The Senate has approved the Accountancy Sector Amendment Act.
In this article, you will read what the act concretely means for accountants and firms, which obligations it adds, and how the sector can prepare for its implementation from 2026.
In brief: the Accountancy Sector Amendment Act
The act amends the Accountants Profession Act (Wab), the Audit Firms Supervision Act (Wta) and the Accountants Disciplinary Jurisdiction Act (Wtra). Aim: to improve the quality of statutory audits.
Key points:
- Reporting on Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs) becomes mandatory.
- Large firms must establish a supervisory board (RvC).
- The AFM gets more supervisory duties, also for non-OOB firms.
- The disciplinary system and the governance of the NBA are being modernised.
What you will notice
1. More emphasis on quality and transparency
The act requires large accountancy firms to report on Audit Quality Indicators (AQIs): measurable quality indicators such as workload, partner involvement and turnaround times.
What this means: firms must demonstrate more clearly how they safeguard quality and where improvements are needed. This also makes performance more comparable between firms.
2. Mandatory internal supervision at large firms
Large (OOB) accountancy organisations must establish a supervisory board (RvC). It will have authority over, among other things, investments and profit distributions.
What this means: an extra layer of internal supervision will be introduced to prevent commercial interests from prevailing over quality.
3. More supervision for non-OOB firms
The AFM will take on a stronger role in supervising non-OOB firms (firms that do not serve listed clients).
What this means: mid-sized and smaller firms may also face more intensive inspections and stricter reporting obligations if there are deficiencies.
4. Modernising the disciplinary system and professional organisation
The disciplinary system for accountants is being streamlined, which should make procedures more efficient. The governance of the NBA is also being modernised.
What this means: a clearer and better functioning supervisory system, with shorter lines between complaints, investigations and rulings.
5. New rules for foreign accountants
Clearer requirements are being introduced for the professional competence of foreign accountants who want to work in the Netherlands.
What this means: foreign professionals must demonstrate that their knowledge and experience are equivalent to Dutch standards.
When will you notice it?
Parts of the act are expected to come into force in 2026. Some components, such as the setup of supervisory boards or AQI reports, will be phased in because firms need time to adapt their organisations.
