Earlier today, the Staff of UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) jointly released the publication, Ethical and Auditing Implications Arising from Government-Backed COVID-19 Business Support Schemes.
This staff publication highlights ethical and auditing implications arising from government-backed business support programs which have been utilized at unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance sets out important ethical considerations for professional accountants who are called upon to assist their employing organizations or clients in applying for and using COVID-19-related funding or financial support. The document includes guidance for those who prepare related financial information and disclosures, as well as for those who independently audit or provide assurance services regarding such information.
The publication was developed by the Staff of UK FRC under the auspices of a Working Group formed by the IESBA and national ethics standard setters (NSS) from Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, the UK and the US. Chaired by Mr. Richard Fleck, former IESBA Deputy Chair, the Working Group’s mandate is to develop implementation support resources to assist accountants effectively apply the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) when facing circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The publication benefited from input from IESBA Staff.
The publication can be found on the IESBA COVID-19 resource page.
About the IESBA-NSS Working Group
The Working Group organizations comprise: Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board (Australia); Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada; the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants; the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (South Africa); the UK Financial Reporting Council; and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (US).
About UK Financial Reporting Council
The UK Financial Reporting Council regulates auditors, accountants and actuaries, and it sets the UK’s Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes. The FRC promotes transparency and integrity in business. Its work is aimed at investors and others who rely on company reports, audit and high-quality risk management.
About IESBA
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) is an independent global standard-setting board. The IESBA’s mission is to serve the public interest by setting ethics standards, including auditor independence requirements, which seek to raise the bar for ethical conduct and practice for all professional accountants through a robust, globally operable International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (the Code).