Small and Midsized Business Audit Guide Updated

The Small and Medium Practices Committee of the International Federation of Accountants has issued the second edition of its “Guide to Using International Standards on Auditing in the Audits of Small- and Medium-Sized Entities.”

The implementation guide is intended to help practitioners understand and efficiently apply the Clarified International Standards on Auditing, which are effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after Dec. 15, 2009.

“Many practitioners around the world are transitioning to the use of the Clarified ISAs,” said SMP Committee chair Sylvie Voghel in a statement. “While the Clarity Project made the ISAs more understandable, clear, and capable of consistent application, the SMP Committee has long recognized the challenges facing SMPs in applying new standards—which range from resource constraints to the distinctive traits of audits of small- and medium-sized entities. The updated ISA Guide provides IFAC member bodies—and ultimately the SMPs they represent—with a unique resource to help them implement the new requirements efficiently and deliver high-quality service.”

The first edition of the ISA Guide was issued in December 2007 and was IFAC’s second most popular publication during 2008. The second edition includes various improvements based on feedback from users of the first edition. In addition, it features two integrated case studies, one of which focuses on an audit of a micro-entity, increased focus on SME audits, and a new colorful design.

The ISA Guide also now comes in two stand-alone volumes. Volume 1 describes the basic concepts of a risk-based audit in conformance with the Clarified ISAs. It is directed at practitioners and students with little or no familiarity with the ISAs who want to understand them and apply them in practice. This volume might also provide material to training providers, institutes, and universities that teach audit practices.

Volume 2 provides practical guidance for the audit of SMEs. It is aimed at practitioners with a good working knowledge of the ISAs who want a tool for reference purposes, as well as specific guidance on conducting SME audits cost effectively.  

The PDF version of the ISA Guide can be downloaded free of charge for personal use from the Publications & Resources section of the IFAC website.