Registered auditors' perceptions of independent reviews

Abstract

The Companies Act of 2008 introduces the independent review of financial statements of certain non-public interest companies as an alternative to the conventional audit of financial statements which is currently required for all companies. The objective of the study reported on here is to determine the perceptions of Registered Auditors regarding independent reviews. A questionnaire was used in order to obtain the perceptions of Registered Auditors regarding independent reviews. This questionnaire covered the nature of an independent review, determinants of audit exemption, performing an independent review, and practitioners deemed competent to perform an independent review. The study also sought to determine whether Registered Auditors qualify to perform independent reviews. The study confirms the need for a principle-based stand-alone set of independent review standards so as to create a comprehensive body of guidance for independent review engagements. The study also reveals that Registered Auditors already meet the public interest requirements to perform independent reviews.