Plan First, Regret Nothing: Mastering the Planning Stage of Independent Reviews

IR assurance is coming whether your clients are ready or not. Learn how to plan your independent reviews properly using ISRE 2400. This session takes you beyond the engagement letter, showing you how to identify high-risk areas, set appropriate materiality levels, and design focused analytical procedures that deliver results. Whether you're handling your first review or refining your current process, you'll gain practical tools to strengthen your planning, improve efficiency, and protect your practice from review pitfalls..

3 CPD units July 22, 2025 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

Use ISRE 2400 (Revised) to build a planning process that protects your practice
Identify high-risk areas in your client’s financials—before you start the review
Set materiality the right way (and defend it if challenged)
Design efficient analytical and inquiry procedures that get real results
Document your planning work clearly—so you’re never caught off guard

Event breakdown

The real risk of “winging it” in independent reviews
What goes wrong when planning is skipped
What ISRE 2400 actually says about planning
Turning the standard into a working, repeatable process
How to spot red flags before they blow up
Using the client’s financials and business context to focus your work
How to choose the right benchmarks
Defending your materiality judgment under review or inspection
How to use analytical procedures and inquiries that actually uncover problems
Avoiding duplication and “tick-box” work
What to write down (and what not to)
Templates and techniques to stay organised and inspection-ready
Planning checklists and resources
Q&A and final takeaways to strengthen your next review

Category: Assurance & reportingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Independent Review

Description

Independent Review: Planning Like a Pro Too many practitioners rush into review procedures without a clear plan—then end up missing red flags, repeating work, or worse, signing off on misstated financials. This session strips the theory down to what you actually need to do once the client is onboard and the engagement letter is signed. You’ll learn how to build a solid plan, identify risky areas before they blow up, and design targeted procedures that save time and protect your reputation. Whether you’re new to independent reviews or want to sharpen your process, this session will give you the structure and confidence to plan your reviews properly—no audit required.

Presenters

Leana van der Merwe — Leana: Leana van der Merwe, with 18+ years in accounting and corporate governance, Leana leads technical support at CIBA and is a recognized thought leader in regulatory compliance.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Independent Review.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser