Chief Executive Officer and Technical Expert Group Chairman
European Financial Reporting Advisory Group
Andrew Watchman joined the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) as CEO and TEG Chairman in April 2016. EFRAG’s mission is to serve the European public interest by developing and promoting European views in the field of financial reporting and ensuring these views are properly considered in the IASB standard-setting process and in related international debates. EFRAG ultimately provides advice to the European Commission on whether newly issued or revised IFRS meet the criteria in the IAS Regulation for endorsement for use in the EU, including whether endorsement would be conducive to the European public good. Andrew is responsible for directing and managing EFRAG’s technical activities, including chairing EFRAG’s Technical Expert Group, and executive management of the organisation.
Prior to joining EFRAG Andrew was the Global Head of IFRS for Grant Thornton, leading a team supporting the application of IFRS across the international network and chairing the firm’s global IFRS expert group. Responsibilities included consulting on technical issues, developing publications, delivering training and responding to IASB proposals. Between July 2013 and joining EFRAG Andrew also served as a member of the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). Before Grant Thornton Andrew served as Accountancy Adviser to the UK’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), providing expert advice on public policy in financial reporting and the transition to IFRS in the UK. Prior to that Andrew spent fourteen years in the audit practice of an international accounting firm, up to partner level.