The IDW was incorporated as an association in 1946 to serve the interests of its members, which comprise individual Wirtschaftsprüfer (public accountants / auditors) and Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften (German audit firms) along with other professionals such as licensed tax advisors and lawyers in public practice. Membership in the IDW is voluntary. The IDW’s mission to (i) provide for the education and continuing professional development (CPD) of Wirtschaftsprüfer, and to conduct appropriate measures therefor; (ii) to advocate uniform principles for exercise of the profession in an independent, individually responsible and conscientious manner, and ensure members’ compliance with these principles; and (iii) to foster the further development of the role of the Wirtschaftsprüfer profession. Individuals who join the IDW are required to be registered on the institute’s registry and are subject to its CPD requirements and investigative and disciplinary procedures. IDW is a founding member of IFAC and Accountancy Europe.