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  • IESBA Releases 2013 Annual Report: Reinforcing Trust in the Profession

    New York, NY English

    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®, the Ethics Board) today released its 2013 Annual Report, Reinforcing Trust in the Profession.

    The report provides a summary of the Ethics Board’s 2013 achievements and includes developments on key projects and initiatives that have continued to progress throughout 2014. In particular, it highlights the board’s extensive efforts in reaching out to stakeholders, and the developments of the board that centered on building public trust in both the profession and the IESBA’s Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code).

    The 2013 Annual Report pays tribute to the board’s late chair Jörgen Holmquist and includes a number of key messages that he had expressly wished to convey prior to his passing in March 2014, including the importance of maintaining the board’s focus on setting principles-based standards that are globally operable.

    “Ethics is the foundation on which public trust in the accounting profession is built. For this reason, the ethics standards in the Code play a critical role in supporting professional accountants globally in fulfillment of their responsibility to act in the public interest,” said Wui San Kwok, interim IESBA chair. “The board, under Jörgen’s leadership, made significant strides in 2013 in advancing its technical agenda to ensure that the Code remains a set of high-quality, globally accepted ethics standards, and in forging broader and deeper relationships with its constituencies through its outreach program. The board is committed to continuing this momentum, including promoting the Code and its widespread adoption.”

    The Annual Report includes a report from Kristian Koktvedgaard, the chair of the IESBA’s Consultative Advisory Group (CAG), which outlines the technical and strategic input the CAG provided to the Ethics Board on its work program initiatives during the year.

    To access and download the 2013 IESBA Annual Report, visit www.ethicsboard.org.

    About the IESBA
    The IESBA develops ethics standards and other pronouncements for professional accountants worldwide under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IESBA, and the IESBA Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and other pronouncements. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IESBA are facilitated by IFAC. Please visit www.ethicsboard.org for more information, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

    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 over 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • IFAC Honors Ndung’u Gathinji of Kenya with Sempier Award

    Rome, Italy English

    The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in 130 countries, presented its Sempier Award to Ndung’u Gathinji of Kenya, during the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) Closing Ceremony in Rome, Italy. Presented by IFAC President Olivia Kirtley, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the accountancy profession by an individual over of a period of many years.

    “Mr. Gathinji has worked tirelessly to promote the accountancy profession in Kenya and Africa,” Ms. Kirtley said. “His pioneering efforts to launch the Pan African Federation of Accountants, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya, and the former Eastern, Central, and Southern African Federation of Accountants have ensured that the value of the profession has been understood and embraced in Africa in a way that would have been otherwise impossible. Mr. Gathinji is a recognized leader in and passionate activist for the profession and I am both honored and delighted to present him with this award.”

    Mr. Gathinji served IFAC for 23 years in many different capacities. He instilled in IFAC, the donor community, and other stakeholders, the principle of working together to support the growth of PAOs in developing and emerging markets. As a chair of the Developing Nations Task Force, his commitment to the importance of accountancy and PAOs in emerging and developing economies helped to ensure continued global attention and the establishment of the permanent Developing Nations Committee (now the PAO Development Committee), which he chaired. Mr. Gathinji also served as a member of the IFAC Board and a member of the Nominating Committee.

    In addition, Mr. Gathinji helped establish the African Federation of Stock Exchanges Association in 1993 and has served as its Honorable Secretary since. He was a member of the Standards Advisory Council of the International Accounting Standards Committee and an observer representing Africa at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting. Mr. Gathinji is the Chairman of Drummond Investment Bank Limited and a former Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange Ltd.

    About the IFAC Robert Sempier Award
    The IFAC Robert Sempier Award was created by the IFAC Council in 1991 to honor the contributions of Robert Sempier, IFAC’s first executive director. It is intended to recognize outstanding contributions to the accountancy profession by an individual over a period of many years, and is presented at the World Congress of Accountants, now held every four years. Previous award recipients have been Bob Sempier (1992), Gordon H. Cowperthwaite (1997), Sir Bryan Carsberg (2002), Marilyn Pendergast (2006), and Robert Mednick (2010).

    About the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA)
    Sponsored by of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the WCOA is the foremost international event for the profession, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world to discuss, share, and debate ideas and global solutions to the issues affecting the profession in the interest of the world’s citizens, investors and businesses. It has been held every five years since 1977 and every four years since 2002, and attended by professionals and prominent business leaders, including professional accountants, international regulators, standard setters, government officials, and corporate leaders.

    WCOA 2014, hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC), takes place November 10-13 in Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica. The theme—2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future—explores the pivotal role of accounting amid rapid economic, political, and social change. The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is the imperial sponsor.

    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. Founded in 1977, it is comprised of over 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • IFAC Lauds Ian Ball's Contributions to Accountancy Profession with International Gold Service Award

    Rome, Italy English

    The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession with members and associates in 130 countries, presented its International Gold Service Award (IGS) to Ian Ball, PhD, of New Zealand. The award was presented today by Warren Allen, President of IFAC, at the 2014 World Congress of Accountants (WCOA) Opening Ceremony in Rome, Italy.

    “It is indeed a great honor to present Ian with this award,” Mr. Allen said. “As an international thought leader, Ian has played a lead role in addressing issues associated with government financial reporting and financial management. He has been and continues to be a strong and vocal proponent of government transparency and accountability.”

    In presenting the award, Mr. Allen highlighted Dr. Ball’s extensive experience in designing and managing public sector financial systems and implementing public sector financial reforms. While serving as the Director of Financial Management Policy and then as Central Financial Controller at the New Zealand Treasury, Dr. Ball designed and implemented the government’s financial management reform process, leading to the adoption of accrual accounting for the New Zealand Government’s budgeting, appropriations, and financial reporting. New Zealand was the first nation to undertake reforms of this kind, which have since become a model for other nations. 

    Dr. Ball’s contributions to public sector accounting have had a significant and lasting impact at the global level. As a member and then Chair of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (then the IFAC Public Sector Committee), Dr. Ball initiated setting International Public Sector Accounting Standards® (IPSASs®), which are now seen as global benchmarks. Through his influence and actions, more than 80 governments and public sector entities use or are planning to adopt IPSASs.

    Dr. Ball served as CEO of IFAC from 2002 to 2013. Previously, he was a member of IFAC’s Nominating Committee as well as Chair of its Public Sector Committee. Dr. Ball currently serves as a Board Member and Chair of the Working Group for the International Integrated Reporting Council. He became Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), International in September 2013, where he has continued to address global issues of public sector finance and transparency.

    About the IFAC International Gold Service Award
    The IFAC International Gold Service Award was created by the IFAC Council in 2010 to recognize outstanding individual contributions to the accountancy profession. Past recipients include Mervin King of South Africa (2012), Sir David Tweedie of the UK (2011), and Stephen Zeff of the US (2011).

    About the World Congress of Accountants (WCOA)
    Sponsored by of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the WCOA is the foremost international event for the profession, bringing together thousands of delegates from around the world to discuss, share, and debate ideas and global solutions to the issues affecting the profession in the interest of the world’s citizens, investors, and businesses. It has been held every five years since 1977 and every four years since 2002, and attended by professionals and prominent business leaders, including professional accountants, international regulators, standard setters, government officials, and corporate leaders.

    WCOA 2014, hosted by the Consiglio Nazionale dei Dottori Commercialisti e degli Esperti Contabili (CNDCEC), takes place November 10-13 in Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica. The theme—2020 Vision: Learning from the Past, Building the Future—explores the pivotal role of accounting amid rapid economic, political, and social change. The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is the imperial sponsor.

    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. Founded in 1977, it is comprised of over 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce. 

  • IFAC Announces Election of New President, Olivia Kirtley of the United States

    Rome, Italy English

    The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession, today announced the election of its President, Olivia Kirtley of the United States, for a two-year term ending in November 2016. Ms. Kirtley is the first female President of IFAC, as well as the first from business and industry rather than public accounting. The IFAC Council also announced the election of Rachel Grimes of Australia as Deputy President, a position previously held by Ms. Kirtley.

    “This is an exciting time for IFAC with challenges and opportunities for the profession at every level,” Ms. Kirtley said. “As President, I look forward to engaging with member bodies and our many stakeholders as we seek ways to advance the impact and value of our profession, and in serving the public interest.”

    Ms. Kirtley, a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, is a non-executive director of US Bancorp, Papa John’s International, and ResCare, Inc. She began her career with an international accounting firm, followed by 20 years of executive management positions with a publicly traded global manufacturer and subsequent joint venture of Emerson Electric Co. and Robert Bosch GmbH. She is a former Chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the AICPA Board of Examiners. Ms. Kirtley is a recognized advocate for strong corporate governance and was named by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship 100 as one of the top corporate directors and governance professionals in the US. First elected to the IFAC Board in 2007, Ms. Kirtley became Deputy President in November 2012. She has chaired the Planning and Finance Committee, Constitution Review Working Group, and a task force for enhancing service to professional accountants in business, in addition to being a member of the Nominating Committee, Regulatory Liaison Group, and the independent Task Force on Rebuilding Public Confidence in Financial Reporting.

    Ms. Grimes is CFO Technology at Westpac, a multinational financial services firm; she previously served as Director of Mergers and Acquisitions. She has more than 24 years of experience across the financial services sector, at Westpac/BT Financial Group as well as at PwC. A member of Chartered Accountants ANZ and CPA Australia, Ms. Grimes has served the Australian accounting profession over a significant period. She was elected to the Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia in 2006 and was appointed President in 2011. Ms. Grimes became a member of the IFAC Board in November 2011. As Deputy President, she will chair the Planning and Finance Committee; previously she was a member of this committee, as well as the former Governance and Audit Committee.

    Commenting on the leadership transition, outgoing IFAC President Warren Allen said, “As I hand over the presidency to Olivia, I know that I will be leaving IFAC in the most capable of hands. She has been a great source of support for me during my term, and was a leader on key initiatives that have enhanced and will sustain the accountancy profession and help to transform IFAC into a more responsive and sustainable organization.”

    “Rachel’s experience in the financial services industry, focusing on acquisitions, accounting processes, and technology, and the need for global policies that enhance transparency, together with her experience as a volunteer leader of a major member body, will be an asset in the Deputy President’s role,” Mr. Allen added.

    New Board Members Elected
    The IFAC Council also elected five new members to the IFAC Board: Raphael Ding (Hong Kong), Richard Petty (Australia), Kumar Raghu (India), Shinji Someha (Japan), and Joy Thomas (Canada). The IFAC Council also re-elected Ahmadi Hadibroto (Indonesia) and Masum Turker (Turkey). These members add to the diversity of the IFAC Board—in gender, geography, and professional experience.

    IFAC Admits New Members
    The IFAC Council admitted three new associates: the Chamber of Authorized Auditors of Republic of Serbia, the Indonesian Institute of Public Accountants, and the Non Profit Audit Association “Sodruzhestvo” of Russia. Two existing associates were admitted as members: the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of Sri Lanka. Additionally, IFAC admitted the Dutch Institute of Management Accountants as a member.

    For a full listing of IFAC members, see the membership section of IFAC’s website.

    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. It is comprised of over 175 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    Rachel Grimes of Australia Elected Deputy President; Board Members Elected and New Members Admitted

  • IESBA Consults on Restructuring Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants; Focuses on Improved Usability

    New York, New York English

    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®, the Ethics Board) today released for public comment the Consultation Paper, Improving the Structure of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants(the Code). The paper seeks input from stakeholders on approaches that could be taken to improve the clarity and usability of the Code, thereby facilitating its adoption, effective implementation, and consistent application.

    Among the various matters on which the Ethics Board is consulting are:

    • Restructuring the Code to more clearly distinguish requirements from guidance;
    • Reorganizing the content of the Code, including rebranding the Code, or parts thereof, as international standards;
    • Identifying responsibility for compliance with the Code in particular circumstances; and
    • Simplifying the wording of the Code so that it can be more readily understood.

    “This is a seminal initiative which could result in a completely new presentation of the Code that would make it more accessible, understandable, and enforceable,” noted Interim IESBA Chair Wui San Kwok, adding, “These aims are central to enhancing the usability of the Code and thereby its further adoption globally in the public interest.”

    The paper includes illustrative examples of how a restructured Code might be presented. The input received from the consultation will supplement the Ethics Board’s research to date and inform its views of the way forward. This may in due course lead to the publication of an Exposure Draft containing the Ethics Board’s proposals for restructuring the Code and addressing any of the related issues set out in the paper.

    “The board has received strong support from stakeholders to take a fresh look at the structure of the Code as a priority,” said IESBA Technical Director Ken Siong. “The current thinking is that an improved structure would provide a platform for future development and maintenance of the Code, and allow for more user-friendly features, including increased search and query capabilities.”

    In connection with this project, a web-based version of the Code—to enhance accessibility and navigability—is currently in development and will be launched later this month.

    How to Comment
    The Ethics Board invites all stakeholders to comment on the Consultation Paper. To access the document and submit a comment, please visit the Ethics Board’s website at www.ethicsboard.org. Comments are requested by February 4, 2015.

    About the IESBA
    The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants 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, and follow us on Twitter @Ethics_Board.

    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 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • IPSASB Publishes Public Sector Conceptual Framework

    New York, New York English

    The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®) has published its Conceptual Framework for General Purpose Financial Reporting by Public Sector Entities (the Conceptual Framework), following the approval of the final four chapters at its September 2014 meeting.

    The publication of the Conceptual Framework provides the IPSASB with the concepts that will underpin the development of International Public Sector Accounting Standards™ (IPSASs™) and Recommended Practice Guidelines (RPGs) in the coming years. It enables the IPSASB to further improve the consistency of its standard-setting by strengthening the linkage between IPSASs. Additionally, the transparency of the concepts underpinning the development of IPSASs and RPGs enhances the IPSASB’s accountability.

    The primary objective of most public sector entities is to deliver services to the public, rather than to make profits and generate a return on equity to investors. The Conceptual Framework responds to key public sector characteristics in its approach to elements (the building blocks of financial statements), the measurement of assets and liabilities, and the presentation of financial reports, while focusing on service recipients’ and resource providers’ needs for high-quality financial reporting information for both accountability and decision-making purposes.

    “The publication of the Conceptual Framework is a landmark in global public sector financial reporting and is indicative of the IPSASB’s growing maturity as a global public sector standard-setter,” said IPSASB Chair Andreas Bergmann. “It reflects the unique characteristics of the public sector and puts the IPSASB in a strong position to focus on key standard-setting activities over the next few years. The IPSASB has already made sound initial progress on its social benefits project and the completion of the Conceptual Framework provides further impetus for this important initiative.” 

    Prof. Bergmann said the IPSASB will be making decisions on new projects in early 2015.

    About the IPSASB
    The IPSASB develops accounting standards and guidance for use by public sector entities.  It receives support (both direct financial and in-kind) from the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, the South African Accounting Standards Board, and the governments of Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland.  The structures and processes that support the operations of the IPSASB are facilitated by IFAC.

    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. It is comprised of 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

  • 2014 Handbooks From IAASB, IAESB, IESBA, and IPSASB Now Available

    New York, New York English

    The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®) today announced the availability of the 2014 editions of the handbooks from the:

    • International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®);
    • International Accounting Education Standards Board™ (IAESB™);
    • International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®); and
    • International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board® (IPSASB®).

    2014 Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements

    The 2014 edition of the handbook includes ISAE™ 3000 (Revised) and Conforming Amendments. A third volume has been added to the handbook that contains the International Framework for Assurance Engagements (previously included in Volume II of the handbook) and the recently issued Framework for Audit Quality: Key Elements that Create an Environment for Audit Quality.

    To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IAASB’s website at www.iaasb.org.

    2014 Handbook of International Education Pronouncements

    The 2014 handbook contains the IAESB’s suite of eight International Education Standards™ (IESs™), including the re-drafted IES 7, Continuing Professional Development, IAESB Glossary of Terms, Framework for International Education Standards for Professional Accountants (the Framework), and three International Education Practice Statements. It replaces the 2010 edition of the Handbook of International Education Pronouncements. One of the more significant changes to the handbook is the addition of a new section that includes the newly revised IESs that have been approved by the IAESB, but are not effective at the time of the Handbook’s release.

    To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IAESB’s website at www.iaesb.org.

    2014 Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

    The 2014 IESBA Handbook contains the entire Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. This edition incorporates several revised pronouncements that were published previously and are now effective—addressing a breach of a requirement of the Code, conflicts of interest, and the definition of “those charged with governance.” It also contains the revised definition of “engagement team” (effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014).

    To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IESBA’s website at www.ethicsboard.org

    2014 Handbook of International Public Sector Accounting Pronouncements

    This Handbook contains the complete set of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board’s (IPSASB) pronouncements on International Public Sector Accounting Standards™ (IPSASs™). It also includes Recommended Practice Guidelines (RPGs), with the introduction of RPG 1–Reporting on the Long-Term Sustainability of an Entity’s Finances and RPG 2-Financial Statement Discussion and Analysis, which were both approved in June 2013 and issued in July 2013. 

    To access an electronic copy of the handbook for personal use, purchase print copies, or find information on recent developments and outstanding exposure drafts, visit the IPSASB’s website at www.ipsasb.org.

    About the Handbooks
    The standards and pronouncements in each of the handbooks were developed by the IAASB, IAESB, IESBA, and IPSASB, respectively. The structures and processes that support the operations of these independent standard-setting boards, including publishing the handbooks, are facilitated by IFAC.

    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. It is comprised of 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

     

  • G-20: IFAC Proposes Eight Recommendations to Support Global Growth and Resilience

    New York, New York English

    The International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest, today submitted eight recommendations to support global economic growth and resilience for consideration at the forthcoming G-20 Leader’s Summit in Brisbane, Australia, November 15-16.

    IFAC’s eight recommendations to help achieve strong, sustainable, and balanced growth are centered upon three core themes:

    • Global consistency for sound financial regulation and standards for reporting and audit;
    • Enhanced financial management, reporting, transparency and accountability by governments; and
    • Effective taxation systems.

    Fayez Choudhury, IFAC Chief Executive, commented: “IFAC understands that global economic growth, stability, and long-term resilience can only be truly supported once governments and the private sector ‘get the numbers right.’ Our detailed recommendations are aimed squarely at regaining momentum toward globally consistent regulation and adoption of high-quality international financial reporting, auditing, and auditor independence standards and requirements, improving both public and private sector transparency, and reducing taxation opacity. 

    “We have seen too many times throughout history how flawed numbers, and the decisions they impact, can lead to the unravelling of global economic stability. The most recent financial crisis generated much global interest in finally addressing the need for internationally consistent, appropriate regulation to help avert future crises. That momentum has dissipated and we need to regain it. Instead, unilateral government action is creating more divergence, which does not augur well for a coordinated global response to the next crisis.

    “If adopted, our recommendations would serve the public interest by placing integrity—in recognizing, measuring, processing, and reporting financial transactions—at the heart of the numbers relied upon by decision-makers to maintain economic performance and social cohesion.

    “The accountancy profession’s skills and experience are essential to advancing economic stability, strengthening financial systems and architecture, and promoting accountability and longer-term sustainability and growth. We have proposed to the G-20’s leaders eight effective, practical recommendations focused on protecting and serving the global public interest, and which if adopted would significantly enhance global economic stability,” he said.

    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. It is comprised of 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

     

    Regaining momentum on regulatory consistency; public and private sector transparency; taxation

  • Investor Advocate to Lead the IAASB’s Consultative Advisory Group

    New York, New York English

    Matthew Waldron has been appointed as the incoming Chair of the Consultative Advisory Group (CAG) to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board(IAASB), effective April 1, 2015. 

    His appointment, which has been approved by the Public Interest Oversight Board,* follows his election by members of the IAASB CAG.**

    As Chair, Mr. Waldron will lead the IAASB CAG—an independent body comprising regulators, preparers, international investor and user groups, and other stakeholders with an interest in international auditing and assurance—in providing strategic and technical advice in the public interest to the IAASB. Mr. Waldron will play a key role in ensuring that the CAG’s views are heard and considered in the IAASB’s deliberations.

    He is a director in the Financial Reporting Policy Group at CFA Institute and has served as its representative on the IAASB CAG since 2008. In that role, he is principally responsible for monitoring and responding to audit and assurance matters relating to investor interests. His prior experience includes working for KPMG, PwC, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. He is also a member of the CAG to the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.

    “It is an honor to be elected to this position by my peers on the CAG, particularly at this critical time for financial reporting supply chain stakeholders,” Mr. Waldron said. “The CAG represents 32 of the world’s foremost organizations with a deep interest in auditing and assurance. I look forward to marshalling the CAG members’ global knowledge and experience to help the IAASB’s work and, in particular, ensuring end-users have a clear voice in the development of the IAASB’s standards and guidance.”

    Mr. Waldron will succeed Prof. Linda de Beer, who has served as the CAG Chair since September 2010.  Prof de Beer commented as follows on Mr. Waldron’s appointment: “I am delighted with Matt’s election to take over from me as the CAG Chair. The investor community is a very important stakeholder of the audit service.  A new CAG Chair from that constituency gives an important message as to the independence of the CAG and how seriously it takes its role to advise and consult the IAASB in setting auditing standards in the public interest.”

    Commenting on Mr. Waldron’s appointment, Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman, said, “Matt’s extensive senior experience working within, and advising, the financial services sector means he brings a highly valued perspective to the CAG’s important work. We look forward to his leadership of the CAG as the IAASB embarks on several new standard-setting initiatives. On behalf of the IAASB, I thank Linda for her outstanding contribution to our deliberations and I am sure that she will continue to be a strong advocate for the public interest in her home country, South Africa, and globally.”

    About the IAASB CAG
    The CAG comprises a diverse mix of 32 Member Organizations** including, user groups, regulators, financial executives, international public interest organizations and other professional bodies such as lawyers, valuation experts and actuaries with interests in, or related to audit and assurance. The CAG is an integral and important part of the IAASB's formal process of consultation, and Representatives of CAG member organizations provide the IAASB advice on numerous areas, including the IAASB’s agenda and project timetable (work program); its technical projects; and other matters of relevance to the IAASB’s activities. The Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB) oversees the work of the CAG, and the roles and responsibilities of the CAG Chair are approved by the PIOB. 

    About the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® (IAASB®)
    The IAASB 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 the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

    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. It is comprised of 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    *The PIOB
    Established in 2005 as the oversight board for the global accountancy profession, the PIOB oversees the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants, the International Accounting Education Standards Board™, and their CAGs, as well as IFAC’s Compliance Advisory Panel, with the objective of increasing the confidence of investors and others that their activities are properly responsive to the public interest. PIOB members are nominated by international institutions and regulatory bodies.

    **IAASB CAG Members Organizations and Observers

    • Asian Financial Executives Institutes
    • Associação Brasileira de Instituições Financeiras de Desenvolvimento
    • 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
    • Information Systems Audit and Control Association
    • Institute of Internal Auditors
    • International Accounting Standards Board
    • International Actuarial Association
    • International Association of Insurance Supervisors
    •  International Bar Association
    • International Corporate Governance Network
    • International Organization of Securities Commissions
    • International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions
    • International Valuation Standards Council
    • Islamic Financial Services Board
    • Japan Securities Dealers Association
    • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
    • North American Financial Executives Institutes
    • Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
    • Sri Lanka Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board
    • United Nations Conference on Trade & Development
    • World Bank
    • World Federation of Exchanges

    IAASB CAG Observers

    • Financial Services Agency, Japan
    • International Monetary Fund
    • US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

     

     

  • Expressions of Interest to Become a Partner in Delivering the PAO Capacity Building Program

    New York and London English

    The UK Department for International Development (DFID), which leads the United Kingdom’s work to end extreme poverty, and the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), the global organization for the accountancy profession, have entered into an agreement to strengthen professional accountancy organizations (PAOs) in developing countries. Under this agreement, DFID will provide £4.935 million to IFAC over seven years. The funding will be used to strengthen PAOs in at least 10 DFID focal countries to play a greater role in furthering economic development. These focal countries are currently being selected by IFAC, in consultation with its regional organizations and DFID.

    IFAC invites organizations to indicate their interest in providing PAO capacity-building services under this agreement. IFAC will facilitate, coordinate, and supervise projects, including peer-to-peer support by more established PAOs, to build developing country PAOs’ managerial, financial, and technical capacity so that they can drive improvements in professional and ethical standards.

    Expressions of Interest can be submitted via www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1735005/Expression-of-Interest. Interested organizations should be able to demonstrate that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the capacity-building services. Based on information in the Expressions of Interest, IFAC will evaluate interested organizations and—in the future—invite eligible organizations to submit proposals to provide services for specific projects. Further information is available by emailing development@ifac.org.

    Timetable and Deadlines for Expressions of Interest

    • October 17, 2014, 8:30 am (New York time) – Webinar for applicants to clarify any matters. Please email development@ifac.org to receive instructions for participation.
    • November 19, 2014 – Deadline for submissions of interest.
    • First Quarter 2015 –Organizations will be invited to submit full proposals.

     

    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. It is comprised of 179 members and associates in 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

    About DFID
    The Department for International Development (DFID) leads the UK’s work to end extreme poverty. We're ending the need for aid by creating jobs, unlocking the potential of girls and women and helping to save lives when humanitarian emergencies hit. For more information visit www.gov.uk/dfid.