About the IDW

The Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer in Deutschland e.V. [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany, Incorporated Association] (IDW) is a privately run organisation established to serve the interests of its members who comprise both individual Wirtschaftsprüfer [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. The IDW's headquarters are situated in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The IDW is a full and founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) as well as a full and founding member of the Fédération des Experts Comptables Européens (FEE). The IDW has been a sponsoring organisation of members of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and its predecessor, the International Auditing Practices Committee (IAPC), and of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), since their inception.

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

Articles of incorporation (PDF)

IDW members (as of 1 January 2012):

• 13.247 full members

• of whom:
  12.247 are Wirtschaftsprüfer (86,46 % of all Wirtschaftsprüfer) and
  1.027 are German public audit firms

IDW honorary members

Individuals who have rendered exceptional services to the Wirtschaftsprüfer profession may be appointed honorary members of the IDW.