Independence expectations in Group Audits: Revisions to the Code

29 March 2022
Accounting
South African Accounting Academy

The proposed revisions establish provisions that comprehensively address independence considerations for firms and individuals involved in an engagement to perform an audit of group financial statements. The proposals also address the independence implications of the change in the definition of an engagement team―a concept central to an audit of financial statements―in the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s (IAASB) International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 220, Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements.

Among other matters, the proposals:

Establish new defined terms and revise a number of existing terms, including for application with respect to independence in a group audit context.
Clarify and enhance the independence principles that apply to:
- Individuals involved in a group audit.
- Firms engaged in the group audit, including firms within and outside the group auditor firm’s network.
More explicitly set out the process to address a breach of an independence provision at a component auditor firm, including reinforcing the need for appropriate communication between the relevant parties and with those charged with governance of the group.
Align a number of provisions in the Code to conform to changes in the IAASB’s Quality Management standards.

Comments are requested by 31 May 2022.

Click here to download the Exposure Draft:

https://www.ifac.org/system/files/publications/files/FINAL-Proposed-Revisions-Relating-to-the-Definition-of-Engagement-Team-and-Group-Audits.pdf

Relevance to Auditors, Independent Reviewers & Accountants:

Auditors and accountants have to adhere to the IESBA Code of Conduct.
This publication contains proposed revisions that establish provisions that comprehensively address independence considerations for firms and individuals involved in an engagement to perform an audit of group financial statements.

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