Countless entities around the globe—especially small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs)—look to professional accountants in public practice to assist in the preparation and presentation of their financial information. Recognizing the important role practitioners play in providing accounting and financial reporting expertise to entities in support of high-quality financial reporting, the IAASB today released International Standard on Related Services (ISRS) 4410 (Revised), Compilation Engagements, addressing such service engagements.
“This is an important standard in the many jurisdictions where compilation engagements are commonplace, but also in jurisdictions where it is a relatively new service. This enhanced standard contributes to quality in these important engagements and ensures clear communications to users,” stated Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. “While the standard is applicable to entities of all sizes and for all forms of historical financial information, the needs of SMEs, users of their financial information, and those who provide compilation services were key focus areas in our deliberations.”
ISRS 4410 (Revised) clarifies the practitioner’s role and responsibilities in a compilation engagement and matters that need to be considered when accepting such engagements, and emphasizes the importance of quality control. It also expands the traditional compilation engagement report to make clear to users the practitioner’s contribution to the compiled financial information presented by management, and the key features of a compilation engagement.
The revised standard is effective for compilation engagement reports dated on or after July 1, 2013.
About the 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 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. IFAC is comprised of 167 members and associates in 127 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
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