann discusses highlights of the June 17-20, 2013, meeting in Toronto

:32 Chair's Overview
1:36 Update on Conceptual Framework elements
2:55 Recommended Practice Guidelines (RPG), Reporting on Long-term Sustainability of Public Finances
4:50 RPG, Financial Statement Discussion and Analysis
6:50 Other Key IPSASB Actions and Discussions
8:37 Chair's Closing Thoughts 

Thank you for signing up to receive eNews from the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA, the Ethics Board). This edition of IESBA eNews provides a summary of decisions made at the board’s meeting held June 10-12, 2013, in New York, USA. See the Meeting Page for the meeting highlights podcast, meeting summary, and agenda papers.

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Responding to a Suspected Illegal Act
2. Definition of Those Charged with Governance
3. Structure of the Code
4. Future Strategy and Work Plan
5. Review of Part C of the Code
6. Provision of Non-Assurance Services to an Audit Client
7. Long Association of Senior Personnel (Including Partner Rotation) with an Audit Client
8. Emerging Issues and Outreach
9. Next Meetings
10. Ethics Board is Hiring
11. 2013 IESBA Handbook
12. Registration Now Open for World Congress of Accountants 2014; Sponsorship Opportunities Available

1. Responding to a Suspected Illegal Act

The Ethics Board considered a proposed alternative to the approach set out in the Exposure Draft, Responding to a Suspected Illegal Act, regarding a professional accountant’s responsibilities when encountering a suspected illegal act. Among other matters, the Ethics Board discussed the concept of a permission in the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) for both professional accountants in public practice and professional accountants in business to override confidentiality in specific circumstances when responding to a suspected illegal act. In addition to considering the various elements of the proposed alternative approach, the Ethics Board discussed the thresholds for actions, the types of suspected illegal acts to disclose, and documentation. The Ethics Board will continue its deliberation of the proposed alternative approach at its September 2013 meeting.

2. Definition of Those Charged with Governance

The Ethics Board approved for issuance, subject to confirmation by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) in September 2013 that due process has been followed, a revised definition of “those charged with governance” and related changes to the Code. The changes will be effective on July 1, 2014.

3. Structure of the Code

The Ethics Board approved the terms of reference for the working group formed to advise the board on ways to improve the usability of the Code. The board also supported the working group’s research plan and proposed timeline for the initiative, and provided suggestions for the working group to consider as it begins research. The Ethics Board will receive an update on the research at its September 2013 meeting.

4. Future Strategy and Work Plan

The Ethics Board considered the responses to its survey on the 2014-2016 IESBA Strategy and Work Plan. It also considered the Planning Committee’s preliminary analysis of the survey results and recommendations for the way forward. Among other matters, the Ethics Board agreed to extend its 2011-2012 Strategy and Work Plan through the end of 2014. The Ethics Board also identified a short list of topics for possible inclusion in its next Strategy and Work Plan (2015-2017) for further consideration. The board will continue its deliberation on these topics at its September 2013 meeting.

5. Review of Part C of the Code
Discussion around the project to review Part C of the Code, which addresses professional accountants in business (PAIBs), included the application of Part C to all professional accountants and pressure by superiors and others to engage in unethical or illegal acts. Consideration of matters relevant to professional accountants in public practice has been deferred until after PAIB-specific issues have been addressed. The Ethics Board will continue its consideration of pressure issues at its September 2013 meeting.

6. Provision of Non-Assurance Services to an Audit Client

The Ethics Board considered the findings from a survey of a number of jurisdictions, conducted by the project Task Force, to narrow the scope of the project on non-assurance services. The Ethics Board also considered the Task Force’s recommendations and agreed that the project proposal should be refined to focus on the following:

• Clarification of the provisions in Section 290, Independence—Audit and Review Engagements, addressing management responsibilities;
• Clarification of the concept of “routine and mechanical” services relating to the preparation of accounting records and financial statements; and
• A review of the emergency exception provisions in the Code pertaining to both accounting and bookkeeping services, and taxation services.

The Ethics Board also supported the development of a paper with the aim of, among other matters: raising awareness of the Code’s approach to non-assurance services and of the robustness of the related provisions in the Code; highlighting supplementary ways by which the threats and safeguards approach to independence in the Code may be enhanced; and generally increasing the visibility and transparency of the relevant provisions in the Code. The Ethics Board will receive an update on the project at its September 2013 meeting.

7. Long Association of Senior Personnel (Including Partner Rotation) with an Audit Client

The Ethics Board received an update on the project to review the long association provisions in Section 290 of the Code to ensure that they continue to provide robust and appropriate safeguards against the familiarity and self-interest threats arising from long association with an audit client. The Ethics Board will consider the findings from the survey and other research being undertaken for this project at its September 2013 meeting.

8. Emerging Issues and Outreach

The Ethics Board approved the terms of reference for the working group formed to advise the board in relation to emerging issues and international developments of relevance to the board’s work and outreach to stakeholders. The Ethics Board will consider at its September 2013 meeting preliminary recommendations from the working group with respect to processes by which the board may consider emerging issues and its strategy for outreach.

9. Next Meetings

Meetings of the IESBA and the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) are open to the public. The IESBA CAG will next meet in New York, USA, on September 11, 2013. The next meeting of the IESBA will be in Sydney, Australia, September 16–18, 2013.

For more information and to register to attend an IESBA or IESBA CAG meeting as an observer, visit IESBA Meetings  and IESBA CAG Meetings respectively.

10. Ethics Board is Hiring

The Ethics Board is seeking a technical manager to join its staff team based in New York. Qualified candidates will currently be, or have had experience, at the manager or senior manager level in professional practice, a professional accounting body, the office of a public sector auditor, or similar. For a complete job description and required skills and experience, see Working at IFAC. Qualified candidates should send a resume to jobs@ifac.org. 

11. 2013 IESBA Handbook

The 2013 Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants is now available to download or purchase. The 2013 edition contains the final revised pronouncements addressing breaches of provisions in the Code and conflicts of interest, and the revised definition of “engagement team.” These changes will be effective in 2014; see the individual pronouncements for details. To place an order for this, in addition to the 2013 handbooks for public sector accounting and auditing and assurance standards, visit Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.   

12. Registration Now Open for World Congress of Accountants 2014; Sponsorship Opportunities Available

The next World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) will be hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC) in Rome, Italy in 2014. Themed 2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future, the 2014 WCOA will be held November 10-13 at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. More than 4,000 professionals from around the world will convene at this quadrennial IFAC event. WCOA 2014 will look back to explore the evolution of the accountancy profession and forward to showcase the innovations that will shape the future of the profession. Register Now.

The WCOA also provides a global platform for organizations and firms to share their projects and visions via various sponsorship opportunities.

IFAC welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) consultative document, External audit of banks. IFAC recognizes the importance of high-quality auditing and acts to promote and enhance audit quality around the globe. This includes supporting the development, adoption, and implementation of high quality, internationally accepted auditing and quality control standards; promoting the need for global regulatory convergence; and supporting the development of strong professional accountancy organizations and accountancy firms.