SAICA Leadership in a time of crisis series
Webcast #23: Impact on assurance – session with the IRBA CEO
Who should attend?
SAICA members and associates [CA(SA)/AGA(SA)/AT(SA)] and trainees and members of the public
Overview
We invite our members and associates to join us for an informative session with the IRBA CEO, Bernard Agulhas, as he discusses various aspects of importance, including the impact of COVID-19:
- Relevant issues pertaining to COVID-19 and the auditing profession
- The state of the profession
- Restoring Confidence Projects
- Auditing Profession Act Amendments
- Status of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation (MAFR)
- New Code of Professional Conduct
- Continued Professional Development
- Audit Development Programme
- Proposed Comprehensive Regulation model
Programme
26 May 2020
09h00 – 10h10
Update from the CEO
10h10 – 10h30
Q&A
About our presenter
Bernard Agulhas
A Chartered Accountant, CA(SA) and Registered Public Sector Financial Officer with thirty years’ tenure in the auditing and accounting profession (private and public sectors) encompassing assurance, deep knowledge of the regulatory environment, standard setting, stakeholder engagement, and currently 11 years as CEO of the Independent Regulatory Board For Auditors South Africa (IRBA). Experience encompasses significant leadership and technical knowledge and capability, regulation and oversight, general management, stakeholder relationship management (local and international), strategy development, change management and strong communication and presentation skills.
In addition to leading and maintaining the effective operation of the organisation, during which period South Africa was ranked in the number 1 position for its auditing and reporting standards by the World Economic Forum for seven consecutive years, acts as principle spokesperson for the organisation. Development of strong networks within the media fraternity and engaging with key stakeholders including international bodies, professional bodies, regulators, government, parliament, the profession and investors. Has created a platform for ensuring that the IRBA’s mission to protect the financial interest of the South African public and international investors is consistently held top of mind.
Prior to current appointment was Technical Director at the IRBA, largely responsible for audit and ethics standard setting for the auditing profession, adoption and implementation of the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) in South Africa and participation in the international standard setting activities of the International Federation of Accountants’ (IFAC) International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), as technical advisor to the South African member, as well as providing technical support on the redrafting of three ISAs for the IAASB in terms of their five year Clarity Project.
During 2001 to 2003 as Project Director – Technical at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), the South African professional and IFAC member body, responsible for the public sector (accounting and auditing) of the local profession. During this period was technical advisor to the South African member on the international public sector accounting standard setting body of IFAC (now The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board – IPSASB).
Headed up the technical department at the Office of the Auditor General from 1998 to 2001. During this time was responsible for harmonising and implementing the private sector auditing standards in the public sector and participated in the development of the Public Finance Management Act, the legislation which covers the national and provincial spheres of government.
Commenced career in the auditing profession at PricewaterhouseCoopers (then Coopers and Lybrand) progressing to become a Director before joining the Office of the Auditor General as Centre Manager for Research and Development.
From 1983 to 1995 lectured and tutored part-time for various educational institutions including Rhodes University and the University of Transkei.
Up to 2019 was a board member of the IFAC International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) and chaired the Professional Scepticism Behavioural Competency Task Force.
A founding member of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) and appointed to its first Board and first chairman of the IFIAR Audit Committee. Chaired the IFIAR Standards Coordination Working Group (SCWG) for four years during which period the engagement between the IAASB, IFIAR and IESBA (International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants) was initiated.
A founding member and deputy chairman of the African Forum of Independent Audit and Accounting Regulators (AFIAAR).
Served as a member on the IAASB Audit Quality Framework Task Force and Professional Scepticism Task Force.
A member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance, the body responsible for developing best practice in governance in the private and public sectors in South Africa.
Guest Lecturer for audit Masters and Honours students at universities.
CPD Hours
SAICA’s CPD policy has changed effective 1 January 2020 from an input measurement basis to an output measurement basis. Learning and the development of professional competence is unique to each member and should be aligned to your personal needs identified in your reflective learning plans. For further information and guidance, go to SAICA’s CPD website. The competencies being addressed in this seminar are:
- Citizenship, values and attitudes: Professional citizen
- Business acumen: Business internal environment
- Business acumen: Business external environment
- Business acumen: Innovation and creativity
- Assurance and related services: Concepts and principles of assurance engagements
If you are required to log CPD hours (for instance if you are a SAICA Tax Practitioner or registered with other professional bodies or organisations such as the IOD, SAIPA, SAIT etc.), please note that this seminar affords you 1.5 hours of CPD.
Cost
Please note this session is complimentary.