Beyond Checklists: Living ISQM with Integrity & Innovation

In-house course

Half Day
Attendance at this seminar will secure 4.5 hour/s verifiable CPD points including other professional bodies (SAICA, SAIBA, ACCA, IACSA, IRBA & etc)
COVANNI HOHLS - DU PREEZ   covanni@probetatraining.co.za

This session provides a deep dive into the International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM) 1 and ISQM 2, focusing on how SAIPA professionals can implement and maintain robust quality management systems. The training explores ethical responsibilities (IESBA Code), digital risks, social media conduct, and technology solutions that impact assurance and other services.

Participants will learn how to practically apply the ISQM standards with the aid of software tools, how to avoid ethical breaches in a hyperconnected environment, and how to build quality-centric cultures within small and medium-sized practices (SMPs).

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the core components of ISQM 1 and ISQM 2.
  • Align ethical responsibilities with quality objectives.
  • Identify and manage risks arising from technology and digital conduct.
  • Apply practical quality responses using automation, templates, and software.
  • Establish a monitoring and remediation culture.
  • Evaluate reviewer and engagement quality roles in terms of ISQM 2.
  • Identify social media-related professional risks and responses.

Session 1: ISQM 1 Overview and Quality Management Framework

  • Objective: Introduce ISQM 1 framework and components.
  • Topics:
  • Shift from Quality Control (ISQC 1) to Quality Management (ISQM 1)
  • Components: Governance, Ethics, Resources, Engagement Performance, Monitoring
  • Scalability for small firms


Session 2: Risk Assessment, Ethics & Technology

  • Objective: Understand how to assess risks to quality, especially with evolving tech and ethical threats.
  • Topics:
  • Identifying quality risks (incl. staff turnover, tech reliance, remote work)
  • Ethical threats in practice (self-interest, familiarity, advocacy threats)
  • Digital tools: pros & cons (AI-assisted tools, file-sharing, encryption)
  • Practical controls:
  • Case Study:
  • Group Activity:

Session 3: ISQM 2 & Engagement Quality Reviews (EQR)

  • Objective: Understand ISQM 2 and its connection to ethical conduct and reviewer roles.
  • Topics:
  • When is EQR required? (High-risk engagements, public interest clients)
  • Criteria for an eligible Engagement Quality Reviewer
  • Independence, objectivity, and professional skepticism
  • Integration with ethics (IESBA) and SAIPA standards
  • Example:
  • Activity:
  • References:

Session 4 : Monitoring, Social Media Risks & Continuous Improvement

  • Objective: Establish monitoring and remediation systems, including policies around social media and digital professionalism.
  • Topics:
  • Monitoring procedures (internal file reviews, root cause analysis)
  • Dealing with social media: personal posts, advertising services, public comments
  • Addressing audit fatigue and automation in quality
  • Updating quality management systems
  • Examples:
  • Activity:
  • References:


Key Concepts and Tools Covered:

  • Quality Objectives
  • Risk Responses
  • Engagement Quality Reviews (ISQM 2)
  • Ethical Threats (IESBA Framework)
  • Monitoring & Remediation
  • Technology in Practice (software, AI, cloud risks)
  • Social Media Use & Boundaries