To assist auditors worldwide in implementing the clarified International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), the staff of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has developed a new question-and-answer publication entitled Applying ISAs Proportionately with the Size and Complexity of an Entity. The publication is relevant in the context of any audit, but will be of particular help to those who audit, or oversee the audits of, small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs).
"SMEs are an important sector of national economies and one that is sensitive to significant changes in standards," emphasizes James Gunn, IAASB Technical Director. "This staff publication highlights provisions within the ISAs that guide auditors in applying the requirements to audits of SMEs in an efficient and effective manner."
The questions and answers explain how the design of the ISAs enables them to be applied in a manner that is proportionate to the specific characteristics of the entity subject to audit. Furthermore, answers are given to questions relating to audit procedures, work effort, documentation, and professional judgment.
"Many of those with responsibility for financial statement audits are progressing their consideration of implementation issues of the clarified ISAs. We applaud this and believe that the IAASB staff has a role to play in supporting the implementation effort," adds Mr. Gunn.
The publication is available for download free of charge from the IFAC website (http://web.ifac.org/clarity-center/support-and-guidance).
About the IAASB and IFAC
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.
IFAC (www.ifac.org), the global organization for the accountancy profession with 157 members and associates in 123 countries, shares in the development and promotes the adoption and implementation of international standards and develops guidance to foster high-quality practice by professional accountants working in business, public practice, government, and education.
