Centre for Financial Reporting Reform Governance Global Practice The World Bank Praterstrasse 31 1020 Vienna – Austria T: +43 (0)1 2170-700 F: +43 (0)1 2170-701 cfrr@worldbank.org www.worldbank.org/cfrr © 2017 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions: The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. Acknowledgments This publication has been developed by Kalina Shukarova ►► A ssociation of Accountants and Auditors of Republic Savovska, Senior Financial Management Specialist, as Srpska (AAARS) a supplement to the World Bank Centre for Financial ►► University of Pristina, Faculty of Economics Reporting Reform (CFRR) Accountancy Education Benchmarking Study. It represents a Collection of Good ►► ociety of Certified Accountants and Auditors of S Practices in Accountancy Education shared by members Kosovo (SCAAK) of the Education Community of Practice (EduCop) of the ►► S s Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty Road to Europe: Program of Accounting Reform and of Economics - Skopje Institutional Strengthening (EU-REPARIS). ►► nstitute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of I The CFRR wishes to thank the following participating Macedonia (ICARM) universities and Professional Accountancy Organizations ►► University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics (PAOs) for their inputs and quality of the information provided (listed in country order): ►► I nstitute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ICAM) ►► University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics ►► University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics ►► nstitute of Authorized Chartered Auditors of I Albania (IEKA) ►► S erbian Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) ►► niversity of Sarajevo, School of Economics and U Business Sarajevo (SEBS) ►► Serbian Chamber of Authorized Auditors (CAA) ►► University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics Contents Acronyms 1 Introduction 3 About this Publication 5 A Collection of Good Practices 6 Focus on Practical Experience 7 Commitment to Lifelong Learning 12 Assessment of Professional Competence 17 Supporting a Quality Learning Environment 21 Collaboration and Partnerships 27 About the CFRR 31 Acronyms AAARS Association of Accountants and Auditors of Republic Srpska CAA Chamber of Authorized Auditors CFRR Centre for Financial Reporting Reform CIPFA Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy CPD Continuing Professional Development EduCoP Education Community of Practice EU-REPARIS The Road to Europe: Program of Accounting Reform and Institutional Strengthening IAASB® International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board® IAESB™ International Accounting Education Standards Board™ IASB® International Accounting Standards Board® ICAM Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro ICARM Institute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of Macedonia IEKA Institute of Authorized Chartered Auditors of Albania IES™ International Education Standard™ IESBA® International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® 1 IFAC® International Federation of Accountants® IFRS Standards® International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS for SMEs® Standard International Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-Sized Entities IPD Initial Professional Development IPSAS® International Public Sector Accounting Standards® ISA® International Standards on Auditing® PAO Professional Accountancy Organization SAAA Serbian Association of Accountants and Auditors SCAAK Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo SEBS School of Economics and Business Sarajevo SEE Southeast Europe SMP Small- and Medium-Sized Practice 2 Introduction Sound accountancy education systems improve the competence of professional accountants and contribute to enhanced public trust and confidence in the quality of their work. Fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth is Accountancy Education key to ending poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Growing economies create jobs, generate income, produce social benefits and attract investment. This is of particular importance to developing economies whose strategic development goals include significant efforts to improve the business climate, increase access to finance, strengthen the financial sector, and promote private sector-led growth. There is widespread recognition that in order for markets to function efficiently and for economies to grow, reliable and credible financial information is vital. Producing high quality financial information is supported by sound accountancy education systems that develop and improve the competence of professional accountants. Well-developed accountancy education programs comprise technical competencies, professional skills, and professional values, ethics and attitudes. Initial education includes all the training that aspiring accountants need to complete in order to begin their career: general education (e.g. high school, and attitudes. Continuing education includes learning university), initial professional accountancy education and development undertaken to maintain technical (usually delivered through a Professional Accountancy competencies, professional skills, and professional Organization, completion of practical experience (to values, ethics and attitudes, over the course of a learn on-the-job skills under the tutelage of a skilled career. These education programs are essential, not accountant or auditor), and finally, passing a formal only for ensuring the competencies of professional assessment of the requisite technical competencies, accountants, but also to strengthen public trust and professional skills, and professional values, ethics confidence in their work. 3 Learning outcomes are at the core of the revised International Education Standards The International Accounting Education Standards Board™ (IAESB™), as an independent standard-setting body of the International Federation of Accountants® (IFAC®), serves the public interest by strengthening the world-wide accountancy profession by developing and implementing globally accepted International Education Standards™ (IES™), aimed at increasing the competence of the global accountancy profession and reducing international differences in the requirements to qualify and work as a professional accountant. The IAESB recently revised the IESs. Most of the revised standards came into effect from July 1, 2015, except for IES 8 which became effective on July 1, 2016. At the core of these revisions is a shift towards a “learning outcomes” approach for the content based IESs1 as an effective way to develop competences. This educational approach involves the active participation of students by asking them to demonstrate the achievement of a learning outcome at a targeted level of proficiency (either foundation, intermediate or advanced). The IAESB has highlighted many benefits in adopting a learning outcomes approach to accountancy education. These include: ►► Enhancing an individual’s competence, given the direct link between education and on-the-job capability; ►► A dding accountability for program design by introducing a statement describing what a particular curriculum is expected to achieve; ►► Increasing visibility of the program to students; and ►► Identifying portions of the program which need development. The IAESB has produced guidance material to support the implementation of a learning outcomes approach which can be accessed at www.ifac.org/publications-resources.Transitioning to a learning outcomes-based approach requires IFAC member bodies to engage in an education conversion process that starts by mapping existing education programs to learning outcomes and devising a plan to address the gaps. 1 Content based International Education Standards (IES) include: IES 2, Initial Professional Development – Technical Competences (2015); IES 3, Initial Professional Development – Professional Skills (2015); IES 4, Initial Professional Development – Professional Values, Ethics, and Attitudes (2015); and IES 8, Professional Competence for Engagement Partners Responsible for Audits of Financial Statements (2016). 4 About this Publication This publication has been developed based on participate in the work of the EduCop. Between March the findings of the World Bank Centre for Financial 2015 and May 2016, 14 universities and PAOs from the Reporting Reform (CFRR) Accountancy Education EduCop countries, which together provide 25 academic Benchmarking Study. This Study was undertaken as and professional accountancy education programs to part of the Road to Europe: Program of Accounting around 4,120 enrolled students, participated in an Reform and Institutional Strengthening (EU-REPARIS) Accountancy Education Benchmarking Study. The Study and its Education Community of Practice (EduCop). The was a comprehensive assessment of their academic EduCop facilitates a process of sharing good practices and professional accountancy education programs. For of universities and PAOs by enabling members to more details please see www.worldbank.org/cfrr. engage in peer learning and regional knowledge This publication is a supplement to the CFRR exchange and develop solutions to shared challenges Accountancy Education Benchmarking Study and through a collaborative process. represents a Collection of Good Practices in Universities and PAOs from six countries of Southeast Accountancy Education shared by members of the EU- Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, REPARIS EduCop. Kosovo, Macedonia FYR, Montenegro and Serbia, The EU-REPARIS Education Community of Practice EU-REPARIS has been designed to help and encourage the process of integration of candidate or potential candidate countries for EU enlargement in the countries of Southeast Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia FYR, Montenegro and Serbia. The Education and Development activity of EU-REPARIS aims to promote the development of accountancy education aligned with International Education Standards and the educational requirements of the European Union’s Statutory Audit Directive for professional qualifications, continuing professional development, and at university level. The EduCoP was established as a means of achieving this objective. There is a substantial commonality of curriculum content, qualification systems, and lifelong learning requirements that are being addressed on a regional basis through the EduCop. 5 A Collection of Good Practices A number of good practices by participating universities and Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) were identified during the Study and are highlighted throughout this publication, organized on a thematic basis. They are not meant to be exhaustive and are organized into the following areas: 1 Focus on Practical Experience 2 Commitment to Lifelong Learning 3 Assessment of Professional Competence 4 Supporting a Quality Learning Environment 5 Collaboration and Partnerships 6 1 Focus on Practical Experience Practical experience is an essential component of Initial Maintaining relationships and consulting with Professional Development (IPD), aiming to supplement both private- and public-sector employers when formal education and reinforce learning through the developing education programs is also very important application of knowledge in real-world situations. By for accountancy educators to mitigate the risk of gaining relevant practical experience before qualifying, disconnect between skills taught and skills required. aspiring candidates develop, demonstrate and maintain IES 5, Initial Professional Development – Practical the technical competence, professional skills, and Experience (2015), establishes the practical workplace professional values, ethics and attitudes, required to experience that aspiring professional accountants perform a professional role. should achieve during IPD under the supervision of In today’s competitive job market, apart from a good appropriately qualified providers. This experience academic record, it is essential for candidates to should reinforce the technical competence and other demonstrate excellent soft skills like communication, professional skills that candidates are expected to creativity and problem solving, and teamwork. achieve. PAOs may adopt an input-based, output-based Supplementing university education with more practical or combination approach to measure the achievement approaches to teaching theory and developing more of practical experience requirements. If an input-based internship opportunities for students helps create approach is used, the practical experience requirement better links between students and the job market, should be for a minimum of three years. ultimately leading to greater employability of students Listed below are good practice examples, tips and upon graduation. ideas that both universities and PAOs can implement to improve the teaching of theory and enhance the practical experience requirements. Tips & Ideas UNIVERSITIES ►► Making internships a minimum requirement for ►► Facilitating professional networking opportunities graduation; for students; ►► Creating a network of internship opportunities for ►► Supporting the student learning process by students; developing business case simulations; ►► Involving established practitioners to ensure the ►► Assisting the talent recruitment process through delivery of more practical lectures; partnerships with accounting firms; and ►► Formalizing interactions with the business ►► Providing employers with access to student community to feed information into education databases as a tool for connecting job seekers programs on the skills and knowledge that the and employers. business sector expects from graduates; 7 Tips & Ideas PAOs ►► Introducing learning outcomes for professional ►► Creating a database of supervisors to help mentor skills, and professional values, ethics and attitudes; candidates; ►► Providing tools and guidance to candidates and ►► Receiving feedback from employers and business supervisors for the development of practical support organizations to ensure that skills-gaps skills, such as competency maps and frameworks are being identified and addressed through to help identify areas of focus and further skills qualifications; and development needs; ►► Stress-testing competency maps with potential ►► Using work log books to assess the quality of employers. work experiences developed; Measurement Approaches There are three measurement approaches that can be used to monitor achievement of practical experience and continuing professional development (CPD): (i) input-based; (ii) output-based, or (iii) a combination of output-based and input-based approaches. An input-based approach focuses on what the learning or development activity should feature, e.g. coverage of certain subject matter in curricula or the minimum number of hours that a course should comprise. For example, a requirement to complete a minimum of 120 hours of CPD over a three-year period is an input-based requirement. Input-based approaches allow easier measurement and verification but also have the shortcoming that they do not focus on the development of a specific competence. In an output-based approach, the focus is on whether a specific competence has been developed or maintained, as demonstrated by achieving certain learning outcomes. Learning outcomes clearly express the competences that need to be demonstrated for a particular subject. Under this approach, evidence of achievement can be taken from workplace assessments validated by a suitably qualified supervisor, or undertaking a form of periodic assessment of competence achieved through continuing professional development. 8 Good Practice Examples University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics Reinforcing practical learning in Established practitioners are engaged on a part-time basis as lecturers. Around twelve part-time lecturers, university accountancy programs lecturers from foreign universities, and professional The accountancy program of the Faculty of Economics accountants and auditors (in public practice and of the University of Tirana has introduced a practical industry) are invited frequently to deliver presentations, experience requirement for all accountancy students to workshops and seminars to both undergraduate and reinforce learning through the application of knowledge master’s students. This approach gives students in real-world situations. All students in undergraduate valuable insights into real-world accountancy lifestyles and master’s programs must complete a three-month and working practices and enables established internship requirement as a condition for graduation. practitioners to share professional experiences and Before enrolling on the Doctoral program, it is desirable working methods directly with students. that students have completed at least three years of professional experience. University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business Sarajevo (SEBS) Developing technical and include the ability to critically assess professional issues, seek solutions independently or in a team, professional competencies demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes, and through practical experience show initiative on an individual or team basis. At the School of Economics and Business Sarajevo Two supervisors are assigned to each student (SEBS) practical experience of at least 22 days is a undertaking an internship program: one from the mandatory component of the undergraduate accounting company providing the internship and another program. Most students find internship opportunities appointed by the SEBS faculty. Students are required with local or international professional accountancy to prepare a report on completion of the internship firms or with financial institutions. which is evaluated by the SEBS supervisor, while the supervisor from the company evaluates the student’s Students are expected to develop technical and professional attitude and professional skills. professional competencies during the internship. These 9 SEBS’ strategy for managing ►► Executive education and lifelong learning needs; and its interface with the corporate ►► Internships, career placement, recruitment and selection processes. world SEBS formalized its collaboration with the business The Business Advisory Board’s main task is to guide community by establishing a Business Advisory Board SEBS towards satisfying the needs of the business in 2005. This Board includes representatives from some sector so that courses and curricula are designed of the most successful companies in the country and appropriately. provides SEBS with information regarding the needs of the business sector, such as: ►► kills and knowledge that the business sector S expects from graduates. This information feeds into the education process, including future course design; Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo (SCAAK) Providing tools and guidance to have attained by completion, including technical, leadership and general managerial skills; meet practical experience and ►► I n a profession which is still considered “new” in professional skills requirements Kosovo, selecting an appropriate supervisor can In order to encourage and guide students to develop be challenging due to the size of the profession relevant skills and competencies in the workplace and because the supervisor’s role is not always that will equip them for a successful career as a understood. SCAAK’s guidance is also used as a professional in accounting and related areas, the tool for supervisors to understand the requirements Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of when signing off on a candidate’s competencies; Kosovo (SCAAK) has developed several resources and and guides. These include: ►► ractical experience forms and templates are P ►► SCAAK’s practical experience and skills policy, which provided to help candidates document the practical is a comprehensive document that candidates and experience that they have attained. students are required to use while documenting their work and to match such work with the SCAAK is presently developing requirements for an competencies determined in SCAAK’s policy. The approved employer’s scheme. This process is to be policy provides details regarding the practical launched soon through a new practical experience experience requirement and also elaborates on the guidance policy. professional skills that successful candidates should 10 Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics-Skopje Supporting the student learning law students work in groups to develop a solution to simulated professional practice problems. The results process and talent recruitment of their group work are presented during a public through partnerships dissemination event. The best performing students are awarded certificates as well as winning internship The Faculty of Economics at the Ss Cyril and Methodius and employment opportunities with the international University in Skopje, in cooperation with an international accounting firm. The program has been evaluated as accounting firm, is implementing a program to develop a great success both from the students’ perspective young potential. The program looks at how a business and by the international accounting firm. Students case competition can help students learn, make the are provided with a good insight into professional profession more attractive to multidisciplinary students, accounting practice and develop their initial career and help international accountancy practices identify skills. The international accounting firm also benefits and recruit young professionals. The program was from increased good publicity, social responsibility and launched in 2013 and includes a case study scenario a more structured recruitment process. competition, where accounting, finance and business University of Belgrade, Faculty of Economics Facilitating professional ►► T he Careers Center provides businesses and financial institutions with access to its databases networking opportunities for which contain information on final year students, students master’s students and graduates. The database is available online and represents a useful tool for The Faculty supports several networking events connecting job seekers with employers; and activities aimed at providing students with the opportunity to connect with the business community, ►► Company Days”, which feature workshops hosted “ including: by companies which are offering employment and internship opportunities; and ►► O rganizing focused workshops on job search strategies, CV writing, and preparing for job ►► Business Case Study”, which is a competition “ interviews; where students work together in groups on a business case study. 11 2 Commitment to Lifelong Learning Public confidence and trust in the profession is bodies should implement a CPD requirement as an linked to the quality of the services that professional integral component of a professional accountant’s accountants provide. Professional accountants must continued membership so as to develop and maintain offer an effective and high quality service to win and their professional competence. retain business and maintain the trust and confidence of The European Union Audit Directive requires statutory their clients. They have an ethical obligation to clients, auditors to take part in appropriate programs of employers, and other stakeholders to undertake their continuing education in order to maintain theoretical work with due care and diligence. By engaging in knowledge, professional skills and ethical values at a CPD activities, professional accountants continue to sufficiently high level. The Public Oversight Authority learn throughout their career, thus maintaining and has ultimate responsibility for the continuing education upgrading their skills so the quality of their work can requirement and non-compliance is subject to remain at high levels and keep pace with accountancy sanctions. changes and innovations. Listed below are good practice examples, tips and PAOs are an important supplier of CPD to their ideas that PAOs can implement to enhance CPD membership. IES 7, Continuing Professional systems and training programs. Development (2014), prescribes that IFAC member Tips & Ideas ►► Providing members with a good choice of ►► Introducing personal reflections as part of periodic accessible CPD in order to support compliance CPD evaluations as a means to gradually move with requirements; towards a more learner-centered CPD approach; ►► Introducing a variety of options for CPD activities ►► Engaging with the International Accounting and modern methods of delivery (e.g. online Standards Board® (IASB®) and IFAC to make platforms); available the latest versions of International Standards on Auditing® (ISA®) and (International ►► Developing more frequent and focused CPD Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS Standards®) training offerings, including activities to develop to practitioners; professional skills, and professional values, ethics and attitudes; ►► Informing members of their CPD obligations and providing CPD guidance to members; ►► Introducing an accreditation system of CPD providers; ►► Periodically assessing competences developed through CPD; ►► Prescribing learning outcomes for CPD activity and implementing output-based measurement ►► Monitoring members’ CPD records and ensuring systems; that they are relevant, accurate and complete; 12 ►► Undertaking disciplinary measures when CPD sessions to areas where most frequent findings obligations are not met; are noted etc.); ►► Maintaining a CPD lecturers’ contact database, ►► Resolving capacity constraints by outsourcing comprising external experts and practitioners CPD delivery to accounting firms and international who specialize in different topics and fields, and experts; relevant members of academia; ►► Partnering with regional PAOs to deliver joint CPD ►► Integrating quality assurance systems with CPD sessions; and (e.g. identifying the target audience to receive ►► Introducing minimum ethics content in annual CPD specific or additional CPD, tailoring CPD annual training. Good Practice Examples The Association of Accountants and Auditors of Republic Srpska (AAARS) Offering a range of relevant ►► Self-directed and unstructured (up to 5 hours); admissible CPD activities ►► elivering and developing CPD courses in relevant D areas (up to 7 hours); A good choice of accessible CPD supports members’ compliance with requirements and reinforces the ►► W riting articles, papers or books, both professional importance of maintaining professional competence. or academic (up to 5 hours); The Association of Accountants and Auditors of ►► R esearch including reading of professional literature Republic Srpska (AAARS) has adopted a variety of ways or journals (up to 8 hours); and that members can meet their CPD obligations, allowing ►► C PD activity in the form of seminars, courses members to engage with CPD in ways that suit their and workshops organized by regional PAOs with learning styles. These include: which AAARS has cooperation agreements is also ►► S eminars, courses, workshops organized by AAARS admissible. (at least 20 hours); ►► cademic conferences and workshops (up to 10 A The AAARS CPD policy acknowledges that professional hours); competence can be maintained in a variety of ways and that professionals can also learn effectively in ►► C oaching and mentoring, provided or received (up less structured environments. There is a good balance to 7 hours); between structured/verifiable and unstructured/ ►► Networking (up to 8 hours); unverifiable CPD activity. 13 Institute of Authorized Chartered Auditors of Albania (IEKA) Monitoring and assessment of The IEKA Managing Council reviews the results of the testing and is required to take corrective measures competence developed through where applicable. These measures may include CPD revoking membership. IEKA is also required to perform monitoring activities to ensure that the CPD records The Institute of Authorized Chartered Auditors of provided by statutory auditors are accurate and Albania (IEKA) Managing Council is mandated by law complete. to conduct periodic tests of knowledge gained during CPD in order to assess the professional competence of Should false declarations be observed, the IEKA its members. These assessments should be performed Managing Council is required to revoke membership on a cyclical basis of between three and five years. and inform the audit regulator, who reflects the IEKA is required to make the results of the assessment revocation of status in the register of statutory public and to file a copy with the audit regulator. auditors. Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo (SCAAK) Maintaining a CPD lecturers’ The criteria used to select CPD trainers include: (i) relevant work experience; (ii) professional reputation; database and (iii) teaching experience. For ISA based CPD The Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of courses, SCAAK usually contracts experts from Kosovo (SCAAK) has a group of internal CPD trainers international audit firms who have practical as well as with adequate technical and soft skills to deliver CPD teaching experience. The CPD speakers are usually the training. In addition, a contact database is maintained same as those who prepare the CPD content. of external experts and practitioners who specialize SCAAK also organizes joint CPD events with IEKA and in different topic and fields, as well as recognized benefits from sharing experiences and CPD sessions members of academia. though regional cooperation. 14 Institute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of Macedonia (ICARM) Integrated CPD and Quality and additional CPD is made available to those local SMPs; and Assurance Review systems ►► More rigorous monitoring of CPD requirement is The quality assurance review system of the Institute performed during quality assurance reviews for of Certified Auditors of the Republic of Macedonia professionals auditing Public Interest Entities. (ICARM) was established with the support of the national REPARIS program and continued through a 2010 twinning project with two French professional bodies: Resolving capacity constraints by Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Compte (CNCC) and Conseil Supé rieur de l’Ordre des Experts- outsourcing CPD delivery Comptables (CSOEC). Two qualified inspectors - full One of the CPD challenges faced by ICARM is sourcing time employees of ICARM - perform quality assurance trainers with adequate relevant experience and reviews and report the findings to the Committee on knowledge to deliver CPD activities to its members. Quality Control. Recent quality review results indicate ICARM is addressing this issue by taking the following that the implementation of ISA remains a challenge for actions: local Small- and Medium-Sized Practices (SMPs). Issues relating to deficiencies in audit methodology, internal ►► utsourcing the delivery of CPD sessions to O quality control mechanisms, limited use of experts with international network accountancy firms on topics appropriate specialized knowledge and inappropriate such as ISA, IFRS Standards, and the IFRS for or insufficient documentation are frequently identified. Small and Medium-sized Entities (IFRS for SMEs® Standard); and The findings of the quality assurance review have been integrated with the CPD system. This enables ►► I nviting international experts to provide training the quality assurance review system to move toward a opportunities to members. Through its partnership preventive system, rather than being purely detective. with the French professional bodies (CNCC and The following actions are being taken: CSOEC), foreign practitioners delivered a five-day training session on French audit documentation ►► Q uality assurance review findings feed into the CPD tools through practical case studies. annual program: frequent findings and assessment methodologies are shared with members and emphasis is placed on tailoring CPD annual sessions Member satisfaction and feedback on such CPD to areas where most findings are noted; opportunities has been highly appraised by the audience of practitioners, who had the chance to ►► Target audience to receive specific or additional receive quality presentations on current professional CPD is identified during quality assurance reviews topics. 15 Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ICAM) Providing members with useful achieve this, the Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ICAM) undertakes the following: guidance about CPD ►► Provides CPD guidance and publishes the CPD It is important that CPD requirements are as clear as policy on its website; and possible and that members can easily access the CPD policy for their reference in order to facilitate clear ►► rovides responses to frequently asked questions P guidance to members on their CPD obligations. To on CPD (i.e. phone help line). Serbian Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) Active engagement on public The SAAA recently established a Public Sector CPA designation and entered into a Memorandum of sector accounting issues Understanding with the Chartered Institute for Public Approximately 25 percent of Serbian Association of Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) on a Joint Public Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) members work Sector Qualification. This allows a fast-track route to directly or indirectly in the public sector. The SAAA is CIPFA membership whereby Certified Accountants and actively engaged in public sector issues. These include: Certified Public Accountants with suitable experience promoting sound public sector accounting practices; in the public sector are exempt from CIPFA exams. This providing CPD for public sector accountants; and new designation has been very popular with members, organizing bi-annual three-day seminars for public as indicated by a large increase in the number of sector accountants, State Auditors and auditors of candidates to the program within the last year. public sector entities. Chamber of Authorized Auditors (CAA) Mandatory ethics training as part The Serbian Chamber of Authorized Auditors (CAA) annual CPD programs include a minimum of 15 percent of annual CPD dedicated to professional ethics training. Considering the importance of professional ethics in the day-to-day work of professional accountants, annual CPD programs should have a mandatory ethics training update with a focus on ethical decision making. 16 3 Assessment of Professional Competence Professional accountants need to meet a high level IES 6, Initial Professional Development – Assessment of professional competence requirements consisting of Professional Competence (2015), establishes of technical knowledge, professional skills, and the requirement for assessing the professional professional values, ethics, and attitudes. In order to competence of aspiring professional accountants as a protect the public interest and enhance the credibility prerequisite of completing IPD. The assessment should of the profession, only those who meet the profession’s be based on verifiable evidence with high levels of competence requirements should be permitted to reliability, validity, equity, transparency, sufficiency and qualify and practice as professional accountants. may include a series of examinations, a single multi- disciplinary examination, or a series of examinations and workplace assessments conducted throughout IPD. Principles of Assessment IES 6 requires PAOs to establish appropriate assessment activities designed to enable the combined achievement of several attributes, including high levels of: ►► R eliability – the assessment activity should consistently produce the same result, given the same set of circumstances (e.g. avoiding using ambiguous wording in written examination questions); ►► alidity – assessments should measure what they were intended to measure (e.g. using comprehensive V case studies rather than simple case studies); ►► quity – the assessment activity should be fair and without bias (e.g. introducing assessment activities E that rely on computer-based technologies); ►► T ransparency – enabling appropriate public access regarding the assessment activities (e.g. making information on scoring, types of assessments publicly available); ►► ufficiency – whether the assessment activity has a balance of depth and breadth, knowledge, and S application, and combines materials from different areas applied to a range of situations and contexts (e.g. assessment activities that combine technical knowledge and professional skills, and professional values, ethics and attitudes, at appropriate levels of difficulty and detail). 17 Listed below are good practice examples, tips and ideas that education providers can implement to ensure that appropriate assessment activities are in place. Tips & Ideas ►► Involving various committees and stakeholders in ►► I ntroducing a system of independent oversight to the education program to ensure the adequate ensure the integrity of the assessment process; separation of roles and responsibilities; ►► Transparency with pass marks that are published ►► Implementing procedures to protect candidate on the educators’ website; and anonymity during examinations; ►► mplementing security, timeliness and quality I ►► Introducing double marking systems; control procedures during examination marking. ►► Allowing candidates to inquire into the marking of their paper and to file a complaint; Good Practice Examples Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo (SCAAK) Implementing security, timeliness is an important step in the process because it independently evaluates the fairness of the authors’ and quality control procedures expectations of the candidates; during examination marking ►► SCAAK’s Professional Department is responsible The process of examination marking is critical to for selecting exam markers who are sufficiently ensure fairness toward aspiring candidates. SCAAK independent as well as knowledgeable about has implemented a number of security, timeliness and matters covered by the examination. Before the quality control processes to ensure that good practices actual marking begins, the selected markers are are implemented during examinations: provided with adequate training; ►► ll examinations are marked at one location – A ►► The identity of candidates should not become SCAAK’s offices – in order to achieve greater known to the markers. Should a candidate identify control and security over the process; themselves in any way in the paper (i.e. by first or last name), the paper is forwarded to the ►► The authors of the examination questions prepare Professional Department which has the authority a marking guide that is reviewed by staff of to stop further marking of such script; SCAAK’s Professional Department. This review 18 ►► SCAAK’s Professional Department audits the marked by a third marker or it is reviewed by the marking process to ensure that marks have been marking supervisor or another senior-level person; awarded according to the marking guide. The ►► S CAAK’s Executive Director approves the marks Professional Department relies on statistical after reviewing relevant reports and statistical data reports to determine scripts subject to audit (e.g. on the current and past examinations; and reports on the distribution of marks; comparison of average marks; and a comparison of the marks ►► M arkers prepare and publish a report on the awarded for a particular question by one marker examination papers marked, no later than five to those awarded by other markers for the same days after the publication of the examination question etc.); results via SCAAK’s web page. This report aims to provide candidates with a general overview of ►► P apers may be remarked as part of the audit their performance and serves as guidance to new process. All marginal papers are automatically candidates who are sitting the examination for the re-marked. If there is a discrepancy, the paper is first time. Institute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of Macedonia (ICARM) Introducing a system of professional certification and recommending the annual CPD program; independent oversight to ensure ►► The Examination Committee comprising five the integrity of the professional members, including a representative from the Public examinations Oversight Body. It organizes and delivers the exams for the professional certification program and Various committees and stakeholders are involved in develops the rules for the manner and procedures the professional education and examination program regarding the professional examinations; and of ICARM. Their role is to ensure that the adequate separation of roles and responsibilities is in place and ►► he recently established Examination Oversight T that appropriate oversight is built into the system to Committee comprising five members, including two enhance the integrity of the examination process. from the Ministry of Finance as well as the ICARM These bodies include: President. The role of this Committee is to oversee the operations of the Examination Committee ►► T he Committee for Education, Training and and ensure the integrity of the professional Publications which consists of seven ICARM examinations. members. Among other duties, it is responsible for developing and updating the program for 19 Serbian Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) Introducing external oversight by an encrypted bar code which can only be read by in-house developed software. in the professional examination Candidates are informed about results via email or process by post. Reports on examinations, including pass The Education Board has overall responsibility for rates, drop-out rates, average scores and average the professional education delivered by the Serbian length of studies, are presented twice a year by the Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA). Central Examination Committee to the SAAA Education Among other duties, it is the body that decides on Board. In turn, the SAAA Education Board submits an candidate appeals and potential second assessments. annual report to the SAAA Executive Board, the SAAA Oversight Board and the Assembly. The Central Examination Committee organizes and supervises the 14 Examination Committees responsible In order to enhance and ensure quality control over for preparation of the exams and marking schemes. the integrity of the examination process, the SAAA has introduced the following oversight mechanisms: Exams are marked by a temporary working body appointed and supervised by the Central Examination ►► n external Certification Quality Control Committee A Committee. Scores close to the pass mark (i.e. ranging which is an independent body that performs between 46 and 52 percent) as well as a randomly periodical reviews of the examination process and selected sample of papers (10 percent of the total) are papers. It has one member from the UK, one from subject to second (double) marking. This is performed Greece and one from Serbia; and by members of the Examination Committee, as ►► A Joint Supervisory Commission (exam supervisors) appointed by the Central Examination Committee. consisting of members from academia who monitor Candidates’ anonymity is secured by encrypted coding the integrity and quality of the examination process of candidates’ data. Each candidate’s paper is marked itself. Chamber of Authorized Auditors (CAA) Implementing sound integrity ►► E ach exam paper is coded and no names are exchanged, thus protecting student anonymity; procedures for professional ►► A double marking system applies whereby two examinations examiners mark each exam paper independently; The Serbian Chamber of Authorized Auditors (CAA) ►► C andidates can inquire into the marking of their has implemented a number of procedures in order to paper and file a complaint; and maintain sound examination integrity, including: ►► Pass marks are published on the CAA’s website. 20 4 Supporting a Quality Learning Environment A quality learning environment is central to achieving Listed below are good practice examples, tips and excellence in education. The learning environment ideas that education providers can implement to should be designed to support all students in their enable a quality learning environment. learning process and have adequate resources and infrastructure. Tips & Ideas ►► Maintaining low teacher-student ratios and high ►► Using IT tools to support the teaching process; student retention rates; ►► Fostering an inclusive environment for disabled ►► Achieving globally-recognized standards in higher students; education and pursuing international recognition ►► Entering into agreements with leading providers and accreditation; of professional accounting and auditing education ►► Establishing regular curricula review cycles and to use and translate high quality textbooks and enabling curricula and teaching processes to be study materials; up to date with the skills and needs of employers ►► Supplementing textbooks with practice kits, case and stakeholders; studies, exercises and mock exams; ►► Assessing the quality of the teaching process on ►► Engaging accountancy firms to help PAOs update an ongoing basis and introducing improvements; their education materials; and ►► Monitoring performance and quality through ►► Integrating professional ethics across the curricula. establishing key performance indicators; 21 Good Practice Examples University of Tirana, Faculty of Economics Maintaining low teacher-student ►► ore time is available to work one-on-one with M students, which is essential for preparing them to ratios deal with more complex subjects; The Faculty of Economics at the University of Tirana ►► ore possibilities exist to develop an individual M maintains low teacher-student ratios. Lower teacher- approach to each student; and student ratios are a factor often cited as contributing towards the creation of a higher quality learning ►► eachers can engage more with students during T environment. There are many benefits for both the teaching process and try out different activities teachers and students in keeping teacher-student and lessons that might not be feasible in a larger ratios low, including: class size. ►► eaching faculty members have more manageable T workloads; University of Pristina, Faculty of Economics High student retention rates percent. Furthermore, students complete Accountancy undergraduate and master’s degrees, on average, in Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country in terms of relatively short periods: the average time required demographics – the average age of the population to complete the master’s degree in Finance and is about 26 years, with about 38 percent of the total Accounting is three and a half years, while students population under the age of 19. However, youth take an average of three years and eight months to unemployment rates are high and 30 percent of youth complete the Accountancy undergraduate program. have no job, education, or training. One of the country’s priorities is to improve the quality and relevance of the Higher quality education is expected to provide greater education system at all levels. opportunities for youth to acquire the skills that private sector employers are seeking in order to create a In this respect, it is encouraging that student drop- young and competent work force that can help attract out rates for the entire Faculty of Economics at investment and increase employment opportunities. the University of Pristina are quite low at about 1.5 22 University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business Sarajevo (SEBS) Achieving globally-recognized With the achievement of EFMD/EPAS program accreditation in 2012 (and subsequent re-accreditation standards in higher education in 2015) and AACSB institutional accreditation in 2015, The mission of SEBS is to become a prestigious SEBS is a role model for the successful implementation education institution in the area of economics and of relevant, high quality and globally recognized business science education in Southeast Europe by standards in higher education. 2025. To achieve this goal, SEBS engaged in the pursuit of two prestigious international accreditations: an Education Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) Ensuring the quality of higher program accreditation by the European Foundation for education programs through Management Development (EFMD) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) rigorous quality assessment institutional accreditation. processes The effectiveness of the teaching process at SEBS In order to meet the requirements of these bodies, is assessed on an ongoing basis through a number SEBS systematically revised its core and support of initiatives monitored by the Quality Management processes. Over a decade-long period, all aspects Office. Management at SEBS adopted 80 quality of SEBS’ operations were enhanced and redesigned indicators and 30 key performance indicators for to meet the highest standards of quality in modern measuring the overall quality of its programs. These education, including its: strategic management, indicators of teaching effectiveness include the quality curriculum development, design and delivery of of: programs, scientific research, quality management, and support services. Particular focus was placed on ►► Faculty (performance, reporting systems, evaluation student learning. – by students, publishing outputs, etc.); Programs at all levels of study were developed based ►► Curriculum delivery (teaching methods, innovations, on the learning expectations that were systematically organization, pedagogical competences); connected with learning outcomes, in a way that ►► Curriculum management (student-faculty contact, enables regular revisions and quality measurement. benchmarking, external reviews, alumni and In the process of curriculum development, SEBS has business advisor input); included inputs from all relevant stakeholders: students ►► Assessment methods (pre-quizzes, post-quizzes, (through focus groups); teaching staff (through presentations, case studies, individual research strategic planning with SEBS’s departments); and papers, team/group work); the business community (through sessions of SEBS’ Business Advisory Board and Alumni Association). ►► IT support (E-Library, E-English, etc.); and ►► Support services (Career Center, Students Admission Office, Library Information Center, International Office etc.). 23 The SEBS Quality Management Office provides the Establishing regular curricula results of the quality assessment to management and proposes areas for future improvements and review processes corrective measures to address gaps that have been Introducing regular cycles for curricula review is identified. an important activity which ensures that teaching processes and program curricula are aligned with the stakeholder’s skill needs and the expectations of Using IT tools to support the future graduates. Because the accounting and audit teaching process profession is exposed to rapid and frequent changes (e.g. changes driven by modernization of technology or IT (online) tools play an important role in SEBS’s efforts changes in accounting and auditing standards), shorter to provide maximum support to students by: review cycles, ideally between three and five years, ►► Facilitating access to academic staff: Tools include are desirable. online office hours whereby students can contact At SEBS, significant changes to the curriculum are Faculty members, and a direct email messaging performed in five-year review cycles. The last system – a groupware platform designed to provide update to the structure, content and curricula of the all students with an email address to engage in undergraduate and master’s programs was conducted communications with the Faculty; and in 2015/2016. Smaller changes and updates are ►► Facilitating access to teaching materials: The performed on an annual basis. Course Management System platform available to full-time students enables teaching materials to be Curricula reviews at SEBS are a peer-review process. distributed online, and supports modern teaching This process is motivated by the need to meet the methods (video, web casts, simulations, etc.). For demands of the accreditation bodies and the many distance learning students, a distance learning stakeholders including students, faculty, the business Course Management System is in place and there community, employers and administrative staff. Input is also an E-English Course Management System. from the Business Advisory Board of SEBS relates to the Another useful resource is the E-library, which skills and knowledge that the business sector expects provides online access to textbooks and literature. from future graduates and this input is incorporated into the curricula updates. Other IT tools that facilitate the teaching process include: ►► An electronic grading system; ►► ersonalized e-cards for students to track P attendance and other information; and ►► A student web portal. 24 University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics Fostering an inclusive The Support Center nurtures an educational environment which is inclusive and ready to support environment for disabled students with disabilities in the following ways: building students and maintaining partnerships with the faculties and academic as well as non-academic staff; promoting The Disabled Students Support Center at the awareness of disability among all members of the University of Banja Luka was founded in 2006 by the university community; and ensuring guidelines with Association of Citizens “Info Part” and later grew into regard to the university’s policies and procedures, thus an organizational unit of the University. enabling students with disabilities to participate fully The Help Center represents the Coordinating Body in all aspects of university life. at the university whose task is to ensure an equal approach for disabled students to all of the university’s programs and activities. Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo (SCAAK) High quality and up to date are refreshed on an annual basis to ensure that they are up to date with changes in accounting and teaching materials auditing developments. SCAAK’s teaching materials and textbooks are well ►► SCAAK collaborates with professional audit and established and include learning outcomes, examination accountancy firms on aspects relating to updates methodology and related competences. Each textbook of the syllabus content in areas such as tax and is accompanied by exercise kits and mock exams law in Kosovo. Necessary changes are made to simulating examination condition problems, designed the education program and teaching materials are for candidate practicing purposes. The study materials updated on an annual basis. are kept up to date and are refreshed on an annual basis. SCAAK has implemented a few good practices to Being responsive to the maintain the high quality of its teaching materials: different needs of professional ►► SCAAK has entered into an agreement with BPP accountants Professional Education in the UK, one of the leading One of SCAAK’s strategic goals is to offer programs providers of professional accounting and auditing tailored to specific market needs and institutions in education materials in Europe, for the use and Kosovo in order to build and increase capacity in all translation of its training materials. These materials areas related to financial reporting and auditing. After 25 establishing the private sector certification, SCAAK ►► Insolvency Specialist Certification Program, a engaged in the development of new certification program developed with the assistance of an EU programs, including: funded project between 2009 and 2011. ►► Public Sector Certification Program, a professional Furthermore, it is expected that a new Internal title made possible through shared implementation Audit certification program, which is currently under with the Center for Excellence in Finance in Slovenia development, will be offered from late 2017. and developed by the UK Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA); and Serbian Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) Integrating professional ethics Monitoring PAO performance across the curriculum using Key Performance Indicators Professional ethics, values and attitudes is an area that The SAAA has developed a set of key performance is of critical importance for the accountancy profession indicators (KPIs) for different functions in order to and is also a topic that often attracts significant monitor performance against set targets for key attention by regulators. It is widely understood that activities. The KPIs are comprehensive and include teaching ethics in effective ways is inherently difficult a combination of quantitative, qualitative and output but it is important that professional education includes indicators, by function: adequate coverage of professional ethics as part of ►► Professional qualification (number of candidates, their syllabi. pass rates, drop-out rates, success rates); The SAAA curricula do not have a separate course ►► ember services (number of contacts, rate of M on Ethics but the topics on professional values, ethics successful responses, time taken to answer and attitudes, are integrated into other subjects. This members’ queries, rate of occurrence of similar approach allows both providers of education and issues, members’ satisfaction); recipients of ethics education to consider professional ethics as a skillset that is pervasive to the accountant’s ►► C PD (number of participants, member compliance day-to-day role, rather than as a skill used only in with CPD, feedback surveys); and particular situations. ►► I nternational relations (a set of highly qualitative and output-based KPIs). The SAAA also provides pre-qualification courses on the Code of Ethics of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants® (IESBA®). 26 5 Collaboration and Partnerships Building partnerships and enhancing collaboration quality education programs; and having professional between different education providers can lead qualifications become more appealing to potential to many benefits including the following: greater applicants as they become internationally marketable. integration between university and PAOs education Listed below are good practice examples, tips and programs; greater efficiency in utilizing scarce ideas that support collaboration and partnership in country-level educational resources; achieving higher accountancy education. Tips & Ideas ►► Participating in faculty members exchange to enable a faster route for students aspiring for programs with universities abroad; a professional qualification; ►► Entering into partnerships to use and translate ►► Entering into twinning arrangements and quality teaching materials and textbooks; partnerships with developed PAOs for specific support and broader experience and knowledge ►► Cooperating between professional bodies and sharing; and universities to develop curricula; ►► Cooperating regionally and introducing mutual ►► Introducing a system of exemptions between systems of qualification recognition. university and professional education programs 27 Good Practice Examples University of Sarajevo, School of Economics and Business Sarajevo (SEBS) Implementing joint, double and ►► Joint master’s program with Adizes School of Management; twinning programs ►► Joint master’s program with the Faculty of The mission of SEBS is to become a prestigious Economics at the University Dzemal Bijedic of education institution in the area of economics and Mostar; business sciences education in Southeast Europe by 2025. In its efforts to achieve a high level of international ►► Joint master’s program in “Islamic Banking” with recognition, SEBS has developed and implemented University of Bolton, UK; joint, double and twinning programs with a number of ►► Double degree program at the Sarajevo Business partners, including: School, conducted with Griffith College Dublin, ►► Double degree master’s program with the Faculty Ireland. of Economics University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; ►► Twinning master’s program with the Faculty of Economics University of Zagreb, Croatia; Serbian Association of Accountants and Auditors (SAAA) Regional cooperation and ►► The Union of Accountants, Auditors and Financial Workers of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognition of qualifications and (SRRF-FBH). CPD Mutual recognition agreements are in effect between SAAA Certified Public Accountant members who SAAA and several regional professional bodies have successfully completed the recognition process including: have the right to practice as statutory auditors in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, ►► The Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro members can fulfill their CPD requirements with (ICAM); any of the regional PAOs where mutual recognition ►► The Association of Accountants and Auditors of agreements are in effect. Republic Srpska (AAARS); and 28 University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics & Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro (ICAM) Fostering collaboration between concentration are exempt from the following papers when entering the professional education system of the university and PAO on ICAM: accounting programs ►► Preparation of Financial Statements; The lack of exemptions between university and PAO ►► Human Resources Management; education can cause excessive delays for aspiring candidates to reach the point of qualification. Ensuring ►► Information Systems; and better integration between academic and professional ►► Corporate and Business Law. accountancy programs is an important process that enables students to find a shorter route to qualification. For students who have completed a master’s degree The Institute of Certified Accountants of Montenegro in Accounting, there is an additional exemption from (ICAM) collaborates with the Faculty of Economics the paper in Financial Information for Management. at the University of Montenegro to provide its students with exemptions from exams. All students with an undergraduate degree with an accounting University of Pristina, Faculty of Economics Building partnerships their return to Kosovo as members of the Accounting Department. After returning to Kosovo in 2009, these to modernize university individuals, supported by the partnership with the accountancy education University of Arizona and assisted by the Society of Certified Auditors and Accountants of Kosovo In 2008, five students from the Faculty of Economics (SCAAK), devised a modern accountancy three-year at the University of Pristina participated in the USAID undergraduate accounting program. The five Kosovo Transformational Leadership Program, which enabled scholars also translated six seminal accounting them to study for 12 months on the master’s program textbooks from English into Albanian and remained in Accounting at Arizona State University. This USAID as full-time lecturers at the University of Pristina and program aims to develop capacity by facilitating Prizren. opportunities for advanced education via university scholarships, partnerships, and student and faculty By collaborating to transform accountancy education exchanges. at the University of Pristina, this partnership between Arizona State University and the University of Pristina is The program’s conditions included a commitment by helping to prepare the next generation of accountants. the University of Pristina to retain those individuals on 29 Institute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of Macedonia (ICARM) Twinning arrangements and Academic cooperation between partnerships with developed PAO and University aiming PAOs to enhance the quality of In 2010, ICARM and the two French professional bodies accountancy education – CNCC and CSOEC – entered into a twinning project The University American College Skopje and ICARM designed to support: have reached an agreement for academic cooperation. ►► ICARM application for IFAC membership; This cooperation involves establishing formal relationships between the institutions and foresees ►► Development of the quality assurance process and a number of joint initiatives, including the exchange providing assistance with practical coaching and of information and experts while delivering joint mentoring of quality assurance reviewers; and lectures and CPD programs. The agreement thus aims ►► Cooperation and exchange of experiences and to enhance the quality of accountancy education and knowledge. establish an examination center of the Association of Partnership and cooperation between these PAOs Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the country. continues today and ICARM benefits from the knowledge sharing and expertise provided by the French profession. 30 About the CFRR The Centre for Financial Reporting Reform (CFRR) The CFRR provides knowledge services including based in Vienna, Austria, is part of the World Bank’s analytical and advisory services; learning and skill Governance Global Practice and leads the World development; know-how and knowledge transfer; and Bank’s corporate financial reporting agenda. The technical assistance to strengthen existing institutions. CFRR provides a range of knowledge, convening and CFRR activities are focused on four areas of expertise: capacity development services in support of financial i) raising awareness of the importance of the corporate reporting reform, institutional strengthening and the financial reporting reform agenda and contributing to dissemination of good practice in the area of financial legislative reform; ii) building institutional capacities reporting and auditing. The CFRR supports global by addressing knowledge gaps and offering tailored clients to adopt and implement high-quality financial advice in areas such as public oversight and standards; reporting standards as a key element of strong iii) encouraging strong and engaged professional corporate governance systems. accountancy organizations; and iv) promoting the development of internationally compatible accounting education. Centre for Financial Reporting Reform Governance Global Practice The World Bank Praterstrasse 31 1020 Vienna – Austria T: +43 (0)1 2170-700 F: +43 (0)1 2170-701 cfrr@worldbank.org www.worldbank.org/cfrr 31 33