Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer in Deutschland
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The Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer in Deutschland e.V. (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany, Incorporated Association - IDW) is a privately run organisation based in Düsseldorf established to serve the interests of its members who comprise both individual Wirtschaftsprüfers (German Public Auditors) and Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften (German Public Audit firms). The IDW was established on a voluntary basis rather than having been established under German law. In accordance with its Articles of Incorporation, the IDW does not operate as a commercial business and is a not-for-profit organisation. Membership as of 31 December 2009 was 12,979 full members, of whom: 11.959 are Wirtschaftsprüfers (87% of all Wirtschaftsprüfers) and 1.020 are Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften.
Mission
In accordance with its bylaws, the IDW's task is to foster the technical domains of the Wirtschaftsprüfer and to represent the interests of the profession of Wirtschaftsprüfer. The IDW fulfils this task both nationally and internationally using its highly competent technical resources. The requisite technical knowledge is gained through collaboration within the various committees and permanent and ad-hoc IDW working parties which work together with technical staff at the IDW’s headquarters in Düsseldorf.
The IDW’s role is to:
- Represent the professional interests of its members at both national and international levels
- Undertake technical work relevant to the fields in which its members are active
- Provide training courses and support for trainee Wirtschaftsprüfer and continuing professional development for qualified Wirtschaftsprüfer
- Provide support to members on technical issues in their day-to-day work
Technical work
The IDW’s technical work is mainly apparent in:
- various statements in the form of IDW expert opinions, IDW auditing standards and IDW opinions on accounting, IDW standards, information and working aids
- submission of comments on draft statutes, regulations, position papers and technical standards at both national and international levels
- expert opinions provided in response to members’ questions involving accounting and auditing and advice on taxation and management.
The results of IDW’s technical work are also relevant for the following:
- membership of committees in various organisations Fédération des Experts Comptables Européens (FEE), International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), and others
- political contacts on issues affecting the profession, above all through IDW offices in Berlin and Brussels
- achieving a broader public awareness of the profession and positioning the profession in announcements to the press.