https://www.icaew.com/rss/audit-and-assuranceKeep up to date with the latest developments in audit and assuranceen{2CC4076C-FBD7-40B2-A165-3F0266E2E433}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/a-conversation-with-nigel-sleigh-johnsonAfter more than a quarter of a century at ICAEW, Nigel Sleigh-Johnson, Director of Audit and Corporate Reporting, stepped out of Chartered Accountants’ Hall for the last time in January. Here he shares his insights on how the profession has transformed, what hasn’t changed nearly enough and takes a look towards the future.{940C8BE3-F90C-4883-A539-FEDA3CE2E4B1}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/audit-and-tech-where-are-we-nowTechnology is rapidly transforming the audit and assurance landscape. What have regulators, standard-setters, professional bodies and others been doing to keep pace? And what can we expect from 2026?{01CD287A-05F7-4058-885B-45FED7C7D83F}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/executing-effective-substantive-analytical-proceduresGraham Gardner outlines how well-designed substantive analytical procedures should be executed, refined and evaluated in practice.{5F7B0365-297A-44F4-8E08-693B2B8F8CB4}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/isqm-making-file-reviews-matterISQM 1 requires firms to perform an annual evaluation of their System of Quality Management (SOQM).{3714B836-8D87-428E-9BD5-91E882CECC00}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/kick-start-the-new-yearMake the most of your Audit and Assurance Faculty resources during 2026.{65A281DC-703D-4C57-BDFC-4AC072A07A3F}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/taking-a-structured-approach-to-substantive-analytical-proceduresGraham Gardner explores the five elements that form the foundation of effective substantive analytical procedures.{A2E976A0-0C50-4AFA-B3B5-84CB95E94A8A}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2026/hot-topics-and-tips-for-2026-auditsThe audit of groups and components, external confirmations, sample size caps and rule changes on company and LLP size limits will be on the minds of auditors during 2026. Peter Herbert shares some helpful reminders and insights.{384B3CF2-298C-4BE8-855E-8D0799547303}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/hot-topics-and-tips-for-2026-auditsPeter Herbert is back for our annual webinar that aims to help small and medium sized audit firms get ready for the 2025/26 reporting season.{96C1D867-B6E1-46FB-89D6-571C4AD3FE29}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/exploring-the-impact-of-new-sustainability-assurance-standards-on-engagementsWhat will new sustainability assurance standards ISSA 5000 and IESSA mean for sustainability-related engagements, assurance practitioners and the existing standards framework for assurance, ethics and independence? Find answers in our Q&A overview.{375EA505-CC6E-4B76-AA0F-EE7EE27A8D41}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/auditing-revenue-considerations-for-your-next-assignmentAudit firms may want to review their approaches to the audit of revenue as they prepare for the 2025/2026 reporting season. Andrew Paul outlines topical considerations and reminds firms of some recurring audit quality themes.{6135613B-1DD5-4D07-BD7F-C5A45934E1A9}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/practical-advice-when-considering-complexity-in-audit-relevant-it-systemsAudit & Beyond shares practical pointers and support resources for smaller firms on considering complexity in the audited entity IT environment.{E5B0C8FB-3516-4F10-98CB-57B1C79AB8CC}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/uk-guidance-for-audits-of-smaller-and-less-complex-entitiesFirms may want to consider the proposed FRC ‘Guidance for audits of smaller and/or less complex entities’ and have their say on the consultation.{F668CEE5-6A28-40E0-BED9-03D86D2FECEB}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/ai-a-larger-firms-perspectiveArtificial intelligence is transforming the audit profession. Here, Konrad Bukowski-Kruszyna shares insights into key application areas at his firm and how all firms can adopt AI responsibly.{91E09625-6C2D-42DD-A690-DA6E1C427C2C}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/auditing-revenue-dealing-with-the-risksThe audit of revenue offers opportunities for many firms to improve the quality of their audit work. Andrew Paul shares reminders on some key themes and considers what a good approach to auditing revenue might look like.{59A9FB7F-67D3-4316-BED7-949C3ACA4B87}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/analytical-proceduresIn this webinar we unlock the full potential of analytical procedures to enhance audit quality and efficiency.{C0107456-86F0-4C71-B6AE-16785BDEAFA8}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/ai-a-smaller-firms-perspectiveArtificial intelligence is transforming the audit profession. Here, Luke Parker explores how this shift is empowering his firm.{DD03F8CA-43EA-4C91-AF2F-4E3B73C336DF}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/write-it-right-write-it-once-the-key-to-efficient-audit-documentationGood audit documentation tells the story of the audit. Here, Graham Gardner explores where auditors may be going wrong, the benefits of getting it right and what ‘good’ looks like.{7CF4FC77-B786-4A7C-9AFC-4531BAECF614}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/engaging-with-sustainability-assuranceExplore key insights on the emerging global sustainability assurance framework, with practical pointers from audit and assurance professionals in practice and standard setting.{8125703F-02B4-4EE1-92ED-5341BE16C1B1}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/ai-in-auditIn this webinar recording we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged by auditors to facilitate their work. {593EDCC5-819D-48A2-B012-EB658C26C32C}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/audit-documentation-a-lawyers-perspectivePoor documentation has hidden costs. Karen Eckstein shares some simple steps that auditors can take to avoid them.{DF23AEB9-E78C-4FF6-8FF1-0B0BD191963B}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/how-to-maximise-the-value-and-effectiveness-of-your-walkthroughsGet more from the walkthrough process. Training providers share their top recommendations on how with Helen Pierpoint.{F5650251-F1D5-491F-BA41-1792E4449379}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/uk-audit-regulations-and-guidance-mayFrom 1 June 2025, ICAEW-registered firms must notify ICAEW when appointed to certain complex or high-risk audits – and be aware of other new provisions.{2E16656F-783C-4611-A53C-2AC09B2C2D40}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/isqm-1-monitoring-and-remediationMonitoring and remediation is a continuous process and a mandatory ISQM 1 requirement. All firms should be mindful of this.{E9D849FA-5D23-49B8-AE12-001C8342DE7C}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/ethical-considerations-around-data-hostingAll audit firms need to be aware of new provisions around ‘data hosting’ in the Revised Ethical Standard 2024. BDO’s Omid Tissier offers insights on key aspects and potential impacts.{F6D4988A-F8CE-4B82-BC5B-855E2C07869D}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/communicating-clearly-in-group-audit-engagementsEffective two-way communication between the group and component auditors is key under ISA 600. Helen Pierpoint considers associated challenges and shares tips on communicating with non-native English-speakers. {BF3358D7-6B1C-4B1A-85AA-36BD91651450}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/uk-audit-regulations-and-guidanceAll audit firms are reminded of the April 2025 deadline for compliance with new provisions in the current Audit Regulations and the prospect of other changes during 2025. {B3EFAD00-1FCD-4488-8535-15D28F4D93EB}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/advancing-sustainability-reporting-and-assuranceExplore how new global standards for both assurance and ethics are advancing trust and transparency in sustainability reporting and assurance.{813DDBD0-C660-45AE-8552-9C5B0361BE51}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/improving-the-audit-of-cash-flow-statementsMany firms may benefit from reviewing how they undertake the audit of cash flow statements, and this Q&A from Hugh Morgan addresses the main issues involved.{B928E285-B60C-4A15-8FFA-D54D133F14E3}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/efficient-pensions-audits-for-trustees-common-information-requestsUnderstanding more about common requests for information can make them easier for pension scheme trustees to deal with. Helen Pierpoint and Amelia Pickard share some insights.{5146638A-C449-43A1-8AFE-26334B198AA4}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/changes-to-company-size-thresholdsFrom 6 April 2025 an uplift in company size thresholds and reduction in reporting requirements will affect financial statement auditors, companies and LLPs. {57986162-54BC-4E50-A033-C79111FA9523}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/quality-documentation-getting-it-right-first-timeThis webinar from the Audit and Assurance Faculty will provide insight and best practice techniques to help auditors overcome documentation challenges.{C348A5FD-A7B2-4B05-B148-D6865D32547D}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/hot-topics-and-tips-for-2025-auditsPrepare for the 2024/25 reporting season with technical and practical tips from Peter Herbert to assist firms with implementation and compliance with revised regulations and standards.{427EB328-216E-41A7-9C75-585EA72A6CAE}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/issa-5000-iaasb-sustainability-assurance-standardAuditors and other professional assurance practitioners will want to become familiar with the new general-purpose standard for sustainability assurance.{3DD8E4CF-B1D8-445B-8467-D943AA50AAC7}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/efficient-pensions-audits-for-trustees-relationships-matterPlanning and communication between management, auditors and trustees are key to an efficient audit process that can reduce the burden on pension scheme trustees. Helen Pierpoint and Amelia Pickard outline why and how.{A813B43D-41C0-45D2-8001-4A07F5AF534E}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/developing-professional-judgementAuditors can enhance development and application of their professional judgement with ICAEW’s e-learning programme – and gain four hours of verifiable CPD.{C07A8FC3-D6D3-41B0-AE1B-ED82A657EE6C}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/ways-to-enhance-root-cause-analysisStrengthen ISQM 1 root cause analysis with good practice examples from audit firms and regulators.{97423EB9-A833-4856-B378-98F61168DA8D}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2025/articles/progressing-isqm-1-implementation-in-independent-firmsStill grappling with ISQM 1 implementation? Jez Williams and Peter Herbert share some problem-solving pointers for smaller firms.{B1177B48-EB99-4C0E-A385-3BF542E271C0}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/enhancing-your-firms-annual-soqm-evaluationTo assist firms with enhancing their system of quality management and its annual evaluation, Lee Eagling and Gavin Leake share their top tips.{764ECB34-CF9D-470B-A11C-9590A841DCBC}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/revised-ethical-standard-2024The FRC’s 2024 Revised Ethical Standard comes into effect on 15th December 2024. This Audit and Assurance Faculty webcast will highlight the key changes introduced in the revisions, explore some of the requirements in more detail and highlight some emerging issues for firms to consider. {BF3A6969-BC21-492C-958A-DDE932E762DA}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/practical-pointers-on-auditing-cash-flow-statementsRegulators are sharpening their focus on the audit of cash flow statements. Hugh Morgan shares tips on some common areas of weakness and errors for auditors.{11E59EF1-B5FF-4B6B-BA76-BC2C4475AB3D}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/the-changing-nature-of-group-auditsGain insights from auditors on key ISA 600 revisions, changes of emphasis and focus, plus good practices for group and component auditors.{8611452E-92B0-4324-8C67-522414F1B9C6}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/trends-in-outsourcing-and-offshoringOutsourcing and offshoring has grown. ICAEW research offers insights into common drivers and key considerations among larger and mid-tier firms.{DDD719A6-E79D-4D89-BB11-0A503812D2D7}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/reviewing-audit-file-assembly-proceduresAre your firm’s file assembly, completion and safeguarding procedures up to scratch? Review the basics with some reminders and insights from QAD.{7CE14105-F11E-4F6F-8E02-4BAB18B564DA}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/reminders-for-auditors-on-the-uk-corporate-governance-codeAuditors of companies that need to follow the Code and others that choose to adopt it will need to prepare for coming changes.{BC1F76A5-1FED-41FB-9B7A-22FA4037B42A}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/webcasts/hot-topics-and-tips-for-2025-auditsPeter Herbert is back for our annual webinar that aims to help small and medium sized audit firms get ready for the 2024/25 reporting season.{49B2B6A4-7E7E-4A35-8718-3CFB6BFB3EC9}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/applying-a-forensic-lens-to-auditsAuditors and forensic specialists share insights on how audit quality can benefit from the use of forensic capabilities and techniques.{304C121F-6FB1-494E-B634-DFF3593E3837}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/the-sustainability-assurance-and-reporting-landscapeGain an overview of sustainability reporting and assurance developments with our primer on new and emerging regulations, standards and support resources.{E2B1C925-9E46-4BD1-8F32-57BFF85014E3}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/isqm-1-relying-on-service-providers-and-network-resourcesExamples of good practices and key concerns offer all audit firms opportunities to improve policies, processes, and procedures in their systems of quality management.{A913F456-9424-46C1-BFC5-13392FD1B109}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/reminders-on-group-auditKey issues for group and component auditors in the revised ISA 600, opportunities to improve audit work on consolidation and financial reporting, and small audit firm considerations.{3E4EC78F-C7D6-47A8-A59C-0EC19776822C}https://www.icaew.com/technical/audit-and-assurance/faculty-resources/audit-and-beyond/2024/articles/become-a-more-resilient-auditorManage stress and strengthen resilience with support from ICAEW and caba, the independent occupational charity for the ICAEW community.