EDITORIAL Accounting is a time-tested discipline. It has been around since Luca Pacioli invented the double entry bookkeeping system over five centuries ago. It is the means to capture the monetary value that has been realized through transactions. For the better half of the last millennia, accounting has been the language of business, governments, trade and capital markets. Accounting for value creation needs rethinking. The writer stresses that value is created through knowledge and creativity. However digital disruption is threatening entire industries. Financial markets are fraught with geopolitical and economic volatility. The deepening climate emergency, and other environmental issues such as water and land use, mean that business as usual is not an option. The writer explains that in this world, achieving a resilient and sustainable business model has never been more challenging. Viewing value creation only through the lens of shareholders means undermining trust in the organization, compromising its reputation, and even threatening its license to operate. A broader set of data, information and insights is needed to provide a bigger picture of how value is created. This is a significant challenge for organizations and their stakeholders. For the accounting profession, it represents a unique opportunity

5 Key Actions for Professional Accountancy Organizations (PAOs) to Advance the SDGs IFAC’s vision is that the accountancy profession is essential to strong, sustainable organizations, financial markets, and economies. Consequently, the accountancy profession has a crucial role in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, as represented by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at sustaining people, planet and prosperity. The accountancy profession can have an influential impact on at least 9 of the 17 SDGs which are: i. Reducing poverty ii. Quality education iii. Gender equality iv. Decent work and economic growth v. Reduced inequalities vi. Responsible consumption & production vii. Climate action viii. Peace, justice and strong institutions, and ix. Partnerships for the goals. Here are five key actions, for PAOs to consider as they work to advance the SDGs. 1. Lead by example by aligning strategy and plans to relevant SDGs 2. Identify ways of supporting national development strategies and mobilizing action 3. Champion and advocate for awareness for the SDGs 4. Identify key stakeholders for collaboration and partnership 5. Be Innovative! ISA 540 (Revised) Implementation Support: Audit Client Brief - Considerations For Management When Determining Accounting Estimates And Related Disclosures The International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 540 (Revised) Implementation Working Group has prepared an Audit Client Briefing (Briefing) based on the Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) Audit Client Briefing of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), published in October 2019 and is used with permission of CPA Canada.