Commentary Part 16: Audit Chapter 3: Functions of Auditors Sections 498 to 502: Duties and rights of auditors
758.These sections bring together and restate the existing law on the auditor’s duties (currently in section 237 of the 1985 Act) in investigating, forming an opinion, and making his report; and on the auditor’s rights (sections 389A to 390 of that Act) to be provided with appropriate information.
759.Section 498 lists areas where an auditor must investigate and report on any problems: the company’s accounting records, and whether there is consistency between these and (i) the accounts and (ii) – where there is one – the appropriate part of the directors’ remuneration report. The auditor is also to report if he has not been able to get all the information he needs. If possible, he is to make good any gaps in the information relating to payments to directors. And he is to report if he believes that the company is taking advantage of the small companies accounts regime without being entitled to do so.
760.Section 499 restates the auditor’s rights to obtain information and explanations from the company and its UK subsidiaries, and from appropriate associated individuals. Section 500 sets out the corresponding right to require the company to obtain information or explanations from any subsidiaries that are not incorporated in the UK.
761.Section 501 sets out offences for those who supply inaccurate information to auditors or fail to respond to auditors’ requests for information without delay.
762.Section 502 requires a private company to send to its auditor all the information about any written resolutions that it sends to its shareholders. It also gives the auditor of any company – public or private – the right to attend any general meetings it may have, and to be allowed to speak on anything relevant to the audit. The auditor must also receive all communications relating to general meetings.