The Skills and Personal Qualities of Audit Partners and Staff

Points for consideration and discussion with your external auditors: Do the partners and staff of your auditor demonstrate a thorough understanding of your business and the legal framework in which you operate? Do the partners and staff show technical cmpetence and thorough understanding of auditing and accounting standards, and professional and ethical standards? Do they receive regular training on these standards? Does your auditor have an appraisal system that creates an environment where achieving high quality is valued, invested in and rewarded? Where your audit requires specialized industry knowledge, have audit staff received adequate industry training? How do audit staff receive mentoring and on the job training? Do the partners and staff show appropriate professional scepticism and address issues identified during the audit in a robust manner?