Abstract:
The role and function of the auditing industry changes continually. Since the
Industrial Revolution, a clear rhythm in the developments and events can be
discerned. Political, social and economic development and events do force the
auditing industry to reposition itself time and again to remain relevant to and to meet
the needs of society. Because the auditor has a statutory monopoly to carry out the
attest function, in the long term he must simply meet the needs of society that are
embodied in legislation. In other words, auditors have traditionally been reactive to
forces of change, rather than proactive, and leading the change process.
