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The changes are intended to more closely align the definition of “those charged with governance” in the Code with that in the IAASB’s ISA 260, Communication with Those Charged with Governance, thereby eliminating any potential confusion. The Ethics Board does not expect any changes will be necessary to accounting firms’ systems and methodologies or common practice.
The changes clarify that a subgroup of those charged with governance of an entity, such as an audit committee, may assist the governing body in meeting its responsibilities. In those cases, if a professional accountant or firm communicates with such a subgroup, the Code requires the professional accountant or firm to determine whether communication with all of those charged with governance is also necessary so that they are adequately informed.
“The changes to the definition reflect the Ethics Board’s ongoing commitment to eliminate unnecessary differences with the IAASB’s standards, which serves to enhance our shared stakeholders’ understanding of our standards and guidance”, said Jörgen Holmquist, chair of the IESBA. “Furthermore, by clarifying the definition, the Ethics Board aims to promote more consistent application of the Code, which is critical to its mission to ultimately foster a consistent and high level of ethical behavior by professional accountants around the world.”