Recognizing developments in the internal auditing environment and the evolving relationship between internal and external auditors, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today released an exposure draft on a proposed revised standard that addresses the external auditor’s responsibilities relating to using internal auditors’ work during an audit.
The proposed International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610 (Revised), Using the Work of Internal Auditors, aims to enhance the external auditor’s performance by providing a stronger framework for evaluating and using the work and assistance of an entity’s internal auditors. Related enhancements to the external auditor’s required considerations of the internal audit function are also proposed in ISA 315 (Revised), Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement through Understanding the Entity and Its Environment.
“Internal auditing standards and practices continue to evolve, as does the relationship between external and internal auditors,” said Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “Ensuring that global audit practices take account of these changes benefits both auditors and preparers. Through our revision of ISA 610, we believe external auditors will be better equipped to evaluate opportunities for effective coordination with internal auditors.”
Analyzing Benefits and Impacts of the Proposals
In addition to setting out the main proposals of the IAASB, the explanatory memorandum to the exposure draft pilots an approach for analyzing the benefits and impacts of the IAASB’s proposals. The approach provides a structured and transparent means for communicating the effects of proposals to stakeholders.
“Understanding the potential benefits and impacts of proposed changes is an integral part of developing high-quality standards,” said James Gunn, IAASB Technical Director. “This pilot will help inform the IAASB and further integrate the analysis of benefits and impacts into the standards-setting process.”
Matters on which the IAASB would like stakeholders’ input are set out in the explanatory memorandum to the exposure draft.
How to Comment
The IAASB invites all stakeholders to comment on its proposals. To access the exposure draft or submit a comment, visit the IAASB's website at www.iaasb.org/ExposureDrafts.php. Comments on the exposure draft are requested by November 15, 2010.
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 159 members and associates in 124 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.