News Listings

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) issued an Exposure Draft proposing revisions to the definitions of “listed entity” and “public interest entity” in the Code. These revisions may have implications for International Standards on Auditing. Canadian stakeholders are encouraged to respond to the IESBA with a copy to the AASB by May 3, 2021.

The Board discussed issues related to the IAASB’s project on Audit Evidence, Audits of Less Complex Entities, Group Audits, and Extended External Reporting. It received an update on internal activities and next steps to respond to the evolving needs of stakeholders for assurance on information beyond the financial statements. The Board also reviewed the assumptions and process for developing the 2021-2022 Annual Plan.

The Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AASB) will issue its 2021-2022 Annual Plan on July 1, 2021 to align with the timing of its Draft Strategic Plan for 2022-2025, currently out for comment. Read this update to find out about the AASB activities for the next few months.

The Board discussed recent work performed by the Audits of Less Complex Entities Advisory Group and elements of a possible project proposal to revise or replace AuG-16, Compilation of a Financial Forecast or Projection. It also discussed its approach to issuing an exposure draft on conforming amendments to other Canadian standards as a result of its approval of CSQM 1. 

Predict the future? The AASB can’t do that, but it can work with you on what Canadian auditing and assurance standards should look like in the coming years. Join us for a short Zoom chat and take part in a quick survey on one (or all!) of our six proposed strategic topics this February and March. Talk to us about the issues that matter to you most, that the AASB can help solve.

Did you conclude that your company did not have material uncertainties associated with its ability to continue as a going concern? Would small changes to the assumptions you used change that assessment? Read this joint resource issued by the AcSB and AASB on accounting and auditing considerations relating to close call going concern assessments.

The Board reviewed a draft response letter to the IAASB Discussion Paper on Fraud and Going Concern in an Audit of Financial Statements and discussed its project on Quality Management. It also reviewed performance assessments for its 2020-2021 Annual Plan and 2016-2021 Strategic Plan.

This article provides highlights from comment letters written by Boards and Councils responding to the IFRS Foundation Trustees Consultation Paper on Sustainability Reporting.

Linda Mezon, AcSB Chair, and Ken Charbonneau, AASB Chair, and other leaders from Canadian practice share their insights, on how they are getting involved to support business and protect the public interest in a blockchain enabled world. These leaders share the challenges and opportunities they see, and the role accountants can play, including how educators and researchers can help.  Read their insights in the CAAA’s journal Accounting Perspectives’ special issue on Blockchain and Cryptoassets, Vol.19, Issue 4. 

The Board reviewed draft response letters to the IAASB Discussion Paper on Fraud and Going Concern and the IFRS Foundation Trustees Consultation Paper on Sustainability Reporting. The Board also discussed the recommendations in the Monitoring Group publication Recommendations to Strengthen the International Audit and Ethics Standard Setting System.