External confirmation procedures can be a compelling tool in obtaining relevant and reliable evidence for audits of financial statements. Recent experience, however, highlights the need for auditors to pay particular attention to circumstances that may affect the planned use of confirmations, including the risk of fraud and the adequacy of evidence.

To raise awareness of potential issues and to help auditors use external confirmation procedures more effectively, the staff of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released today a new audit practice alert. Titled Emerging Practice Issues Regarding the Use of External Confirmations in an Audit of Financial Statements, the alert highlights areas within the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) that are particularly relevant when deciding to request external confirmations, designing and carrying out confirmation procedures, and evaluating responses received. The alert also raises awareness of potential issues that may surface from the increasing use of technology in the confirmation process and the use of restrictive language by respondents.

James Gunn, IAASB Technical Director, explains, "Requesting external confirmations is a commonly used audit procedure in an audit of financial statements. Today's environment, however, reinforces the need for professional skepticism and professional judgment in all aspects of an audit, including the use of confirmations. The alert reminds auditors of the need to maintain control over the confirmation process, and to remain alert to circumstances that may undermine its effectiveness." 

About the IAASB and IFAC
The IAASB (www.ifac.org/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) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Adoption of international standards on auditing (ISAs) is well underway, according to the newly released online chart from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Compiled from information gathered by the IFAC Member Body Compliance Program, the chart indicates that ISAs as issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) have been adopted or otherwise used as the basis of national standards in 126 jurisdictions around the world.

"This tool gives an overview of ISA adoption by jurisdiction, as well as other valuable information about how the adoption process can vary," comments Russell Guthrie, IFAC Director, Quality and Member Relations. "It also demonstrates the commitment of IFAC and its member bodies to transparency by providing a comprehensive summary of ISA adoption to our stakeholders and welcoming feedback that will allow further refinement of the information, especially as jurisdictions adopt the recently issued Clarified ISAs, which are a result of a comprehensive program to enhance the clarity of auditing standards," he concludes.

Adoption of international standards is the first step of a continuous process, following which successful implementation is vital to ensure professionals understand and apply the standards appropriately. IFAC member organizations are required to use their best endeavors to lead or actively support that process within their countries. They communicate this commitment through their Compliance Action Plans that describe the current status of adoption and their planned activities to progress implementation.

In line with the ongoing nature of the adoption process, the chart and notes, gathered from the Compliance Program and a variety of other sources, will be periodically updated as new information is received.

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. IFAC is comprised of 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

About IFAC Member Body Compliance Program
The IFAC Member Body Compliance Program was launched in 2004 as an integral part of the 2003 IFAC reforms. The primary emphasis of the Program is to encourage continuous improvement by professional accountancy organizations through an ongoing assessment of their commitment to use best endeavors to adopt and support implementation of international financial reporting, auditing, ethical, education, and public sector accounting standards, as well as to operate or otherwise support robust quality assurance and investigation and disciplinary mechanisms. The Program, in particular through the Action Plan process, serves as an engine to drive behavior to achieve the successful adoption and implementation of international standards and best practices, either through the direct actions of IFAC members and associates or through their encouragement and advocacy to other stakeholders with the authority to initiate change in their jurisdictions. To date, 62 Action Plans have been published on the IFAC website and more than 50 drafts have been submitted for review and finalization.

Over 200 delegates from more than 40 countries gathered in Beijing for the fourth annual IFAC SMP Forum (www.ifac.org/smp/index.php#Resources) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Committee--making it the largest gathering in the event's history. Co-hosted by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), the conference covered topics ranging from how to accomplish sustainable growth during economic turbulence to ensuring that international standards are relevant to SMEs/SMPs, and included presentations from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.Over 200 delegates from more than 40 countries gathered in Beijing for the fourth annual IFAC SMP Forum (www.ifac.org/smp/index.php#Resources) of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Small and Medium Practices (SMP) Committee--making it the largest gathering in the event's history. Co-hosted by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA) and the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), the conference covered topics ranging from how to accomplish sustainable growth during economic turbulence to ensuring that international standards are relevant to SMEs/SMPs, and included presentations from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

In greeting attendees, IFAC's President Robert L. Bunting spoke of the CICPA as "an active and much-appreciated member of IFAC" and complimented its role in adopting and implementing international standards in China. This includes convergence of Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and accelerating plans to accept the recently issued clarified International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board.

Turning his subject toward the global economic crisis, Mr. Bunting said, "I realize that, here in China, the story has been somewhat different; indeed your country has been a source of continued growth and contributed to the world economy's recovery. But because of the global nature of our business environment, your business sector has suffered from many of the same problems as other countries, relating to employment and general financial woes.

"And when a country suffers, chances are very good that SMEs, and the SMPs that support them, suffer more than the average. That is why this year's Forum is so critical," Mr. Bunting said. "Yes, IFAC understands that SMEs are engines for economic growth and ideas--but we also know that the SMPs who work with them are the first ‘go-to partners' for these entrepreneurs, with the knowledge of the issues they face and how they can be addressed. And that is why IFAC supports them as they help SMEs create a vision for change." He then spoke of the recent SME lending survey conducted by IFAC with The Banker magazine. It found that lenders were "highly influenced" by loan-applicant-SMEs who had external accountants providing assurance services and/or financial advice.

According to Sylvie Voghel, Chair, SMP Committee, "This event has provided a unique setting for representatives from IFAC member bodies, recognized regional organizations, acknowledged accountancy groupings, and other accountancy organizations and guests to exchange ideas." She added, "The result was impressive--new insights on ways for IFAC and the international profession to respond to a wide range of issues currently facing SMPs and SMEs, both in China, the world's most populous nation, and globally."

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. IFAC is comprised of 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

As the world turns its attention to the Copenhagen talks later this year for a successor to the Kyoto Protocol on reining in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases (GHG), the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is making significant progress to develop a new assurance standard on GHG statements. Today, the IAASB released a Consultation Paper seeking views on key issues in developing that standard.

"Having reliable information is key to global efforts to reduce emissions and stabilize the level of carbon in the atmosphere," emphasizes Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. "We are actively seeking to enhance the credibility of GHG information because of the importance to the public interest of decisions being made on the basis of that information. Our consultation will help inform the development of a robust standard in support of this goal."

"A growing number of countries are developing, or have developed, carbon emissions trading schemes under which public reporting of information about emissions inventories, and assurance thereon, has economic, political, and social significance," explains James Gunn, IAASB Technical Director, adding, "The IAASB's project seeks to enhance the consistency and quality of performance by practitioners on assurance engagements to report on this information, whether produced for regulators, legislators, investors, or other interested parties."

Entitled Assurance on a Greenhouse Gas Statement, the Consultation Paper asks a series of questions addressing such matters as: the form of assurance report that users would find most useful; the nature and extent of requirements; how a standard should best integrate with regulatory requirements; and technical aspects of applying the assurance process to GHG emissions. The IAASB intends to use the feedback from the consultation to develop an exposure draft of a proposed new assurance standard on GHG statements for release in 2010.

All stakeholders are encouraged to respond to the Consultation Paper, either in its entirety or to select questions that are of special interest to them.

How to Comment
Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by February 19, 2010. The Consultation Paper may be viewed by going to www.ifac.org/Guidance/EXD-Outstanding.php. Respondents are asked to send their comments electronically through the IFAC website, using the "Submit a Comment" link on the Exposure Drafts and Consultation Papers page. Please note that first-time users must register to use this new feature. Although IFAC prefers that comments be submitted using the online submission system, e-mail may continue to be sent to edcomments@ifac.org. They can also be faxed to the attention of the IAASB Technical Director at +1 (212) 856-9420 or mailed to IFAC, 545 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. All comments will be considered a matter of public record and will ultimately be posted on IFAC's website.

About the IAASB and IFAC
The IAASB (www.ifac.org/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) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) invites accountancy professionals in all areas of business and government to participate in selecting the winner of its 2009 Articles of Merit Award Program. The program seeks to identify and promote outstanding articles on financial and management accounting topics that have appeared in publications of IFAC's 157 member bodies and associates.The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) invites accountancy professionals in all areas of business and government to participate in selecting the winner of its 2009 Articles of Merit Award Program. The program seeks to identify and promote outstanding articles on financial and management accounting topics that have appeared in publications of IFAC's 157 member bodies and associates.

The PAIB Committee serves IFAC member bodies and the more than one million professional accountants worldwide who work in commerce, industry, the public sector, education, and the not-for-profit sector. The committee facilitates the global development and sharing of knowledge, develops good practice guidance, and promotes the roles and domain of professional accountants in business.

"Our Articles of Merit Program is an excellent way for IFAC members-whose professionals are in a prime position to reflect on issues of relevance to professional accountants in today's environment-to share their experiences with colleagues around the world," states Roger Tabor, Chair, PAIB Committee.

Readers are invited to rate 35 articles competing for this year's award. They cover a broad range of issues affecting PAIBs and business in general, including governance and risk management, managing through the financial crisis, accounting for sustainability, raising finance, managing cash flow, and financial reporting, among others. This input will be used to support the PAIB Committee judging panel in selecting the winning article and runners-up. To view and rate the articles, please see web.ifac.org/PAIB/articles-of-merit-2009 before November 15, 2009.

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. IFAC is comprised of 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released a Consultation Paper seeking views on developing new fair value auditing guidance where it is most critical in today's environment. Entitled Auditing Complex Financial Instruments, the paper recognizes the strong demand from auditors and preparers for further guidance on auditing complex financial instruments, e.g., in situations of illiquid markets, which currently pose the greatest challenges for them.The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released a Consultation Paper seeking views on developing new fair value auditing guidance where it is most critical in today's environment. Entitled Auditing Complex Financial Instruments, the paper recognizes the strong demand from auditors and preparers for further guidance on auditing complex financial instruments, e.g., in situations of illiquid markets, which currently pose the greatest challenges for them.

"The current economic environment has given rise to particular issues relating to the reliability and auditability of fair value information," emphasizes Arnold Schilder, IAASB Chairman. "This consultation addresses these issues and solicits discussions. The IAASB intends to use the feedback from the consultation in the revision of its Practice Statement 1012 on auditing derivative financial instruments."

The Consultation Paper incorporates recent work by the UK Auditing Practices Board (APB) on the same topic, and asks specific questions about how that guidance might be adapted or supplemented for application in the international context. James Gunn, IAASB Technical Director, explains, "The APB has made significant progress in developing national guidance on this important topic and, just as importantly, leveraging it will enable us to put relevant guidance in the hands of auditors as quickly as possible."

How to Comment
Comments on the Consultation Paper are requested by January 15, 2010. The Consultation Paper may be viewed by going to www.ifac.org/Guidance/EXD-Outstanding.php. Respondents are asked to send their comments electronically through the IFAC website, using the "Submit a Comment" link on the Exposure Drafts and Consultation Papers page. First-time users must register to use this new feature. Although IFAC prefers that comments be submitted using the online submission system, e-mail may continue to be sent to edcomments@ifac.org. They can also be faxed to the attention of the IAASB Technical Manager at +1 (212) 856-9420 or mailed to IFAC, 545 Fifth Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. All comments will be considered a matter of public record and will ultimately be posted on IFAC's website.

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) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

Over 40 senior audit professionals from 23 international networks of accounting firms met yesterday to share their experiences, industry insights, and current practices in establishing and strengthening global internal inspection processes, at a workshop organized by the Forum of Firms (Forum). The Forum assembled a group of experts to discuss new developments, including innovations in inspection organization, methodology and staffing, practical implementation issues, and processes for internal reporting.

"This workshop was designed to provide participants with a better understanding of current trends and practices as well as an opportunity for audit partners to exchange views and experiences in their continuing efforts to manage high-quality audit practices," says Nick Fraser, Workshop Chairman and Chair, Transnational Auditors Committee.

Every member of the Forum must follow international professional standards on quality control at the firm level and for each transnational audit engagement: International Standard on Quality Control 1 (ISQC 1) and International Standard on Auditing 220 (ISA 220) as issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. These standards require firms to establish a system of quality control to provide them with reasonable assurance that the firm and its personnel comply with professional standards and regulatory and legal requirements, and that reports issued by the firm or engagement partners are appropriate in the circumstances. Additionally, Forum members must conduct regular globally coordinated internal inspection reviews to monitor adherence to these standards across their networks.

"The requirement for Forum members to conduct these globally coordinated inspections is a unique and challenging obligation of Forum membership, which is just one example of the Forum's ongoing commitment to facilitating continuous improvements in the quality of transnational audits worldwide," concludes David Maxwell, Chair, Forum of Firms.

About the Forum of Firms
The Forum of Firms (www.ifac.org/Forum_of_Firms) is an association of networks of international accounting firms that perform transnational audits. Members of the Forum have committed to adhere to and promote the consistent application of high-quality audit practices worldwide, including the use of International Standards on Auditing, and the maintenance of appropriate quality control standards in accordance with International Standards on Quality Control issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. Through their organizations, members also conduct globally coordinated internal quality assurance reviews on a regular basis and have policies and methodologies that conform to the International Federation of Accountants' Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. The Transnational Auditors Committee is the Executive Committee of the Forum of Firms and a committee of the International Federation of Accountants.

Thank you for inviting me here today. I would like to compliment UNCTAD on its initiative in organizing this seminar today. I would also like to personally recognize Yoseph Asmelash for his long-time, broad, and continued support of IFAC. Thank you, Yoseph.

IFAC plays a number of roles in the global financial system, although it is principally recognized for setting high-quality standards in international public sector accounting, auditing, education, and ethics through its independent boards. Our less recognized role--and one that will be even more important in the years ahead--is as the facilitator and driver of adoption and high-quality implementation. This is where IFAC can help change the game--moving from the goal of convergence to implementation of standards.

Before we can move to implementation, the world must agree on a single set of standards and stop using scarce resources debating whether there SHOULD be a single set of standards. In the case of accounting standards for the private sector, and, indeed, even for auditing standards, this debate has not yet been settled.

But in the case of public sector accounting, there is not much debate about which standards should be used. The International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) were developed by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB), under the leadership of Chairman Mike Hathorn, who will be speaking to you in a moment. The IPSASs are a complete set of high-quality standards that governments at all levels can--and should--be using to report to taxpayers, their elected legislature, and borrowers around the world.

To promote awareness and understanding of the newly clarified1 International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) released today a series of "ISA Modules" focusing on some of the new and more significantly revised ISAs. Developed by IAASB staff, each of these modules combines short video presentations and accompanying slides that explain the key principles of, and major changes in, individual ISAs, including the implications for audits of small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs).

"Promoting the adoption and successful implementation of ISAs is one of the IAASB's most important goals. These new tools will help us to move closer to that goal by providing support to those responsible for adopting and implementing the clarified ISAs, trainers, and auditors in applying them in practice," explains Arnold Schilder, Chairman of the IAASB.

This new resource includes modules that provide an introduction to, and an overview of, the clarified ISAs, including ISA 200, Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing, and audit documentation and SME audit considerations. Additional modules cover ISAs that address related parties, auditing accounting estimates, including fair value estimates, communication with those charged with governance, and communicating deficiencies in internal control.

"Now is the time to address the necessary aspects of implementation. This includes developing or updating training programs and considering audit methodology changes," emphasizes IAASB Technical Director James Gunn, adding, "Successful implementation of the clarified ISAs will depend on being well prepared when they come into effect."

The ISA Modules are available to download free of charge from the IAASB Clarity Center on the IFAC website (web.ifac.org/clarity-center/support-and-guidance). The IAASB encourages IFAC members, associates, regional accountancy bodies, and firms to use these materials and to promote their availability to their members and employees.  

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) 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 157 members and associates in 123 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.

¹ The Clarity Project, completed by the IAASB in March 2009 resulted in the issuance of 36 ISAs and one International Standard on Quality Control in a new style that is easier to understand, translate, and implement. In some cases, other major revisions to the content were made as well. The new set of clarified ISAs goes into effect for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2009. In practical terms, this means that they will be effective for 2010 year end audits.

Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may have access to more credit down the road, but will have to pass more rigorous tests to demonstrate their creditworthiness, according to the findings of a global survey of banks conducted by The Banker magazine in association with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The survey results, released today in a supplement on supporting small and medium-sized companies in the October issue of The Banker, also confirmed the critical role that accountants play in providing information that influences lender decision making. Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may have access to more credit down the road, but will have to pass more rigorous tests to demonstrate their creditworthiness, according to the findings of a global survey of banks conducted by The Banker magazine in association with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). The survey results, released today in a supplement on supporting small and medium-sized companies in the October issue of The Banker, also confirmed the critical role that accountants play in providing information that influences lender decision making.

"Accountants have a long-standing history as the trusted advisors for SMEs. To continue to fulfill this role, accountants should be proactive in advising their SME clients about lending options and requirements," states IFAC Chief Executive Officer Ian Ball. "The survey results provide useful information to assist both accountants and SMEs."

The survey showed that over 20 percent of the more than 350 bankers who answered questions about the future indicated that they would raise the number of new loans and increase loan amounts to existing SME clients over the next two years. Very few respondents, just 2 percent, said they would restrict loans to SMEs. However, bankers expect SMEs to provide more comprehensive information in their loan applications. Survey respondents indicated that they will increasingly look at cash-flow information, collateral, and customer history with the bank when considering loan applications. Financial statements, key risk indicators, and industry trends are also among the key information banks are focused on when making loan decisions.

Lenders also highly value audited financial statements. Two-thirds of the respondents indicated that their lending policies require some form of assurance on the entity's financial statements from an external accountant, and audited financial statements are preferred by most  respondents. In addition, another 60 percent of respondents said that accountant involvement in an SME's business would significantly and positively influence their lending decisions.

"IFAC is dedicated to helping accounting firms meet the assurance and other needs of the small business community," emphasizes IFAC President Robert Bunting. "We will also continue to take the pulse of the SME community through our outreach initiatives, particularly those of our Small and Medium Practices Committee."

Brian Caplen, editor of The Banker, says: "It was very exciting to work with IFAC on this project. The health of the small and medium-sized business sector is critical to the global economy and it is very important for banks to understand their needs. We hope that the survey leads to a better understanding between banks and their clients."

About the Survey
The online survey was conducted by The Banker between August 21 and September 15, 2009. Over 500 bankers responded to the survey; there were 146 complete responses, and the remainder was partial responses. The survey sample included banks in over 80 countries. The banks ranged in size from those with total assets of under US$100 million to over US$100,000 million. To view the survey results, go to www.ifac.org/financial-crisis/smp-sme-resources.php or see the October issue of The Banker.

About IFAC
IFAC (www.ifac.org), the global organization for the accountancy profession with 157 members and associates in 123 countries, 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.

About The Banker
The Banker is the monthly magazine of the international banking and finance industry. Part of the Financial Times group, The Banker has navigated its way through 83 years of banking coverage from the Wall Street Crash of 1929 to the financial crisis of 2008 with the same reputation for accuracy, authority and integrity. Read in more than 100 countries around the world, The Banker delivers unique insights and analysis to the world's leading CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, Corporate Treasurers and Central Bank Governors.