The Saudi Organisation for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) has referred an unlicensed business to public prosecution for advertising professional services without a permit, Arab News reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
SOCPA said that legal action was taken following an initial inspection and investigation.
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The probe found that the company had promoted on its website that it provided professional services falling under SOCPA’s supervision, despite not having the necessary authorisation.
According to the SPA, this step is part of SOCPA’s ongoing work to reinforce its regulatory and supervisory role over the accounting and auditing profession and its related fields, and to protect the profession and its beneficiaries from unlawful practices.
SOCPA is responsible for overseeing the accounting and auditing profession in the Kingdom, including setting professional standards, managing licensing and promoting adherence to regulations governing professional practice.
The organisation stated that the activities identified in this case constitute violations of Article 10 of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law.
This article prohibits misleading the public into believing that a person is authorised to practice when they do not hold a licence, or when their licence has been revoked or suspended.
SOCPA keeps official lists of licensed companies and professional service providers, enabling beneficiaries to confirm whether providers are authorised to offer accounting, auditing, zakat and tax, and other services under its oversight.
The organisation stressed that no professional services under its supervision may be provided without the appropriate licences, and that licensed practitioners must comply with all applicable laws, regulations and decisions.
SOCPA also urged beneficiaries to check the licences of professional service providers before engaging them and to report any practices suspected of breaching regulations.
