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GENERAL NEWS
LESSONS FROMTHEROADSHOWS
The IRBAhas committed to looking at those concerns that are
within its jurisdiction. For example, the regulator has plans to
have more interventions and contact sessions for SMPs
through regional councils and SAICA structures. Below is a
table that shows some of the main concerns that were
highlighted during the roadshows and the IRBA's
commitment, where this applies, to what it will do to address
these.
The perception of auditors from small firms is that they do not
get enough support from the IRBAand SAICA. This is the view
that was expressed by small and medium practitioners
(SMPs) in their evaluation of this year's roadshows, which they
assessed as being gearedmore towards big firms.
Of the almost 900 practitioners who attended the 16
roadshows held around the country, 90% were from small and
medium-sized practices. A concerning fact, though, was the
lack of representation of black RAs at the information
sessions.
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Issue 32 October - December 2015
Comments from auditors
Can the IRBA
respond to
comment?
The presentations placed more focus on
big or large firms and less focus on SMPs.
Comments
Yes
More contact sessions with SMPs will be arranged
through regional councils and SAICA structures.
Could the root cause in inspection findings
be a need to further educate auditors? If
so, how will the IRBA address this?
Yes
Consideration to be given to current CPD
requirements and SAICA accreditation requirements.
Can the IRBA influence the DTI to increase
the public interest score?
Yes
SAICA is in the process of addressing this, in
collaboration with the IRBA.
There is a need for more sessions/
workshops throughout the year to
support auditors.
Yes
The IRBA to increase its collaboration with
SAICA so as to leverage off the institute's regional
structures.
The IRBA and SAICA should prepare a
communication that explains the value of
an audit and this can be provided to clients.
Yes
The IRBA has made a commitment to assist RAs
in this regard.
Will it be possible to conduct roadshows
through webinars?
Yes
Discussions with various training organisations to
look at utilising their technological expertise and
resources are under way.
The RA brand is not properly promoted
and the IRBA should revisit its strategy
regarding marketing the RA qualification.
Yes
The IRBA to revisit its strategy on raising awareness
about the RA brand and profession.
The IRBA should strive to publicise
auditing success stories.
Yes
The issue is being addressed through the IRBA's
media strategy.
Auditors in small practices do not obtain
sufficient support from the IRBA and
SAICA.
Yes
The IRBA and SAICA are collaborating for increased
support to SMPs.