The International Ethics Standards Board for
Accountants (IESBA) has updated its work plan with additional work
streams to consider issues currently discussed by the European
Commission and regulators across the world.
These issues include auditor rotation, the
provision of non-audit services by auditors, the structure of the
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (Code) and implications
of recent accounting irregularities for professional accountants in
business.
The IESBA, which is part of the International
Federation of Accountants (IFAC), has outlined in a staff update
the new work plan, which include considerations on:
- the need of a firm rotation requirement in
the Code and whether the existing guidelines on partner rotation
are up to date; - whether amendments to include additional
restrictions on auditors providing non-assurance services to their
audit clients are appropriate; - how to increase the visibility of
requirements and prohibitions and clarify who is responsible for
meeting them; and, - whether recent accounting irregularities
reveal ethical implications for professional accountants in
business” which may require additional guidance to be included in
the Code.
The IESBA is an independent standard-setting
board that develops and issues high-quality ethical standards and
other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide.
