Building for Sustainable Growth. (re)Defining the Accountancy Profession in the Age of Twitter
1. Building For Sustainable Growth
– (re)Defining Accountancy
Profession in the Age of Twitter
Szymon Radziszewicz
Senior Technical Manager
Member Body Development Team Leader
PICPA Seminar
Manila, Philippines
April 11, 2013
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4. Today’s Presentation
Outline
• The context
• Regulation of the profession – the global perspective
• Role of the national profession
– Commitment to quality
– Implementation support & thought leadership
• What is IFAC & its SMOs
• Adoption & Implementation of international standards
• Quality Assurance – concept & examples
• How IFAC assists
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5. 5000 Years Ago
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6. 500 Years Ago
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7. 84 Years Ago
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8. 5 Years Ago
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9. Last Year
Why Greece won't go away
By Laurence Knight Business reporter, BBC News
6 February 2012
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10. What Now?
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11. Complexity
Global Landscape Today
• Pressures on the broader financial architecture
– Economy in recovery
– Increased regulatory proposals resulting from global financial crisis
– Sovereign debt crisis
• Globalization
– Information, capital, accountants moving across borders
– Integrated reporting and long term sustainability
• Diverse and segmented
– Large multinationals/networks and smaller local SMEs and SMPs
– Accountants in diverse roles: auditors, preparers, advisors, strategic
business leaders (CFO/CEO/COO)
• Twitter generation
– 140
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12. Clarity
IFAC Perspective on Regulation
• Global regulatory convergence
– IFAC’s position; importance of high-quality globally accepted standards
and consistent adoption, implementation and oversight
• Balancing shared regulation
– Policy Position Paper (PPP) 1 and the role of professional accountancy
organizations
• Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs)
– A framework for credible and high quality professional accountancy
organizations (PAOs)
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13. Finding the Balance
Regulation of the Accountancy Profession
• Regulation of individual
professional accountants is
primarily conducted at a national
level, with professional
accountancy organizations playing
an important role in working with
governments to ensure that such
regulation is effective, efficient,
and in the public interest
• Shared approach to regulation –
roles for government and PAOs
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14. Role of the Profession
Strong Accountancy Profession = Inclusive and
Sustainable Growth
• Maintain core values
• Think different
• Push boundaries
• Commit to public interest
• Create, contribute, give!
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15. Role of the Profession
The Goal – Provide Quality Information
• Contribute to economic stability and growth
• Enhance efficiency and accountability of businesses
• Promote and support governmental transparency and
accountability
• Be a key player in (re)building confidence in financial
markets
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16. Role of the Profession
Be the Voice
• Educate stakeholders
• Advocate the role of the profession
• Raise awareness
– Need for accountants and auditors
– Global regulatory convergence
– Public & Private Sector
• Input into development of legislation and regulation
• Support to those in charge
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17. Role of the Profession
Provide Support
• Education and training
• If not the responsible body
• Advocacy for international best practice
• Input into the development of standards
• Support implementation of standards
• Promote and monitor adherence to ethics and
independence requirements
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18. Role of the Profession
Leadership Through Action
• Commitment to the public interest
• Adherence to the values of integrity, transparency and
expertise
• Commitment to follow high standards
• Ongoing education
• Oversight of its public interest activities
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20. Ultimate Objective
IFAC’s Vision
For the global accountancy profession to be
recognized as a valued leader in the
development of strong and sustainable
organizations, financial markets and
economies
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21. Overview of IFAC Structure
IFAC
COUNCIL
Governance
and Audit Nominating
Committee Committee
IFAC IFAC
Regulatory
BOARD Liaison Group
Planning
and Finance
Committee
Forum
of Firms
Professional Professional Small and International International International International
Transnational Accountancy Accountants Medium Compliance Auditing and Accounting Ethics Public Sector
Auditors Organization Advisory Panel Assurance Education Standards Accounting
Committee in Business Practices
Development Committee Committee Standards Standards Board for Standards
Committee Board Board Accountants Board
KEY
ACCOUNTABILITY
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22. Oversight of IFAC PIACs
IFAC
COUNCIL
Governance Public
Nominating Interest
and Audit Oversight
Committee Committee
Board
IFAC IFAC
Regulatory
BOARD Liaison Group
Planning
and Finance
Committee
Forum
of Firms
Professional Professional Small and International International International International
Transnational Accountancy Accountants Medium Compliance Auditing and Accounting Ethics Public Sector
Auditors Organization Advisory Panel Assurance Education Standards Accounting
Committee in Business Practices
Development Committee Committee Standards Standards Board for Standards
Committee Board Board Accountants Board
KEY
ACCOUNTABILITY
OVERSIGHT
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23. IFAC Oversight and Consultation
Monitoring
IFAC Group
COUNCIL
Governance Public
and Audit Nominating Interest
Committee Oversight
Committee Board
IFAC IFAC
Regulatory
BOARD Liaison Group
Planning
and Finance
Committee
Forum Consultative Consultative Consultative
of Firms Advisory Advisory Advisory
Group Group Group
Professional Professional Small and International International International International
Transnational Accountancy Accountants Medium Compliance Auditing and Accounting Ethics Public Sector
Auditors Organization Advisory Panel Assurance Education Standards Accounting
Committee in Business Practices
Development Committee Committee Standards Standards Board for Standards
Committee Board Board Accountants Board
KEY
ACCOUNTABILITY
OVERSIGHT
CONSULTATION/ADVICE
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24. IFAC SMOs – International Soft Law
What are the SMOs
• In accordance with IFAC
Constitution, IFAC
members and associates
are required to comply
with the SMOs
• Member and associates
have to identify and take
actions to fulfill the
requirements set out in
the SMOs
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25. What are SMOs
Power to Grow
• Clear benchmarks for
PAOs
• Enable high quality
performance by
professional accountants
• Encourage continuous
improvement
• Drive sustainable
development of the
accountancy profession
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26. What are SMOs
Building Blocks
SMO 4: Ethics
SMO 7: SMO 3: SMO 5:
IFRS ISA IPSAS
SMO 2: Education
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27. 2004 vs. 2012 SMOs
Why Revise?
• Serve the public interest
• Drive adoption and
implementation of
international standards
• Clarify
• Reflect international good
practice
• Increase effectiveness of
IFAC Compliance
Program
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28. SMOs
Key Concepts
• Shall = requirement
• Applicability Framework
• Comply or explain
• Best endeavors
• Compliance Program
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29. Key Concepts
Understanding Diversity
Different
Regulatory Sectors of
degree of
frameworks profession
responsibility
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30. SMO Applicability Framework
Degree of responsibility for an SMO area
No
Direct Shared
Responsibility
For the elements for Use best endeavors to:
Implement all the which Member Body
requirements of the has direct a. Encourage those
SMO responsibility follow responsible for the
the approach for requirements to follow
In exceptional situations "Direct" this SMO in
departures are possible implementing them;
if can be justified from AND
the public interest AND
perspective and need to For the elements for
be documented which Member Body
has no direct b. Assist in the
responsibility follow implementation where
the approach for appropriate
"No Responsibility "
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31. Revised SMOs
Structure of the SMOs
Obligation
Scope
Applicability Framework
Requirements and Application Guidance
IFAC Compliance Assessment
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32. SMOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Adoption
Decision
Action
to make
the decision
effective
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33. SMOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Different Approaches – One Goal
Adoption
Transposition
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34. SMOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Implementation
Dissemination Implementation
of standards guidance
Education and Raising
training awareness
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35. SMOs 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
Translation
• Assess priorities and
challenges
• Is there a need of
translation to ensure
proper adoption and
implementation
• Process for
timely, accurate and
complete translation
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36. SMO 1
Quality Assurance
Extension of the scope to ALL audits of financial
statements (priority for PIE audits)
Consider QA performed by another authority to avoid
overlap
Ensure sufficient resources
Refer to I&D if no corrective action
Consideration of public oversight
Review of implementation and effectiveness
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37. Revised SMOs
What PAOs Need To Do
• Review and understand
revisions
• Consider actions
necessary to address
revisions
• Plan and execute actions
• Cooperate within RO/AG
• Reflect actions in the next
update of the SMO Action
Plan
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38. It All Fits Together
Strong Global Accountancy Profession
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40. Quality Assurance
Benefits
• Protects public • Improves the standard
interest of audit work
• Enhances reputation • Generates referrals for
new business
• Reduces risk of errors
and omissions • Increases profits
• Reflected in enhanced • Meets regulatory
service to clients requirements
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41. Quality Assurance
Scope
• Consider efficiency & don’t reinvent the wheel
• ALL audits of financial statements
– But priority to PIEs’ audits
• Other services?
• Mandatory or voluntary?
• Criteria & risk factors
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42. Quality Assurance
Quality Control Standards & Guidance
• ISQC 1
• ISA 220
• Guidance
– Awareness building
– Manuals
– CPD
– Start small (voluntary programs)
• Trust the market and play to the market
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43. Quality Assurance
Design
• Subject
– Firm or engagement partner
• Criteria
– Suitable
– Respectful of and aligned with the national regulatory framework
– What needs to be considered to conclude that the QC system is adequate
and the firm/partner complies
• Guidance
– Awareness building
– Manuals
– CPD
– Start small (voluntary programs)
• Trust the market & play to the market
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44. Quality Assurance
Review Cycle
• Cycle approach
• Risk-based approach
• Mixed approach
• Other considerations
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45. Quality Assurance
Review Team
• Procedures
• Documentation
• Quality
– Resources
– Skills & competence
– Quality of team leader
– Ethical requirements
• Confidentiality
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46. Quality Assurance
Reporting & Corrective Actions
• Conclusion
– Is the firm’s system designed to meet requirements?
– Is the partner subject to the system?
– Does the firm/partner comply with internal QC system?
• Reasons for conclusion
• Recommendations for improvement
• What if the review was unsatisfactory?
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47. Quality Assurance
Public Oversight Considerations
• IFIAR principles
• Cooperate closely & share information and expertise
• Consider how to contribute to the regulation of the
profession
• IFAC PPP 1, Regulation of the Accountancy Profession
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48. Quality Assurance
Review of Implementation and Effectiveness
Consider
Improve Plan
Review Execute
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49. Quality Assurance
Examples from Around the World
• Rwanda
• Malta
• Bahamas
• Poland
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50. Examples from Around the World
Rwanda
The Programme is based on the principle
Quality in the performance that a systematic monitoring and
of Auditing Engagements educational process is the most effective
by ICPAR members is the way to attain and maintain the envisaged
goal of the Audit Quality quality of professional work throughout the
Review Programme. profession. Thus, it depends on mutual
trust and cooperation. The reviewed
The Programme seeks to practice unit is expected to take
achieve its goal through appropriate actions in response to
education and remedial, deficiencies in either design of its
corrective actions. This system of quality control, or its
goal serves the public compliance with that system, or both.
interest and, at the same These actions will be positive and
time, enhances the remedial. Matters touching on the
significance of ICPAR professional conduct of a member will be
membership. investigated within the Disciplinary Process
as provided for in the Laws of the Land.
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51. Examples from Around the World
Malta
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52. Page 52 | Confidential and Proprietary Information
53. Quality Assurance
Feedback from Firms
• I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both of you for
the professional but friendly way you approached our visit and
your practical findings which will enable us to focus on our
weaknesses in the practice so that they can be rectified to bring
all areas up to the required standard
• In the meantime, we would like to thank you for the professional
and courteous manner in which you carried out the review and
for your honest and open approach. Your review has proved to
be very constructive and has outlined valid improvements that
need to be made in our quality control procedures
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54. Quality Assurance
Feedback from Firms cont.
• We would like to thank you for your very helpful and
constructive comments during your visit which we found to
be a very productive review and a useful process carried
out in a supporting manner
• It is very encouraging to see that the BICA are using
monitoring compliance officers who are realistic and
understanding in their approach and have good solid
actual background practice experience and appreciate
more fully the real life problems and difficulties facing
practitioners
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55. How IFAC assists
Free Tools and Resources
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56. How IFAC Assists?
Free Tools and Resources
• www.ifac.org/SMP
• web.ifac.org/clarity-center/index
• www.ifac.org/ComplianceProgram
• www.ifac.org/about-ifac/professional-accountancy-
organization-development-committee
• www.ifac.org/Ethics/Resources.php
• www.ifac.org/Translations
• www.ifac.org/issues-insights/public-policy-regulation
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Solid craftsmanship based on education, experience, examination, values
Flexibility for adaptation is one of the best sustainable characteristics of a building. Besides this the award winning Sky Village project for Copenhagen building will also integrate the latest technologies according to the progressive Danish environmental standards.
The annual balance sheet of a Sumerian state-owned farm, drawn up by the scribe responsible for artisans: detailed account of materials and workdays for a basketry workshop.
The timeswe live in are no doubt VERY interesting…
But being part of the accountancy profession we have the tools to bring clarity to today’s complex world
Policy Position Paper 1 emphasizes best practicein the design and implementation of regulation. An understanding of the characteristics and operations of the market is essential (market size, business diversity, economic factors, consumers, etc.). Care needs to be taken that the nature and characteristics of the operation of the market are well understood; otherwise, the regulation may not achieve its purpose. To be effective, IFAC believes that regulation should reflect six qualities: (i) transparent; (ii) proportionate; (iii) targeted; (iv) non-discriminatory; (v) implemented fairly and consistently; and (vi) subject to regular review.Regulation should aim to ensure that the quality of services provided by the profession responds effectively and efficiently to the demands of the economy and society.It must be designed to take into consideration the shocks and stresses that may occur in different economic conditions.
Global organization for the accountancy professionComprised of 173 Members and Associates in 129 countriesMembers and Associates are Professional Accountancy OrganizationsRepresents 2,5 millions accountants in public practice, business, government, and academiaThe color may be uniform but there are different ways to effectively organize the profession, different legislative frameworks, different stakeholder expectations and capacity Green – membersYellow – associates onlyGrey – no IFAC representation
Let’s start by looking at what are the SMOs. They are embedded in the IFAC Constitution and in the first instance apply to all IFAC members and associates. In a sense they are international “soft law” but for IFAC members and associates SMOs
But more broadly, the SMOs are globally recognized as a clear benchmark for strong accountancy profession.
The 7 Statements of Membership Obligations (SMOs) serve as the basis for the IFAC Member Body Compliance Program and provide clear Framework for strong and high quality Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs). The SMOs are also globally recognized as the benchmark for PAOs as they work, in the public interest, to develop, continuously improve and monitor high quality professional accountants. Of course for the PAOs to be strong they need sound governance framework. While there is no SMO on Governance IFAC has some guidance and soon we will issue a refreshed version on it.As you see,we can think about the SMOs in terms of building blocks for constructing strong PAOs. First, solid PAO needs a good base of education; then come technical standards, IFRSs, ISAs, public sector accounting standards, but the whole house is kept together by a cornerstone of Ethics. All of us are simply human and, therefore, require guidance on what is right or wrong. But also because we are human, we need solid systems of external quality assurance and if wrongdoing is reported or suspected – an unbiased investigation and disciplinary system.
So, why did IFAC decide to revise the SMOs in 2012? Under the oversight of the Compliance Advisory Panel and PIOB.Serve the public interest: to reflect the context of developments in international standards and today’s regulatory environment, to also reflect the expectation of the accountancy profession held by the public and key stakeholders.Clarify the SMOs: to ensure that the SMOs continue to be an effective framework for credible and high quality PAOs.To further drive adoption and implementation as clearly mandated in the IFAC strategy Changes were made to the structure of the SMOs to (A) ease the understanding of the SMOs, and (B) to add new requirements to reflect current international best practice.Presentation will cover a description of both elements of the revised SMOs.
Let’s look at the next piece of the puzzle and consider what are the key concepts of the SMOs.Use of “shall” to identify requirementsUnderstanding diversity – Applicability FrameworkComply or explain - when PAO has responsibilityBest endeavors – when PAO has no responsibilityIFAC Member Body Compliance Program
Probably one of the most important concepts underlying the SMOs is appreciation and understanding that PAOs are all very different.
What you see on this slide is the clarified applicability framework. It is included at the very beginning of each SMO to guide PAOs what actions they have to take to satisfy SMO requirements depending on how much responsibility they have for each of the seven SMO areas.For example, if you have direct responsibility for setting auditing standards, then to comply with the SMO 3, you have to adopt and implement the ISAs and if something prevents you from doing it, you have to provide satisfactory explanation.On the other hand, if you have no responsibility for setting accounting standards for the public sector, then to comply with SMO 5, you should use your best endeavors to promote the IPSASs to the government and offer your assistance for example to organize training for government accountants.Now on to the main requirements.
To further help PAOs in understanding the SMOs, we have improved and streamlined the structure of the SMOs.Each SMOs starts with clear reference to the obligations enshrined in the IFAC Constitution.It then identifies the scope of the SMOAnd proceeds to set out the applicability framework that we have just discussedAfter setting the scene, each SMO sets out relevant requirements and application guidanceFinally, each SMO concludes by indicating how IFAC approaches the assessment of each member and associate compliance with the SMO
Adoption consists of two key steps: (i) the decision that the international standard is appropriate for the jurisdiction, and (ii) the actions necessary to make that decision effective.
Depending on legal and regulatory framework and other jurisdiction-specific factors, adoption can take many different forms, including: requiring use of the international standards, as set by law or regulation; incorporating or transposing international standards into existing national requirements;establishing a convergence process, bringing together national and international standards to minimize and/or eliminate differences; oreliminating major departures from international standards through harmonization of national requirements with international standards.
Implementation includes a range of activities that ultimately raise awareness of the standards and build understanding regarding their use in practice by individual practitioners. In addition to promoting and disseminating the standards, actions supporting implementation include design and delivery of related education, training, and practical guidance materials.
Translation can also be a core element of effective implementation. In jurisdictions where English is not the official language, the responsible entity should consider their priorities and determine the impact of translation on proper adoption and implementation. Where it is deemed relevant, a process for timely, accurate, and complete translation should be established.
To assist you in understanding the revisions and your considerations on what changes need to be addressed, we have prepared a range of tools that will be made available on the IFAC website after the Council ratifies the SMOs. The main tool is the Revised SMO Comparison Guide that includes: a) Summaries of major revisions to each SMO as compared to the previous SMOs issued in 2004,b) Full text of the revised SMOs with: - Paragraph references mapping it to the previous version of the SMOs Notes indicating the nature and the objective of the changes, if any, made to the paragraph.In addition, to the comparison guide, and if you will want to know more detailed information, we have also prepared and will make available:A document summarizing significant issues raised in the exposure process and conclusions reached by the CAPDetailed mark-up document from original to revised SMOs.And, of course, as always you can reach out to the IFAC staff in case you will have any further questions or required some additional clarifications.We also think about organizing learning workshops alongside events organized in the regions. We want to make use of webinar technology to organize virtual learning opportunities. And last, but not least, we want to leverage our relationships at global, regional and national level to progress our vision of global adoption and implementation of international standards.
Before we will start the more exciting part of this afternoon and have more hands-on discussion about what the SMOs mean for each of you, I would like to finish my remarks by emphasizing that the Vision of the Compliance Program is one of encouragement and improvement. The Program strive to influence agendas and actions towards global adoption and implementation of the international standards, but we can only do that by partnering with you as IFAC members and associates. Since 2004, when the program was established, you – IFAC Member Bodies – have taken the lead and continue to demonstrate the commitment to building strong and high quality professionals. We are confident, that with your ongoing commitment and the support of our partners, we will continue on the road to building strong and high quality PAOs around the world for the benefit of public interest and sound and sustainable economies.
Enhances reputationReduces risk of errors and omissionsReflected in enhanced service to clientsGenerates referrals for new businessIncreases profitsMeets regulatory requirements
Improves the standard of audit workEnhances reputation of auditors and PICPAEnables PICPA to discharge its membership obligations to IFAC (SMO 1 – Quality Assurance) Protects the public interestEncourages inward investment by increasing confidence in audited financial statements
Undertaken in accordance with IFAC SMO 1Covers compliance with International Standard on Quality Control No.1 (ISQC1) and International Auditing Standards (ISAs) ISQC 1: Firm-level review of its quality controls and proceduresISAs: Engagement reviews of each audit principalEngagement reviews will be undertaken at the same time as firm level reviews