IRBA Board trusts Agulhas to navigate current audit landscape

Johannesburg, Friday, February 2, 2018 - The Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) has confirmed that it has renewed its contract with CEO, Bernard Agulhas, for a further two years to 31 March 2020.

Says chairman of the board, Abel Dlamini: “It gives me great pleasure to confirm our decision which was based on the current challenges the profession is experiencing. We believe that Bernard, with his vast understanding of the profession and oversight, locally and internationally, is in the ideal position to help the board to navigate these issues successfully.

“Furthermore, the reputation and image of the auditing and accounting professions need a resolute and committed leader to restore trust, and ensure the continued confidence of investors, business, government and other stakeholders at a time when the country will benefit from financial market stability and investor confidence. His commitment to the public interest and strengthening the independence of auditors will be key to this, as will his ability to ensure that the IRBA remains responsive to the dynamic environment in which it exercises its oversight responsibilities.”

The board expressed its support and best wishes to Mr Agulhas on his reappointment.

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More about the IRBA:

The IRBA is a public protection statutory body established to protect the financial interests of the public by ensuring registered auditors and their firms deliver services of the highest quality. It upholds audit firm independence to ensure that audit quality is such that it enhances the accuracy and credibility of financial performance reporting. In this way, the IRBA has an important role to play in building the reputation of South Africa as an investment market for both local and global investors and driving economic growth for the country.

The IRBA also registers suitably qualified accountants as auditors, who must adhere to the highest ethics standards, and promotes the auditing profession through the effective regulation of assurance conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards and processes.