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Proficiency Assessment Interviews
The ADP focuses on competency at entry to the profession. The
IRBA also has to ensure that those who wish to enter the profession
after an extended absence from audit are competent. The IRBA
defines extended absence as follows:
• More than three years, and whichever is the latter, since an
applicant:
o
Was registered with the IRBA (assurance);
o
Successfully completed the ADP;
o
Passed the Public Practice Examination;
o
Completed a training contract in public practice; or
o
Worked in an audit and assurance environment.
On application for registration, any applicant who is deemed to have
not been absent for an extended period and intends to start their
own practice is required to supply the IRBA with:
• Comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
records;
• An up-to-date CV;
• A short description of why assurance registration is required;
• A practice plan, including a Quality Manual (ISQC) for the
practice they intend to start; and
• The name and RA number of the RA identified as the practice’s
Quality Reviewer. In this regard, also furnish the IRBA with
agreements entered into with the Quality Reviewer.
On application for registration, any applicant who is deemed to have
been absent for an extended period may be required to attend a
proficiency assessment interview where their RA registration will be
considered.
The proficiency assessment interviews are educational in nature.
The applicant is afforded an opportunity to engage with very
experienced staff members of the IRBA and members from the
profession. Therefore, the applicant is guided in how to proceed
with their registration process.
Continuing Professional Development
One of the most important aspects of competence is the
maintenance thereof. Many professionals consider CPD to be a
burden, but it is what should keep us relevant as professionals. With
the ever-changing world of work, professionals must also innovate
and engage in life-long learning.
What is even more important about CPD is that RAs must undertake
CPD activities that are relevant for their specific roles. In this regard
the IRBA’s CPD policy states that:
All RAs (attest and non-attest) will be required to undertake and
maintain a record of CPD activities. Attest RAs must undertake
“audit” relevant CPD. Non-attest RAs are not required to
undertake “audit” relevant CPD but are advised to maintain and
develop their CPD in audit should they wish to change their
registration status from non-attest to attest in the future.
This means that if an RA holds another professional designation, they
must also undertake CPD that is relevant for their other designation.
For example, if you are an RA and you are also registered as a tax
practitioner, you would be required to undertake tax relevant CPD
activities.
The CPD policy also requires RAs to undertake compulsory
ethics CPD. This is to ensure that RAs as professionals base their
workplace activities on an explicit awareness of and commitment
to that which enhances the good in the world of the professional,
centred on but not limited to professional practice itself and its
various stakeholders.
The International Accounting Education Standards
Board (IAESB)
The IAESB is an independent standard-setting body that serves the
public interest by establishing standards in the area of professional
accounting education. It prescribes technical competence and
professional skills, values, ethics and attitudes. Through its activities,
the IAESB enhances education by developing and implementing
International Education Standards (IESs), which increase the
competence of the global accountancy profession. This contributes
to strengthened public trust.
Below is a list of the current IESs:
Entry
Requirements
•IES 1: Entry
requirements to
professional
accounting
education
programme
•IES 2: Technical
competence
•IES 3: Professional skills
•IES 4: Professional values,
ethics and attitudes
•IES 5: Practical experience
•IES 6: Assessment of
professional
competence
•IES 7: Continuing
Professional
Development
•IES 8: Professional
competence for
engagement
partners
responsible for
audit of financial
statements
Initial
Professional
Development
CPD
Special
Standard
EDUCATION AND TRANSFORMATION cont.
Issue 42 | April - June 2018
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