IAASB Opens Public Consultation on Less Complex Group Audits

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) opened the public consultation for a group audit-specific section of the proposed auditing standard for less complex entities (LCEs).

The proposed section, Part 10, Audits of Group Financial Statements, is intended to form part of the proposed International Standard on Auditing for Audits of Financial Statements of Less Complex Entities (ISA for LCE) when finalized.

Group audits were not included in the scope of the original Exposure Draft of the ISA for LCE.

Given stakeholder feedback, the IAASB reconsidered its decision to exclude group audits and developed proposals that address audits of less complex groups.

With the inclusion of group audits, the IAASB has proposed changes to the Authority of the proposed ISA for LCE.

For example, the IAASB removed the prohibition on using the standard when the audit is a group audit unless component auditors are involved, other than in limited circumstances in which a physical presence is needed for a specific audit procedure for the group audit (e.g., for attending a physical inventory count or inspecting physical assets).

The IAASB invites all stakeholder to comment on the exposure draft via the IAASB website. Comments are requested by May 2, 2023.