Auditing - international standards
On this page you will find information on the providers of auditing standards internationally.
Providers of the standards
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International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
IFAC is a global organisation, currently comprised of 173 members and associates in 129 countries and jurisdictions. It represents approximately 2.5 million accountants working in public practice, industry, commerce, government, and academia.
IFAC's role is:
- to establish and promote adherence to high quality international standards
- to facilitate collaboration and cooperation with member bodies
- to serve as spokesperson for the international profession on relevant public policy issues.
Members and associates are required to participate in the IFAC Member Body Compliance Program, designed to support the adoption and implementation of high quality standards as well as quality assurance and enforcement mechanisms.
The IFAC Board oversees the work of IFAC standard setting boards and committees. These are:
- the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB)
- the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Boards (IAASB)
- the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)
- the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
IFAC's boards set the following international standards:
- standards on auditing, assurance engagements and related services
- standards on quality control
- the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
- education standards
- public sector accounting standards.
The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees the work of IFAC's Member Body Compliance Program and IAESB, IAASB, and the IESBA.
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International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB)
The IAASB sets International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and assurance standards, and helps to facilitate the convergence of national and international auditing and assurance standards.
The IAASB's pronouncements govern audit, review, other assurance, and quality control and related services engagements that are conducted in accordance with international standards.
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International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)
The IESBA develops ethical standards and guidance for use by professional accountants.
It encourages member bodies to adopt high standards of ethics for their members, and fosters international debate on ethical issues faced by accountants. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees the work of the IESBA.
The IESBA follows a rigorous due process in developing its pronouncements. Input is received from the IESBA's Consultative Advisory Group, IFAC member bodies and their members, and the general public.
More about the IESBA, including IESBA publications:
About IESBA
IESBA Terms of Reference
International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
Public Consultations and Projects -
International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
The IPSASB focuses on the accounting and financial reporting needs of national, regional and local governments, related governmental agencies, and the constituencies they serve. It issues and promotes benchmark guidance, and facilitates the exchange of information among accountants and those who work in the public sector or rely on its work.
Part of the IPSASB's strategy is to converge the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs) with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the IASB.
The IPSASB follows a rigorous due process in developing its pronouncements. Input is obtained from the IPSASB's Consultative Group, government organisations, IFAC member bodies and their members, and the general public.
More about the IPSASB, including IPSASB publications:
About IPSASB
IPSASB Terms of Reference
International Public Sector Accounting Standards
Other Publications
Public Consultations and Projects