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The Brain Drain of Audit Quality

2026-06-01T15:13:52+02:00

What’s News? The Brain Drain of Audit Quality For decades, audit quality, in general, has failed to prevent audit failures. Upgraded audit standards, and stricter independence requirements have been implemented in an attempt to address the challenge. In my opinion, there are a number of environmental factors being overlooked in the formal structures that set audit standards and educational standards, causing a drain on knowledge and experience in the profession, (the so-called ‘brain drain’). I am listing a few: Computer skills In my opinion, the brain drain started when personal computers were introduced into audit. Many manual calculations, [...]

The Brain Drain of Audit Quality2026-06-01T15:13:52+02:00

IFIAR releases 2026 Report on the Use of Technology in Audits

2026-05-29T15:04:07+02:00

LATEST UPDATE IFIAR releases 2026 Report on the Use of Technology in Audits IFIAR has released its 2026 report on ‘Use of Technology in Audits – Innovation and Audit Quality’, which forms part of a series by its Technology Task Force. The report highlights how advancements in technology are reshaping audits globally while introducing new risks, and provides observations and insights on emerging trends and practices. The observations in this report are based on information shared with IFIAR and are intended to provide insights into emerging trends, practices, and areas of focus. Building on the [...]

IFIAR releases 2026 Report on the Use of Technology in Audits2026-05-29T15:04:07+02:00

Innovative new guidance supports audit firm adoption of emerging AI technologies

2026-05-29T11:27:52+02:00

LATEST UPDATE Innovative new guidance supports audit firm adoption of emerging AI technologies The Financial Reporting Council has published guidance to support audit firms in the responsible use of generative and agentic AI in audit engagements, helping firms manage risks to audit quality while realising efficiency and quality benefits. The guidance codifies good practice, rather than addressing identified deficiencies, and reinforces that auditors remain fully accountable for audit quality. At a glance: Generative and Agentic AI Guidance outlines a practical framework for building appropriate confidence in AI outputs, supported by professional judgment and illustrative real-world [...]

Innovative new guidance supports audit firm adoption of emerging AI technologies2026-05-29T11:27:52+02:00

Navigating the Path to Audit Excellence: An Overview of the IRBA 2025 Public Inspections Report

2026-06-05T13:16:01+02:00

Every year, the IRBA issues its Public Inspections Report to provide the profession with critical insights into topical deficiencies, and trends identified during the inspection of audit firms and engagements. The 2025 report, which was issued in March 2026, serves as a vital tool for auditors to identify gaps within their own practices and implement the remedial measures necessary to address these gaps. A risk-based inspection approach The IRBA continues to employ a risk-based approach to its inspections. The past cycle addressed inspections through three primary avenues: Theme-based inspections Firm-wide inspections The monitoring of [...]

Navigating the Path to Audit Excellence: An Overview of the IRBA 2025 Public Inspections Report2026-06-05T13:16:01+02:00

IFIAR Releases Report on 2025 Annual Survey of Audit Inspection Findings

2026-04-29T13:10:28+02:00

LATEST UPDATE IFIAR Releases Report on 2025 Annual Survey of Audit Inspection Findings The International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) released a report on the results of its 14th annual survey of inspection findings. These findings arise from its member regulators’ individual inspections of audit firms affiliated with the six largest global audit firm networks (the Global Public Policy Committee networks or GPPC networks). IFIAR collected information about two categories of activities: inspections of firm-wide systems of quality control and inspections of individual audit engagements. IFIAR members from 52 jurisdictions contributed to the 2025 [...]

IFIAR Releases Report on 2025 Annual Survey of Audit Inspection Findings2026-04-29T13:10:28+02:00

IESBA and IAASB Clarify Link Between ISQM 1 and FCG Viewpoints

2026-04-29T13:00:45+02:00

LATEST UPDATE IESBA and IAASB Complete Analysis on Linkages between ISQM 1 and FCG Viewpoints The analysis: Explains linkages and key differences between IESBA’s FCG viewpoints and ISQM 1 Highlights their mutually supportive nature and key differences in their objectives, scope, output and focus Was developed in close coordination with the IAASB, responding to calls from stakeholders. The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has released the complete analysis of the linkages, available on: https://www.ethicsboard.org/publications/linkages-between-iesba-viewpoints-and-isqm-1 between the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1, available on: https://www.iaasb.org/publications/international-standard-quality-management-isqm-1-quality-management-firms-perform-audits-or-reviews and the IESBA’s Firm Culture and Governance [...]

IESBA and IAASB Clarify Link Between ISQM 1 and FCG Viewpoints2026-04-29T13:00:45+02:00

Photographic Evidence

2026-04-01T10:31:09+02:00

When an auditor obtains photographic evidence to support audit procedures, the requirements for audit evidence need to be considered, i.e. Sufficient and appropriate Relevant and reliable Accurate and complete Sufficiently precise for purpose It should be kept in mind that evidence is persuasive, rather than conclusive. ISA 200 para 5: ‘As the basis for the auditor’s opinion, ISAs require the auditor to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. It is [...]

Photographic Evidence2026-04-01T10:31:09+02:00

Root Cause Analysis – The Root of Many Evils

2026-03-31T15:55:42+02:00

What’s News? Your Content Goes Here Root Cause Analysis – The Root of Many Evils With the advent of ISQM1, ISQM2, and the revised ISA 220, the term, ‘root cause analysis’, has surfaced as a requirement when encountering failures in audit engagements, and within the audit quality management system. During inspections, the IRBA also assists firms with the determination of root causes. It is one of the most important aspects of the quality management system and, therefore, deserves detailed attention. Why do I say that? It is one of the few opportunities for engagement partners, quality leaders and [...]

Root Cause Analysis – The Root of Many Evils2026-03-31T15:55:42+02:00

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