What Has Changed in Audit Activities Since August 2026? - FCHAIN

What Has Changed in Audit Activities Since August 2026?

In August 2026, a number of changes in the areas of audit activities, state audit and financial control came into force in Kazakhstan. The amendments affected desk control, compliance audit, accreditation of professional audit organizations, certification of auditor candidates and licensing of audit activities. Let us consider the key changes that market participants should take into account.

 

Changes to the Rules for Desk Control

Since August 22, 2026, amendments introduced by Order No. 523 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated August 4, 2026 have been in effect. The amendments affected the Rules for Conducting Desk Control approved by Order No. 598 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated November 30, 2015. In particular, the definition of the authorized body for internal state audit was clarified, and paragraph 28 of the Rules was set out in a new version. Failure to comply with a notification on the elimination of violations within the established period may result in the suspension of expenditure transactions under the codes and accounts of the state audit entity, including bank accounts, except for correspondent accounts. At the same time, important exceptions are provided:

1. the application of this measure is suspended for the period during which objections to the notification are being considered;
2. the measure does not apply if the identified violations cannot be remedied;
3. expenditure transactions provided for in paragraph 2 of Article 32 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On State Audit and Financial Control” remain permitted.

In addition, the following have been approved in a new version:

1. the list of desk control risk profiles;
2. elements of desk control of public procurement and methods for eliminating identified violations.

 

The “Compliance Audit” Standard Has Been Updated

The same Order No. 523 introduced amendments to the Procedural Standard for Internal State Audit and Financial Control “Compliance Audit”, approved by Order No. 113 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated February 1, 2022. As part of the update, the terminology of the standard was brought into line with modern legislation and digitalization processes. In particular, references to “electronic systems” were replaced with “digital systems”, while references to legislative acts were replaced with references to the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The requirements for conducting compliance audits in the relevant areas were also approved in a new version. The amendments have been effective since August 22, 2026.

 

New Rules for Accreditation of Professional Audit Organizations

By Order No. 514 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 30, 2026, the Rules for Accreditation of Professional Audit Organizations were set out in a new version. The amendments provide for further digitalization of the public service delivery process and updating of the regulatory framework. In particular, the list of basic requirements for the provision of the public service “Issuance of a Certificate of Accreditation of a Professional Audit Organization” has been updated. The regulatory terminology also uses the concepts of “digital government” and “digital systems”. The new rules have been effective since August 16, 2026.

 

Rules for Certification of Auditor Candidates Have Changed

One of the most significant changes introduced in August concerns the procedure for certification of auditor candidates. Order No. 505 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 27, 2026 introduced amendments to the Rules for Certification of Auditor Candidates. Information on the certification date is now published on the website of the professional council, and the commission must notify candidates of the examination date no later than two months before it is held. The list of examination disciplines has also been expanded. Auditor candidates must additionally take the following discipline: “Finance and Financial Management”. Another important innovation is the possibility of conducting the examination using computer technologies. In addition, the validity period of positive examination results has been extended. Previously, a result in the relevant discipline was recognized as valid for four years; now this period is five years from the date the result is approved. At the same time, amendments were introduced to the Rules for the Formation and Activities of the Qualification Commission for Certification of Auditor Candidates of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The amendments have been effective since August 8, 2026.

 

Digitalization of Audit Activity Licensing

Since August 4, 2026, amendments to the Rules for the Provision of the Public Service “Issuance of a License for Audit Activities”, introduced by Order No. 483 of the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated July 17, 2026, have been in effect. The majority of the amendments are related to the transition to modern digital terminology and the digitalization of public services. The license issuance service is provided by the Internal State Audit Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan through the digital government web portals eGov.kz and eLicense.kz. The license fee may be paid through second-tier banks, organizations carrying out certain types of banking operations, as well as through the digital government payment gateway. Registration and processing of submitted applications are carried out through the “E-Licensing” digital system.

 

What Do the Changes Mean for Businesses and Audit Market Participants?

The August amendments demonstrate the continuation of the systematic digitalization of audit and state financial control in Kazakhstan. It is particularly important for professional audit organizations and specialists to take into account the updated accreditation and licensing procedures, while auditor candidates should consider the new certification requirements. Organizations subject to state audit should pay particular attention to the timely execution of notifications issued following desk control. Failure to comply with the requirements within the established period may result in the suspension of expenditure transactions on accounts in cases provided for by law. In this regard, companies should promptly monitor legislative changes, update their internal procedures and conduct preliminary reviews of financial and accounting documentation.

 

FChain — Professional Business Support

Changes in requirements for accounting, financial reporting, audit and internal control require businesses to continuously monitor legislation and promptly adapt their internal processes. FChain provides comprehensive support to companies in Kazakhstan and is ready to assist in the following areas:

• Accounting Recovery;
• Payroll services;
• HR Audit;
• Legal support for business.

Need assistance in preparing for an audit or reviewing financial documentation? Contact FChain specialists. We will analyze the current situation, identify potential risks and propose practical solutions taking into account the current requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

 

 New Rules for the Unified HR System

Prepared by: Anel Kosmaganbetova

Assistant to the Director

FСhain Kazakhstan

  📩almaty@f-chain.com
WhatsApp: +7 771 214 1820