The IFAC Virtual Knowledge Sharing Event will explore the pervasive nature of technology and its inter-related impact across the fundamental principles of the IESBA Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. It will feature global experts sharing insights about ethics in the digital age, practical examples, as well as breakout sessions covering potential threats and safeguards.
This staff publication will assist local regulators, national standard setters or other relevant local bodies in considering and planning adoption of the revised PIE definition when finalized and issued by the IESBA. The IESBA recognizes that there may be refinements to the proposals as a result of the comments received on exposure.
In addition to the staff publication, the IESBA will provide two opportunities on March 25 and 29 for stakeholders to attend a webinar to learn more about the proposals in the PIE ED. Register for either one of the webinars here.
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust, globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).
Supplementary Publication to Support Local Adoption and Implementation
New rules for how corporate auditors manage the quality of their own work are on their way. But many audit firms are worried that international standards will diverge from those in the U.S., leaving them to cope with a patchwork of do’s and don’ts.
On this episode of Bloomberg Tax's weekly podcast, Talking Tax, host Amanda Iacone talks with IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein. Tom explains how the IAASB developed its new auditing standards with the input of its US counterpart and why the standards should help shape a similar project in the US.
In an article for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein addresses COVID-19 and its devestating global challenge. The pandemic has taken and will take far too many lives and put extraordinary pressures on society in general. It has also greatly affected markets, business, and organizations, and the financial and external reporting ecosystem.
IAASB Chair Tom Seidenstein, who began his three-year term last July, spoke with The Wall Street Journal's CFO Journal about emerging audit issues and coordinating with other standard setters. Read more on The Wall Street Journal's website (subscription requried).
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) last week convened over 150 chief executives and senior leaders of professional accountancy organizations around the world, together with its Board of Directors, to discuss critical issues relevant to the future of the accountancy profession.
A key focus of the meetings was hearing from key stakeholders on the future of corporate and sustainability-related reporting, and how these fit into the broader context of sustainable business and finance, where professional accountants will need to play a pivotal leadership role based on their core competencies and ethical codes.
Kevin Dancey, CEO of IFAC, said “As we consider the future of global economies and capital markets, and the need for better reporting on sustainability and value creation, there remains a clear need for the skills, business acumen, judgment and ethical core that have always been the domain of professional accountants. As a profession, we are actively ensuring that we are ready to address this next generation of challenges and opportunities, including by calling for the creation of an international sustainability standards board under the auspices of the IFRS Foundation that stands to serve the public interest and ultimately the development of sustainable economies.”
IFAC recently issued a letter to its member organizations outlining its corporate and sustainability-related reporting agenda, which can be found here.
Several guest speakers added important context and input at IFAC’s meetings:
Lee White, Executive Director of the IFRS Foundation, discussed the IFRS Trustees’ current consultation related to the proposed formation of a new sustainability standards setting board;
Tajinder Singh, Acting Secretary General of IOSCO discussed IOSCO’s sustainable finance agenda, as well as their 2021-2022 Work Plan and progress on the Monitoring Group’s recommendations;
Mervyn King, Chair Emeritus of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and world-renowned expert on corporate governance and reporting, spoke to the strategic importance of the accountancy profession’s leadership and engagement in integrated thinking and sustainability reporting matters.
Each of the presentations by these individuals may be accessed at the links above.
Alan Johnson, President of IFAC, said “One of IFAC’s distinct advantages is convening strategic discussions and engaging with international organizations. Our global profession plays a key role in supporting the sustainable and equitable growth of economies, and it is both necessary and rewarding to be able to advance these important topics with and for our member organizations. We look forward to continuing to position the accountancy profession at the center of these conversations, and ensuring that we help organizations and governments deliver the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
Experts from IFRS, IOSCO and IIRC Join Discussion of Key Issues
