Audit regulators continue to focus on foreign affiliates of Global Network Firms

Audit regulators continue to focus on foreign affiliates of Global Network Firms and the work of outside auditors. On March 13, 2018, the SEC announced settlements with foreign affiliates of BDO Canada, KPMG, and Deloitte. KPMG’s affiliate in South Africa and BDO Canada were registered with the PCAOB, but they improperly relied upon the work of two unregistered foreign component auditors to finish their audits of the company. This violated PCAOB standards requiring sufficient analysis and inquiry when using the work of another auditor. BDO Canada agreed to pay a $50,000 penalty, KPMG in South Africa agreed to pay a $100,000 penalty, Deloitte in Zimbabwe agreed to pay disgorgement and interest totaling $99,057, and KPMG in Zimbabwe agreed to pay disgorgement and interest totaling $141,305. The PCAOB and the SEC have been focusing more on violations by firms that rely on the work of other auditors and specialists. In particular, the PCAOB has been concerned about the lower quality of work of audit firms in emerging markets.

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