Tag: ISQC 1

  • The Clarity Project

    The Clarity Project

    The International Accounting Standards Board (IAASB) initiated a campaign in 2004 to improve the clarity (readability) of the ISAs.

    This Clarity Project’s overarching objective was to make the ISAs more understandable, which would, in turn, make it easier to apply the standards consistently and lead to an improvement in the overall audit quality on a global scale.

    After a string of corporate scandals that received widespread media attention and a widespread erosion of trust within the auditing profession, this was a vital task to carry out.

    As a result of the Clarity Project, each standard now possesses a transparent structure with clear objectives, definitions, and requirements, in addition to the application and other explanatory material that provides a deeper dive into the requirements of the ISAs.

    Because of how the new standards are organised, it is much simpler to comprehend what is needed and what is considered recommendations.

    In addition, ISQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Statements, and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements has been rewritten, and the revised guidance on quality control procedures went into effect at the same time as the clarified ISAs did.

    These updates were made in conjunction with the International Standards on Auditing. The following constitutes the structure of each standard:

    • Introduction
    • Objective
    • Definitions
    • Requirements
    • Application and Other Explanatory Material

    Introduction

    This paragraph contains information concerning the standard, including the ISA’s purpose, scope and subject matter. It also contains information regarding the responsibilities of the auditor and others in the context in which the ISA is set.

    Objective

    Each ISA contains a statement of the auditor’s objective in the audit area in which the ISA is set.

    Definitions

    The Clarity Project included adding an element for a greater understanding of the ISAs, and as such applicable terms contained within the ISAs have now been defined.

    Requirements

    Clearly stated requirements support each ISA.

    Phrases such as ‘the auditor should …’ have now been replaced by ‘the auditor shall …’.

    The profession welcomed this improvement because it cleared any ambiguity.

    The word ‘shall’ indicates that the standard expects the auditor to do something rather than ‘should’, which implies that the standard ‘may’ expect something of the auditor in certain circumstances.

    Application and other explanatory material

    Each ISA clearly explains more precisely what the auditor is required to do to achieve the objective of the ISA in question.

    Where applicable, the ISA may also contain illustrative examples of procedures that may apply in certain circumstances.

    Other explanatory material may be contained within an ISA to help the auditor understand the ISA’s overall objective and application.

    The impact of the Clarity Project contributed significantly to the enhancement and uniformity of audit quality worldwide.

    The IAASB set out to undertake the project to encourage international convergence and assist audit firms that operate internationally by harmonising auditing standards.

    In summary, the Clarity Project had the following effect on the ISAs and ISQC:

    • 19 ISAs and ISQC 1 were redrafted.
    • 16 ISAs were revised and redrafted to reflect the new clarity convention.
    • One new standard was issued:
      • relating to communication, ISA 265 Communicating Deficiencies in Internal Control to Those Charged with Governance and Management
    • ISA 540 Audit of Accounting Estimates and ISA 545 Auditing Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures were combined in ISA 540 Auditing Accounting Estimates, Including Fair Value Accounting Estimates, and Related Disclosures

    The Clarity Project brought about some significant changes in the work that auditors are required to undertake, which can be seen in the following summaries.

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  • Improving Audit Quality 3: An Overview of ISQM 1 – Firm’s System of Quality Management

    Improving Audit Quality 3: An Overview of ISQM 1 – Firm’s System of Quality Management

    What?

    The International Standard on Quality Management 1 (ISQM 1) – Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or Related Services Engagements strengthens firms’ quality management systems by taking a robust, proactive, and effective approach to quality management.

    The standard encourages firms to design a system of quality management that is adapted to the specific nature of the firm as well as the engagements that it undertakes. 

    ISQM 1 replaces the standard ISQC 1, Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Statements and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements.

    Who needs to meet ISQM standards?

    It applies to all firms that perform audits or reviews of financial statements or other assurance or related services engagements (i.e., if the firm performs any of these engagements, ISQM 1 applies to manage quality for those engagements).

    ISQM 1 allows audit firms to review their existing quality control systems to determine the relevant risks that impact audit quality and devise and put into practice procedures that are most effective at addressing those risks.

    ISQM 1 允许审计事务所审查其现有的质量控制体系,以确定影响审计质量的相关风险,并设计和实施最有效的程序来应对这些风险。

    When?

    Firms are required to have their system of quality management designed and implemented by December 15, 2022.

    How?

    ISQM 1 addresses, among other matters:

    • The firm demonstrating a commitment to quality through its culture which exists throughout the firm – includes recognizing and reinforcing:
      • The firm’s role in serving the public interest by consistently performing quality engagements
      • The importance of quality in the firm’s strategic decisions and actions, including those related to the firm’s financial and operational priorities
    • The roles, responsibilities and accountability of leadership, leadership’s qualifications, and undertaking performance evaluations of leadership annually

    Components of ISQM 1

    A quality management system should function in a way that is continuous and iterative, and it should be responsive to changes in the nature of the firm as well as the circumstances in which it is engaged.

    In addition to this, its operations are not conducted in a linear way.

    Nevertheless, for the purposes of ISQM 1, a system of quality management addresses the eight components as follows:

    1. The firm’s risk assessment process
    2. Governance and leadership
    3. Relevant ethical requirements
    4. Acceptance and continuance of client relationships and specific engagements
    5. Engagement performance
    6. Resources
    7. Information and communication
    8. The monitoring and remediation process

    System of Quality Management (SOQM)

    The SOQM is the mechanism that creates an environment that enables and supports engagement teams in performing quality engagements. It helps the firm achieve consistent engagement quality because it focuses on how the firm manages the quality of engagements performed.

    Similar to any system of internal control, the SOQM needs to have a purpose. The purpose is important for designing the SOQM and determining whether the SOQM is effective (i.e., whether it achieved its purpose).

    Therefore, paragraph 14 of ISQM 1 includes both the objective of the firm and the objective of the SOQM.

    The objective of a Firm [paragraph 14 of ISQM 1]

    Paragraph 14 of ISQM 1 includes the firm’s objective in managing quality, which is to design, implement and operate a SOQM. Similar to any system of internal control, the SOQM needs to have a purpose. The purpose is important for designing the SOQM and determining whether the SOQM is effective (i.e., whether it achieved its purpose).

    The objective of the SOQM [paragraph 14 of ISQM 1]

    is to provide the firm with reasonable assurance that:

    • The firm and its personnel fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements, conduct engagements in accordance with such standards and requirements; and
    • Engagement reports issued by the firm or engagement partners are appropriate.

    Hence, the objective of the SOQM is explicitly used in the requirements of ISQM 1 as follows:

    • The firm uses it to determine whether additional quality objectives need to be established (paragraph 24 of ISQM 1).
    • It is used to conclude whether the SOQM provides the firm with reasonable assurance that its objectives of the SOQM have been achieved (paragraph 54 of ISQM 1).

    In a forthcoming post, we will delve more into these standards and their implications on audit firms.

    ISQM 1 explains that reasonable assurance is not an absolute level of assurance because there are inherent limitations of a SOQM. Such limitations include the fact that human judgment in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns in the SOQM may occur, for example, due to human error, behaviour, or failures in information technology (IT) applications.
    Our website's articles, templates, and material are solely for you to look over. Although we make every effort to keep the information up to date and accurate, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, either express or implied, regarding the website or the information, articles, templates, or related graphics that are contained on the website in terms of its completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability. Therefore, any reliance on such information is strictly at your own risk.

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  • Improving Audit Quality 1: An Overview

    Improving Audit Quality 1: An Overview

    Back to N Years Ago

    When I was younger (wow, this makes me feel so old), audit quality was not really a “thing.” I watched my superiors perform audits they believed to be sufficient, and my colleagues and I were taught to follow in their footsteps.

    We conducted what we believed to be good audits but were never informed that we would be subjected to a review by a firm or an external third party.

    Enron Scandal: The Fall of a Wall Street Darling

    The Enron scandal drew attention to accounting and corporate fraud as its shareholders lost $74 billion in the four years leading up to its bankruptcy, and its employees lost billions in pension benefits.

    Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX)

    The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is a federal law in the US that established sweeping auditing and financial regulations for public companies. Lawmakers created the legislation to help protect shareholders, employees and the public from accounting errors and fraudulent financial practices.

    This was done in response to the widespread perception that audits had been conducted improperly in the United States.

    With the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), which also established the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to oversee the audits of public companies, the requirement that audits be inspected by a government regulator was established.

    Since then, regulators with comparable responsibilities have been established in a total of 54 different jurisdictions across the globe. This is shown by the fact that these jurisdictions have joined the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR – https://www.ifiar.org/)

    For instance, the Financial Reporting Council in the United Kingdom took on this task in 2003, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in 2004, and the Audit Oversight Board (AOB) of the Securities Commission Malaysia in 2010.

    Practice Review Committee under the Malaysian Institute of Accountants

    However, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants’ Practice Review Committee conducted its inaugural meeting after Council approved the By-Laws on Practice Review in December 2002 and field review under the Practice Review Programme commenced in 2004.

    Adoption of ISQC 1

    In 2004, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), working under the direction of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), gave its approval to the ISQC 1 standard [Firm Level Quality Control – https://www.ccs-co.com/post/isqc-1-firm-level-quality-control], which addresses quality control for firms that perform audits and reviews of historical financial information and other assurance and related services engagements.

    In order to fulfil the requirements established by IFAC, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has mandated that all registered accountants and auditors (practitioners) in the country must conform with ISQC 1 by the end of June 2006. The standards introduce several new concepts and requirements in respect of quality control within auditing firms. As a consequence of this, auditing firms are having extra responsibilities to fulfil in regard to the implementation of new quality control safeguards and procedures.

    ISQC 1 is not the same as ISA 220 “Quality Control for Audits of Historical Financial Information” which sets out the quality control standards to be applied to individual audit engagements. On the other hand, the ISQC 1 focuses on firms and the people that work within them to ensure compliance with various professional standards, regulatory, and legal requirements.

    A study was then carried out in 2007 by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) suggests that the application of ISQC 1 in Malaysian small and medium audit firms is fairly restricted. The majority of small and medium-sized audit firms follow non-standard operating procedures in their day-to-day work, which fundamentally does not reflect full compliance with ISQC 1.

    Understanding the International Standards on Quality Control 1

    Definitions – https://www.ccs-co.com/post/isqc-1-definitions

    It covers

    1. leadership responsibilities for quality within the firm;
      1. https://lnkd.in/gKSKWAPC
    2. ethical requirements;
      1. https://lnkd.in/gAzwW3gv
    3. acceptance and continuance of client relationships and specific engagements;
      1. https://lnkd.in/gaYQX88e
    4. human resources;
      1. https://lnkd.in/g8Ax_F6X
    5. engagement performance;
      1. https://lnkd.in/gWg8GSSx
      2. https://lnkd.in/g7k_mGA8
    6. monitoring; and
      1. https://lnkd.in/gjPSPWa7
    7. documentation.
      1. https://lnkd.in/gHvf26bk

    Auditing firms are required by the standards to document the proof that each of the seven components of their quality control system is functioning properly and to keep this documentation for the appropriate amount of time.

    Moving Forward

    Enhancing the quality should also be a primary focus during this advantageous moment.

    On the basis of the most recent results of the Practice Review, which are depicted in the statistics contained within this report, practitioners are strongly encouraged to ensure that their firms comply with all of the necessary requirements, whether it be at the level of the entire firm or at the level of each individual engagement.

    The audit firms NOT ONLY need to get familiar with and comprehend the important sections of the International Standard on Auditing (ISA), the International Standard on Quality Control 1 (ISQC 1), the Companies Act 2016 (CA 2016), the MIA By-Laws, and any other applicable professional standards and laws, in addition, the audit firms also need to begin making preparations well in advance to comply with newly implemented standards, notably ISQM 1 and 2.

    ISQM 1 & ISQM 2

    ISQM 1 & ISQM 2 will be effective from 15 December 2022.

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  • ISQC 1: Documentation of the System of Quality Control

    ISQC 1: Documentation of the System of Quality Control

    对质量控制制度的记录

    Para 57

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures requiring appropriate documentation to provide evidence of the operation of each element of its system of quality control. (Ref: Para. A73–A75)

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,要求形成适当的工作记录,以对质量控制制度的每项要素的运行情况提供证据。 (参见:第 A73-A75 段)

    Para 58

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures that require retention of documentation for a period of time sufficient to permit those performing monitoring procedures to evaluate the firm’s compliance with its system of quality control, or for a longer period if required by law or regulation.

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,要求对工作记录保管足够的期限,以使执行监控程序的人员能够评价会计师事务所遵守质量控制制度的情况,或根据法律法规的规定,将记录保留更长时间。

    Para 59

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures requiring documentation of complaints and allegations and the responses to them.

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,要求记录投诉和指控及其处理情况。

    Documentation of the System of Quality Control (Ref: Para. 57)
    对质量控制制度的记录(参见:第 57 段)

    Para A73

    The form and content of documentation evidencing the operation of each of the elements of the system of quality control is a matter of judgment and depends on a number of factors, including the following:

    • The size of the firm and the number of offices.
    • The nature and complexity of the firm’s practice and organization. For example, large firms may use electronic databases to document matters such as independence confirmations, performance evaluations and the results of monitoring inspections.

    对质量控制制度的记录可以证明会计师事务所质量控制制度各项要素的运行情况。记录的形式和内容属于职业判断事项,取决于下列因素:

    • 会计师事务所的规模和分支机构的数量;
    • 会计师事务所业务和组织结构的性质及复杂程度。例如,大型会计师事务所可以利用电子资料库,记录诸如独立性确认函、业绩评价及监控检查的结果等事项。

    Para A74

    Appropriate documentation relating to monitoring includes, for example:

    • Monitoring procedures, including the procedure for selecting completed engagements to be inspected.
    • A record of the evaluation of:
      • Adherence to professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements;
      • Whether the system of quality control has been appropriately designed and effectively implemented; and
      • Whether the firm’s quality control policies and procedures have been appropriately applied so that reports that are issued by the firm or engagement partners are appropriate in the circumstances.
    • Identification of the deficiencies noted, an evaluation of their effect, and the basis for determining whether and what further action is necessary.

    有关监控的适当记录包括:

    • 监控程序,包括选取已完成的业务进行检查的程序;
    • 对下列事项进行评价的记录:
      • 遵守职业准则和适用的法律法规的情况;
      • 质量控制制度设计是否适当,运行是否有效;
      • 会计师事务所质量控制政策和程序应用是否得当,以使会计师事务所或项目合伙人能够出具适合具体情况的报告。
    • 识别出的缺陷,对其影响的评价,是否采取行动及采取何种行动的依据。

    Considerations Specific to Smaller Firms

    对小型会计师事务所的特殊考虑

    Para A75

    Smaller firms may use more informal methods in the documentation of their systems of quality control such as manual notes, checklists and forms.

    在记录质量控制制度时,小型会计师事务所可能利用更多非正式的方法,如人工记录、检查清单及表格

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  • ISQC 1: Engagement Performance (A)

    ISQC 1: Engagement Performance (A)

    Consistency in the Quality of Engagement Performance (Ref: Para. 32(a)) 
    业务执行质量的一致性(参见:第 32 段第(a)项)

    Para A32

    The firm promotes consistency in the quality of engagement performance through its policies and procedures.

    This is often accomplished through written or electronic manuals, software tools or other forms of standardized documentation, and industry or subject matter-specific guidance materials.

    Matters addressed may include:

    • How engagement teams are briefed on the engagement to obtain an understanding of the objectives of their work.
    • Processes for complying with applicable engagement standards.
    • Processes of engagement supervision, staff training and coaching.
    • Methods of reviewing the work performed, the significant judgments made and the form of the report being issued.
    • Appropriate documentation of the work performed and of the timing and extent of the review.
    • Processes to keep all policies and procedures current.

    会计师事务所通常使用书面或电子手册、软件工具或其他形式的标准化底稿以及行业或特定业务对象的指引性材料等方式,通过其政策和程序保持业务执行质量的一致性。

    会计师事务所应对的事项可能包括:

    • 如何将业务情况简要告知项目组,使其了解工作目标;
    • 保证适用的业务准则得以遵守的过程;
    • 业务监督、员工培训和辅导的过程;
    • 对已执行的工作、作出的重大判断以及所出具报告的形式进行覆核的方法;
    • 对已执行的工作及其覆核的时间和范围作出适当记录;
    • 保持所有政策和程序是合时宜的过程。

    Para A33

    Appropriate teamwork and training assist less experienced members of the engagement team in clearly understanding the objectives of the assigned work.

    适当的团队工作和培训有助于经验较少的项目组成员清楚了解所分派工作的目标。

    Supervision (Ref: Para. 32(b)) 
    监督(参见:第 32 段第(b)项) 

    Para A34

    Engagement supervision includes the following:

    • Tracking the progress of the engagement;
    • Considering the competence and capabilities of individual members of the engagement team, whether they have sufficient time to carry out their work, whether they understand their instructions and whether the work is being carried out in accordance with the planned approach to the engagement;
    • Addressing significant matters arising during the engagement, considering their significance and modifying the planned approach appropriately; and
    • Identifying matters for consultation or consideration by more experienced engagement team members during the engagement.

    对业务的监督包括下列方面:

    • 跟进业务流程;
    • 考虑项目组各成员的胜任能力和素质,以及是否有足够的时间执行工作,是否理解工作指令,是否按照计划的方案执行工作;
    • 解决执行业务过程中出现的重大问题,考虑其重要程度并适当修改原计划的方案;
    • 识别执行业务过程中需要咨询的事项,或需要由经验较丰富的项目组成员考虑的事项。
    Review (Ref: Para. 32(c))  
    覆核(参见:第 32 段第(c)项)

    Para A35

    A review consists of consideration of whether:

    • The work has been performed in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements;
    • Significant matters have been raised for further consideration;
    • Appropriate consultations have taken place and the resulting conclusions have been documented and implemented;
    • There is a need to revise the nature, timing and extent of work performed;
    • The work performed supports the conclusions reached and is appropriately documented;
    • The evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to support the report, and
    • The objectives of the engagement procedures have been achieved.

    覆核包括考虑下列问题:

    • 是否已按照职业准则和适用的法律法规的规定执行工作;
    • 重大事项是否已提请进一步考虑;
    • 是否已进行适当咨询,是否已记录和执行咨询得出的结论;
    • 是否需要修改已执行工作的性质、时间安排和范围;
    • 已执行的工作是否支持得出的结论,并得以适当记录;
    • 获取的证据是否充分、适当,以支持报告;
    • 业务程序的目标是否已实现。
    Consultation (Ref: Para. 34) 
    咨询(参见:第 34 段) 

    Para A36

    Consultation includes discussion at the appropriate professional level, with individuals within or outside the firm who have specialized expertise.

    咨询包括与会计师事务所内部或外部具有专门技能的人员,在适当专业层次上进行的讨论。

    Para A37

    Consultation uses appropriate research resources as well as the collective experience and technical expertise of the firm.

    Consultation helps to promote quality and improves the application of professional judgment.

    Appropriate recognition of consultation in the firm’s policies and procedures helps to promote a culture in which consultation is recognized as a strength and encourages personnel to consult on difficult or contentious matters.

    咨询可以利用适当的研究资源,以及会计师事务所的集体经验和技术专长。

    咨询有助于提高业务质量及改进对职业判断的运用。

    会计师事务所的政策和程序适当认可咨询,有助于形成一种良好的咨询氛围,鼓励会计师事务所人员就疑难问题或争议事项进行咨询。

    Para A38

    Effective consultation on significant technical, ethical and other matters within the firm or, where applicable, outside the firm, can be achieved when those consulted:

    • Are given all the relevant facts that will enable them to provide informed advice; and
    • Have appropriate knowledge, seniority and experience, and when conclusions resulting from consultations are appropriately documented and implemented.

    如果满足下列条件且适当记录和执行咨询得出的结论,就重大技术、道德以及其他问题向会计师事务所内部或外部(适用时)进行咨询是有效的:

    • 已向被咨询者提供所有相关事实,使其能够对咨询事项提出有见地的意见;
    • 被咨询者拥有适当的知识、资历和经验。

    Para A39

    Documentation of consultations with other professionals that involve difficult or contentious matters that is sufficiently complete and detailed contributes to an understanding of:

    • The issue on which consultation was sought; and
    • The results of the consultation, including any decisions taken, the basis for those decisions and how they were implemented.

    就疑难问题或争议事项向其他专业人士咨询所形成的足够完整和详细的记录,有助于了解:

    • 寻求咨询的事项;
    • 咨询的结果,包括作出的决策、决策依据以及决策的执行情况。

    Considerations Specific to Smaller Firms

    对小型会计师事务所的特殊考虑

    Para A40

    A firm needing to consult externally, for example, a firm without appropriate internal resources, may take advantage of advisory services provided by:

    • Other firms;
    • Professional and regulatory bodies; or
    • Commercial organizations that provide relevant quality control services.

    Before contracting for such services, consideration of the competence and capabilities of the external provider helps the firm to determine whether the external provider is suitably qualified for that purpose.

    如果缺乏适当的内部资源等需要向外部咨询,会计师事务所可利用下列机构提供的咨询服务:

    • 其他会计师事务所;
    • 职业团体和监管机构;
    • 提供相关质量控制服务的商业机构。

    接受上述机构提供的咨询服务之前,会计师事务所考虑外部咨询提供者的胜任能力和素质,有助于确定外部咨询提供者是否能够胜任这项工作。

    Engagement Quality Control Review 
    项目质量控制覆核 

    Criteria for an Engagement Quality Control Review (Ref: Para. 35(b))

    项目质量控制覆核的标准(参见:第 35 段第(b)项)

    Para A41

    Criteria for determining which engagements, other than audits of financial statements of listed entities, are to be subject to an engagement quality control review may include, for example:

    • The nature of the engagement, including the extent to which it involves a matter of public interest.
    • The identification of unusual circumstances or risks in an engagement or class of engagements.
    • Whether laws or regulations require an engagement quality control review. Nature,

    在确定除上市实体财务报表审计外的其他业务是否需要实施项目质量控制覆核时,会计师事务所依据的标准可能包括:

    • 业务的性质,包括涉及公众利益的程度;
    • 在某项业务或某类业务中识别出的异常情况或风险;
    • 法律法规是否要求实施项目质量控制覆核。

    Timing and Extent of the Engagement Quality Control Review (Ref: Para. 36– 37)

    项目质量控制覆核的性质、时间和范围(参见:第 36-37 段)

    Para A42

    The engagement report is not dated until the completion of the engagement quality control review. However, documentation of the engagement quality control review may be completed after the date of the report.

    只有完成项目质量控制覆核,才能签署业务报告。然而,项目质量控制覆核形成的工作底稿可以在报告日后完成。

    Para A43

    Conducting the engagement quality control review in a timely manner at appropriate stages during the engagement allows significant matters to be promptly resolved to the engagement quality control reviewer’s satisfaction on or before the date of the report.

    在业务过程的适当阶段及时实施项目质量控制覆核,可以使重大问题在报告日或报告日之前得到迅速、让项目质量控制覆核人员满意的解决。

    Para A44

    The extent of the engagement quality control review may depend, among other things, on the complexity of the engagement, whether the entity is a listed entity and the risk that the report might not be appropriate in the circumstances.

    The performance of an engagement quality control review does not reduce the responsibilities of the engagement partner.

    项目质量控制覆核的范围可能取决于业务的复杂程度、客户是否为上市实体以及出具不恰当报告的风险等因素。

    实施项目质量控制覆核并不减轻项目合伙人的责任。

    Engagement Quality Control Review of a Listed Entity (Ref: Para. 38)

    上市实体财务报表审计的项目质量控制覆核(参见:第 38 段)

    Para A45

    Other matters relevant to evaluating the significant judgments made by the engagement team that may be considered in an engagement quality control review of an audit of financial statements of a listed entity include:

    • Significant Risks were identified during the engagement and the responses o those risks.
    • Judgments were made, particularly with respect to materiality and significant risks.
    • The significance and disposition of corrected and uncorrected misstatements identified during the engagement.
    • The matters are to be communicated to management and those charged with governance and, where applicable, other parties such as regulatory bodies. These other matters, depending on the circumstances, may also be applicable for engagement quality control reviews for audits of the financial statements of other entities as well as reviews of financial statements and other assurance and related services engagements.

    在对上市实体财务报表审计实施项目质量控制覆核时,覆核人员可能考虑下列与评价项目组作出的重大判断相关的其他事项:

    • 在业务执行过程中识别出的特别风险以及采取的应对措施;
    • 作出的判断,尤其是关于重要性和特别风险的判断;
    • 在业务执行过程中识别出的已更正和未更正错报的重要程度及处理情况;
    • 拟与管理层、治理层以及监管机构等其他方(适用时)沟通的事项。在对其他财务报表审计、财务报表审阅以及其他鉴证和相关服务业务实施项目质量控制覆核时,项目质量控制覆核人员也可根据具体情况考虑上述其他事项。

    Considerations specific to public sector audit organizations

    对公共部门实体审计机构的特殊考虑

    Para A46

    Although not referred to as listed entities, as described in paragraph A16, certain public sector entities may be of sufficient significance to warrant the performance of an engagement quality control review.

    如第 A16 段所述,尽管不存在与上市实体财务报表审计项目质量控制覆核相同的规定,某些公共部门实体可能足够重要,有必要对其实施项目质量控制覆核。

    Criteria for the Eligibility of Engagement Quality Control Reviewers 
    项目质量控制覆核人员的资格标准  

    Sufficient and Appropriate Technical Expertise, Experience and Authority (Ref: Para. 39(a))

    充分、适当的技术专长、经验和权限(参见:第 39 段第(a)项)

    Para A47

    What constitutes sufficient and appropriate technical expertise, experience and authority depend on the circumstances of the engagement.

    For example, the engagement quality control reviewer for an audit of the financial statements of a listed entity is likely to be an individual with sufficient and appropriate experience and authority to act as an audit engagement partner on audits of financial statements of listed entities.

    什么是充分、适当的技术专长、经验和权限,取决于业务的具体情况。

    例如,上市实体财务报表审计的项目质量控制覆核人员可能需要具备担任上市实体财务报表审计项目合伙人应有的充分、适当的经验和权限。

    Consultation with the Engagement Quality Control Reviewer (Ref: Para. 39(b))

    向项目质量控制覆核人员咨询(参见:第 39 段第(b)项)

    Para A48

    The engagement partner may consult the engagement quality control reviewer during the engagement, for example, to establish that a judgment made by the engagement partner will be acceptable to the engagement quality control reviewer.

    Such consultation avoids the identification of differences of opinion at a late stage of the engagement and need not compromise the engagement quality control reviewer’s eligibility to perform the role.

    Where the nature and extent of the consultations become significant the reviewer’s objectivity may be compromised unless care is taken by both the engagement team and the reviewer to maintain the reviewer’s objectivity.

    Where this is not possible, another individual within the firm or a suitably qualified external person may be appointed to take on the role of either the engagement quality control reviewer or the person to be consulted on the engagement.

    在业务执行过程中,项目合伙人可以向项目质量控制覆核人员咨询,例如,通过咨询,项目合伙人可以作出项目质量控制覆核人员可接受的判断。

    这种咨询可以避免在业务执行的后期出现意见分歧,也不损害项目质量控制覆核人员履行职责。

    当咨询所涉及问题的性质和范围十分重大时,除非项目组和项目质量控制覆核人员都能谨慎从事,以保持覆核人员的客观性,否则,项目质量控制覆核人员的客观性可能受到损害。

    如果覆核人员不可能保持客观性,会计师事务所可委派内部其他人员或具有适当资格的外部人员,担任项目质量控制覆核人员或为该项业务提供咨询。

    The objectivity of the Engagement Quality Control Reviewer (Ref: Para. 40)

    项目质量控制覆核人员的客观性(参见:第 40 段)

    Para A49

    The firm is required to establish policies and procedures designed to maintain the objectivity of the engagement quality control reviewer.

    Accordingly, such policies and procedures provide that the engagement quality control reviewer:

    • Where practicable, is not selected by the engagement partner;
    • Does not otherwise participate in the engagement during the period of review;
    • Does not make decisions for the engagement team; and
    • Is not subject to other considerations that would threaten the reviewer’s objectivity.

    会计师事务所需要制定政策和程序,以保持项目质量控制覆核人员的客观性。

    因此,这些政策和程序要求项目质量控制覆核人员符合下列规定:

    • 如果可行,不由项目合伙人挑选;
    • 在覆核期间不以其他方式参与业务;
    • 不代替项目组进行决策;
    • 不存在可能损害覆核人员客观性的其他情形。

    Considerations specific to smaller firms

    对小型会计师事务所的特殊考虑

    Para A50

    It may not be practicable, in the case of firms with few partners, for the engagement partner not to be involved in selecting the engagement quality control reviewer.

    Suitably qualified external persons may be contracted where sole practitioners or small firms identify engagements requiring engagement quality control reviews.

    Alternatively, some sole practitioners or small firms may wish to use other firms to facilitate engagement quality control reviews.

    Where the firm contracts suitably qualified external persons, the requirements in paragraphs 39–41 and guidance in paragraphs A47–A48 apply.

    如果会计师事务所的合伙人非常少,项目合伙人不参与挑选项目质量控制覆核人员可能是不可行的。

    如果独资会计师事务所或小型会计师事务所识别出需要实施项目质量控制覆核的业务,可以聘请具有适当资格的外部人员。

    某些独资会计师事务所或小型会计师事务所也可能利用其他会计师事务所实施项目质量控制覆核。

    第 39-41 段的要求及第 A47-A48 段的指引适用于这种情况。

    Considerations specific to public sector audit organizations

    对公共部门实体审计机构的特殊考虑

    Para A51

    In the public sector, a statutorily appointed auditor (for example, an Auditor General, or other suitably qualified person appointed on behalf of the Auditor General) may act in a role equivalent to that of an engagement partner with overall responsibility for public sector audits.

    In such circumstances, where applicable, the selection of the engagement quality control reviewer includes consideration of the need for independence from the audited entity and the ability of the engagement quality control reviewer to provide an objective evaluation.

    针对公共部门实体,法定委任的审计师(例如,总审计师或代表总审计师的其他具有适当资格的人员)可能承担类似项目合伙人的角色,对公共部门实体审计负总责。在这种情况下,如果适用,挑选项目质量控制覆核人员包括考虑独立于被审计单位的需要,以及项目质量控制覆核人员提供客观评价的能力。

    Differences of Opinion (Ref: Para. 43) 
     
    意见分歧(参见:第 43 段)

    A52

    Effective procedures encourage the identification of differences of opinion at an early stage, provide clear guidelines as to the successive steps to be taken thereafter, and require documentation regarding the resolution of the differences and the implementation of the conclusions reached.

    有效的程序能够促进在业务执行的早期发现意见分歧,为拟采取的后续步骤提供明确的指导,并要求记录意见分歧的解决情况及得出结论的执行情况。

    Para A53

    Procedures to resolve such differences may include consulting with another practitioner or firm, or a professional or regulatory body.

    解决意见分歧的程序可能包括向其他从业人员、会计师事务所、职业团体或监管机构进行咨询。

    Engagement Documentation  
    业务工作底稿

    Completion of the Assembly of Final Engagement Files (Ref: Para. 45)

    完成最终业务档案的归整工作(参见:第 45 段)

    Para A54

    Law or regulation may prescribe the time limits by which the assembly of final engagement files for specific types of engagement is to be completed.

    Where no such time limits are prescribed in law or regulation, paragraph 45 requires the firm to establish time limits that reflect the need to complete the assembly of final engagement files on a timely basis.

    In the case of an audit, for example, such a time limit would ordinarily not be more than 60 days after the date of the auditor’s report.

    法律法规可能规定了完成特定类型业务最终档案归整工作的期限。

    如果法律法规没有此类规定,第 45 段要求会计师事务所根据及时完成最终业务档案归整工作的需要,确定归档期限。

    例如,对审计业务的归档期限通常为审计报告日后六十天内。

    Para A55

    Where two or more different reports are issued in respect of the same subject matter information of an entity, the firm’s policies and procedures relating to time limits for the assembly of final engagement files address each report as if it were for a separate engagement.

    This may, for example, be the case when the firm issues an auditor’s report on a component’s financial information for group consolidation purposes and, at a subsequent date, an auditor’s report on the same financial information for statutory purposes.

    如果针对客户的同一鉴证对象信息出具两个或多个不同的报告,会计师事务所可将其视为不同的业务,根据有关归档期限的政策和程序分别进行归档。

    例如,会计师事务所出于集团合并目的,对某个组成部分的财务信息出具审计报告,随后,又出于法律规定的目的,对同一财务信息出具审计报告。

    Confidentiality, Safe Custody, Integrity, Accessibility and Retrievability of Engagement Documentation (Ref: Para. 46)

    业务工作底稿的保密、安全保管、完整性及使用和检索(参见:第 46 段)

    Para A56

    Relevant ethical requirements establish an obligation for the firm’s personnel to observe at all times the confidentiality of information contained in engagement documentation unless specific client authority has been given to disclose information, or there is a legal or professional duty to do so. Specific laws or regulations may impose additional obligations on the firm’s personnel to maintain client confidentiality, particularly where data of a personal nature are concerned

    相关职业道德要求规定,除非客户已授权披露信息,或有法律责任或职业责任要求,会计师事务所人员有义务始终对业务工作底稿包含的信息予以保密。具体的法律法规可能要求会计师事务所人员承担额外的保密义务,尤其在涉及个人性质的数据时。

    Para A57

    Whether engagement documentation is in paper, electronic or other media, the integrity, accessibility or retrievability of the underlying data may be compromised if the documentation could be altered, added to or deleted without the firm’s knowledge, or if it could be permanently lost or damaged.

    Accordingly, controls that the firm designs and implements to avoid unauthorized alteration or loss of engagement documentation may include those that:

    • Enable the determination of when and by whom engagement documentation was created, changed or reviewed;
    • Protect the integrity of the information at all stages of the engagement, especially when the information is shared within the engagement team or transmitted to other parties via the Internet;
    • Prevent unauthorized changes to the engagement documentation; and
    • Allow access to the engagement documentation by the engagement team and other authorized parties as necessary to properly discharge their responsibilities.

    无论业务工作底稿存在于纸质、电子还是其他介质,如果在会计师事务所不知情时,工作底稿被更改、增减或发生永久性丢失、毁损,数据的完整性、可获得性和可恢复性将受到损害。

    因此,会计师事务所可以设计并执行下列控制,以避免未经授权更改或丢失业务工作底稿:

    使业务工作底稿显示其生成、修改或覆核的时间和人员;

    • 在业务的所有阶段,尤其是在项目组成员共享信息或通过互联网将信息传递给其他人员时,保护信息的完整性;
    • 防止未经授权改动业务工作底稿;
    • 只允许项目组和其他经授权的人员为适当履行职责而接触业务工作底稿。

    Para A58

    Controls that the firm designs and implements to maintain the confidentiality, safe custody, integrity, accessibility and retrievability of engagement documentation may include the following:

    • The use of a password among engagement team members to restrict access to electronic engagement documentation to authorized users.
    • Appropriate backup routines for electronic engagement documentation at appropriate stages during the engagement.
    • Procedures for properly distributing engagement documentation to the team members at the start of the engagement, processing it during the engagement, and collating it at the end of engagement.
    • Procedures for restricting access to, and enabling proper distribution and confidential storage of, hardcopy engagement documentation.

    会计师事务所可能设计并执行下列控制,以保证业务工作底稿的保密、安全保管、完整性及使用和检索:

    • 在项目组成员中使用密码,以使对电子业务工作底稿的接触只限于经过授权的使用者
    • 在业务的适当阶段,对电子业务工作底稿进行适当备份;
    • 在业务开始时向项目组成员恰当分发业务工作底稿、在业务执行过程中处理业务工作底稿以及在业务结束时整理业务工作底稿的程序;
    • 限制接触、恰当分发和保密存放纸质业务工作底稿的程序。

    Para A59

    For practical reasons, original paper documentation may be electronically scanned for inclusion in engagement files.

    In such cases, the firm’s procedures designed to maintain the integrity, accessibility, and retrievability of the documentation may include requiring the engagement teams to:

    • Generate scanned copies that reflect the entire content of the original paper documentation, including manual signatures, cross-references and annotations;
    • Integrate the scanned copies into the engagement files, including indexing and signing off on the scanned copies as necessary; and
    • Enable the scanned copies to be retrieved and printed as necessary. There may be legal, regulatory or other reasons for a firm to retain original paper documentation that has been scanned.

    由于实务原因,原纸质工作底稿可能经过电子扫描后存入业务档案。

    在这种情况下,会计师事务所可以设计程序,要求项目组执行下列工作,以保证工作底稿的完整性及使用和检索:

    • 生成与原纸质工作底稿的内容完全相同的扫描件,包括人工签名、交叉索引和注释;
    • 将扫描件(包括必要时对扫描件的索引和签字)归整到业务档案中;
    • 必要时能够检索和列印扫描件。基于法律法规的规定或其他原因,会计师事务所可能需要保留已扫描的原纸质工作底稿。

    Retention of Engagement Documentation (Ref: Para. 47)

    业务工作底稿的保存(参见:第 47 段)

    Para A60

    The needs of the firm for retention of engagement documentation, and the period of such retention, will vary with the nature of the engagement and the firm’s circumstances, for example, whether the engagement documentation is needed to provide a record of matters of continuing significance to future engagements.

    The retention period may also depend on other factors, such as whether local law or regulation prescribes specific retention periods for certain types of engagements, or whether there are generally accepted retention periods in the jurisdiction in the absence of specific legal or regulatory requirements.

    会计师事务所保存业务工作底稿的需要及保存期限,将随着业务性质和会计师事务所具体情况的变化而变化,例如,是否需要将业务工作底稿作为对未来业务有持续重大影响的事项的记录。

    保存期限也可能取决于其他因素,如当地法律法规是否针对特定类型的业务规定了具体的保存期限,或在没有法律法规的具体规定时,某国家或地区是否存在一般公认的保存期限。

    Para A61

    In the specific case of audit engagements, the retention period would ordinarily be no shorter than five years from the date of the auditor’s report, or, if later, the date of the group auditor’s report.

    审计业务工作底稿通常自审计报告日起至少保存五年,如果组成部分业务报告日早于集团审计报告日,通常自集团审计报告日起对组成部分业务工作底稿至少保存五年。

    Para A62

    Procedures that the firm adopts for retention of engagement documentation include those that enable the requirements of paragraph 47 to be met during the retention period, for example to:

    • Enable the retrieval of, and access to, the engagement documentation during the retention period, particularly in the case of electronic documentation since the underlying technology may be upgraded or changed over time;
    • Provide, where necessary, a record of changes made to engagement documentation after the engagement files have been completed; and
    • Enable authorized external parties to access and review specific engagement documentation for quality control or other purposes.

    会计师事务所用以保存业务工作底稿的程序,包括能够在保存期内能够满足第 47 段要求的程序,例如:

    • 在保存期内便于检索和接触业务工作底稿,尤其是电子工作底稿,因为相关技术可能随着时间而升级或改变;
    • 必要时,在完成归档工作后,提供业务工作底稿变更记录;
    • 经过授权的外部人员为了质量控制或其他目的,接触和覆核特定业务工作底稿。

    Ownership of engagement documentation

    业务工作底稿的所有权

    Para A63

    Unless otherwise specified by law or regulation, engagement documentation is the property of the firm.

    The firm may, at its discretion, make portions of, or extracts from, engagement documentation available to clients, provided such disclosure does not undermine the validity of the work performed, or, in the case of assurance engagements, the independence of the firm or its personnel.

    除非法律法规另有规定,业务工作底稿的所有权属于会计师事务所。

    在信息披露不损害会计师事务所已执行工作的有效性,或针对鉴证业务,不损害会计师事务所及其人员的独立性时,会计师事务所可以自主决定,允许客户获取业务工作底稿部分内容或摘录部分工作底稿。

    18
  • ISQC 1: Acceptance and Continuance of Client Relationships and Specific Engagements

    ISQC 1: Acceptance and Continuance of Client Relationships and Specific Engagements

    客户关系和具体业务的接受与保持

    Para 26

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures for the acceptance and continuance of client relationships and specific engagements, designed to provide the firm with reasonable assurance that it will only undertake or continue relationships and engagements where the firm:

    1. Is competent to perform the engagement and has the capabilities, including time and resources, to do so; (Ref: Para. A18, A23)
    2. Can comply with relevant ethical requirements; and
    3. Has considered the integrity of the client, and does not have information that would lead it to conclude that the client lacks integrity. (Ref: Para. A19–A20, A23)

    会计师事务所应当制定有关客户关系和具体业务接受与保持的政策和程序,以合理保证只有在下列情况下,才能接受或保持客户关系和具体业务:

    1. 能够胜任该项业务,并具有执行业务的素质、时间和资源;(参见:第A18,A23 段)
    2. 能够遵守相关职业道德要求;
    3. 已考虑客户的诚信,没有信息表明客户缺乏诚信。 (参见:第 A19-A20, A23 段)

    Para 27

    Such policies and procedures shall require:

    1. The firm to obtain such information as it considers necessary in the circumstances before accepting an engagement with a new client when deciding whether to continue an existing engagement and when considering acceptance of a new engagement with an existing client. (Ref: Para. A21, A23)
    2. If a potential conflict of interest is identified in accepting an engagement from a new or an existing client, the firm to determine whether it is appropriate to accept the engagement.
    3. If issues have been identified, and the firm decides to accept or continue the client relationship or a specific engagement, the firm to document how the issues were resolved.

    这些政策和程序应当要求:

    1. 在接受新客户的业务前,或决定是否保持现有业务及考虑接受现有客户的新业务时,会计师事务所根据具体情况获取必要信息;(参见:第 A21,A23段)
    2. 在接受新客户或现有客户的新业务时,如果识别出潜在的利益冲突,会计师事务所确定接受该业务是否适当;
    3. 当识别出问题而又决定接受或保持客户关系或具体业务时,会计师事务所记录问题如何得到解决。

    Para 28

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures on continuing an engagement and the client relationship, addressing the circumstances where the firm obtains the information that would have caused it to decline the engagement had that information been available earlier. Such policies and procedures shall include consideration of:

    1. The professional and legal responsibilities that apply to the circumstances, including whether there is a requirement for the firm to report to the person or persons who made the appointment or, in some cases, to regulatory authorities; and
    2. The possibility of withdrawing from the engagement or from both the engagement and the client relationship. (Ref: Para. A22–A23)

    如果会计师事务所在接受业务后获知某项信息,而该信息若在接受业务前获知,可能导致会计师事务所拒绝该项业务,会计师事务所应当针对这种情况制定保持具体业务和客户关系的政策和程序。这些政策和程序应当包括考虑:

    1. 适用于这种情况的职业责任和法律责任,包括是否要求会计师事务所向委托人报告或在某些情况下向监管机构报告;
    2. 解除业务约定,或同时解除业务约定和客户关系的可能性。 (参见:第A22-A23 段)
    Competence, Capabilities, and Resources (Ref: Para. 26(a))
    胜任能力、素质和资源(参见:第 26 段第(a)项)

    Para A18

    Consideration of whether the firm has the competence, capabilities, and resources to undertake a new engagement from a new or an existing client involves reviewing the specific requirements of the engagement and the existing partner and staff profiles at all relevant levels, including whether:

    • Firm personnel have knowledge of relevant industries or subject matters;
    • Firm personnel have experience with relevant regulatory or reporting requirements, or the ability to gain the necessary skills and knowledge effectively;
    • The firm has sufficient personnel with the necessary competence and capabilities;
    • Experts are available if needed;
    • Individuals meeting the criteria and eligibility requirements to perform engagement quality control review are available, where applicable; and
    • The firm is able to complete the engagement within the reporting deadline.

    在考虑是否具有接受新客户或现有客户的新业务所需的胜任能力、素质和资源时,会计师事务所需要评价新业务的特定要求及所有相关级别的现有合伙人和员工的基本情况,还包括:

    • 会计师事务所人员是否熟悉相关行业或业务对象;
    • 会计师事务所人员是否了解相关监管要求或报告要求,或具备有效获取必要技能和知识的能力;
    • 会计师事务所是否拥有足够的具有必要胜任能力和素质的人员;
    • 需要时是否能够得到专家的帮助;
    • 如果需要实施项目质量控制覆核,是否具备符合标准和资格要求的项目质量控制覆核人员;
    • 会计师事务所是否能够在提交报告的最后期限内完成业务。
    The integrity of Client (Ref: Para. 26(c)) 
    客户的诚信(参见:第 26 段第(c)项) 

    Para A19

    With regard to the integrity of a client, matters to consider include, for example:

    • The identity and business reputation of the client’s principal owners, key management, and those charged with its governance.
    • The nature of the client’s operations, including its business practices.
    • Information concerning the attitude of the client’s principal owners, key management and those charged with its governance towards such matters as an aggressive interpretation of accounting standards and the internal control environment.
    • Whether the client is aggressively concerned with maintaining the firm’s fees as low as possible.
    • Indications of an inappropriate limitation in the scope of work.
    • Indications that the client might be involved in money laundering or other criminal activities.
    • The reasons for the proposed appointment of the firm and non-reappointment of the previous firm.
    • The identity and business reputation of related parties.

    The extent of knowledge a firm will have regarding the integrity of a client will generally grow within the context of an ongoing relationship with that client.

    针对客户的诚信,会计师事务所考虑的事项包括:

    • 客户主要股东、关键管理人员及治理层的身份和商业信誉;
    • 客户的经营性质,包括其业务;
    • 客户主要股东、关键管理人员及治理层对有关会计准则的偏激解释及内部控制环境的态度;
    • 客户是否过分考虑将事务所的收费维持在尽可能低的水准;
    • 工作范围受到不适当限制的迹象;
    • 客户可能涉嫌洗钱或其他刑事犯罪活动的迹象;
    • 变更会计师事务所的理由;
    • 关联方的身份和商业信誉。
    • 会计师事务所对客户诚信的了解程度,通常随着与客户关系的持续发展而加深。

    Para A20

    Sources of information on such matters obtained by the firm may include the following:

    • Communications with existing or previous providers of professional accountancy services to the client in accordance with relevant ethical requirements, and discussions with other third parties.
    • Inquiry of other firm personnel or third parties such as bankers, legal counsel and industry peers.
    • Background searches of relevant databases.

    会计师事务所可以通过下列途径,获取与客户诚信相关的信息:

    • 按照相关职业道德要求的规定,与为客户提供专业会计服务的现任或前任人员进行沟通,并与其他第三方进行讨论;
    • 询问会计师事务所其他人员或金融机构、法律顾问及客户的同行等第三方;
    • 从相关资料库中搜索客户的背景信息。
    Continuance of Client Relationship (Ref: Para. 27(a)) 
    客户关系的保持(参见:第 27 段第(a)项) 

    Para A21

    Deciding whether to continue a client relationship includes consideration of significant matters that have arisen during the current or previous engagements and their implications for continuing the relationship. For example, a client may have started to expand its business operations into an area where the firm does not possess the necessary expertise.

    确定是否保持客户关系时,会计师事务所需要考虑本期或以前执行业务时发现的重大事项,及其对保持客户关系可能产生的影响。例如,客户可能开始将其经营活动拓展到会计师事务所并不具备专长的领域。

    Withdrawal (Ref: Para. 28)  
    解除业务约定(参见:第 28 段)

    Para A22

    Policies and procedures on withdrawal from an engagement or from both the engagement and the client relationship address issues that include the following:

    • Discuss with the appropriate level of the client’s management and those charged with its governance the appropriate action that the firm might take based on the relevant facts and circumstances.
    • If the firm determines that it is appropriate to withdraw, discuss with the appropriate level of the client’s management and those charged with its governance withdrawal from the engagement or from both the engagement and the client relationship, and the reasons for the withdrawal.
    • Considering whether there is a professional, legal or regulatory requirement for the firm to remain in place, or for the firm to report the withdrawal from the engagement, or from both the engagement and the client relationship, together with the reasons for the withdrawal, to regulatory authorities.
    • Documenting significant matters, consultations, conclusions and the basis for the conclusions.

    会计师事务所针对解除业务约定或同时解除业务约定和客户关系制定的政策和程序可应对下列问题:

    • 与客户适当层级的管理层和治理层讨论会计师事务所根据相关事实和情况可能采取的适当行动;
    • 如果确定解除业务约定或同时解除业务约定和客户关系是适当的,会计师事务所可就解除的情况及原因,与客户适当层级的管理层和治理层讨论;
    • 考虑是否存在职业或法律法规的规定,要求会计师事务所保持现有客户关系,或向监管机构报告解除业务约定或同时解除业务约定和客户关系的情况及原因;
    • 记录重大事项及其咨询情况、咨询结论和得出结论的依据。
    Considerations Specific to Public Sector Audit Organizations (Ref: Para. 26–28) 
    对公共部门实体审计机构的特殊考虑(参见:第 26-28 段)

    Para A23

    In the public sector, auditors may be appointed in accordance with statutory procedures. Accordingly, certain of the requirements and considerations regarding the acceptance and continuance of client relationships and specific engagements as set out in paragraphs 26–28 and A18–A22 may not be relevant.

    Nonetheless, establishing policies and procedures as described may provide valuable information to public sector auditors in performing risk assessments and in carrying out reporting responsibilities.

    公共部门实体可能按照法定程序委派审计人员。因此,第 26-28 段及第 A18-A22 段中规定的有关客户关系和具体业务的接受与保持的某些要求和考虑可能不相关。

    尽管如此,制定本国际质量控制准则规定的政策和程序可以为公共部门实体审计师在进行风险评估和履行报告责任时提供有价值的信息。

    20
  • ISQC 1: Human Resources

    ISQC 1: Human Resources

    人力资源

    Para 29

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures designed to provide it with reasonable assurance that it has sufficient personnel with the competence, capabilities, and commitment to ethical principles necessary to:

    1. Perform engagements in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and
    2. Enable the firm or engagement partners to issue reports that are appropriate in the circumstances. (Ref: Para. A24–A29)

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,合理保证拥有足够的具有胜任能力和必要素质并承诺遵守职业道德原则的人员,以:

    1. 按照职业准则和适用的法律法规的规定执行业务;
    2. 使会计师事务所或项目合伙人能够出具适合具体情况的报告。 (参见:第 A24-A29 段)
    Assignment of Engagement Teams 
    项目组的委派 

    Para 30

    The firm shall assign responsibility for each engagement to an engagement partner and shall establish policies and procedures requiring that:

    1. The identity and role of the engagement partner are communicated to key members of client management and those charged with governance;
    2. The engagement partner has the appropriate competence, capabilities, and authority to perform the role; and
    3. The responsibilities of the engagement partner are clearly defined and communicated to that partner. (Ref: Para. A30)

    会计师事务所应当对每项业务委派一名项目合伙人,并应当制定政策和程序,明确下列要求:

    1. 将项目合伙人的身份和作用告知客户管理层和治理层的关键成员;
    2. 项目合伙人具有履行职责所要求的适当胜任能力、必要素质和权限;
    3. 清楚界定项目合伙人的职责,并告知该项目合伙人。 (参见:第 A30段)

    Para 31

    The firm shall also establish policies and procedures to assign appropriate personnel with the necessary competence and capabilities to:

    1. Perform engagements in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and
    2. Enable the firm or engagement partners to issue reports that are appropriate in the circumstances. (Ref: Para. A31)

    会计师事务所还应当制定政策和程序,委派具有必要胜任能力和素质的适当人员,以:

    1. 按照职业准则和适用的法律法规的规定执行业务;
    2. 使会计师事务所或项目合伙人能够出具适合具体情况的报告。 (参见:第 A31 段)
    Human Resources (Ref: Para. 29) 
    人力資源(參見:第 29 段)

    A24.

    Personnel issues relevant to the firm’s policies and procedures related to human resources include, for example:

    • Recruitment.
    • Performance evaluation.
    • Capabilities, including time to perform assignments.
    • Competence.
    • Career development.
    • Promotion.
    • Compensation.
    • The estimation of personnel needs.

    Effective recruitment processes and procedures help the firm select individuals of integrity who have the capacity to develop the competence and capabilities necessary to perform the firm’s work and possess the appropriate characteristics to enable them to perform competently.

    与会计师事务所人力资源政策和程序相关的人事问题包括:

    • 招聘;
    • 业绩评价;
    • 人员素质,包括完成分派任务的时间;
    • 胜任能力;
    • 职业发展;
    • 晋升;
    • 薪酬;
    • 人员需求预测。

    有效的招聘过程和程序有助于会计师事务所选择正直的、通过发展能够具备执行业务所需的胜任能力和必要素质,并具备胜任工作所需的适当特征的人员。

    A25

    Competence can be developed through a variety of methods, including the following:

    • Professional education.
    • Continuing professional development, including training.
    • Work experience.
    • Coaching by more experienced staff, for example, other members of the engagement team.
    • Independence education for personnel who are required to be independent.

    通过下列途径可以提高人员的胜任能力:

    • 职业教育;
    • 持续职业发展,包括培训;
    • 工作经验;
    • 由经验更丰富的员工(如项目组的其他成员)提供辅导;
    • 针对受独立性要求约束的人员进行独立性教育。

    A26

    The continuing competence of the firm’s personnel depends to a significant extent on an appropriate level of continuing professional development so that personnel maintain their knowledge and capabilities.

    Effective policies and procedures emphasize the need for continuing training for all levels of firm personnel and provide the necessary training resources and assistance to enable personnel to develop and maintain the required competence and capabilities.

    会计师事务所人员的持续胜任能力在很大程度上取决于持续职业发展的适当水准,以使会计师事务所人员保持其知识和素质。

    有效的政策和程序强调对会计师事务所各级人员进行继续培训的必要性,并提供必要的培训资源和帮助,以使会计师事务所人员能够发展和保持必要的胜任能力和素质。

    A27

    The firm may use a suitably qualified external person, for example, when internal technical and training resources are unavailable.

    会计师事务所可利用具有适当资格的外部人员,例如,当会计师事务所内部不具备技术和培训资源时。

    A28

    Performance evaluation, compensation and promotion procedures give due recognition and reward to the development and maintenance of competence and commitment to ethical principles. Steps a firm may take in developing and maintaining competence and commitment to ethical principles include:

    • Making personnel aware of the firm’s expectations regarding performance and ethical principles;
    • Providing personnel with an evaluation of, and counselling on, performance, progress and career development; and
    • Helping personnel understand that advancement to positions of greater responsibility depends, among other things, upon performance quality and adherence to ethical principles, and that failure to comply with the firm’s policies and procedures may result in disciplinary action.

    业绩评价、薪酬和晋升程序需要对发展和保持胜任能力并遵守职业道德原则的行为给予应有的肯定和奖励。会计师事务所在发展和保持胜任能力并遵守职业道德原则方面可以采取的步骤包括:

    • 使会计师事务所人员知晓会计师事务所对业绩和遵守职业道德原则的期望;
    • 向会计师事务所人员提供业绩、晋升和职业发展方面的评价和咨询;
    • 帮助会计师事务所人员理解晋升更高职位取决于业务质量及遵守职业道德原则,而不遵守会计师事务所的政策和程序可能受到惩戒。
    Considerations Specific to Smaller Firms  
    对小型会计师事务所的特殊考虑

    A29

    The size and circumstances of the firm will influence the structure of the firm’s performance evaluation process. Smaller firms, in particular, may employ less formal methods of evaluating the performance of their personnel.

    会计师事务所的规模和具体情况将影响业绩评价过程。小型会计师事务所尤其可能运用不太正式的方法评价其人员的业绩。委派项目组

    Assignment of Engagement Teams Engagement Partners (Ref: Para. 30)  
    项目合伙人(参见:第 30 段)

    A30

    Policies and procedures may include systems to monitor the workload and availability of engagement partners so as to enable these individuals to have sufficient time to adequately discharge their responsibilities.

    会计师事务所的政策和程序可能包括对项目合伙人的工作量及可供调配的时间进行监控,以使项目合伙人有足够的时间恰当履行职责。

    Engagement Teams (Ref: Para. 31)  
    项目组(参见:第 31 段)

    A31

    The firm’s assignment of engagement teams and the determination of the level of supervision required, include, for example, consideration of the engagement team’s:

    • Understanding of, and practical experience with, engagements of a similar nature and complexity through appropriate training and participation;
    • Understanding of professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements;
    • Technical knowledge and expertise, including knowledge of relevant information technology;
    • Knowledge of relevant industries in which the clients operate;
    • Ability to apply professional judgment; and
    • Understanding of the firm’s quality control policies and procedures.

    A31. 在委派项目组及确定所需的监督程度时,会计师事务所可考虑项目组的下列方面:

    • 通过适当的培训和参与业务,获取执行类似性质和复杂程度业务的知识和实务经验;
    • 理解职业准则和适用的法律法规的规定;
    • 具有的技术知识和专长,包括相关的信息技术知识;
    • 对客户所处行业的了解;
    • 运用职业判断的能力;
    • 对会计师事务所质量控制政策和程序的了解。
    19
  • ISQC 1: Relevant Ethical Requirements

    ISQC 1: Relevant Ethical Requirements

    相关职业道德要求

    Para 20

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures designed to provide it with reasonable assurance that the firm and its personnel comply with relevant ethical requirements.

    第20段:会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,以合理保证会计师事务所及其人
    员遵守相关职业道德要求。
    Independence | 独立性

    Para 21:

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures designed to provide it with reasonable assurance that the firm, its personnel and, where applicable, others subject to independence requirements (including network firm personnel) maintain independence where required by relevant ethical requirements.

    Such policies and procedures shall enable the firm to (Ref: Para. A10)

    1. Communicate its independence requirements to its personnel and, where applicable, others subject to them; and
    2. Identify and evaluate circumstances and relationships that create threats to independence, and take appropriate action to eliminate those threats or reduce them to an acceptable level by applying safeguards, or, if considered appropriate, to withdraw from the engagement, where withdrawal is possible under applicable law or regulation.

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,以合理保证会计师事务所和人员,以及适用时,其他受独立性要求约束的人员(包括网络事务所的人员),保持相关职业道德要求规定的独立性。

    这些政策和程序应当使会计师事务所能够:(参见:第 A10 段)

    1. 向会计师事务所人员以及如适用,向其他受独立性要求约束的人员传达独立性要求;
    2. 识别和评价对独立性产生不利影响的情况和关系,并采取适当行动消除这些不利影响,或通过采取防范措施将其降至可接受的水平,或适当时,在法律法规允许的情况下解除业务约定。

    Para 22:

    Such policies and procedures shall require: (Ref: Para. A10)

    1. Engagement partners to provide the firm with relevant information about client engagements, including the scope of services, to enable the firm to evaluate the overall impact, if any, on independence requirements;
    2. Personnel to promptly notify the firm of circumstances and relationships that create a threat to independence so that appropriate action can be taken; and
    3. The accumulation and communication of relevant information to appropriate personnel so that:
      1. The firm and its personnel can readily determine whether they satisfy independence requirements;
      2. The firm can maintain and update its records relating to independence; and
      3. The firm can take appropriate action regarding identified threats to independence that are not at an acceptable level.

    这些政策和程序应当要求:(参见:第 A10 段)

    1. 项目合伙人向会计师事务所提供与客户委托业务相关的信息(包括服务范围),以使会计师事务所能够评价这些信息对保持独立性的总体影响(如存在)
    2. 会计师事务所人员立即向会计师事务所报告对独立性产生不利影响的情况和关系,以便会计师事务所采取适当行动;
    3. 会计师事务所收集相关信息,并向适当人员传达,以便:
      1. 会计师事务所及其人员能够容易地确定自身是否满足独立性要求;
      2. 会计师事务所能够保持并更新有关独立性的记录;
      3. 会计师事务所能够针对识别出的、对独立性产生超出可接受水平的不利影响采取适当行动。

    Para 23:

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures designed to provide it with reasonable assurance that it is notified of breaches of independence requirements and to enable it to take appropriate actions to resolve such situations.

    The policies and procedures shall include requirements for: (Ref: Para. A10)

    1. Personnel to promptly notify the firm of independence breaches of which they become aware;
    2. The firm to promptly communicate identified breaches of these policies and procedures to:
      1. The engagement partner who, with the firm, needs to address the breach; and
      2. Other relevant personnel in the firm and, where appropriate, the network, and those subject to the independence requirements who need to take appropriate action; and
    3. Prompt communication to the firm, if necessary, by the engagement partner and the other individuals referred to in subparagraph 23(b)(ii) of the actions taken to resolve the matter, so that the firm can determine whether it should take further action.

    会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,以合理保证能够获知违反独立性要求的情况,并采取适当行动予以解决。

    这些政策和程序应当包括下列要求:(参见:第 A10 段)

    1. 会计师事务所人员将注意到的违反独立性要求的情况立即报告会计师事务所;
    2. 会计师事务所将识别出的违反这些政策和程序的情况,立即传达给下列人员:
      1. 需要与会计师事务所共同处理这些情况的项目合伙人;
      2. 需要采取适当行动的会计师事务所及网络(在适当时)内部的其他相关人员,以及受独立性要求约束的人员;
    3. 必要时,项目合伙人以及第 23 段第(b)项之(ii)提及的人员立即向会计师事务所报告他们为解决有关问题采取的行动,以便会计师事务所能够决定是否应当采取进一步的行动。

    Para 24:

    At least annually, the firm shall obtain written confirmation of compliance with its policies and procedures on independence from all firm personnel required to be independent by relevant ethical requirements. (Ref: Para. A10–A11)

    会计师事务所应当每年至少一次向所有需要按照相关职业道德要求保持独立性的人员获取其遵守独立性政策和程序的书面确认函。 (参见:第 A10-A11 段)

    Para 25:

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures: (Ref: Para. A10)

    1. Setting out criteria for determining the need for safeguards to reduce the familiarity threat to an acceptable level when using the same senior personnel on an assurance engagement over a long period of time; and
    2. Requiring, for audits of financial statements of listed entities, the rotation of the engagement partner and the individuals responsible for engagement quality control review, and, where applicable, others subject to rotation requirements, after a specified period in compliance with relevant ethical requirements. (Ref: Para. A12–A17)

    会计师事务所应当制定下列政策和程序:(参见:第 A10 段)

    1. 建立标准,以确定长期委派同一个高级人员执行某项鉴证业务时,是否需要采取防范措施,将因密切关系产生的不利影响降至可接受的水平;
    2. 对所有上市实体财务报表审计业务,按照相关职业道德要求的规定,在规定期限届满时轮换项目合伙人、项目质量控制覆核人员,以及适用时,受轮换要求约束的其他人员。 (参见:第 A12-A17 段)
    Compliance with Relevant Ethical Requirements (Ref: Para. 20)  
    遵守相关职业道德要求(参见:第 20 段)

    A7.

    The IESBA Code establishes the fundamental principles of professional ethics, which include:

    1. Integrity;
    2. Objectivity;
    3. Professional competence and due care;
    4. Confidentiality; and
    5. Professional behaviour.

    国际职业会计师道德守则规定了职业道德基本原则,包括:

    • 诚信;
    • 客观;
    • 专业胜任能力和应有的关注;
    • 保密;
    • 职业行为。

    A8.

    Part B of the IESBA Code illustrates how the conceptual framework is to be applied in specific situations. It provides examples of safeguards that may be appropriate to address threats to compliance with the fundamental principles and also provides examples of situations where safeguards are not available to address the threats.

    国际职业会计师道德守则的 B 部分说明了如何在具体情形下运用概念框架,并且举例说明为处理对遵守职业道德基本原则产生不利影响的情形而采取的适当防范措施,以及无法采取防范措施以应对不利影响的情形。

    A9.

    The fundamental principles are reinforced in particular by:

    • The leadership of the firm;
    • Education and training;
    • Monitoring; and
    • A process for dealing with non-compliance.

    Definition of “Firm,” “Network” and “Network Firm” (Ref: Para. 20–25)

    下列途径尤其强化了职业道德基本原则:

    • 会计师事务所领导层的示范;
    • 教育和培训;
    • 监控;
    • 对违规行为的处理。

    “会计师事务所”、“网络”及“网络事务所”的定义(参见:第 20-25段)

    A10.

    The definitions of “firm,” network” or “network firm” in relevant ethical requirements may differ from those set out in this ISA. For example, the IESBA Code3 defines the “firm” as:

    1. A sole practitioner, partnership or corporation of professional accountants;
    2. An entity that controls such parties through ownership, the management or other means; and
    3. An entity is controlled by such parties through ownership, management or other means.

    The IESBA Code also provides guidance in relation to the terms “network” and “network firm.”

    In complying with the requirements in paragraphs 20–25, the definitions used in the relevant ethical requirements apply in so far as is necessary to interpret those ethical requirements.

    相关职业道德要求对“会计师事务所”、“网络”或“网络事务所”的定义可能不同于本国际质量控制准则。例如,国际职业会计师道德守则将“会计师事务所”定义如下:

    1. 由职业会计师设立的独资、合伙、公司或其他形式的执业组织;
    2. 通过所有权、管理权或其他手段对该组织施加控制的实体;
    3. 该组织通过所有权、管理权或其他手段施加控制的实体。

    国际职业会计师道德守则还提供了有关“网络”和“网络事务所”术语的指引。

    必要时,相关职业道德要求使用的定义也适用于解释第 20-25 段规定的职业道德要求。

    Written Confirmation (Ref: Para. 24) 
    书面确认函(参见:第 24 段) 

    A11.

    Written confirmation may be in paper or electronic form.

    By obtaining confirmation and taking appropriate action on information indicating non-compliance, the firm demonstrates the importance that it attaches to independence and makes the issue current for, and visible to, its personnel.

    书面确认函既可以是纸质的,也可以是电子形式的。

    通过获取确认函以及针对违反独立性的情况采取适当的行动,会计师事务所可以表明其强调保持独立性的重要性,并使保持独立性的问题对员工而言常讲常新,看得见摸得着。

     Familiarity Threat (Ref: Para. 25) 
     
     密切关系不利影响(参见:第 25 段)

    A12.

    The IESBA Code discusses the familiarity threat that may be created by using the same senior personnel on an assurance engagement over a long period of time and the safeguards that might be appropriate to address such threats.

    国际职业会计师道德守则讨论了长期委派同一个高级人员执行某项鉴证业务而导致因密切关系产生的不利影响,以及可能采取的适当防范措施。

    A13.

    Determining appropriate criteria to address familiarity threats may include matters such as:

    • The nature of the engagement, including the extent to which it involves a matter of public interest; and
    • The length of service of the senior personnel on the engagement.

    Examples of safeguards include rotating the senior personnel or requiring an engagement quality control review.

    确定适当的标准以应对因密切关系产生的不利影响时,会计师事务所可能考虑下列事项:

    • 业务的性质,包括涉及公众利益的程度;
    • 高级人员提供该项业务的服务年限。

    防范措施包括轮换高级人员,或要求实施项目质量控制覆核。

    A14.

    The IESBA Code recognizes that the familiarity threat is particularly relevant in the context of financial statement audits of listed entities.

    For these audits, the IESBA Code requires the rotation of the key audit partner after a pre-defined period, normally no more than seven years, and provides related standards and guidance. National requirements may establish shorter rotation periods.

    国际职业会计师道德守则指出,在执行上市实体财务报表审计工作时,因密切关系产生的不利影响尤其相关。

    针对这些审计业务,国际职业会计师道德守则要求,在预定的期限(通常不超过 7 年)内轮换关键审计合伙人,并为此提供了相关准则和指引。各国可能制定更短的轮换期限。

    Considerations specific to public sector audit organizations  
    对公共部门实体审计机构的特殊考虑

    A15.

    Statutory measures may provide safeguards for the independence of public sector auditors.

    However, threats to independence may still exist regardless of any statutory measures designed to protect it.

    Therefore, in establishing the policies and procedures required by paragraphs 20–25, the public sector auditor may have regarded the public sector mandate and addressed any threats to independence in that context.

    法定措施可能为公共部门实体审计师保持独立性提供防范措施。

    然而,即使存在这些法律措施,对独立性产生的不利影响可能仍然存在。

    因此,在制定第 20-25 段要求的政策和程序时,公共部门实体审计师可能需要考虑授权对公共部门实体进行审计的文件的规定,并应对该情况下对独立性产生的任何不利影响。

    A16.

    Listed entities as referred to in paragraphs 25 and A14 are not common in the public sector. However, there may be other public sector entities that are significant due to size, complexity or public interest aspects, and which consequently have a wide range of stakeholders. Therefore, there may be instances when a firm determines, based on its quality control policies and procedures, that a public sector entity is significant for the purposes of expanded quality control procedures.

    第 25 段和第 A14 段中提及的上市实体在公共部门实体中并不常见。然而,某些公共部门实体可能因其规模、复杂性或涉及公众利益的程度而显得十分重要,并因而拥有广泛的利益相关者。因此,会计师事务所可能根据其质量控制政策和程序,认为某个公共部门实体十分重要,从而扩展质量控制程序。

    A17.

    In the public sector, legislation may establish the appointments and terms of office of the auditor with engagement partner responsibility. As a result, it may not be possible to comply strictly with the engagement partner rotation requirements envisaged for listed entities. Nonetheless, for public sector entities considered significant, as noted in paragraph A16, it may be in the public interest for public sector audit organizations to establish policies and procedures to promote compliance with the spirit of rotation of engagement partner responsibility.

    就公共部门实体而言,相关法律法规可能对作为项目合伙人的审计师的委派和任期作出了规定。因此,对上市实体设定的项目合伙人轮换要求可能无法得到严格遵守。尽管如此,针对第 A16 段所述的重要的公共部门实体,公共部门实体审计机构可能出于对公众利益的考虑,制定政策和程序,以促进对项目合伙人轮换要求的遵守。

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  • ISQC 1: Leadership Responsibilities for Quality within the Firm

    ISQC 1: Leadership Responsibilities for Quality within the Firm

    对业务质量承担的领导责任

    Para 18

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures designed to promote an internal culture recognizing that quality is essential in performing engagements.

    第18段:会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,培育以质量为导向的内部文化。

    Such policies and procedures shall require the firm’s chief executive officer (or equivalent) or, if appropriate, the firm’s managing board of partners (or equivalent) to assume ultimate responsibility for the firm’s system of quality control.

    这些政策和程序应当要求会计师事务所的首席执行官(或类似人员),或如适当,会计师事务所的合伙人管理委员会(或类似机构),对质量控制制度承担最终责任。

    Promoting an Internal Culture of Quality

    The firm’s leadership and the examples it sets significantly influence the internal culture of the firm.

    The promotion of a quality-oriented internal culture depends on clear, consistent and frequent actions and messages from all levels of the firm’s management that emphasize the firm’s quality control policies and procedures, and the requirement to:

    1. perform work that complies with professional standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and
    2. issue reports that are appropriate in the circumstances.

    Such actions and messages encourage a culture that recognizes and rewards high-quality work.

    These actions and messages may be communicated by, but are not limited to, training seminars, meetings, formal or informal dialogue, mission statements, newsletters, or briefing memoranda.

    They may be incorporated in the firm’s internal documentation and training materials, and in partner and staff appraisal procedures such that they will support and reinforce the firm’s view on the importance of quality and how, practically, it is to be achieved.

    培育重视质量的内部文化

    会计师事务所领导层及其作出的示范对会计师事务所的内部文化有重大影响。

    培育以质量为导向的内部文化有赖于会计师事务所各级管理层通过清晰、一致及经常的行动示范和信息传达,强调会计师事务所的质量控制政策和程序,并作下列要求:

    (a)按照职业准则和适用的法律法规的规定执行工作;

    (b)出具适合具体情况的报告。

    这些行动和信息促进会计师事务所形成认可并奖励高质量工作的文化。

    会计师事务所可以通过(但不限于)培训研讨班、会议、正式或非正式的谈话、职责说明书、新闻通讯或备忘录传达这些行动和信息,并将其体现在会计师事务所的内部文件、培训资料,以及对合伙人及员工的评价程序中,以支持和强化会计师事务所对质量的重要性以及如何切实实现高质量的认识。

    Of particular importance in promoting an internal culture based on quality is the need for the firm’s leadership to recognize that the firm’s business strategy is subject to the overriding requirement for the firm to achieve quality in all the engagements that the firm performs.

    Promoting such an internal culture includes:

    1. Establishment of policies and procedures that address performance evaluation, compensation, and promotion (including incentive systems) with regard to its personnel, in order to demonstrate the firm’s overriding commitment to quality;
    2. Assignment of management responsibilities so that commercial considerations do not override the quality of work performed; and
    3. Provision of sufficient resources for the development, documentation and support of its quality control policies and procedures

    会计师事务所的管理层需要认识到,其经营策略服从于执行所有业务都要保证质量这一要求,这对于培育以质量为基础的内部文化尤其重要。

    培育这样的内部文化包括:

    1. 针对会计师事务所人员制定有关业绩评价、薪酬和晋升(包括激励制度)的政策和程序,以表明
    2. 质量至上的理念;
    3. 合理确定管理责任,以避免重商业利益,轻业务质量;
    4. 投入足够的资源制定和执行质量控制政策和程序,并形成相关文件记录。

    Para 19

    The firm shall establish policies and procedures such that any person or persons assigned operational responsibility for the firm’s system of quality control by the firm’s chief executive officer or managing board of partners has sufficient and appropriate experience and ability, and the necessary authority, to assume that responsibility.

    第19段:会计师事务所应当制定政策和程序,使受会计师事务所首席执行官或合伙人管理委员会委派负责质量控制制度运作的人员具有足够、适当的经验和能力,以及必要的权限以履行其责任。

    Assigning Operational Responsibility for the Firm’s System of Quality Control 

    Sufficient and appropriate experience and ability enable the person or persons responsible for the firm’s system of quality control to identify and understand quality control issues and to develop appropriate policies and procedures.

    Necessary authority enables the person or persons to implement those policies and procedures.

    会计师事务所质量控制制度运作责任的分配

    充分、适当的经验和能力使会计师事务所负责质量控制制度的人员能够识别和了解质量控制问题,并制定适当的政策和程序。

    必要的权限使其能够实施这些政策和程序。

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  • ISQC 1: Audit Firms must ensure that their Audits adhere to Quality Standards

    ISQC 1: Audit Firms must ensure that their Audits adhere to Quality Standards

    The purpose of this is to reduce the RISKS of:

    • Litigation brought against the Firm for alleged violations of professional conduct;
    • Incorrect opinion from the auditor, and as a result, boosted confidence in the reliability of the financial statements among investors

    审计事务所必须确保他们的审计工作遵守质量标准,其目的是减少以下的风险:

    • 审计事务所因涉嫌违反职业行为而面对诉讼的风险;
    • 审计师提供不正确意见的风险,并因此增强投资者对财务报表可靠性的信心

    There are 2 Different Quality Control Standards

    • At the firm level:
      • the International Standard on Quality Control 1 (ISQC 1) is Quality Control for Firms that carry out audits and reviews [*]
    • At the individual AUDIT level:
      • International Standard on Auditing [ISA] 220 Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements [*] is specific to audit engagements and contains specific requirements that should be adhered to in the performance of any audit.

    有两种不同的质量控制标准

    • 在公司层面
      • 国际质量控制标准 1(ISQC 1)是对进行审计和审查的会计事务所的质量控制 [*] 。
    • 在个别审计层面
      • 国际审计准则 [ISA] 第220号 《财务报表审计的质量控制》[*] 是专门针对审计业务及包含了在执行任何审计时应遵守的具体要求。

    [*] – However, effective 15 December 2022:

    • ISQM 1 replaces ISQC 1;
    • ISA 220 Quality Management for an Audit of Financial Statements replaces Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements

    [*] – 然而,即将在2022年12月15日生效:-

    ISQM 1 取代了 ISQC 1;

    ISA 220 财务报表审计的质量管理取代财务报表审计的质量控制

    *Quick note to Audit Firms:

    Firms are recommended to research the requirements of the three new quality management standards that have been adopted by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). These standards are scheduled to become effective on December 15, 2022.

    The standards, which include the International Standards on Quality Management ISQM 1 and ISQM 2, as well as the International Standard on Auditing ISA 220 Revised, are an evolution from a traditional, more linear approach to quality control.

    They are intended to create a more robust System of Quality Management for Firms that use the standards developed by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The new standards provide an approach to audit quality management that is robust, scalable, and proactive. This approach is essential to ensuring that the auditing profession will continue to be trusted and viable in the future.

    18