The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board has published the first part of a four-part guidance series on managing quality when using artificial intelligence tools within audit and assurance engagements.
Framework for AI Quality Management
The newly published release includes an Introduction to the Guide Series alongside Guide 1: Common Conceptual Foundation. This initial document establishes definitions for AI-enabled technological tools, outlines their life cycle, and details quality management responsibilities at both firm and engagement levels.
Developed with input from the IAASB Technology Quality Management Expert Group, the publication offers risk assessment guidance to assist firms in identifying quality risks. The guides are non-authoritative and do not introduce new mandatory requirements, operating instead to support the application of existing standards ISQM 1 and ISA 220 (Revised).
Staged Rollout Schedule Through 2027
The IAASB is issuing the publication series in stages to provide timely support to assurance practitioners.
Subject to board approval, Guide 2, focusing on firm-level quality management before deployment, is scheduled for publication in January or February 2027. Guide 3, covering engagement-level use and oversight, is expected in April or May 2027. A complete integrated edition including Guide 4, which addresses post-deployment monitoring and remediation, is targeted for July or August 2027.
| Guide Component | Subject Focus | Target Release Window |
|---|---|---|
| Guide 1 | Common Conceptual Foundation and risk assessment | Published (November 2026) |
| Guide 2 | Firm-Level Quality Management Before Deployment | January / February 2027 |
| Guide 3 | Engagement-Level Use and Oversight | April / May 2027 |
| Integrated Edition & Guide 4 | Post-deployment monitoring and remediation | July / August 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the new IAASB guides mandatory for audit firms?
No, the guides are non-authoritative and introduce no new requirements. They support the practical application of existing standards ISQM 1 and ISA 220 (Revised).
What is covered in the first installment of the IAASB guidance?
Guide 1 provides a common conceptual foundation, defining AI-enabled technological tools, explaining their life cycle, outlining firm and engagement responsibilities, and detailing risk assessment factors.
