Based on how the standard is currently being drafted, the proposed International Standard on Quality Management 2 (ISQM 2) is unique as it combines firm wide requirements for policies and procedures and engagement level requirements relating to EQR with the objective of the firm being framed, in part, as the responsibility of the EQ reviewer. Although the IAASB is confident that such an approach is not an issue (since the standard is intended to be outcome-oriented), the SMPC has some concerns over the approach.

The SMPC generally supports the new quality management approach using a risk management lens. However, the Committee also believes that the IAASB needs to consider the cost/benefit of the proposed changes in terms of anticipated quality increase from International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1). The SMPC believes that making the standard less complex to apply would go a long way in addressing the practical issues many SMPs would otherwise face and, simultaneously, resolve many of the scalability issues. Specifically by:

The SMPC is concerned that the QM standards' complexity may eventually drive a compliance mindset, especially amongst smaller firms who become subject to proportionately greater documentation burdens to “explain/prove” their compliance. Therefore, it is important for the IAASB to ensure that the final suite of QM standards address this issue to foster an effective focus on the quality of the engagement each individual firm delivers, as opposed to compliance with complex standards.

Overall, the SMPC generally supports the IAASB’s Proposed Strategy for 2020-2023 and Work Plan for 2020-2021, including the proposed framework of activities and new approach to how the Board will revise and develop standards. The SMPC emphasized how important the work planned by the IAASB on audits of less complex entities is and that this should be a high-priority for the Board.

At a time of economic and political uncertainty, IFAC’s recommendations focus on actions that will strengthen the economy, ensure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and create a fair and empowered digital economy. G20 countries play a crucial role in fostering institutions and governance models that can anticipate, respond to, and optimize rapid technological change. IFAC issues these recommendations in advance of the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28-29.

IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants) today urged G20 countries to pursue smart regulation, heightened transparency, and inclusive growth to embrace Japan’s vision for an innovative and intelligent “Society 5.0”.

At a time of economic and political uncertainty, IFAC’s recommendations focus on actions that will strengthen the economy, ensure progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and create a fair and empowered digital economy

“While growth has returned to most economies, substantial uncertainty and downside risk remain, along with the temptation for unilateral policy actions,” said IFAC CEO Kevin Dancey. “We urge leaders to collaborate on solutions to evolving global challenges, and to ensure more citizens are able to enjoy the benefits of the digital age.”

Collaborating for a coherent international tax system is a core recommendation. IFAC stands with G20 leaders to call for global tax policies that address the complexity of the digital economy.

Ongoing tax and trade tensions demonstrate the desire for nations to act unilaterally on impactful issues. IFAC urges G20 countries to ensure a coherent, transparent global regulatory environment that limits fragmented regulatory regimes. The immense cost to the global economy—more than $780 billion USD annually in the financial sector—is unsustainable. 

Another G20 concern is addressing the needs of an aging society, which requires robust and resilient public sector practices. Accrual-based public sector accounting helps governments to develop a more accurate picture of national income, costs, assets and obligations. The result is increased transparency and accountability, and more informed decision-making to plan for the long-term.

G20 countries play a crucial role in fostering institutions and governance models that can anticipate, respond to, and optimize rapid technological change. IFAC issues these recommendations in advance of the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan on June 28-29.