In follow-up to its 2012 release of stronger standards dealing with the external auditor’s use of an internal audit function’s work, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) today issued new requirements and guidance that address the auditor’s responsibilities if using internal auditors to provide direct assistance under the direction, supervision, and review of the external auditor for purposes of the audit (“direct assistance”).

International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610 (Revised 2013), Using the Work of Internal Auditors, now includes guidance to external auditors when determining whether they can use direct assistance from internal auditors, and if so, in which areas and to what extent. The material addressing direct assistance does not apply if the external auditor is prohibited by law or regulation from obtaining direct assistance.

“The new requirements and guidance not only clarify the scope of the standard, which we have already heard is an essential improvement, but also clearly set out the conditions, limits, and safeguards necessary so that direct assistance is used only in appropriate circumstances,” said Prof. Arnold Schilder, IAASB chairman.

In conjunction with ISA 610 (Revised 2013), the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today also released amendments to the definition of engagement team in its Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code). The amendments clarify the relationship between internal auditors providing direct assistance and the meaning of an engagement team under the IESBA Code.

“The ISA does not require or encourage the external auditor to use, or to consider using, internal auditors to provide direct assistance, nor does it override relevant law or regulation. However, where direct assistance is permitted, the standard provides a robust framework for the external auditor’s judgments,” noted James Gunn, IAASB technical director. “The external auditor can therefore look to where there may be potential benefits from direct assistance, while understanding the limits to using such assistance and being able to take the necessary steps to avoid over or undue use, in line with the external auditor’s sole responsibility for the audit opinion expressed.”

The material in ISA 610 (Revised 2013) pertaining to direct assistance is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014.

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 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 173 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions, representing approximately 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

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This final pronouncement reflects the IESBA's amendment to the Code to establish more specific requirements and provide more comprehensive guidance to support professional accountants in identifying, evaluating, and managing conflicts of interest. The revisions affect professional accountants both in public practice and in business, taking into account the different circumstances in which they work. 

This Basis for Conclusions has been prepared by staff of the IESBA. It relates to, but does not form part of, the changes to the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) addressing conflicts of interest.

This Basis for Conclusions has been prepared by staff of the IESBA. It relates to, but does not form part of, the changes to the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) related to provisions addressing a breach of a requirement of the Code.

This Basis for Conclusions has been prepared by staff of the IESBA. It relates to, but does not form part of, the change to the definition of “engagement team” in the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code).

In addition to the changes included in ISA 610 (Revised), ISA 610 (Revised 2013) now also includes requirements and guidance addressing the external auditor’s responsibilities if using internal auditors to provide direct assistance under the direction, supervision and review of the external auditor for purposes of the audit, where such assistance is not prohibited by law or regulation. The material in ISA 610 (Revised 2013) pertaining to direct assistance is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after December 15, 2014.

This final pronouncement reflects amendments to the IESBA's definition of “engagement team” in the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code). The amendments clarify the relationship between an external auditor’s use of internal auditors to provide direct assistance on the external audit in accordance with the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)’s International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610 (Revised 2013), Using the Work of Internal Auditors, and the meaning of an engagement team under the Code.

IFAC recognizes the importance of high-quality auditing and acts to promote and enhance audit quality around the globe, including supporting the development, adoption, and implementation of high-quality, internationally accepted auditing and quality control standards, promoting the need for global regulatory convergence, and supporting the development of strong professional accountancy organizations and accountancy firms.

IFAC recognizes the important role that a well-functioning audit committee plays in governance, risk management, and internal control arrangements for a wide range of different entities. In particular, the outcomes of the global financial crisis, and the responses to it, have highlighted that appropriately structured and well-operated audit committees promote good governance and financial reporting practices within organizations, and improve the quality of reported financial (and potentially, non-financial) information.