South Africa’s Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors’ (IRBA) investigation and disciplinary powers have been strengthened through the passing of the Auditing Profession Amendment Act (APA).

The APA gives IRBA the necessary powers to deliver more effectively on its mandate and removes some of the limitations of the Auditing Profession Act of 2005 before this amendment.

There have been multiple failures in the South African audit profession over the past four years which has led to growing public distrust in the profession. Due to this, IRBA recognised that it was necessary to improve its enforcement processes to ensure its effectiveness.

  • IRBA acting CEO Imre Nagy said: The IRBA approached National Treasury in 2017 with proposed amendments to the APA which would enable the regulator to address public concerns on the state of the profession and assist it in carrying out its mandate in a more effective and efficient way.

“The Act was amended following a three-year parliamentary process that began with the proposed amendments being included as part of the Financial Matters Amendment Bill. Ultimately, these amendments were re-introduced in Parliament through the Auditing Profession Amendment Bill in February 2020.”

In addition to strengthening the IRBA’s independence, investigating and disciplinary processes, the APA also provides for:

  • The power to enter and search premises for the purpose of seizing information relevant to an investigation;
  • The power to subpoena persons with information that is required for an investigation;
  • The power to refer non-audit complaints for investigation to registered accredited accounting bodies; and
  • Stricter monetary sanctions in relation to both investigation and disciplinary outcomes.

 

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