As the world becomes more digital, it leaves us wondering where further efficiencies could be achieved through switching to more high-tech methods. One possible area for auditors is stocktaking. For an audited entity with significant levels of stock at the year end, it is likely the auditor will want to perform test counts of the…
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It is common for entities who undertake research and development to receive grant funding for projects that they undertake. Grants will often be paid on the basis of expenditure incurred or a proportion thereon and may be awarded with certain conditions attached. One such condition for grants above a certain level will be the…
No audit sets out to conclude with total confidence that a set of financial statements are 100% free from any misstatement. To do so would belie the technological reality and scale of modern business; auditors would likely become a permanent fixture at client premises to review every single business transaction and audit would become an…
Audit thresholds are linked to the small company limits, which are currently set by the EU. The UK can choose to impose a lower threshold than the small company limits, but not a higher one. As a result of Brexit, power will return to the UK, and as a result the cap on audit thresholds…
Solicitors: New rules for handling client money. The consultation period has now closed on the proposed new rules for how solicitors handle their client money: Proposed Draft Solicitors Accounts Rules
Audit Exemption Turnover Threshold: Raised to £10.2m. The Government is to raise the audit exemption threshold to the maximum allowed under EU law. In a statement read out in parliament, Anna Soubry, minister for small business, industry and enterprise, said the decision had been made after considering responses to its discussion paper. Companies will not be required to…
Pay Suppliers Electronically: Beware fraudsters. Do you hold your suppliers bank details on file – one tactic recently used by fraudsters is to advise businesses of changes to a supplier’s bank details, they then wait until a genuine purchase invoice is paid. Unfortunately because the supplier’s bank details are compromised, the payment goes to the…
Solicitors: Further consultation on proposed changes to Accountants’ Reports on client monies. Following a furore over plans to water down the rules for accountants’ reports on law firms’ financial accounts and safeguards for client monies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has launched a second consultation on accountants’ reports, which will be open until 28 January 2015.…
Don’t Risk Poor Controls. Risk taking is an innate quality of entrepreneurs. However, those with prowess have the art of maximising beneficial opportunities and avoiding detrimental risks, thus limiting the potential for loss. With this in mind it is the responsibility of management to undertake regular risk management reviews and establish effective internal controls. Areas…