It’s a People Thing: Crusaders Make the Best Auditors

The article brings out several elements of auditing and the interaction of auditors with concerned persons. According to the author, auditing is fundamentally about individuals and how they interact with each other. The integrity of the audit process in listed companies is critically dependent on the outcome of interactions between the audit engagement partner and the finance director. The article lists results of a study conducted on this subject. The issue of interaction is sensitive and involves criticism of senior management. An auditor has the wider responsibility towards the company and its stakeholders, apart from performing audits. Successful auditors are ones who take their responsibilities beyond their legal duties and seek to protect the best interests of a company and its stakeholders. The accounting compliance applies to every individual, to the level of the chairman, and the top-drawer officials should remain communicative for an effective audit to take place. The study uncovers evidences of auditors standing robustly in difficult and threatening conditions.