Your firm audits Sabona Limited, a privately owned company, which is a customer of Oldie Limited, another privately owned client company. The managing director of Oldie Limited has asked your firm to supply Sabona Limited bank transactions for the last six months as they are concerned about their ability to honour their financial obligation.

Required:
a. State whether or not you would supply this information and the reasons for your actions. (5 Marks)
b. Explain briefly FIVE fundamental principles issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) as guides to accountants. (10 Marks)
c. Describe FIVE matters that could affect the independence and integrity of the auditor. (5 Marks)

a. Decision on Supplying Information:
I would not supply the bank transaction information of Sabona Limited to Oldie Limited. The reasons for this decision include:

  • Confidentiality: As an auditor, there is a professional obligation to maintain the confidentiality of client information. Disclosing Sabona Limited’s bank transactions without their consent would violate this principle.
  • Conflict of Interest: Providing such information could create a conflict of interest, especially since Oldie Limited is a client and may have interests that do not align with those of Sabona Limited.
  • Ethical Considerations: Upholding ethical standards is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility in the auditing profession. Sharing sensitive information could undermine that trust.
  • Potential Legal Implications: There may be legal consequences for breaching confidentiality agreements or failing to protect sensitive client information.

b. Fundamental Principles Issued by ICAN:

  1. Integrity: Accountants should be straightforward and honest in all professional and business relationships.
  2. Objectivity: Accountants must not allow bias, conflict of interest, or undue influence of others to override their professional judgments.
  3. Professional Competence and Due Care: Accountants have a duty to maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure that clients or employers receive competent professional service.
  4. Confidentiality: Accountants must respect the confidentiality of information acquired during the course of their work and must not disclose any such information to third parties without proper authority.
  5. Professional Behavior: Accountants should comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any conduct that discredits the profession.

c. Matters Affecting Independence and Integrity of the Auditor:

  1. Financial Interests: Any direct or indirect financial interests in the client can impair the auditor’s objectivity and independence.
  2. Family Relationships: Close relationships with clients, such as familial ties, may affect the auditor’s impartiality.
  3. Provision of Non-Audit Services: If the auditor provides non-audit services to the client, it may create a conflict of interest and jeopardize independence.
  4. Employment Relationships: If an auditor or audit firm employs former employees of the client, this could lead to threats to independence.
  5. Long-term Association: A lengthy association with a client may create familiarity threats, potentially compromising the auditor’s ability to act objectively.