IESBA Staff Issues Materials to Support Adoption and Implementation of the Code
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) issued in July, following the approval and consideration of due process by the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB), a revised Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code).
The Code becomes effective on January 1, 2011.
The full text of the revised Code can be accessed at the Ethics section of the IFAC online bookstore at www.ifac.org/Store.
Recognizing the effect these changes will have on professional accountants in practice and business, the IESBA staff has developed a range of materials to facilitate adoption and implementation of the Code. The documents are non-authoritative and are issued for information.
The Adoption and Implementation Materials
The materials include an overview of the revised Code, additional guidance about the independence requirements and a tool to assist jurisdictions in comparing the revised Code to their existing Code.
These materials include:
- PowerPoint Presentations: High level and in-depth that can be used to explain the content of the Code
- Overview of Independence Requirements: A short document providing an overview of the independence requirements contained in Section 290 of the Code of Ethics relating to rotation, cooling off period, provision of non-assurance services, fees and compensation and evaluation policies
- Comparisons: A high level and more detailed comparison that will help people understand the differences between the July 2009 Code and the previous Code
- Template: A comparison template containing the complete text of the Code which can assist individuals who want to understand how the provisions in their jurisdiction match up to the Code.
All of these support materials can be accessed at the Resources section of the IESBA website at www.ifac.org/Ethics/Resources.php.
For more information about any of the items mentioned above or other information about the IESBA, please contact: communications@ifac.org.
The IESBA develops ethical standards and guidance for use by professional accountants. It encourages member bodies of IFAC to adopt high standards of ethics for their members and promotes good ethical practices globally. The Public Interest Oversight Board oversees the activities of the IESBA and, as one element of that oversight, establishes its due process and working procedures.
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 157 members and associates in 123 countries, representing more than 2.5 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry and commerce. Through its independent standard-setting boards, IFAC sets ethics, auditing and assurance, education, and public sector accounting standards. It also issues guidance to encourage high quality performance by professional accountants in business.