Stransact (Chartered Accountants), the correspondent firm in Nigeria for the 6th largest international accounting firm -RSM, has reinstated its commitment to promoting global standards and ethical practices in the conduct of audits in Nigeria.
Auditors are professional accountants authorized to review and verify the accuracy of financial records and ensure that organizations comply with relevant laws and regulatory frameworks. Globally, strong ethics and credibility are crucial to the efficient conduct of audits since auditors are expected to be independent, reliable, honest, and carry out their duties without prejudice.
“The level of respect and trust you have in financial statements is directly proportional to the credibility of the auditor. Therefore, auditors should dispatch their jobs bearing in mind that their responsibility is not to make the client look good but to be accountable primarily to the client’s stakeholders that is- shareholders, investors, regulators, and employees,” said Mr. Joels.
The General Partner encouraged accountants and auditors in the country to follow ethical standards and best practices in the conduct of their professional duties.
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), has compiled the international Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which establishes the standard of behaviour expected of a professional accountant (PA). The fundamental principles within the code include integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour.
According to Bola Mogaji, Partner, Audit Services, “credibility is a watchword that should not only be maintained but must be perceived and seen in all the engagements of professional accountants. The absence of this important virtue has led to the continuous series of recent accounting scandals and audit failures that have undermined the credibility of auditing and auditors.”
Victor Athe, Partner, Tax Services, mentioned some of the factors that impact the credibility of an auditor, including objectivity, independence, integrity, professionalism, level of qualification, and trust.
Mr. Athe added, “Our affiliation with a strong international brand such as RSM is evidence of the level of our credibility.”
According to Yomi Salawu, the Partner, People & Regulatory Services, “an auditor should not only profess to be independent but must also be seen as independent.”
“Anyone who lacks integrity is not expected to be seen around auditing. ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) was deliberate in the choice of its motto- ‘accuracy and integrity’. “Apart from accuracy, the auditor’s integrity is crucial,” said Mr. Salawu.
