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’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
IDW members (as of 31 December 2009):
12.979 full members
of whom:
11.959 are Wirtschaftsprüfer (87,27 % of all Wirtschaftsprüfer) and
1.020 are German public audit firms
Technical committees
§ [Article] 12 IDW Articles of Incorporation
(1) A permanent Hauptfachausschuss ["Auditing and Accounting Board"] must be established, whose responsibilities include consulting on professional issues; the issuance of statements and technical opinions of the IDW is reserved solely for the Hauptfachausschuss.
(2) The Board of Directors may employ additional committees and determine their responsibilities.
IDW honorary members
Individuals who have rendered exceptional services to the Wirtschaftsprüfer profession may be appointed honorary members of the IDW.