SCAAK was established in 2001 in Kosovo to implement global standards and best practices for the new accounting profession. SCAAK became an associate member of IFAC in 2003 and a full member in 2009. SCAAK introduced principles-based accounting and adopted SMOs and international standards. Challenges include changing mentalities, the informal economy, independence threats due to familiarity, and insufficient ethics education. Ethical challenges include undue auditor pressure and a lack of strong regulation. SCAAK addresses these issues through governance, cooperation with stakeholders to increase awareness and influence education, and prioritizing public interest and professional ethics.

1. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CFRR – IFAC
Regional SMP Forum______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ARDIANA BUNJAKU
Executive Director
May 31, 2017, Vienna, Austria
Society of Certified Accountants and
Auditors of Kosovo

2. New country – new profession
• SCAAK established 2001, aimed to implement and
promote global standards and best practices for the new
profession: assisting economic development and concept
of independent self-regulating group of professionals
working in the public interest
• Associate member of IFAC 2003
• Twinning agreement with Royal NIVRA 2007
• Full member of FCM 2006
• Full member of IFAC 2009
• Full member of EFAA 2016
Slide 2

3. New country – new profession
• Introduction of principles based approach to
accounting
• Adoption of SMOs within the statute of
SCAAK
• Adoption of standards and guidance that
SCAAK does not have regulatory
responsibility (IAS/IFRS, ISA)
Slide 3

4. Challenges
• Change of mentality
• Impact of informal economy
• Independence – familiarity threat “everyone
knows everyone”
• Insufficient emphasis on ethics related
courses by universities
Slide 4

5. Ethical challenges - examples
• Undue pressure on auditors
• Lack of strong regulator to implement legal
requirements
Slide 5

6. SCAAK’s response
• Public interest – first
• Governance structure in place
• Cooperation with stakeholders
– Increasing awareness – member of chambers of
commerce
– Curriculum development for universities (3 public / 2
private)
– Advisor to tax administration director
– Member of the Business Committee Office established
by the President of Assembly of Kosovo
Slide 6

7. Thank you
The strongest effort by SCAAK is continuous
promoting professional ethics
Slide 7