The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today released for comment its Proposed Strategy and Work Program for 2012–2014. The Consultation Paper was developed with input from the IAASB’s April 2010 strategy survey and other consultation and outreach activities. It highlights issues facing the accounting profession and suggests priority activities for the IAASB during 2012–2014.
The IAASB is proposing to remain focused on three strategic areas:
- Developing and revising standards and pronouncements;
- Monitoring and facilitating adoption of those standards; and
- Responding to implementation concerns and improving the consistency of the standards’ practical application.
Prof. Arnold Schilder, chairman of the IAASB, noted, “An important consideration in setting the IAASB’s work program is determining an appropriate balance between ensuring that the clarified International Standards on Auditing are successfully implemented and kept up to date, while also supporting new and emerging assurance services and addressing the needs of small and medium entities and practices. Therefore, it will be essential for stakeholders to signal where they believe the IAASB’s time, in the public interest, should be spent.”
A number of issues identified in the initial strategy consultation are already being addressed in the IAASB’s current work program. As outputs of its December meeting, the IAASB will be releasing a number of publications over the next several weeks, including: exposure drafts of proposed International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3410, Assurance on Greenhouse Gas Statements and revised International Standard on Review Engagements 2400, Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements; a Discussion Paper entitled The Evolving Nature of Financial Reporting: Disclosure and Its Audit Implications; and a publication entitled Audit Quality: An IAASB Perspective to stimulate further thought and discussion on the topic amongst stakeholders.
“The Proposed Strategy and Work Program for 2012–2014 reflects a continued focus on these and other important projects currently underway,” said IAASB Technical Director James Gunn, adding, “At the same time, it also looks forward more broadly and seeks views on other new initiatives to fulfill the IAASB’s public interest mandate.”
How to Comment
The IAASB invites all stakeholders to comment on its proposed strategy and possible actions to implement the proposed strategy. To access the Consultation Paper or submit a comment, visit the IAASB’s website at www.iaasb.org/ExposureDrafts.php. Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by April 4, 2011.
About the IAASB
The IAASB (www.iaasb.org) develops auditing and assurance standards and guidance for use by all professional accountants under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAASB, and the IAASB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAASB are facilitated by IFAC.
About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org) 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. It is comprised of 164 members and associates in 125 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.