Week 3 - Responsibilities & Ethics Flashcards
how do auditors handle bribery?
report to the NCA
NCA?
national crime agency
sarbanes-oxley act 2002?
- act passed in the US following Enron scandal
- US law but relevant to UK subsidiaries
client’s responsibilities under sarbanes oxley act 2002?
- CFO & CEO attest to the veracity of the FSs
- greater disclosure of the FS amendments during the audit
auditor’s responsibilities under sarbanes oxley act 2002?
- be subject to stricter independence rules
- PCAOB can inspect audit files
related party?
a company/person that can have undue influence over the client
why are related party transactions risky?
transactions may not be done at arms length
e.g., done for no consideration
must related party transactions be disclosed?
what happens if not disclosed?
yes, must be disclosed
undisclosed related party transactions are material by nature to the FS
management/auditor responsibilities for related party transactions?
management = duty to disclose related party transactions
auditor = responsible for responding to the risk of material misstatement caused by non-disclosure
audit procedures for identifying non-disclosure of related party transactions?
- get list of all related parties
- inspect investment transactions
- review board minutes
- detailed tests of transactions
- get confirmations that disclosure has been made
money laundering?
aims to disguise the origins of funds from criminal activities
money laundering includes…
tax evasion and saving costs to comply with laws & regs
how does the auditor respond to suspicions of money laundering?
- report to MLRO
- MLRO reports to NCA
auditor offences associated with money laundering include…
- failure to report
- failure to provide staff training
- tipping off the money launderer
sanctions for money laundering?
can result in imprisonment for up to 14 years
how must auditors operate when discussing suspicions of money laundering?
be very cautious
what code of ethics does the role around money laundering breach?
confidentiality
confidentiality must be breached and discuss with relevant authorities
if auditors identify problems during an audit, who should they report to?
the engagement partner first and foremost
does money laundering constitute bribery?
yes
should be treated the same
GDPR?
general data protection regulation
personal data and info must be securely protected
individuals can access their personal data & details around how it’s processed
must auditors ensure compliance with sustainability regulations?
yes
this is because non-compliance can lead to material fines, contingent liabilities or penalties
sources of ethical guidance?
- IFAC/IESBA
- FRC ethical standard
- ICAEW code
IESBA code of ethics?
- confidentiality
- integrity
- objectivity
- pro competence & due care
- pro behaviour
threats to objectivity?
- self interest
- self review
- familiarity
- management
- advocacy
- intimidation