This report is part of the Bank andInternational Monetary Fund joint initiative on Reports onthe Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The ROSC-Accounting & Auditing review process involved anassessment of local accounting and auditing standards, andactual practices and analysis of effectiveness of themechanisms for ensuring compliance with the formalstandards. The review used a diagnostic template developedby the Bank to facilitate a self-assessment by a NationalSteering Committee established by the Minister of EconomicDevelopment, Financial Services, and Corporate Affairs. Theself-assessment results, complemented by the findings of adue diligence exercise conducted by Bank staff, were used inpreparing this report. The policy recommendations of thisreport specifically focus on strengthening the monitoringand enforcement arrangements through a proposed FinancialReporting Council. This body will develop, and disseminateguidelines on international accounting and auditingstandards, monitor compliance with financial reportingrequirements, conduct practice review of the auditors andaudit firms, and enforce actions against infractions. Forexpediting the implementation of IAS and ISA, there is aneed for bolstering professional education and training arrangements.