Subject: Inquiry on Mandatory Uploading of Audit Files to Supervisory Bodies
Hello everyone!
I have a question for those involved in the Audit profession globally. Are you aware of any recent changes in local Accounting or auditing regulations that might require Audit firms in your countries to upload working papers for all clients under audit, review, or other assurance engagements for the past eight years to a local supervisory authority?
In Poland, there is a proposed bill that could mandate the upload of complete audit, review, and assurance files—potentially affecting 240,000 cases or more—within two years, and the legislative process is well underway.
I’m curious if similar initiatives are taking place elsewhere in the world, or if this is an issue unique to Poland. Any insights?
One response
Hi there! This is indeed a significant and perhaps concerning development in Poland. There have been discussions in various countries about increasing transparency and oversight in the auditing profession, but the extent and nature of these regulations differ widely.
In some jurisdictions, regulatory bodies have pushed for greater accessibility to Audit documentation, but requirements to upload all working papers for the last eight years in bulk could be unprecedented. Countries like the UK and the US have implemented stricter Audit quality reviews and transparency requirements, but not to the extent you’re describing.
In the EU, there are ongoing discussions about harmonizing Audit standards and practices, but again, a blanket requirement like the one you’ve mentioned doesn’t seem to be common. It’s worth monitoring how this bill progresses in Poland, as it may set a precedent for other countries.
Have there been any responses or concerns raised from the audit community in Poland regarding this legislation? It would be interesting to hear the perspectives of those directly affected.