The issue of whether audit firms can provide consulting services to their audit clients is a challenging one in the global corporate landscape. This topic raises complex questions about balancing the need for auditor independence with the potential advantages of offering integrated services.
Also read: Difference Between Audit Firm and Accounting Firm
Various regulations, such as the SCA rules, IFAC standards, and PAO guidelines, prohibit audit firms from providing consulting services to their audit clients. In this article, we will explore the regulatory environment and examine the arguments both for and against these consulting practices.
The regulatory framework that answers the question of "Can Audit Firms Provide Consulting Services to their Audit clients" depends on maintaining independence of financial reporting in the UAE. The major regulations and protocols include the following;
| Regulatory Framework | Description |
| UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 | This UAE’s federal law necessitates auditors to keep independence and conflicts of interest. It also requires that audit firms cannot provide non-audit services that could spoil their neutrality. |
| IFAC Code of Ethics | UAE is a member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). UAE audit firms follow the IFAC Code of Ethics. It offers global standards on keeping audit independence while providing other services. |
| SCA Regulations | The SCA abbreviated as the Securities and Commodities Authority levies other obligations for auditors of public companies. It suggests that consulting services do not negotiate on audit independence. |
Both audit and consulting services may lead businesses to efficient actions and condensed costs. Audit firms can suggest efficient resource allocation. They can also provide more cost-effective solutions to their clients. This incorporation can result in earlier turnaround times and a more unified practice.
Audit firms that offer consulting services can offer a more all-inclusive approach to fulfilling client requirements. Audit firms can offer personalized consulting solutions by leveraging perceptions gained during audits. It enhances business performance, approach, and risk supervision domain.
Also read: What is Absolute Assurance in Auditing?
Audit firms that offer a range of services adopt profound client relationships. They gain a better understanding of client procedures and encounters. It allows for more modified and operative solutions. This inclusive approach can build confidence and long-term corporations.
The combination of audit and consulting services permits audit firms to integrate miscellaneous knowledge and advanced methods. This approach can improve the quality of audit as well as consulting conclusions.
As there are both pros and cons of everything. Here are the Issues against ‘Can Audit Firms Provide Consulting Services to Their Audit Clients’ such as;
The major issue in providing consulting services to audit clients is that it can generate substantial conflicts of interest. The dual role of audit firms might compromise the auditor's independence. The firm may be curious to overlook issues to uphold the consulting relationship or secure extra business.
The possibility of partiality increases when the same audit firm manages both auditing and consulting services. Stakeholders might question the independence of the audit which declines confidence in the financial records and audit outcomes.
Many regulatory frameworks enforce restrictions on audit firms that provide consulting services to their audit clients to protect independence. Non-compliance with these protocols can lead to legal impacts, penalties, and reputational damage for the firm.
It is not allowable for a member in practice being a statutory auditor to formulate a Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) study to Clients of audits. However, the auditor may provide advisory or consulting services to the businesses.
By offering both auditing and non-auditing services to the client, auditors might compromise the impartiality of their reports. It might be due to becoming too close to the company they audit or depending too much on said client.
Auditors should be allowed to offer services like tax compliance to a company they audit. However, it will only be possible as long as the audit committee approves such services.
Although consulting services and audit functions can enhance productivity and add value for clients, they also present significant concerns regarding auditor independence and potential conflicts of interest.
Farahat & Co. provides expert assistance to ensure compliance for businesses grappling with these challenges. Their skilled team is committed to upholding the integrity of financial reporting. Thus, contact us today and we shall be glad to assist you.