Looking to take on new clients or new engagements (audits/reviews/ compilations) for existing clients? Are you, in fact, allowed to do the audit/review of the same client for which you compiled the AFS and how long can you serve for, as auditor/reviewer? Auditors, accountants and professional consultants are often unsure about whether they can offer multiple services to the same client. These matters are referred to as “independence restrictions” and can have major financial benefits if adhered to, or otherwise cause devastating reputational and legal damage, if not.
• Legal independence restrictions pertaining to specific industries, e.g. attorneys, companies, body corporates, public schools, home owners associations, property practitioners, close corporations, sole proprietors and partnerships
• Ethical independence restrictions, e.g. SAICA / IRBA / SAIPA Code of Ethics
• Auditor / reviewer and firm rotation restrictions.
