Principles and Practice of Auditing
Principles and Practice of Auditing
Principles and Practice of Auditing
UNIT-I
INTRODUCTION OF AUDITING:
The origin of auditing can be traced to Italy. Around the year 1494, Luca Paciolo introduced the
double entry system of bookkeeping and described the duties and responsibilities of an Auditor.
MEANING:
The term ‘audit’ has been derived from the Latin term ‘audire’ which means ‘to hear.’
In early days a person had to listen to the accounts read over by an accountant to check them.
He was known as the auditor.
DEFINITION:
Lawrence R. Dicksee – “An audit is an examination of accounting records undertaken
with a view to establishing whether they correctly and completely reflect the transactions to which
they purport to relate.”
Objectives of Auditing:
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
Secondary Objectives
1. CLERICAL ERROR
Errors that are committed in posting, totalling and balancing of accounts
are called as Clerical Errors. These errors may or may not affect the agreement
of the Trial Balance.
Errors of Omission:
When a transaction is not recorded or partially recorded in the books of
account is known as Errors of Omission. Usually, it arises due to the mistake of
clerks. Error of omission can occur due to complete omission or partial
omission.
Errors of Commission:
(1) Error of Recording,
4.ERROR OF PRINCIPLE
An error of principle occurs when the generally accepted principles of
accounting are not followed while recording the transactions in the books of
account. These errors may be due to lack of knowledge on accounting principles
and concepts.
Example – 1: Repairs to Office Building for Rs. 32,000, instead of debiting to
repairs account is wrongly debited to building account.
Example – 2: Freight charges of Rs. 3,000 paid for a new machinery, instead of
debiting to Machinery account wrongly debited to Freight account.
Differences Between Accountancy and Auditing
1. Meaning
Accountancy: It is the process of recording, classifying, summarising and
interpreting all the financial transactions.
Auditing: It is the process of examining books of accounts and reporting on the
financial statements.
2. Objectives
Accountancy: Its main objective is to find out profit earned or loss suffered by
a company and to show the financial position of the company for a particular
period.
Auditing: Its main objective is to examine the correctness of the accounts and
financial statements and certify that whether the company exhibits a true and
fair view of state of affairs of the concern.
3. Nature of Employment
Accountancy: An accountant is a permanent employee of the organisation.
Auditing: An auditor is an independent person and is not an employee of the
organisation.
4. Qualification
Accountancy: An accountant does not require any formal qualification.
Auditing: An auditor should be a qualified chartered accountant certified by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
5. Reports
Accountancy: Accountant is not required to submit the report on the financial
statements prepared by him.
Auditing: Auditor should submit the report certifying the truth and fairness of
the financial statements.
6. Remuneration
Accountancy: An accountant is remunerated in the form of salary.
Auditing: An auditor is remunerated in the form of professional fees.
7. Commencement of work
Accountancy: Accountancy starts where Book-keeping ends.
Auditing: Auditing starts where Accountancy ends.
1. Internal audits
2. External audits
3. Financial statement audits
4. Performance audits
5. Operational audits
6. Employee benefit plan audits
7. Single audits
8. Compliance audits
9. Information system audits
1. Internal Audits
Internal audits assess internal controls, processes, legal compliance, and the
protection of assets. The internal audit process can be a helpful tool for businesses
to evaluate risk and identify actionable ways to improve performance.
Internal audits are performed by individuals within the organization. While these
individuals aren’t independent of the organization, they should be independent of
the activities they’re auditing.
2. External Audits
A third party – such as an independent CPA firm – conducts external audits.
Once the audit is complete, a report is distributed to shareholders and stakeholders
outside of the organization.
Example: A manufacturer of car parts is a publicly-traded company. Publicly
traded companies and corporations that sell their shares to the public are required
to have an external auditor audit their financial statements.
Next, learn about specific types of audits that can be performed internally,
externally, or both.
3. Financial Statement Audits
For Others
Audited accounts are easily accepted by insurance companies for settlement of claims.
Audited financial statements are acceptable by bank and financial institutions
LIMITATIONS OF AUDITING:
Rely on Experts − An Auditor has to rely on experts like engineers, valuers and
lawyers for estimation and valuation of fixed assets and estimation of contingent
liabilities.
Efficiency of Management − An Auditor does not comment on the efficiency of
management working in client organization; no comments on future performance of
an organization can be made through audited financial statements.
Checking of All Transactions − It is not possible for an Auditor to check all business
transactions especially in big organizations where the number of transactions is very
high. An Auditor has to rely on sampling and test checking.
Additional Financial burden − An organization has to bear additional financial
burden on account of any fees and other such expenses for conducting an audit.
Not Easy to Detect Some Frauds − It is not easy for an Auditor to detect deeply laid
frauds like forgery, misstatements and non-recording of transactions.
Audit Note Book is a register maintained by the audit staff to record important
points observed, errors, doubtful queries, explanations and clarifications to be
received from the clients. It also contains definite information regarding the
day-to-day work performed by the audit clerks.
Example:
Following are the queries made in the
Audit Note Book:
Voucher No.75 Paid towards advertisement expenses for 1. Rs. 3,50,000.
Voucher No.170 Rent paid 2. Rs. 22,000.
Voucher No.98 Material purchased and received in Stores for 3. Rs. 58,375
Voucher No.245 Machinery purchased for 4. Rs. 7,28,000.
Papers and documents which contain important facts about accounts which are
under audit are called as Audit Working Papers. Working papers provide the
basis of conclusions and summarizations of the report prepared by the auditor at
the end of the audit work
Definition
2. Support for Auditor’s Opinion: Working papers provide support for the
report of the auditor. When the auditor’s opinion on financial statement or
recommendations given by the auditor is questioned working papers support the
opinion or recommendations given by the auditor.
5. Basis for Evaluation and Training of Audit Staff: Working papers provide
a means to test whether the auditor and his staff have done their job as per the
standards. Training to the staff can be provided by reviewing the working
papers of past years.
1. Planning the Audit Work: It acts as the process of planning for the auditor
so that he can estimate the time that is required for conducting the audit work.
4. Helps in Preparing Audit Report: The auditor prepares and finalises the
audit report taking into account the informations or extracts contained in the
working papers.
6. Permanent Record: Working papers are the permanent record of the work
done by the auditor during a particular period of time.
Audit Program
MEANING
Definition
Prof. Meigs defines an audit programme as, “an audit programme is a detailed
plan of the auditing work to be performed, specifying the procedures to be
followed in verification of each item and the financial statements and giving the
estimated time required.”
6. It specifies the work to be done by the audit staff, the manner and time
limit for completion of the work.
6. Uniformity: It provides for uniformity in audit work as the same work will
be done every year.
7. Continuity: When an audit staff goes on leave others can continue the
work by referring to the audit programme, hence, audit programme provides for
continuity of work.
The ICWAI (The Institute of Cost Accountant of India) defines Cost Audit as a
“system of audit introduced by the government of India for the review, examination,
and appraisal of the cost accounting records and attendant information required to be
maintained by specified industries.”
1. To Assist Management:
The main purpose of this audit is to give proper, relevant and accurate information to the
Management to assist in taking the important decision. In this Audit, a report is submitted
suggesting certain ways to reduce the cost of production, guidance to the management for
increasing the efficiency in the manufacturing unit, any loss making unit and to make the
improvement in the accounting plan.
2. On behalf of Government:
Government may appoint the cost auditor to conduct audit wherever required:
a. If the Government feels to carry out the audit as per the Companies Act, 2013
b. To analyses the certain amount of cost if the government is approaching certain financial
help.
3. On behalf of Tribunals:
Sometimes, Labor Tribunals may direct the cost auditor to settle the disputes for more wages,
bonuses, shares in profit, etc. The Income tax department may direct the audit of cost account
to get the correct profit.
As per the Companies Act, 2013 there are certain classes of Companies that need to carry the
audit to get the accounts audited.
As per the statutory rules and Act it is mandatory for the Company to carry out the Audit.
Benefits of Cost Audit in India
Management Audit
Scope of Management Audit
Management audit is a method of independent and systematic evaluation of the management activities
at all levels of management to ascertain the functions, efficiency and achievement of the management
(i.e. policies) as compared to standards set by the company.
Evaluate the Efficiency of the Management: Management· audit evaluates and appraises
the efficiency of the management at all levels.
Implementation of Principles and Policies of the Management: Management audit review
whether principles and policies formulated by the management have been successfully
implemented or not.
Find Variances: It detects the variances in efficiency with the standards set by the
management.
Analyze the Reasons for Variances: Management audit analyze the reasons for
inefficiencies of the management for not fulfilling the targets.
Recommend Suggestions for Improvement: It gives suggestions for improvement in the
areas e.g. production, sales, purchase, finance, human resources, administration etc.
UNIT II
Internal Control
Definition: Internal Control can be defined as a system designed, introduced and
maintained by the company’s management and top-level executives, to provide a
substantial degree of assurance in achieving business objective, while complying
with the policies and laws, safeguarding the assets, maintaining efficiency and
effectiveness in regular operations and reliability of financial statements.
Objectives of Internal Control System
To ensure that the business transactions take place as per the general and specific
authorisation of the management.
To make sure that there is a sequential and systematic recording of every transaction, with the
accurate amount in their respective account and in the accounting period in which they take place. It
confirms that the financial statement fulfils the relevant statutory requirements.
To provide security to the company’s assets from unauthorised use. For this purpose, physical
security systems are used to provide protection such as security guards, anti-theft devices, surveillance
cameras, etc.
To compare the assets in the record with that of the existing ones at regular intervals and report to
the those charged with governance (TCWG), in case any difference is found.
To review the working of the organization and the loopholes in the operations and take necessary
steps for its correction.
To ensure there is the optimum utilization of the firm’s resources, i.e. men, material, machine and
money.
To find out whether the financial statements are in alignment with the accounting concepts and
principles.
An ideal internal control system of an organization is one that ensures best possible utilization of the
resources, and that too for the intended use and helps to mitigate the risk involved in it concerning the
wastage.
1. Preventive Controls: These controls are introduced in the firm to stop errors and irregularities from
taking place.
2. Detective Controls: These controls are implemented to reveal errors and irregularities, once they take
place.
3. Corrective Controls: These controls are designed to take corrective action for removing errors and
irregularities after they are detected.
4.[1.]
Internal Check
Internal Check is an integral function of the internal control system. It is an arrangement of duties of
the staff members in such a way that the work performed by one person is automatically and
independently checked by the other.
1. Number the order and keep it in the Orders Received Book with all of the details.
2. A copy of the order with all essential information should be sent to the Despatch
Department.
3. The Despatch Department should take the necessary procedures to ensure that the goods
are packed in accordance with the order.
4. The Despatch Department's statement of goods should be compared to the customer's
order, and then an invoice will be created in triplicate using carbon paper.
5. The invoice should be double-checked by a responsible person, especially the rates
charged and the computations completed.
6. Entries should be made in the Sales Day Book using a copy of the invoices.
7. Records should be kept in the Products Outward Book when goods are dispatched.
8. The customer may be issued two copies of the invoice, one of which will be returned after
it is signed. It'll suffice as a delivery receipt. For future reference, the third duplicate will be
kept.
9. For all the products returned by customers, entries should be made in the Goods Inward
Book. Credit notes should be prepared, and the responsible official should double-check and
initial them.
10. Keep track of sales returns in the Sales Return Book by using credit notes.
Internal Check With Regard To Purchases
1. Buy Requisitions: The method for issuing purchase requisitions should be established. When a
department needs products, the head of the department should fill out a requisition slip, sign it, and
send it to the purchasing department. The request sheet should provide specific information regarding
the quality, quantity, and delivery deadline.
2. Inquiry: The purchasing department inquires about the terms and circumstances of various
suppliers' purchases. Tenders are often requested for these purposes. However, it should be mentioned
who will open and accept the tenders. As a general rule, the lowest tender should be approved and a
choice made.
3. Purchase Order: Orders are placed by the purchasing department and should be noted in the
purchase order book. Prepare four copies of the purchase order. One copy will be forwarded to the
vendor, the second to the retail department, the third to the accounting department, and the fourth to
the buying department. Before the authorized person or director signs the purchase order, it should be
reviewed by a responsible official.
4. Goods Receipt: Upon receiving goods, the buying department shall thoroughly inspect them before
sending them to the stores, with an entry in the goods inward (receipt) book. The receiving
department should be notified of the arrival of the goods.
5. Making Payments: The procurement department should double-check invoices before sending
them to the accounting department for payment. The invoice should be compared to the purchase
order and incoming inspection report by the accounting department, and the calculations should be
double-checked. The invoice should be entered into the purchase book by the accounting department.
Only the responsible official should write a check to pay the invoice.
Internal Check with regard to Cash Transactions
CASH RECEIPTS:
1. Cash receipts should be handled by a separate staffer known as a cashier.
A preliminary note of the amount should be created as soon as cash is received. The cashier
should not be allowed to keep money on his person. He should not be allowed to spend
money or make entries in the ledger or other books of primary accounting.
2. Every day, all receipts should be deposited in the bank. Bank reconciliation statements
should be prepared regularly to reconcile bank and cash balances.
3. Bank pay-in slips should not be generated by the same individual who is responsible for
actual bank deposits.
4. Printed receipts should be used to acknowledge all receipts. All receipts should have their
counter-foils kept in good condition. Receipts that have not been utilized must be preserved
with a competent officer.
5. Rather than tearing out soiled receipts, they should be annulled. If any changes are made to
the receipts that have already been written, they must be appropriately initialed.
6. Copies of previously issued receipts must be indicated as duplicates.
7. From time to time, a few responsible members of the firm should conduct a surprise
physical check to verify the cash balance.
CASH PAYMENTS:
1. The person in charge of making payments should not be involved in cash receipts.
2. Except for small cash payments, all payments should be made by chance cheques as much
as practicable. Order cheques should be drawn for payment, and they should be crossed as
much as possible.
3. Arrangements should be taken to guarantee that payment vouchers are not offered for
payment again and that such vouchers be stamped as paid before the cheques are signed.
4. An official should check the statements received from creditors and cross-reference them
with invoices and ledger accounts, and only then should checks be made in the creditors'
favor.
5. Only directors and senior executives should be able to approve payments of a particular
kind.
6. Bank reconciliation statements should be made from time to time by authorities other than
the cashier to reconcile bank and cash balances.
7. Bank checks shall be kept in possession of responsible authority and kept under lock and
key.
8. For each payment, receipts should be acquired that is signed and stamped.
9. The receipts should be appropriately organized and stored using a file system.
10. Monthly or recurring payments should be paid on set dates to assure the availability of
cash discounts.
Internal checks- Wages
Wages are very important item of expenditure. The system of internal check for wages should
be devised in a planned and careful manner. There are great possibilities of frauds in a
concern employing a large number of workers. A sound system of internal check in payment
of wages may avoid errors and frauds which may be revealed from time and piece wages
records.
1. High Cost: The cost of establishing and operating an internal audit in an organization is
very expensive.
2. Unsuitable for Small Organization: Internal audit due to involvement of high cost is not
suitable for small organizations.
3. Unreliable Opinion: Internal auditor’s are employees of the organization and hence the
report given by them may not be true and fair. Often, external auditor has reservations about
the opinions expressed by the internal auditor.
4. Ineffectiveness: When the records of operations are not checked immediately after they
are completed or when there is time lag between two audits, internal audit may become
ineffective.
5. Lack of Expertise: Internal audit staff lacks the required skill and expertise as they are not
professionally qualified chartered accountant.
Vouching is the act of reviewing documentary evidence to see if it properly supports entries
made in the accounting records. For example, an auditor is engaged in vouching when
examining a shipping document to see if it supports the amount of a sale recorded in the
sales journal.
Definition
Importance of Vouching
The importance of vouching is to determine that:
Classification: Transactions have been classified & disclose in accordance
with accounting policies.
Pertains to entity: Transactions pertain to an entity that took place during the
relevant period.
Procedures of Vouching
1.Reading Out
The vouching is a task of the auditor. The junior audit can read out the contents of the
vouchers. He can inform the senior auditor about the data name of organization, number of
voucher and amount of vouchers.
2. Comparison
The senior can head the contents called out by junior auditor. He tally each and every item
stated in the voucher with entries in the books of accounts. Thus comparison is a part of
vouching procedure.
3. Ticking
The senior auditor can use various ticks or symbols to clear the items checked. The ticks may
be an abbreviation of words. Such ticks or symbols may differ from auditor to auditor
because these are code words.
4. Stamping
The senior auditor instead of signature or initials he can use stamps for checking the vouchers
can use the rubber stamps. The rubber stamp may have the wording checking and cancelled
on it.
5. Signatures
The senior auditor can vouch the entries with the help of vouchers. He can put his signature
or initials on every voucher for safety measures. The signed vouchers cannot be presented
again for another entry.
6. Query
The voucher may be missing. The entries may be doubtful due to over writing and erasing.
The audit staff can make the word “Q” against such entry. This entry is recorded in working
papers.
7. Management
The audit staff can be giving sometime to the management for clearing the objections. The
doubtful entries are handed over in written form. The management can examine the record in
detail.
8. Reply
The management may reply after one or two days about the doubtful entries. The auditor can
examine the reply of the managers. The auditor can judge whether the reply is right or wrong.
9. Clearance
The audit staff can clear the query for which proper answer is made available. The auditor
may not be satisfied with the answer of objections. He can inform the management about this
query.
10. No Satisfactory
The auditor may reject the unsatisfactory reply. He has skill, training and experience. He can
use all available means to test the truth. He can note down poor clarification in working
papers.
Difference between Vouching and Routine Checking
Performed by Junior staff in an organization Performed by the auditor and his staff
Compensating errors
Does not reveal Reveals
and errors of principle
What is Voucher?
A voucher implies a source document, generally prepared for the purpose of future reference
that keeps a record of the ground on which the transaction took place. Hence, it acts as
documentary evidence of that transaction as it backs the entries recorded in the journal.
Features of Vouchers
1. Transaction Voucher: Transactions having a single debit and credit are simple transactions,
and the vouchers prepared for these transactions are Transaction vouchers.
2. Compound Voucher: Transactions having more than one debits or credits and single debit or
credit are compound transactions and the voucher prepared for these transactions are
Compound vouchers.
3. Complex Voucher: Transactions of more than one debits and more than one credits are
known as complex transactions and the voucher prepared for the same is a complex
voucher/journal voucher.
On the basis of source:
1. Primary Vouchers: The written documentary proof, existing in original form is regarded as a
primary voucher. It may include purchase invoices, counterfoil of cash receipts, and so forth.
2. Collateral Vouchers: If the original written documentary proof is not present, but their
copies are available, these are called collateral vouchers. In such cases, copies of such
documents are provided for auditing purposes. Photocopies of the demand draft are one
common example of collateral vouchers.
Contents of Voucher
As the voucher is documentary proof stating the facts of the transaction, so it has to be prepared with
great caution and care. A printed voucher is generally preferred. The contents of the vouchers include:
Name and Address of the Firm: Every Voucher must contain the name and address of the company,
in printed form, at the top.
Voucher Number: Vouchers bear a unique serial number, for the purpose of easy identification. This
also helps in differentiating with other vouchers and entering their reference in the account books
Date: A voucher carries a particular place to indicate the date on which the voucher is written when
the transaction took place.
Details of Party to be Debited: This section contains the name and address of the party with whom
the transaction is performed by the company and payment has been made.
Details of Party to be Credited: The payment made via cash or cheque/demand draft. So, the cash or
bank account is credited, along with the number and date of issue of the cheque and demand draft.
Revenue stamp: In every voucher, as per law, every payment of Rs. 500 or more, revenue stamp
needs to be affixed. and the receiver of the payment must touch a certain part of that stamp.
UNIT – IV
Definition
Spicer and Pegler defines Verification as, “An inquiry into the value, ownership and title,
existence and possession and the presence of any charge on the asset”.
Objectives
The objectives of verification are as follows:
1. To show the correct value of assets and liabilities.
2. To know whether the Balance Sheet exhibits a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the business.
3. To find out the ownership, possession and title of the assets appearing in the
Balance Sheet.
4. To find out whether assets are in existence.
5. To detect frauds and errors, if any while recording assets in the books of the
concern.
6. To find out whether there is an adequate internal control regarding acquisition,
utilization and disposal of assets.
7. To verify the arithmetic accuracy of the accounts.
8. To ensure that the assets have been properly recorded.
Objectives of Valuation
1. To assess the correct financial position of the concern.
2. To enquire about the mode of investment of the capital of the concern.
3. To assess the goodwill of the concern.
4. To evaluate the differences in the value of the asset as on the date of purchase and
on the date of Balance Sheet.
Methods Of Valuation
Valuation of various assets can be made by using different methods of valuation of fixed
assets. Some of the major methods are as follows:
UNIT – V
Company Auditor
Definition: Company Auditor is an individual appointed for preparing an
independent audit report of the company. They can be either appointed by the company’s
Board of Directors, Shareholders, Central Government or Comptroller and Auditor General
of India (C&AG) accordingly. An individual must have expert knowledge and a practising
certificate from the Indian Institute of Chartered Accountants for becoming a company
auditor.
Qualification of an Auditor
Sovereignty: The auditor should not make his decisions to the will of his clients or any
other person and should keep himself free from any sympathy allegedly and prepare
financial statement of the management in an impartial way.
Honesty: The auditor should always maintain sincerity while operating his duties.
Conversation Skills: In the course of managing a process of audit, the auditor has to
collaborate with numerous officers and parties; thus, he should have excellent
conversation skill.
Maintain Confidentiality: The auditor should maintain the privacy of the books of
accounts unless authorized by the client or enforced by the law.
Expertise: The auditor must have an awareness about the client’s business and the
current economic conditions, and a consciousness about the laws such as taxation laws,
companies act and partnership act.
Sensitivity: The auditor has to deal with different persons while performing his duties;
he has to handle his sub-ordinates as well as various clients; thus, he should have the
intelligence to handle them in any situations.
Coherent Skills: The auditor must have the ability to analyze and illustrate the
problems so that he can appropriately handle them when faced.
Duties of an Auditor
Report on Appropriate and Impartial View: The auditor shall state whether in his
impression and to best of his knowledge and bestow to the description given to him, the
balance sheet and profit and loss account give:
The aspect in which competence is made in the auditor’s report should be as such that
no allowance for doubt in the public minds. A qualification should deliver the full
description and not simply create grounds for the impression of enquiry.
The auditor should appraise, wherever possible, the enact of the financial statement’s
capabilities, if the same is material.
It states whether it is not achievable to accurately quantify the consequence of the
qualifications he may use the authority estimates or indicate the sense for not
appraising the requirement’s effect.
4. Duty to Endorse the Audit Report
The audit report or any other chronicle mandatory to be signed or validated by the auditor
may be endorsed by:
a) A body corporate other than LLP registered under the LLP Act, 2008
(i) is holding any security/interest in the company or its subsidiary or of its holding or
associate company or subsidiary of such holding company. It has been further provided that
an relative may hold security or interest in the company of face value not exceeding one lac
rupees.
(ii) is indebted to the company or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or
subsidiary of such holding company, in excess of Rs. 5 lacs rupees
(iii) has given guarantee or provide any security in connection with the indebtness of any
third person to the company or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or a
subsidiary of such holding company for value in excess of Rs. 1 lacs.
e) A person or a firm who (whether directly or indirectly) has business relationship with the
company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or subsidiary of such holding
company or associate company.
Here the business relationship shall be construed as any transactions enter into for a
commercial purpose except: ‐
g) A person
h) A person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving fraud and a period
often years has not elapsed fromthe date ofsuch conviction.
i) Any person whose subsidiary or associate company or any other form of entity is engaged
as on the date of appointment in consulting or specialised services in reference to provision of
Section 144 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Further According to Provisions of Section 141(4) of the Companies Act, 2013, where a
person appointed as auditor of the company incurs any of the disqualification mentioned in
Section 141(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 after his appointment, he shall vacate his office
as such auditor and such vacancy shall be deemed to be casual vacancy in the officer of the
auditor.
It must be noted that the aforesaid provisions are applicable to all types of auditors i.e. cost
auditors, statutory auditors and secretarial auditors.
Procedure for removal of Auditor
[Section 140 and Rule 7 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014]
1. Opportunity of being heard to Auditor
> The company shall give notice to the Auditor of its intention to remove from their office in
the company.
> The company shall give a reasonable opportunity of being heard to the concerned auditors
to explain themselves why they shouldn’t be removed from the office
2. Board Resolution
> The Board being satisfied with the reasons of removal shall pass a resolution for the same
and authorise any official for filing an application with the Central Government
3. Central Government/Regional Director approval
> Make an application to the Central Government in e-form ADT-2 within 30 days of passing
Board Resolution along with Board resolution as an attachment
4. Special Resolution
> After obtaining approval of the Central Government, the special resolution has to be passed
at a General Meeting of the shareholders within 60 days of receipt of approval of Central
Government.
> File e-form MGT-14 with ROC for registration of special resolution.
Rights & Powers of Auditor
1. Right of access to Books of account & Vouchers [Sec. 143(1)]
2. Right to obtain information & explanation [Sec. 143(1)]
3. Right to visit branch offices & access to branch account
4. Right to receive notice & attend general meeting
5. Right to make representation
6. Right to report to members
7. Right to sign audit report
8. Right of seeking opinion of an expert
9. Right to receive remuneration
Right of access to Books of account & Vouchers
The auditor has a right to access, at all times the books of accounts & vouchers of the
company, whether kept at head office or elsewhere. It is an absolute right & is not subject to
any restriction, exception or qualification.
Right to obtain information & explanation
An auditor of the company is entitled to required from the officers, of the company such
information & explanation as he may think necessary for the performance of his duties as an
auditor.
Right to visit branch offices & access to branch account
Where the accounts of any branch office are audited by a person other than the company’s
auditor, the company’s auditor is entitled to visit the branches, if he deemed it necessary to do
so for the performance of his duties as an auditor.
Right to receive notice & attend general meeting
The auditor has the right of receiving all the notices & other communications relating to any
general meeting of a company which any member of the company is entitled to have.
Right to make representation
The retiring auditor is entitled to receive a copy of the special notice intending to remove him
or proposing to appoint any other person as auditor. The retiring auditor has a right to make
his representation in writing & request that the same is circulated among the members.
Right to report to members
The auditor has right as well as duty to make a report to the members on the accounts
examined by him & to state whether in his opinion & to the best of his information &
explanation given to him.
Right of seeking opinion of an expert
In respect of any special technical matters, the auditor is entitled to consult & take the
opinion of an expert. He is also entitled to take legal advice so as to discharge his duties
efficiently.
Right to receive remuneration
The auditor has an inherent right to receive remunerations for auditing the accounts of the
company, though such rights accrue only after he has completed the work.
Liabilities of an Auditor
I. Civil Liability
(i) Liability for Negligence
(ii) Liability for Misfeasance
II. Criminal Liability
III. Liabilities to Third Parties
I. Civil Liability
i) Liability for Negligence: Negligence means acting carelessly or failing to perform a duty
enjoined upon a person. An auditor is appointed by the shareholders and he is expected to
safeguard the interests of them.
ii) Liability for Misfeasance: The term ‘misfeasance’ means breach of trust or breach of
duty imposed by law or negligence in the performance of duties, which has resulted in some
loss or damage to a company or its property.
II. Criminal Liability
1. Making default in report wilfully, Section 233: If the auditor wilfully makes a
default in making his report to the share holders according to the provisions of
Sections 227 and 229. If his default is proved wilful, he will be punishable with fine
which may extend to Rs. 1,000.
2. Not helping the Inspector, Section 240: The auditor of a company is required to
help an inspector appointed by the Central Government to investigate the affairs of
the company. If the auditor does not do so he is punishable with the imprisonment
upto six months or with fine upto Rs. 3,000 or with both.
3. Not assisting the Prosecution, Section 242: When on the basis of report submitted
by an inspector, the Central Government takes action and prosecutes any person
connected with the company affairs, the auditor is required to assist the prosecution. If
the auditor does not do so, he is guilty of contempt of court and punishable with
imprisonment upto six months or with fine upto Rs. 500 or both.
4. In case of not returning the documents, Section 277: In the course of winding up of
a company, the auditor is required to return to the court any documents in his
possession. If the auditor fails to appear before the court, he can be arrested.
5. Public Examination by Court, Section 478: On the application of the official
Liquidator, the company auditor can be publicly examined in the High Court. The
notes shall be taken down and be signed by the auditor. Such signed notes may be
used in evidence against him in any civil or criminal proceedings.
6. Falsifications in Accounts, Section 539: If the auditor is found guilty of distruction,
mutilation, alteration, falsification or secreting of any books, papers or sacurities, he
may be held responsible. Further, if the auditor makes any false or fraudulent entry in
any register, books of accounts or documents of the company, he will be liable for
punishment with imprisonment upto seven years and shall also be liable to a fine.
The financial implications of the infringements which are pointed out by the co-operative
societies Act and rules and bye-laws, should be assessed by the auditor and they should be
reported properly.
Audit Report
Audit report is the final stage of audit process. The results of the audit are communicated
through audit report. Audit report is the written opinion of an auditor regarding companies
financial statements. Audit report is a document prepared by an auditor to certify the financial
position and accounting records of a firm.