Guidance notes on UAE Accountability Authority Resolution no. 157

InsightsLocal insights

Guidance for UAEAA Resolution no. 157 compliance

Forvis Mazars provides tailored support for Federal entities under UAEAA supervision, with services covering internal control readiness, fraud risk assessment and audit preparedness in line with Resolution No. 157

UAE resolution No. 157

The UAE Accountability Authority has issued Resolution No. 157, establishing additional audit standards for financial statement audits of federal entities under its supervision. This resolution introduces expanded regulatory requirements, supplementing the International Standards on Auditing (ISA), and reflects a significant enhancement in expectations around governance, internal controls, financial reporting, and organisational accountability.

This report aims to provide federal entities with a comprehensive understanding of the resolution, outline the actions required for compliance, and clarify the responsibilities across organisational functions to ensure effective and timely implementation.

Download the guidance

Scope of the resolution No. 157

Resolution No. 157 applies to all federal entities subject to the oversight of the UAE Accountability Authority. The resolution requires adherence to both international audit standards and UAE-specific additional audit procedures. These additional procedures encompass internal control evaluations, compliance reviews, fraud risk assessments, financial reporting integrity, and ethical conduct monitoring.

The resolution emphasises that financial reporting reflects the cumulative outcomes of actions and controls executed across the entire organisation. Therefore, the integrity of financial statements relies not only on the finance function but on the integrated performance of Internal audit, legal, procurement, HR, IT, operations and governance functions.

Download the guidance

How we can support you

Leveraging our specialised expertise, we deliver comprehensive assistance to federal entities to ensure their full compliance with Resolution No. 157, offering the following tailored services:

Readiness assessment

  • Diagnostic review of current financial reporting, internal control frameworks, and compliance processes
  • Gap analysis against Resolution No. 157 requirements
  • Prioritised action plans and implementation road maps

Internal control framework development

  • Design and documentation of internal control policies, procedures, and control matrices
  • Alignment of ICoFR with international standards and the UAEAA’s additional requirements
  • Control mapping across all business cycles: procurement, HR, payroll, finance, assets, revenues, service performance, and IT

Governance and oversight structuring

  • Advisory on governance committee mandates, charters, and reporting protocols
  • Integration of governance roles for boards, audit committees, and executive management.

Audit preparedness support

  • Assistance in preparing comprehensive audit evidence files
  • Documentation of financial statement support, reconciliations, and management representations
  • Training and capacity building for staff to manage audit queries and processes

Compliance and legal mapping

  • Advise on best practices around maintaining regulatory compliance registers
  • Establishment of monitoring and escalation protocols for compliance deviations

Ethics and anti-fraud programmes

  • Implementation of ethical conduct programmes in line with IESBA standards
  • Development of fraud risk management frameworks in line with ACFE
  • Design of whistleblower channels and conflict-of-interest declarations

 

Fill out the form to download the complete guidance

* Mandatory fields. Without this information we will be unable to process your request.

Personal data collected via this form will be processed in accordance with our privacy statement, which can be accessed at: https://www.forvismazars.com/ae/en/legals/legal-and-privacy/data-privacy-statement

Forvis Mazars is the brand name for the Forvis Mazars Global network (Forvis Mazars Global Limited), a leading global professional services network. The network operates under a single brand worldwide, with just two members: Forvis Mazars, LLP in the United States and Forvis Mazars Group SC, an internationally integrated partnership operating in over 100 countries and territories. Forvis Mazars in UAE is an independent member firm of Forvis Mazars Group SC.

Contact