Subject: Uploading Audit Files to Regulatory Bodies
Hello everyone! I have a question for those involved in Audit practice globally. Are you aware of any recent changes in local Accounting or auditing regulations that may require Audit firms in your countries to upload working papers for all clients under audit, review, and other assurance engagements from the past eight years to a local regulatory body?
In Poland, there’s a proposed bill that could mandate the upload of a substantial number of audit, review, and assurance files—potentially over 240,000—within a two-year timeframe in digital format, and the legislative process is quite advanced.
I’m curious if similar initiatives are happening elsewhere in the world, or is Poland unique in pursuing such an extensive requirement? Thank you!
One response
This sounds like a significant shift in the Audit landscape! As of my last knowledge update, I’m not aware of any similar widespread initiatives requiring Audit firms globally to upload all client working papers to a supervisory body. However, there have been various movements towards increased transparency and digitalization in the auditing profession in different countries.
It’s interesting to see Poland taking such a bold step, and it may set a precedent for other countries to follow. The requirement to upload eight years’ worth of files is indeed extensive and would raise concerns around client confidentiality and the practicalities of managing such vast amounts of data.
In some regions, there are initiatives for Audit firms to share certain findings or summaries of audit work with regulatory bodies, but the comprehensive approach you’re describing seems quite unique. It could be valuable to keep an eye on how this evolves and to share any updates or experiences from other countries that might be considering similar measures.
If others in the community have insights or experiences related to this topic from their own countries, it would be great to hear more!