Helping to sustainably improve audit quality

The audit profession is always on the move. This can, for example, be attributed to changing laws and regulations, as well as changing public expectations in fields such as sustainability, fraud and continuity. PwC wants to help sustainably improve audit quality. We thus examine how things can be improved or done differently, and talk about this with our stakeholders.

Provide insight through Audit Quality Indicators

We believe it is important to provide our stakeholders with insight into the quality of our audits. Therefore, since 2024, we have been voluntarily reporting on the so-called ‘Audit Quality Indicators’ (AQIs) in our our transparency report. These quality indicators have been drawn up within the sector in recent years at the request of the Minister of Finance. We consider it important to actively contribute to this development from the perspective of quality and trust in the accountancy sector; that is why we responded to the consultation on the Regulation on Quality Indicators for the Accountancy Sector. When the Amendment Act on the Future of the Accountancy Sector enters into force, reporting on these AQIs will become mandatory for all audit firms holding a PIE license.

Sustainability legislation in motion

With the 'Omnibus' package, the European Union has adjusted sustainability reporting: this amending directive has now been adopted and has been in force since March 2026, and amends, among other things, the content and timing of the CSRD. The Dutch implementation of this is still ongoing, through the Bill implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. We are in dialogue with our stakeholders about these developments. We advocate for clarity for companies and accountants. At the same time, we continue to guide ourselves and our clients through their sustainable transitions.

PwC expresses concerns about timely CSRD implementation

PwC's audit practice has sent a 'client warning letter' to audit clients who must report under the CSRD for the first time in 2025, expressing concerns about the timely implementation of the CSRD by these clients. After informing the clients, PwC also made this letter public to send a strong signal to the general business community and society.

Clear Standards on fraud and continuity 

Since 2021, accountants in the Netherlands have been reporting on fraud and going concern in the auditor's report in a progressively more extensive manner. In response to this, the NBA has opened a consultation on the evaluation of this practice and the introduction of the revised international Standards 240 (fraud) and 570 (going concern). 
 
We have taken the opportunity to respond to this consultation. As accountants, we play an important role in identifying fraud and going concern risks, and we consider it of great importance to fulfil that responsibility carefully, professionally, and with the public interest in mind. That is why we advocate, among other things, for harmonisation of the scope of both standards and a clear delineation of the role of the accountant in relation to that of the entity itself. With our response, we aim to contribute to standards that further strengthen trust in the auditor's report.

Work groups NBA

PwC is also actively helping to improve the future of the audit profession via The Royal Netherlands Institute of Chartered Accountants (NBA). For instance, Martijn Jansen – chairman of PwC's assurance practice – is a member of the Public Interest Steering Group and PwC professionals take part in various work groups.

PwC reactions to consultations European Commission

The audit profession is always on the move. For example, in recent years, we have witnessed developments in the field of sustainability and assurance for non-financial information. These developments are partly being shaped by the European Commission (EC) by modifying existing guidelines or developing new guidelines. PwC has responded to several consultations by the European Commission.