New Global Education Proposals Enhance Accountancy Profession's Technology and Skepticism Skills

2018-12-14 - 09:43

The International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) today released for public comment proposed changes to International Education Standards (IESs) on initial and continuing professional development to address information and communications technologies and professional skepticism skills.

As the demand for improved information and communications technologies (ICT) skills and professional skepticism proficiency grows across jurisdictions, the IAESB has been focused on addressing market demand for these competencies, skills and behaviors needed by both aspiring and current professional accountants.

Proposed Revisions to IESs 2, 3, 4, and 8—Information and Communications Technologies and Professional Skepticism speaks to strengthening professional skepticism to improve the quality of financial reporting and auditing and developing competence to meet ICT’s disruptive potential. It also reflects significant stakeholder input, including findings from the IAESB’s prior consultation on future strategy and priorities, as well as insights from surveys, academic and professional literature, roundtables, in-depth interviews, webinars and additional outreach.

The IAESB is eager to hear from those providing accountancy education, such as professional accountancy organizations, public accounting firms and other employers, universities and education providers. It is also eager to hear from those who oversee professional accountant’s competence, including regulatory organizations and government agencies. Comments are requested by March 4, 2019 and should be submitted via the IAESB website.

About the IAESB

The IAESB develops education standards, guidance, and information papers for use by IFAC member organizations under a shared standard-setting process involving the Public Interest Oversight Board, which oversees the activities of the IAESB, and the IAESB Consultative Advisory Group, which provides public interest input into the development of the standards and guidance. The structures and processes that support the operations of the IAESB are facilitated by IFAC.

About IFAC

http://www.ifac.org/ 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 more than 175 members and associates in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions, representing almost 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.