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PwC: New EU legislation brings changes in audit services

01/07/2016 11:12
PwC and ecoDa offer guidance toaudit committees

EU Audit legislation, which came into force on Friday 17 June 2016, introduces more detailed requirements regarding the statutory audit of ‘Public Interest Entities’ (PIEs). According to the EC press release at the time of adoption, the legislation aims to improve audit quality and to restore investor confidence in financial information, by:

• Reinforcing the independence of the statutory auditor
• Contributing to a more dynamic audit market in the EU
• Reinforcing the role and competence of the audit committee

Given that the functions assigned to audit committees have been extended in various ways, the European Confederation of Directors’ Associations (ecoDa) in cooperation with PwC has decided to help audit committee members understand the main changes by providing a description of aspects of the new legislation, focusing on the composition and governance of audit committees, selection and appointment of the audit firm, monitoring the auditor’s independence, auditor reporting requirements and oversight.

It is worth noting that many companies have yet to assess the full implications of the reform and are still in the process of getting ready to adapt to these changes.

The new EU regulatory framework contains a number of Member State options; for each of these aspects, flexibility is left to the Member States to opt for lighter or stricter rules. Flexibility in governance matters is a good policy in general, however, it is important that the final national implementing laws result in a coherent framework that enhances audit quality and leaves audit committees in a situation where they can properly perform their new duties.

As stated by Turid Solvang (ecoDa’s Chair), “Putting Audit Committees at the heart of the audit reform acknowledges their important role. The interpretation of the legislation by the all Member States should be consistent with the initial spirit of the European Commission”.

Petros C Petrakis, Partner, Regulation,Quality Risk && Independence – Assurance & Advisory Services at PwC Cyprus stated: “The usefulness and role of audit committees is of great importance for any organization wishing to develop robust corporate governance. Therefore, there is an explicit need to become familiar with the EU audit legislation and bring upbest practice, even though this might take time; the guide prepared by PwC is designed to help audit committees understand the practical implications and offer some examples of good practice”.

The guidance was released during an event which took place on 21 June 2016 in Brussels, where audit committee members discussed aspects of the guide and exchanged best practice.