Shubham Keswani May 22 Notes PDF
Shubham Keswani May 22 Notes PDF
Shubham Keswani May 22 Notes PDF
S No.
Topics-Content Page No.
Standards on Auditing 1-88
sQc-1
SA 200 6
SA 210 11
SA 220 13
SA 230 14
SA 240 16
SA 250 20
SA 260 22
24
SA 265
27
SA 299
SA 300 (Covered with Ch-2)
SA 315 29
32
SA330
34
SA 320
SA 402
35
SA 450 37
39
SA500 42
SA501 45
SA505 48
SA510
50
SA520 52
SA 530 55
SA 540 60
SA550
SA 560
63
65
SA570 69
SA 580
71
SA600 73
SA 620
77
SA 700
82
SA 701
SA 705
83
85
SA 706
SA 710
86
88
SA 720
91-95
Audit Planning, Strategy & Execution 96-103
Control
Risk Assessment & Internal
104-108
4Audit in Automated Environment 109-123
Company Audit 124-127
6 CARO 2020
7 Schedule III 128-139
TAudit Committee &Corporate Governance 140-146
147-151
9 Consolidated Financial Statements
S No. Topics-Content
PageNo.
10 Bank Audit 152-161
11 NBFC Audit 162-166
12 Insurance Audit 167-175
13 PSU Audit 176-181
14 Liabilities of Auditor 182-183
15 Internal Audit 184-187
16 SA 610 188-189
17 Management Audit 190-193
18 Operational Audit 194-196
19 Due Diligence
197-198
20 Investigation
199-206
21 Forensic Audit
207-210
22 Peer Review 211-215
23 Quality Review 216-219
24 Audit under Fiscal Laws 220-225
25 Reports vs Certificates 226
26 Professional Ethics 227-260
Fundamental Principles 227
Types of Threats 228
Membership provisions 230
Branch Office 232
KYC Norms
233
First Schedule
Part I 234
Part II, III, IV 245
Second Schedule
Part I
Part II& IIT 246
248
Council General Guidelines
-
250
Recommendatory Self-Regulatory Measures 253
Disciplinary Proceedings 254
NOCLAR 256
List of All Clauses 258
Bank Audit
Legal Framework
• Companies Act,2013
• Banking Regulation Act, 1955
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
• RBI Act 1934
• SBI Act 1955
• Information Technology Act, 2000 etc..
Most banks appoint 4 or more CA firms as Statutory Central Auditors. Appointment letter contains following:
• Period of appointment.
• Particulars of other central auditors.
• Particulars of previous auditors.
• Procedural requirements to be complied with in accepting the assignment
• A statement of division of work and review and reporting responsibilities amongst joint auditors in case
of nationalised banks
• Scope of assignment which included spl certificates or reports to be given by CSAs
• Basis of computation of audit fee and scale of travel and related allowances and conveyance charges
and other expense reimbursement entitlements, if any.
Conduct of Audit
1. Initial Considerations
• Acceptance & Continuance: Assessing engagement risk prior to acceptance.
• Declaration of Indebtness: Written confirmation that credit facilities obtained by auditors & their
family members have not become NPAs.
2. Understanding
• Understanding the Bank and Its Environment including Internal Control
• Understand Bank’s Accounting Process
• Understanding Risk Management Process
Ø Oversight by TCWG: They should approve risk mgt policies consistent with bank’s objectives,
strategies, regulatory requirement etc
Ø Identification, Measurement and Monitoring of Risks: Risks should be identified, measured &
monitored against pre-approved criteria
Ø Control Activities: Segregation of duties, verification & approval of transactions, physical
security
Ø Monitoring Activities: Conducted by independent risk mgt unit
Ø Reliable information systems: That provide adequate compliance, financial & operational info
3. Risk Assessment
• Identifying and assessing ROMM: As per SA 315, Identifying & assessing ROMM at F.S. level &
assertion level for Class of transn, a/c balance & disclosures
• Assess the risk of fraud including Money Laundering: As per SA 240, assess risk due to fraud
• Assess specific risk: ROMM at F level relating to banking industry & use of IT
• Risk of outsourcing activities: Used for reducing costs as well as making use of services of an expert
not available internally but risk associated with it.
4. Execution: Engagement team discussion, Response to assessed risks, Establishing Audit strategy,
Determining audit materiality, Consider Going concern
5. Reporting (discussed later in this chap)
Note:
• Overall review of IT environment and computerized a/c system has to be taken at HO level.
• Branch auditors don’t have access to IT policy and processes implemented by bank.
Hence, based upon guidance and info received from SCAs, branch auditors need to ensure that data
review and analysis through CBS is carried out and TOCs and substantive checking of sample
transactions is carried out at branch level and results are shared with SCAs.
Stress Testing: These are designed to understand whether bank has enough capital to survive plausible adverse
economic conditions and to maintain enough buffer to stay afloat under extreme scenarios.
BASEL III framework :Basel III norms relate to Capital Adequacy requirement compliance which the Bank
has to achieve as contained in BASEL III accord.
Basel capital adequacy norms are meant for protection of depositors and shareholders by prescriptive rules for
measuring capital adequacy, thereby evolving methods of determining regulatory capital and ensuring efficient
use of capital.
Aim:
a) improving the banking sector's ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress
b) improving risk management and governance practices
c) strengthening banks' transparency and disclosure standards.
Risk-based Internal audit is conducted based upon risk assessment of business and control risks of branches.
Internal Controls
General:
• The staff of bank shifted from one position to another frequently and without prior notice.
• Work of one person should always be checked by another person (Internal check)
• The arithmetical accuracy of books should be proved independently every day.
• All bank forms (e.g. Cheque books, demand draft/pay order books, travelers’ cheques, foreign currency
cards etc.) should be kept in possession of an officer, and another officer should verify issuance and stock
of such stationery.
• Mail should be opened by a responsible officer. Signatures on all letters and advices received from other
branches of bank or its correspondence should be checked by officer with the signature book.
• Signature and telegraphic code book kept with responsible officers and access should be allowed only to
authorised officers.
• The bank should take out insurance policies against loss due to all the risks such as fire, natural calamities,
theft and employees’ infidelity.
• Surprise inspection of HO & Branches by Internal Audit Dept
Clearings
• Under Cheque Truncation System (CTS) implemented by RBI, electronic image of cheque is transmitted
to paying branch through clearing house, along with relevant info. like data on MICR band, date of
presentation, presenting bank, etc. This effectively eliminates associated cost of movement of physical
cheques, reduces time reqd for their collection.
• As per RBI guidelines, branch is required to either call customer or email him for any cheque recd for
amt of 5L & above in respect of inward clearings. Auditor may verify compliance on test check basis.
• Auditor is to check whether sign of drawer of cheque is being verified by staff or not as else there will
be liability of paying bank under all circumstances.
• The unpaid cheques received in outward clearing should be either sent to customers at their recorded
address or customers be informed to collect the same from bank branch.
Bills Purchased
• All documents of title should be assigned to bank
• Sufficient margin à cover decline in value of security
• Unable to collect on due date à immediate steps to recover amt.
• Irregular a/c report to H.O.
Demand Drafts
• Check signature with signature book
• DD sold/ issued confirmed by advice to paying branch
• Paying branch not receive confirmation or credit in account à steps to ascertain reasons
SLR/CRR Requirements
Cash Reserve Ratio: min. fraction of deposits in cash/ deposits with RBI. Check master circular of RBI to check
compliance.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio: Required to maintain gold/cash/govt approved securities/other liquid assets.
Report submitted to top mgt & RBI.
• Audit procedure:
Ø Understand circular/direction of RBI
Ø Request branch auditor à weekly trial balance on Friday-consolidation at H.O. Also on dates
selected by auditor. Specific request examine cash balance on selected dates.
Ø Test basis examine consolidation Demand Time Liability position with reference to branch returns
Ø Exclusions from liabilities:
o Paid up capital, reserve, any cr. balance in P&L a/c of bank, amt of loan taken from RBI and amt
of refinance taken from EXIM bank, NHB, SIDBI and NABARD
o Part amounts of recoveries from borrowers in respect of debts considered bad and doubtful.
o Amounts recd in Indian currency against import bills and held in sundry deposits pending
receipts of final rates.
o Un-adjusted deposits/balances lying in link branches for agency business like dividend, interest
warrants etc. to the extent of payment by other branches but not adjusted by link branched
o Margins held & kept in sundry deposits for funded facilities
Ø Inclusions in liabilities:
o Net credit balance in branch adjustment accounts including relating to foreign branches.
o Borrowings from abroad by banks in India considered as ‘liability to other’ taken at gross level
can’t be netted off (Adverse balance in Nostro Mirror A/C)
o interest accrued but not accounted for in books
Verification of Assets
Balance with RBI
• Verify ledger balance w.r.t confirmation certificates and reconciliations.
• Review recos. with spl. attention to:
Ø Cash transn unresponded
Ø Revenue items requiring adjustment/write off
Ø Other cr. and debit entries originated in Statement provided by RBI remaining responded for more
than 15 days.
• WR from mgt. for reasons of old outstanding bal. in BRS unadjusted for 1 year.
Note: There should be half yearly reviews of Investment portfolios (30th Sept & 31st Mar)
• Recoverability of advances
Ø Review periodic statements submitted by borrower
Ø Latest financial statements of borrower
Ø Reports on inspection of security
Ø Review audit report à borrower enjoying cr limit >=10 Lakh for working capital
Provisioning of NPA
Classification & Provision
• Verify whether bank has a system of ongoing identification and classification of advances through CBS
without manual intervention and its accuracy in crystallising date of NPA.
• Examine classification appropriate à particularly those advances with threat to recovery
• Examine-secured & unsecured portion segregated correctly and calculation of provision
• Review and compare date of NPA of loan a/cs mentioned in current year statements with that of PY.
Reasons for any change should be ascertained.
• A/c regularised before b/s date à payment from genuine sources à need not be classified as NPA
• If subsequently, branch lends funds to borrower à auditor assess genuineness of source of payment
• Inherent weakness in a/c à deemed NPA
• Classification as on position date and review of all std accounts on balance sheet date
Banks shouldn’t classify an advance a/c as NPA merely due to existence of some deficiencies which are
temporary in nature such as non-availability of drawing power based on latest available stock statement,
balance o/s exceeding the limit temporarily and non-renewal of limits on due date. However, stock statements
relied upon by banks for determining drawing power should not be older than 3 months.
The o/s in the account based on drawing power calculated from stock statements older than 3 months are
considered as irregular. Ensure adherence to these guidelines.
Agricultural Advance
• Ensure NPA norms applied in accordance with crop season determined by State Level Bankers’ Committee in
each State. Depending upon the duration of crops – short term/ long term - raised by an agriculturist, NPA
norms would also be made applicable to agricultural term loans availed of by them.
Also ensure that these norms are made applicable to all direct agricultural advances listed in Master Circular
on lending to priority sector.
• In respect of agricultural loans, other than those specified in circular, ensure that identification of NPAs has
been done on the same basis as non-agricultural advances.
Restructured Advance
Restructuring is an act in which a lender, for economic or legal reasons relating to borrower’s financial
difficulty, grants concessions to borrower. It may involve modification of terms of advances including
alteration of amount of instalments/alteration of repayment period/rate of interest/sanction of additional
credit facilities etc. to help in curing of default.
• The auditor should verify compliance with requirements of circular issued in this regard.
• Banks may restructure a/cs classified under std, substandard or doubtful categories. Banks can’t
restructure a/cs with retrospective effect.
• Once bank receives an application/proposal in respect of an a/c for restructuring, it implies that
account is intrinsically weak. Accordingly, during the time account remains pending for restructuring,
auditors need to take a view whether provision needs to be made in respect of such a/cs, pending
approval for restructuring.
Upgradation of Account
Examine all accounts upgraded from NPA to std. category during the year, to ensure that upgrading of each
account is strictly in terms of RBI guidelines.
There can be a possibility of incorrect upgradation of a/c on basis of partial recoveries made in the a/c and
overdue portion might not have wiped out completely. There can also be a possibility of recoveries being made
in account after cut-off date and a/c being upgraded as on date of balance sheet.
Verification of Liabilities
Deposits
• Verify balance on sample basis
• Examine bal. of subsy ledger tallies with general ledger
• Check calculation of interest on test check basis.
• Examine if periodic confirmations obtained, check on sample basis
• Conversion of foreign currency deposits at rates notified by H.O.
• Resultant increase/decrease taken to P&L
• Intt on deposits on basis of 360 days in year
• Intt accrued but no due shown under ‘other liab & provisions’
Borrowings
• Obtain & verify confirmation certificates & other docs
• SA 505, “External Confirmation” –audit evidence to respond to significant risks
• Examine- clear distinction b/w rediscount and refinance, as rediscount doesn’t appear in this head
• Examine borrowing at call & short notice-authorised
Bills payable
• Evaluate the existence, effectiveness and continuity of internal controls over bills payable.
Controls should usually include the following-
Ø Drafts, mail transfers,etc. made out in std printed forms.
Ø Unused forms relating to drafts, traveller’s cheques, etc. kept under custody of responsible
officer.
Ø The bank have a reliable private code known only to responsible officers of branches, coding and
decoding of telegrams should be done only by such officers.
Ø The signatures on demand draft, checked by officer with specimen signature book.
Ø All TTs and DDs issued by a branch should be immediately confirmed by advices to the branches
concerned. On payment, paying branch should send a debit advice to originating branch
• Examine sample of outstanding items comprised in bills payable accounts with relevant registers.
Reasons for old outstanding debits in respect of drafts or other similar instruments paid without
advice should be ascertained.
• Correspondence with other branches after year-end should be examined specially for large value items
outstanding on balance sheet date .
Contingent Liabilities
Management Representation:
The auditor should obtain representation from mgt that:-
(i) all off-balance sheet transactions have been accounted in books of a/cs as and when such transaction has
taken place;
(ii) all off balance sheet transactions have been entered into after following due procedure laid down;
(iii) all off balance sheet transactions are supported by the underlying documents;
(iv) all year end contingent liabilities have been disclosed;
(v) disclosed contingent liabilities don’t include any crystallised liabilities which are of nature of loss/ expense
and which require creation of a provision/adjustment in F.S;
(vi) estimated amounts of financial effect of contingent liabilities are based on best estimates in terms of AS
29, including consideration of possibility of any reimbursement;
Audit procedures:
Contingent Liability (CL)
• Adequte Internal Controls ensure transn executed by persons authorised
• Verify in case of Letter of Credits for import of goods, payments made in terms of LC
• Test completeness of recorded obligations
• Review reasonableness of year end contingent liab in light of prev experience
• Review whether comfort letters issued included in CL
Guarantees
• Check Internal Controls over issue of guarantees
• Controls over unused guarantee forms e.g. under custody of responsible officers
• Examine guarantee register- procedure of marking off expired guarantees
• Check guarantee register- ensure all included in disclosures
• If claim risen, provision as per AS 29
Auditor’s Reports
• Whether, in auditor’s opinion, balance sheet is full and fair balance sheet containing all necessary
particulars and is properly drawn up to exhibit true and fair view of affairs of bank.
• In case auditor had called for any explanation or information, whether it has been given and whether it
is satisfactory.
• Whether or not transactions of bank, which have come to auditor’s notice, have been within powers of
bank.
• Whether or not returns received from offices and branches of bank have been found adequate for
purpose of audit.
• Whether profit and loss account shows true balance of profit or loss for period covered by such
account.
• Any other matter which auditor considers should be brought to notice of Central Government.
The consolidation is done at head office level and LFAR for bank is submitted by SCAs to mgt. LFAR, on the
bank, after due examination, should be placed before ACB of bank indicating action taken/proposed to be taken
for rectification of irregularities, if any, mentioned therein; and a copy of LFAR and relative agenda note,
Notes:
• In case of fraud report to:
Ø RBI
Ø Chairman/MD/CEO of bank
Ø CG u/s 143(12)
Advances
• Ensure proper sanction of advances
• Securities properly recd and regd in name of bank.
• Proper post disbursement supervision & follow-up
• LC issued within delegated power
• BG issued, properly worded & recorded in register
• Classification as per RBI guidelines
Foreign Exchange
• Check foreign bills negotiated under letters of credit.
• Check FCNR and other non-resident accounts whether debits and credits are permissible under rules.
• Check whether inward/outward remittance have been properly accounted for.
• Examine extension and cancellation of forward contracts for purchase and sale of foreign currency.
Ensure that they are duly authorised and necessary charges have been recovered.
• Ensure that balances in Nostro accounts in different foreign currencies are within prescribed limit.
• Ensure adherence to guidelines issued by RBI/HO of bank about dealing room operations.
• Ensure verification/reconciliation of Nostro and Vostro account transactions/balances.
d) Confidentiality: Not disclose info acquired from client or employer (including prospective). Not use
such info for personal advantage. Continues even after relationship has ended.
In deciding whether to disclose confidential information, professional accountants should consider the
following points:
(a) Whether interests of any party, including 3rd parties might be affected
(b) Whether all relevant info is known and substantiated, and
(c) The proposed type of communication, and to whom it is addressed;
(d) Whether parties to whom communication is addressed are appropriate recipients.
e) Professional Behaviour: avoid any conduct that accountant knows or should know might discredit the
profession.
If a professional accountant faces a situation when complying with one fundamental principle conflicts with
others, he should consult:
• Others within the organization
• TCWG
• ICAI
• Legal counsel
• Self-interest threat –threat that a financial or other interest will inappropriately influence a
professional accountant’s judgment or behaviour;
• Self-review threat –threat that a professional accountant will not appropriately evaluate the results of
a previous judgment made; or an activity performed by the accountant, or by another individual within
the accountant’s firm or employing organization, on which the accountant will rely when forming a
judgment as part of performing a current activity;
• Advocacy threat –threat that a professional accountant will promote a client’s or employing
organization’s position to the point that the accountant’s objectivity is compromised;
• Familiarity threat –threat that due to a long or close relationship with a client, or employing
organization, professional accountant will be too sympathetic to their interests or too accepting of
their work;
• Intimidation threat –threat that a professional accountant will be deterred from acting objectively
because of actual or perceived pressures, including attempts to exercise undue influence over the
accountant.
Examples of actions that in certain circumstances might be safeguards to address threats include:
• Assigning additional time and qualified personnel to reqd tasks when engagement has been accepted.
• Having appropriate reviewer, not member of team, review work performed or advise to address a
self-review threat.
• Using different partners and engagement teams with separate reporting lines for provision of non-
assurance services.
• Involving another firm to perform or re-perform part of engagement .
• Separating teams when dealing with matters of a confidential nature.
Disabilities for the Purpose of Membership (Sec 8 of the CAs Act, 1949)
• Under 21 years
• Unsound mind and stands so adjudged by competent court;
• Undischarged insolvent;
• Being a discharged insolvent, has not obtained from court a certificate stating that insolvency was
caused by misfortune without any misconduct on his part;
• Convicted by competent Court within or without India, of offence involving moral turpitude and
punishable with transportation or imprisonment unless CG by order in writing, removed disability;
• Removed from membership of ICAI been guilty of professional or other misconduct;
Types of Members
Associate Member: Person, whose name has been entered in Register, & entitled to use the letters A.C.A.
after his name.
Fellow Member: Following types of members shall be registered as Fellow of ICAI, on payment of such fees
along with the application-
(i) Associate member who has been in continuous practice in India for at least 5 years,
(ii) Member who has been associate for continuous period of not less than 5 years & who possesses such
qualification experience equivalent to continuous practice for period of 5 years as CA.
Removal of Name from the Register: As per Sec 20 of Act, Council may remove, from Register, the name of
any member in following cases-
i.
who is dead;
ii.
from whom request received;
iii.
not paid prescribed fee required to be paid by him;
iv.
Disqualified u/s 8
Effective date of Restoration in case of Membership Removal
Application for restoration and requisite fees are Restoration shall be with effect from the date on
made within same year of removal which it was removed from the Register.
Removal of name under orders of Board of Discipline Restoration shall be in accordance with such orders.
or the Disciplinary Committee or the Appellate
Authority or the High Court
In other cases Restoration shall be with effect from the date on
which the application and fee are received.
Penalty for Falsely Claiming to be a Member- Sec 24 of the CAs Act, 1949 provides that any person who-
(i) not being a member of ICAI;
(a) represents that he is member of ICAI; or
(b) uses designation CA;
(ii) being a member of ICAI, but not having certificate of practice, represents that he is in practice
Regulation 11 on restoration of COP states that, on an application made in approved Form and payment of such
fee, Council may restore COP w.e.f date on which it was cancelled, to member whose certificate has been
cancelled due to non-payment of the annual fee for the COP and whose application, complete in all respects,
together with fees, is received by the Secretary before expiry of relevant year.
As per Sec 2(2): “A member of ICAI shall be deemed “to be in practice” if he:
Explanation –Member who is salaried employee of CA in practice à deemed to be in practice for limited
purpose of training of Articled Assistants”.
Pursuant to Sec 2(2)(iv) above, the Council has passed a resolution permitting a CA in practice to render
entire range of “Management Consultancy and other Services”.
The expression “Management Consultancy and other Services” shall include the following-
Note: Member of ICAI is deemed to be in practice during period he renders ‘service with armed forces’.
Important Note:
A CA whose name has been removed from membership for prof. or other misconduct à during such period of
removal à will not appear before various tax authorities or other bodies before whom he could have
appeared in his capacity as a member of ICAI à Because once a person becomes a member of ICAI; he is
bound by provisions of CA Act, 1949 and its Regulations
Companies not to practice as CAs à If LLP has Co. as partner it can’t engage in practice
• Merchant Banker / Advisor to an issue: Members may obtain registration as category IV Merchant
Banker & act as Advisor or Consultant to issue. In client Companies’ offer documents and ads regarding
capital issue, name and address of CA or firm of CAs acting as Advisor or Consultant to the Issue
could be indicated under the caption “Advisor/Consultant to the Issue”. However, name & address of
such CA/firm of CAs should not appear prominently.
• The members of ICAI who are also Directors in Companies, members of Political parties or CAs Cells
in political parties, holding different positions in clubs are not permitted to mention these positions as
these would be violative of provisions of Sec 7 of the Act.
• Member can’t designate as Cost Accountant; he can use letters A.C.M.A (Associate) or F.C.M.A (Fellow)
after his name.
• Permitted to mention membership of foreign Institute of Accountancy, recognized by Council through
MOU / Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with ICAI.
• Improper for CA to state on professional docs à Income-tax Consultant, Cost Accountant, Company
Secretary, Cost Consultant or a Management Consultant.
• Designation “Corporate Lawyer” not permitted.
• Use of initials ‘CPA’ not permitted on visiting cards.
Branch office
Sec 27 of Act: If a CA in practice or Firm of CAs has more than one office in India, each one of such
offices should be in separate charge of member of ICAI.
Above condn apply to any add. office beyond 50 km from municipal limits of city where office is situated.
• Temp office in plains allowed for limited period not exceeding 3 months pa
• No need to close regular office & correspondence made at reg office
• Name board on temp office not displayed when its not functional
• Temp office not mentioned on Visit cards/letter heads as Place Of Business
• Before winters, member/firm informs ICAI about opening temp office from date & after closure
intimated ICAI via regd post
• Member to reside in place office situated/attends the office >= 182 days
• Member can be in-charge of two offices if they are in one and the same Accommodation
Council Decisions:
i) Use of the name-board: nameboard in place of residence allowed of member with designation of
CA, provided it is nameplate of individual member & not of firm.
ii) The exemption may be granted to member or firm of CAs in practice to have a second office
without such second office being under separate charge of member of ICAI, provided-
a. second office is in same premises, in which first office is located or,
b. second office is in same city, in which first office is located or,
c. second office is located within 50 km. from the municipal limits of a city, in which the first
office is located.
The KYC Norms approved by the Council of ICAI are given below:
1. Where Client is an Individual/ Proprietor
A. General Information
• Name of the Individual
• PAN No. or Aadhar Card No. of the Individual
• Business Description
• Copy of last Audited Financial Statement
B. Engagement Information
• Type of Engagement
Clause (1):
• allows any person to
• practice in his name as a CA unless such person is also
• a CA in practice and
• is in partnership with or
• employed by him.
Ø The above clause is intended to safeguard public against unqualified accountant practicing under the
cover of qualified accountants.
Ø It ensures that work of accountant will be carried out by a CA who may be his partner, or his employee
and would work under his control and supervision.
Clause (2):
• pays or allows or agrees to pay or allow, directly or indirectly,
• any share, commission or brokerage in the fees or profits of his professional business, to any person
other than
• a member of the ICAI or a partner or a retired partner or the legal representative of a deceased
partner, or a member of any other professional body or with such other persons having such
qualification as may be prescribed,
• for the purpose of rendering such professional services from time to time in or outside India.
Example: CA gave 50% of audit fees received by him to complainant, not a CA, under nomenclature of office
allowance and such arrangement continued for no. of years, held by Council that in substance CA had shared
his profits and was guilty of professional misconduct. It is not nomenclature to a transaction that is
material, but it is substance of transaction, which is to be looked into.
Note: Paying % of profits to article as stipend not allowed even if financial condition weak
Sale of Goodwill: With reference to Clause (2) of Part I to First Schedule to Chartered Accountants’ Act,
1949, Council of ICAI considered whether goodwill of proprietary concern of CA can be sold to another
member who is otherwise eligible, after death of proprietor.
It lays down that sale is permitted subject to certain conditions. It further resolved that legal heir of
deceased member has to obtain permission of Council within a year of the death of proprietor concerned.
Conclusion: Thus, in a given case, the widow of Mr. Qureshi, who has proposed to sell the practice for ` 5
lakhs is in effect proposing the sale of goodwill. Thus, the act of Mrs. Qureshi is permissible and Mr. Pardeshi
can continue to practice in that name as a proprietor.
Clause (3): accepts or agrees to accept any part of profits of professional work of person who is not member
of ICAI.
Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting a member ‘from entering into
profit sharing or other similar arrangements, including receiving any share commission or brokerage in the
fees, with member of such professional body or other person having qualifications, as is referred to in item
(2) of this part.
Referral fees amongst members: It is not prohibited for a member in practice to charge Referral Fees,
being fees obtained by a member in practice from another member in practice in relation to referring client
to him.
Note: Accepting commission from regd valuer for referring valuation assignments à Guilty
Clause (4):
Eg: CA had engaged himself as partner in two business firms and MD in 2 Companies and holding Certificate
of Practice without obtaining permission of ICAI. Held that he was guilty of professional misconduct inter
under Clauses (4) and (11).
Clause (5) Secures either through the services of a person who is not an employee of such CA or who is not
his partner or by means which are not open to a CA, any professional business. Provided that nothing herein
contained shall be construed as prohibiting any agreement permitted in terms of item (2), (3) and (4) of
this part.
Clause (6) Solicits clients or professional work either directly or indirectly by circular, advertisement,
personal communication or interview or by any other means.
An advertisement of Coaching /teaching activities by member in practice may amount to indirect solicitation,
as well as solicitation by any other means, and may therefore be violative of provisions of Clause (6) of Part
I of First Schedule to CAs Act, 1949.
The members should not adopt any indirect methods to adventure their professional practice with a view
to gain publicity and thereby solicit clients or professional work.
Such a restraint must be practiced so that members may maintain their independence of judgment and
may be able to command respect of their prospective clients.
• Members may put, o/s Coaching/teaching premises, sign board mentioning the name of Coaching /
teaching Institute, contact details and subjects taught therein only.
• Advert/notes in press: Not circulate letters to possible clients
Exceptions:
Ø May advertise changes in partnerships or dissolution of firm, or change in address and telephone
numbers. Bare statement of facts allowed and consideration given to appropriateness of area of
distribution of newspaper or magazine and number of insertions.
Ø Permitted to issue classified ad in journal/ newsletter of ICAI intended to give info for sharing
professional work on assignment basis or seeking partnership or salaried employment of
accountancy nature, provided it only contains accountant’s name, address or telephone number, fax
number, e-mail address and address(es) of social Networking sites of members. However, mere
factual position of experience and area of specialization, relevant to seek response to the
advertisement, are permissible.
• Application for empanelment for allotment of audit and other professional work: Free to write to
concerned org. Not proper for CA to make roving enquiries. Permissible to quote fees on enquiries
received from bodies, which maintain such panel.
• Publication of Books, Articles or Presentation: Not permissible for member to mention in book or
article published, or presentation made by him, any professional attainment(s), whether of member or
firm. He may indicate in book, article or presentation designation “CA” as well as name of firm.
• Issue of Greeting Cards or Invitations: Designation “CA” as well as name of firm may be used in
greeting cards, invitations for marriages and religious ceremonies and any invitations for opening or
inauguration of office of members, change in office premises and change in telephone numbers,
provided that invitations are sent only to clients, relatives and friends of the members concerned.
• Advertisement for Silver, Golden, Platinum or Centenary celebrations of CA Firms may be published in
newspaper or newsletter.
• Sponsoring Activities
(a) A member in practice or Firm of CAs is not permitted to sponsor an event. May sponsor event
conducted by a Programme Organizing Unit (PoU) of ICAI, provided it has prior approval of
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Directorate of ICAI.
(b) Members sponsoring activities relating to CSR may mention their individual name with the prefix
“CA”. However, the mention of Firm name or CA Logo is not permitted.
• Sharing Firm Profile with prospective Client: Not permitted to share Firm profile with a prospective
Client unless it is in response to a proposed client’s specific query, and otherwise not prohibited to be
used by the client.
• Television or Movie Credits: Exhibition of name is not made differently as compared to other entries
in the credits.
Note: It can be given if required by regulator (whether or not constituted under a statute in India or o/s
India) only to extent reqd & period reqd by regulator.
Where such disclosure of names of clients and/or fees charged is made on the website, the member/ firm
shall ensure that it is mentioned on the website [in italics], below such disclosure itself, that
“This disclosure is in terms of the requirement of [name of the regulator] having jurisdiction in [name of the
country/ area where such regulator has jurisdiction] vide [Rule/ Directive etc. under which the disclosure is
required by the Regulator].
Publication of Name or Firm Name by CAs in Telephone or other Directories published by Telephone
Authorities or Private Bodies
• name, description and address of member (or firm) may appear in any directory or list of
members of a particular body in which the names are listed alphabetically.
• Member shouldn’t give name of clients
• May supply info for spl. directories on own discretion
Exemptions:
M/s XYZ, firm of CAs created website “www.xyzindia.com”. Website besides containing details of firm and bio-
data of partners also contains passport size photographs of all partners of firm.
Hosting Details on Website: As per Clause (6) of Part I of First Schedule to Chartered Accountants Act, 1949,
CA of firm can create its own website using any format subject to guidelines. However, website should be so
designed that it does not solicit clients or professional work and should not amount to direct or indirect
advertisement. Guidelines of ICAI allow a firm to put up the details of firm, bio-data of partners and display
of a passport size photograph.
Conclusion: In the case of M/s XYZ, all guidelines seem to have been complied and there appears to be no
violation of Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and its Regulations.
M/s LMN, firm of Chartered Accountants responded to tender from State Government for computerization of
land revenue records. For this purpose, firm also paid ` 50,000 as earnest deposit as part of terms of tender.
Responding to Tenders: Clause (6) of Part I of First Schedule to Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 lays down
guidelines for responding to tenders, etc. As per guidelines if a matter relates to any services other than audit,
members can respond to any tender. Further, in respect of non-exclusive area, members are permitted to pay
reasonable amount towards earnest money/security deposits.
Conclusion: In instance case, since computerization of land revenue records does not fall within exclusive areas
for chartered accountants, M/s LMN can respond to tender as well as deposit ` 50,000 as earnest deposit and
shall not have committed any professional misconduct.
Mr. Honest, CAiP, wrote two letters to M/s XY Chartered Accountants firm of CAs; requesting them to allot
him some professional work. As he did not have significant practice or clients he also wrote letter to M/s ABC,
a firm of CAs for securing professional work. Mr. Clever, another CA, informed ICAI regarding Mr. Honest's
approach to secure the professional work. Is Mr. Honest wrong in soliciting professional work?
Securing Professional Work: Clause (6) of Part I of First Schedule to Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 states
that CAiP shall be deemed to be guilty of misconduct if he solicits clients or professional work either directly
or indirectly by a circular, advertisement, personal communication or interview or by any other means.
Provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as preventing or prohibiting any CA from applying or
requesting for or inviting or securing professional work from another CAiP. Such restraint has been put so that
members maintain their independence of judgment and may be able to command respect from their prospective
clients. Conclusion:
In given case, Mr. Honest wrote letters only to other CAs, M/s XY and M/s ABC requesting them to allot some
professional work to him, which is not prohibited under Clause (6). Thus, Mr. Honest has not committed any
professional misconduct by soliciting professional work.
Clause (7)
Ø Advertises his professional attainments or services, or
Ø uses any designation or expressions other than the CA on professional documents, visiting cards,
letter heads or sign boards unless it be a degree of a University established by law in India or
recognized by the Central Government or a title indicating membership of the Institute of CAs or of
any other institution that has been recognized by the Central Government or may be recognized by
the Council.
Member in practice may advertise through a write up, setting out service provided by him or firm and
particulars of his firm subject to such guidelines as issued by Council.
Notes:
• Giving names of all firms in which CA is partner on letterhead is allowed
• When CA while delivering speech at Conference talks about his expertise & services of firm & requests
audience to approach him à guilty under clause 6 & 7
• CA after Demonitisation messaged ppl that he offers cash conversion service à guilty of Prof
misconduct under Clause 6 & 7 + Other misconduct under clause 2 of Part IV of First Schedule read
with Sec 22 of CA Act 1949
Council of ICAI has in communication to members stated that if public Co, in which CAiP is director, issues
prospectus or gives any announcement that gives descriptions about CA’s expertise, specialisation and
knowledge in any particular field, it shall constitute a misconduct under Clauses (6) and (7) of Part I of the
First Schedule to Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.
The Council further stated that in such cases member concerned has to take necessary steps to ensure that
such prospectus or public announcements or public communications do not advertise his professional
attainments and also that such prospectus or public announcements or public communications do not directly or
indirectly amount to solicitation of clients for professional work by the members.
Conclusion: Thus, Mr. D would be guilty of professional mis - conduct and liable for disciplinary action.
Clause (8) accepts a position as auditor previously held by another chartered accountant or a certified
auditor who has been issued certificate under the Restricted Certificate Rules, 1932 without first
communicating with him in writing.
As a matter of professional courtesy and professional obligation it is necessary for new auditor appointed to
communicate with such earlier auditor.
Objective is to ascertain whether there are any circumstances which warrant him not to accept appointment.
*may accept audit if satisfied that attitude of retiring auditor was not proper and justified. If he feels
that retiring auditor qualified report for good and valid reasons, refuse to accept audit. There is no rule,
written or unwritten, which would prevent auditor from accepting appointment offered to him in these
circumstances. Before accepting audit, ascertain full facts of case.
What should be the correct procedure to adopt when a prospective client tells you that he wants to
change his auditor and wants you to take up his work.
Company should be asked whether retiring auditor had been informed of intention to change. If answer
is ‘Yes’, then communication should be addressed to retiring auditor. If it is learnt that old auditor hasn’t
been informed, and client is not willing to inform, it would be necessary to ask reason for proposed
change. If no valid reason for change, it would be healthy practice to not accept audit. If he decides to
accept audit he should address a communication to retiring auditor.
Members should retain positive evidence of delivery of communication to addressee. In opinion of Council,
following would provide such evidence: -
*Letters posted under Certificate of Posting not considered valid (No positive evidence of delivery)
As a matter of professional courtesy and obligation it is necessary for new auditor appointed to act
jointly with earlier auditor to communicate with such earlier auditor.
Special Audit under Income Tax Act, 1961 : It would be healthy practice if Tax Auditor conducting special
audit under Income Tax Act,1961 communicates with member who conducted Statutory Audit.
Council decisions:
• Requirement for communicating with previous auditor being CAiP would apply to all types of Audit
viz., Statutory Audit, Tax Audit, GST Audit, Internal Audit, Concurrent Audit or any other kind
of audit.
• Communication in case of Assignments done by other professionals: Communication is mandatorily
reqd for all types of Audit/Report where previous auditor is a CA. For assignments done by other
professionals not being CAs, it would be a healthy practice to communicate.
• Lack of time in acceptance of Government Audits: No time to wait for reply from outgoing auditor,
incoming auditor may give conditional acceptance of appointment and commence work.
In acceptance letter, make clear to client that acceptance of appointment is subject to
professional objections, from previous auditors and that he will decide about final acceptance
after considering information recd from previous auditor.
Clause (9) accepts an appointment as auditor of company without first ascertaining from it whether
requirements of Section 225 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), in respect of such appointment have been
duly complied with;
Clause (9) of Part I of the First Schedule to Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 provides that a member in
practice shall be deemed to be guilty of professional misconduct if he accepts an appointment as auditor of a
Company without first ascertaining from it whether the requirements of Sections 139 and 140 of the
Companies Act, 2013, in respect of such appointment have been duly complied with.
It would not be sufficient for incoming auditor to accept certificate from mgt that provisions of above
sections have been complied with. It is necessary to verify relevant records of Co. and ascertain as to whether
Co. has complied with provisions of above sections. If Co. is not willing to allow incoming auditor to verify
relevant records, should not accept audit assignment.
A. Auditor willing for reappointment but not reappointed à shall file with ICAI a copy of statement which
is also sent to shareholders by mgt of Co (Obligatory for incoming auditor to obtain such copy from
BOD & consider before accepting audit)
B. Auditor resigns à send communication to BOD + ICAI stating professional reasons (Obligatory for
incoming auditor to obtain such copy from BOD & consider before accepting audit)
C. ESB can ask for add. info if required
D. Also applicable to removal of auditor by govt/other statutory bodies
Note: Getting a loan sanctioned from bank is not covered under fund raising service à hence CAiP can’t
charge fees basis % of loan raised by client
Clause (11) Engages in business or occupation other than profession of chartered accountant unless
permitted by Council so to engage.
Provided that nothing contained herein shall disentitle a chartered accountant from being a director of a
company (Not being managing director or a whole time director*) unless he or any of his partners is
interested in such company as an auditor.
Subject to control of Council, CAiP may act as liquidator, trustee, executor, administrator, arbitrator,
receiver, adviser or representative for costing, financial or taxation matter, or may take up appointment
that may be made by the CG or a State Government or a court of law or any other legal authority or may act
as Secretary in his professional capacity, provided his employment is not on a salary-cum-full-time basis.
• Employment in business concerns provided member and/or his relatives do not hold “substantial interest” in
such concerns. (20% or more)
• Full-time or part-time employment in non-business concern.
• Office of MD or a WTD of body corporate provided member and/or any of his relatives don’t hold
substantial interest in such concern
• Interest in family business concerns (including such interest devolving on the members as a result of
inheritance / succession / partition of family business) or concerns in which interest has been acquired as a
result of relationships and in management of which no active part is taken.
• Interest in an educational institution.
• Part-time or full-time lectureship for courses other than those relating to Institute’s
examinations conducted under the auspices of the Institute or the Regional councils or their branches.
• Part-time or full-time tutorship under any educational institution other than coaching organization of
Institute.
• Editorship of journals other than professional journals.
• Any other business or occupation for which Executive Committee considers that permission may be
granted.
Notes:
• No bar for member to be promoter / signatory to Memorandum and Articles of Association of Co.
• No bar for such promoter / signatory to be Director Simplicitor of that Co.
• Teaching hours should not exceed 25 hrs a week in order to be able to undertake attest functions.
• Trading in commodity derivates treated as business
• Need specific permission of Council for becoming director if partner is Auditor of Co.
Q. Whether the auditor of a Subsidiary Company can be a Director of its Holding Company?
The Ethical Standard Board (ESB) via a clarification, decided that auditor of a Subsidiary Co. can’t be a
Director of its Holding Company, as it will affect independence of an auditor.
Public conscience needs to be kept ahead of the law.
Clause (12) Allows a person not being a member of the institute in practice or a member not being his partner
to sign on his behalf or on behalf of his firm, any balance sheet, profit and loss account, report or financial
statements.
Exceptions:
The Council has clarified that power to sign routine documents on which professional opinion or authentication
is not required to be expressed may be delegated in the following instances and such delegation will not
attract provisions of this clause:
Authority delegated by CA à But Authority not used à not a defence for firm/CAà Prof misconduct
Sec-26 à No person other than member of ICAI will sign document on behalf of CAiP
Note: Issue of stock certificate by assistant shall also make CAiP guilty
Clause (1) pays or allows or agrees to pay directly or indirectly to any person any share in theemoluments of
the employment undertaken by him.
Can share with relatives,dependents,friends etc. if it’s not consideration for procuring or retaining a job.
Job must be procured and retained with own professional capabilities and not by any financial deal impairing
professional dignity.
Clause (2) accepts or agrees to accept any part of fees, profits or gains from a lawyer, a chartered
accountant or broker engaged by such company, firm or person or agent or customer of such company,firm
or person by way of commission or gratification.
A member in foregoing circumstances would be guilty of misconduct regardless of fact that he was in
whole-time or part-time employment or that he was holding COP along with his employment.
(CAiP & Employment refers lawyer to employer à Gets referral fees from lawyer à Guilty in this clause)
Clause (1) not being a fellow of the Institute, acts as a fellow of the Institute.
Clause (2) does not supply the information called for, or does not comply with the requirements asked
for, by the Institute, Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline,
Disciplinary Committee, Quality Review Board or the Appellate Authority.
Where a Chartered Accountant had continued to train an articled clerk though his name was removed from
the membership of the Institute and he had failed to send any reply to the Institute asking him to send his
explanation as to how he was training as his articled clerk when he was not a member of the Institute. Held
that he was guilty under Clause (2) of Part III of the First Schedule.
Clause (3) while inviting professional work from another chartered accountant or while responding to tenders
or enquiries or while advertising through a write up, or anything as provided for in items (6) and (7) of Part I of
this Schedule, gives information knowing it to be false.
A member of the Institute, whether in practice or not, shall be deemed to be guilty of other misconduct, if
he –
Clause (1) is held guilty by any civil or criminal court for offence which is punishable with imprisonment for a
term not exceeding six months.
Clause (2) in the opinion of the Council, brings disrepute to the profession or the Institute as a result of his
action whether or not related to his professional work.
Note: Before starting any ans. of this clause ICAI gives this line à Section 21 of the Chartered Accountants
Act, 1949 provides that a member is liable for disciplinary action if he is guilty of any professional or “Other
Misconduct.”
Clause (1) Discloses Information acquired in the course of his professional engagement to any person other
than his client so engaging him without the consent of his client or otherwise than as required by any law for
the time being in force.
Exceptions
• Disclosure allowed only with consent of client or as part of professional duties (Eg submitting info
to Exchange Control Authorities)
• No misconduct in case of legal compulsion as reqd by Evidence Act
• Sec 143(12) – Reporting of fraud
Eg. CA while presenting paper at event shared vital info of his client to help Nation à Held guilty
Note: When external party like Bank asks for info of your working papers à This clause + SA 200
Confidentiality is to be maintained + SA 230 Property of Auditor (discretion)
Clause (2) Certifies or submits in his name or in the name of his firm, a report of an examination of financial
statements unless the examination of such statements and the related records has been made by him or by a
partner or an employee in his firm or by another chartered accountant in practice.
Clause (3) Permits his name or the name of his firm to be used in connection with an estimate of earnings
contingent upon future transactions in manner which may lead to the belief that he vouches for the accuracy of
the forecast.
He can prepare profit forecast provided he indicates clearly in his report the
• sources of information,
• the basis of forecasts and
• major assumptions made in arriving at the forecasts, so long as he does not vouch for the accuracy of the
forecasts.
Note: Evaluating costs or other assignments of such nature à not covered in this clause
Clause (5) Fails to disclose a material fact known to him which is not disclosed in a financial statement, but
disclosure of which is necessary in making such financial statement not misleading where he is concerned with
that financial statement in a professional capacity.
Example:
• CA failed to report to shareholders of Co. about non-creation of sinking fund as per Debenture
Trust Deed and did not make clear that amounts shown as towards sinking fund were borrowed
from managing agents of the company -Held, that the chartered accountant was duty bound to see
that nature and subject matter of the charge over a security and the nature and mode of valuation
of the sinking fund investment were disclosed in Balance Sheet, held guilty of misconduct.
• CA knew Co. had taken loan of 10L from EPF which wasn’t disclosed in F.S. àHeld guilty
Note:
If CA appears before tax authorities on behalf of client à submits info or expln that’s found false
misleading à not guilty as data provided by mgt + acting on instructions of client
Clause (6) Fails to report a material misstatement known to him to appear in a financial statement with which
he is concerned in a professional capacity.
Example:
The Respondent had failed to give disclosure of Contingent Liabilities in F.S. against Corporate Guarantee
given in favour of Group Company. Respondent should have verified charges created on basis of material
available with Company and Registrar of Companies. Further, charge of Rs.4.35 crores against the Balance
Sheet size of Rs.26.12 crores was significant. Hence, omission of such information from F/S makes them
misleading and thereby reflects gross negligence on the part of the Respondent in conducting audit and
failing to report material misstatement in financial statements of. Held guilty of professional misconduct
under Clauses (6) and (7) of Part I of the Second Schedule to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949.
Clause (7) does not exercise due diligence, or is grossly negligent in the conduct of his professional duties.
• It is a vital clause which gets attracted whenever it is necessary to judge whether accountant has
honestly and reasonably discharged his duties.
• The expression negligence covers a wide field and extends from frontiers of fraud to collateral minor
negligence.
Examples:
• CA fails to indicate mode of valuation of investments in shares reqd by Cos. Act 2013
• Conducted Stock audit without visiting the site, relied on mgt reports
• Wrongly certified increase in Paid up share capital of Pvt ltd Co in Balance Sheet (Clause 7/8/9 of Part 1 of
Clause (8): Fails to obtain sufficient information which is necessary for expression of an opinion or its
exceptions are sufficiently material to negate the expression of an opinion.
Examples:
• Transaction took place between ABC Firm & R developers but reported in books of ABC Construction.
Loan amount was material. Guilty under clause 6, 7 & 8 of Part I of Second Schedule to CA Act 1949
• CA issued false certificates to several parties for past exports for monetary consideration without
verifying any supporting records or documents which helped parties to make imports free of duty.
Held that he was guilty of professional misconduct within the meaning of clauses (2), (7) & (8) of Part I of
the second schedule of CA Act, 1949 in terms of section 21 & 22 of the said Act
• CA audited books of A ltd that had investment of Rs 10L, later it was found real value was 25k à CA guilty
under clause 2, 7, 8 of Part I of Second Schedule of CA Act,1949
• Certificate of circulation of Periodical w/o verifying undelying record bank statements, printer bills, sales
records etc à Guilty under clause 7 & 8
Clause (9) Fails to invite attention to any material departure from the generally accepted procedure of audit
applicable to the circumstances
Generally accepted audit procedure = Engagement and Quality Control Standards, Statements, General
Clarifications, Guidance Notes Technical Guides, Practice Manuals, Studies and Other Papers.
Special Points:
• Audit of listed cos : Done by Auditor subject to Peer Review process of ICAI & hold valid certificate
issued by Peer Review Board of ICAI
• Firm Reg No & Membership No to be mentioned on reports pursuant to attestation engagements
• UDIN is mandatory to be generated for all kinds of certifications
Examples:
• CA didn’t conduct sample checking of bank a/c of Co & didn’t do vouching & depended on work of Article
Assistant à guilty under clause 7,8,9
• CA didn’t check bank column totals, didn’t verify contra entries, test checked when no internal check
present,didn’t check Bank recos à guilty under clause 7,8,9
Spl points:
• Advance received against services excluded from scope
• Money recd for expenses to be incurred in reasonably short time not to be deposited in bank a/c
• Money recd in capacity of trustee, executor liquidator, etc keep in separate bank a/c
Mazedar Kisse:
• Refund voucher issued by Income Tax dept in name of client credited to his a/c à Guilty under clause 7
& 10
• CA acting as financial advisor to client converted his own a/c to joint a/c with client withouthis consent &
fraudulently discharged 3 FDRs in client’s name. Gulity à Clause 10 of Part I of Second Schedule + Other
Misconduct u/s 22 read with sec 21
Clause (1) contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the regulations made there under or any
guidelines issued by the Council.
Examples:
• CA certified in Form K-2 audit clerk in service with him, the article employed elsewhere 11-5 pm & then
come to office work till 8 pm.
• Took article intern under him even when no vacancy was there, intern got to know that Articleship deed
not regd.
• Issued certificate as a CA even if no COP there with him. Guilty as violation of Section 6
• In pvt circular to clients in addition to CA described himself as Investment Consultant Public Accountant
• Took loan from firm where article & his father were interested
• Didn’t pay stipend as per Reg 48 to article, only paid when article left. Said he had agreement to pay fees
annually à held guilty
• Accepted audit even when UNDISPUTED audit fees wasn’t paid to earlier auditor à Guilty under Clause 1
of Part II of Second Schedule of CA Act 1949
• Conducted more TAX audits than prescribed limit
Clause (2) being an employee of any company, firm or person, discloses confidential information acquired in
the course of his employment except as and when required by any law for the time being in force or except
as permitted by the employer.
Clause (3) Includes in any information, statement, return or form (SIRF) to be submitted to the Institute,
Council or any of its Committees, Director (Discipline), Board of Discipline. Disciplinary Committee, Quality
Review Board or the Appellate Authority any particulars knowing them to be false.
Examples:
• A CA manager in firm applied for admission as fellow to ICAI saying he’s partner in firmà made a
statement that’s false à Guilty
• In a hearing before Disciplinary Committee made a false statement on oath
• CA in full time employment in a Co while filling bank empanelment form gave declaration that he was not in
any occupation/business/vocation e t c
• CA being manager of Co devoting 30 hrs. per week showed himself as CA in full time practice for
Chapter I: Applicable to all the Members of the Institute whether in practice or not
Chapter II: A member of the ICAI who is an employee shall exercise due diligence and shall not be grossly
negligent in the conduct of his duties. (Clause 7 yaad aaya?)
• Cash Book
• Ledger
Chapter VI: Tax Audit assignments under Section 44 AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961
A member of the Institute in practice shall not accept, in a financial year, more than the “specified number of
tax audit assignments” under Section 44AB of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
• As per clarification on Tax Audit Assignments, if there are 10 partners in a firm of CAs in practice,
then all
• partners of the firm can collectively sign 600 tax audit reports. This max. limit of 600 tax audit
assignments may be distributed between partners in any manner. For instance, 1 partner can individually
sign 600 tax audit reports & remaining 9 partners are not signing any tax audit report.
• In computing “specified no. of tax audit assignments” each year’s audit would be taken as separate
• assignment.
• Mr A partner in ABC as well as ADE, then also only 60 allowed for A
• Mr A partner in ABC & also in A proprietorship, then also 60 allowed to A
• Audits u/s 44AD, 44ADA, & 44AE of IT Act 1961 not counted
• Audit of H.O. & Branch office counted as 1 assignment
• Audit of More than 1 branch of same concern = 1 assignment
• Mr Badal is part time practicing partner then will he be considered for limit? No
• A member of the Institute in practice shall not accept the appointment as auditor of an entity in case
the undisputed audit fee of another Chartered Accountant for carrying out the statutory audit under
the Companies Act, 2013 or various other statutes has not been paid:
• Provided that in the case of sick unit, the above prohibition of acceptance shall not apply.
• Undisputed audit fees include expense incurred by Auditor
• Sick unit means unit regd for 5 years or more & has accumulated loss >= Net worth
Member in practice or partner of firm in practice or firm or relative of such member or partner shall not
accept appointment as auditor of concern while indebted to concern or given any guarantee or provided any
security in connection with indebtedness of any 3rd person to concern, for limits fixed in statute and in other
cases for amount exceeding 100,000/-.
Notes:
• Recovery of fees on progressive basis doesn’t mean indebtness.
• Limit as per Cos. Act for indebtness is 5L & for guarantee or security is 1L
Incoming auditor(s) not to accept the appointment as auditor(s), in case of unjustified removal of earlier
auditor(s).
• Member in practice shall not respond to any tender issued by any organization or user of professional
services
• in areas of services which are exclusively reserved for CAs, such as audit and attestation services.
Not applicable
• where minimum fee of the assignment is prescribed in tender document itself or
• where areas are open to other professionals along with CAs.
Where larger structure is aimed at co-operation and entities within structure share significant part of
professional resources, it is deemed to be a network.
• Network can be constituted as a mutual entity which will act as a facilitator for constituents of
Network. In such case Network itself will not carry out any professional practice.
• Network can be constituted as a partnership firm subject to condition that total number of
partners does not exceed 20.
• Network can be constituted as a LLP subject to provision of Chartered Accountant Act and Rules
and such other laws as may be applicable.
• Network can be constituted as company subject to the guidelines prescribed by Institute for
corporate form of practice and formation of management consultancy services company. (Chap xvii)
• Network Firms shall consist of sole Practitioner/proprietor, partnership or any such entity of
professional accountants as may be permitted by the Act.
• Firm is allowed to join only one network.
• Firms having common partners shall join only one Network.
Naming of Network
1.The Network may have distinct name which should be approved by ICAI. To distinguish a “Network” from a
“firm” of CAs, the words “& Affiliates” shall be used after the name of network and words “& Co.” /“&
Associates” shall not be used. The prescribed format of application for approval of Name for Network is at
Form ‘A’ (enclosed). The names of the network may be as mentioned in Appendix II.
2.ICAI shall approve or reject name of Network and intimate to Network at its address mentioned in Form ‘A’
within 30 days from date of receipt of said Form.
3.Mere approval of name of Network shall not entitle Network to carry on practice in its own name.
1. After name of Network approved, Institute same shall reserve name for period of three (3) months from
date of approval.
2. Network shall get itself registered with Institute by applying in Form B within period of 3 months, failing
which name assigned shall stand cancelled on expiry of said period.
3. Registration of Network with Institute is mandatory.
4. If different Indian firms are networked with a common Multinational Accounting Firm, they shall be
considered as part of network.
1. Authorized representative of Indian Member firm (s)/Member constituting Network with entities
outside India shall file declaration with ICAI in Form `D’ for Listing such Network within 30 days from
date of entering into Network arrangement.
2. Proprietary/individual members, partnership firms as well as members in LLP or any such other entity,
shall be permitted to join such network with entities outside India provided that they can join only one
network and firms having common partners shall join only one such network.
Bye-laws may contain the following clauses on which the affiliates of the network may enter into a written
agreement among themselves:
(i) Appointment of a Managing Committee
(ii) Administration of network
(iii) Contribution of membership fees to meet the cost of the administration of the network.
(iv) Identifying a partner of any of member firms of network to be responsible for the assignment
(engagement partner)
(v) Dispute settlement procedures through arbitration and conciliation
(vi) Development of training materials for members of the network
Ethical Compliance: It will be necessary for such network to comply with applicable ethical requirements
prescribed by ICAI and following requirements in particular: -
1. If one firm of network is statutory auditor of entity then associate [including networked firm(s)] or said
firm directly/indirectly not accept internal audit or book-keeping or other assignments prohibited for stat
auditor firm.
2. Guidelines of ceiling on Non-audit fees is applicable in relation to Network as follows:
- i) For a Network firm who is doing statutory audit (including its associate concern and/or firm(s) having
common partnership), it shall be same as mentioned in said notification; and
ii) For other firms of same Network collectively, it shall be 3 times of fee payable for carrying out statutory
audit of same undertaking/ company.
3. In cases where rotation of firms prescribed by regulatory authority, no member firm of network can accept
appointment as auditor in place of any member firm of network which is retiring.
4. Network may advertise to extent permitted by Advertisement Guidelines issued by ICAI. Firms constituting
network are permitted to use words “Network Firms” on their professional stationery.
5. Constituent member firms of Network and Network shall comply with all Ethical Standards prescribed by
Council from time to time.
• Council has allowed members in practice to be MD/WTD/Manager of a Body Corporate that is exclusively
engaged in providing Management Consultancy & Other Services permitted u/s 2(2)(iv) of CA Act 1949
• No restriction on equity holding in such Company
• Entitled to do attest functions & train article assistants
• Name of Mgt Consulting Co to be approved by ICAI & registered with it
• Compliances for Mgt Consulting Co:
ü Not to accept Internal audit or bookkeeping service or other assignments from entity where
practitioner or firm is auditor
ü Ceiling of non-audit fees applicable to it
ü Mgt consulting co shall comply with clause 6 & 7 of Part 1 of First Schedule of CA Act 1949
• Joint Audit
ü Large Cos should have practice of having firms with < 5 members as Joint Auditors
ü Senior firms shouldn’t object to such practice
• CA may be Equity research adviser but can’t publish retail report as it’d be business or occupation
• Member of trust can’t be its auditor
• May engage himself as Registration Authority for obtaining Digital Signature Certificate for clients
• Can hold credit card of bank even if auditor of same bank but o/s balance shouldn’t exceed 1L from
limit (If limit 2L, o/s balance can’t be > 3L)
• CA can act as mediator in Court
• Can’t accept audit of bank if taken loan against FD
• CA in practice can’t become Financial Advisors & receive fees/commission from Financial
Institutions such as Mutual Funds, Insurance cos, NBFCs
• Can’t exercise lien over client docs for non-payment of fees
• Not permissible to print vision or values behind visiting cards as it’d result in solicitation & thus
violative of Clause 6 of First Schedule of CA Act 1949
• Not permissible to take agencies of UTI, GIC & NSDL
• Permissible to be settlor of a trust (provides property to beneficiary)
• Can’t hold customs broker license
• CA in employment can appear as Tax representative before tax authorities on behalf of employer
but not for other employees of that employer
• Stat auditor of bank can’t do stock audit of such bank
• Internal auditor of PF trust of Govt co can’t be stat auditor
• Concurrent auditor of bank X can’t be stat auditor of bank Y which is sponsored by X
• CA/ CA firm can act as internal auditor of Co & stat auditor of its EPF
• Internal auditor not to undertake Tax Audit
GUILTY NON-GUILTY
Board of Disciplinary
Discipline Committee Accept Reject
(BOD) (DC)
Close • Advise DD to
GUILTY* matter investigate further
GUILTY*
• May proceed if
matter of 1st
• Reprimand
• Reprimand Schedule
• Remove name
• Remove name • Refer to DC if 2nd
permanently
upto 3 months Schedule
or any
• Fine upto 1L
duration
• Fine upto 5L
Appeal:
Can be made by member or Director (Discipline) within 90 days à Appellate Authority
Orders possible:
• Confirm, modify or set aside order
• Impose, set aside, reduce or enhance penalty
• Remit case to BOD/DC to reconsider
• Such order it thinks fit
Non-compliance with laws and regulations comprises of acts of omission or commission, intentional or
unintentional, which are contrary to prevailing laws or regulations committed by:
• a client/professional accountant’s employing organisation;
• or TCWG or Mgt or other individuals
• working for or under direction of a client/ employing organisation.
• During Course of Providing a Service: NOCLAR will be applicable if a professional accountant encounters, or
is made aware of, non-compliance or suspected non-compliance while providing a professional service to a
client. He is not required to investigate, nor responsible for ensuring compete compliance.
• Expertise of Laws not Required: A professional accountant is expected to apply knowledge and expertise,
and exercise professional judgment. However, he is not expected to have a level of knowledge of laws and
regulations greater than that which is required to undertake the engagement. Whether an act constitutes
non-compliance is ultimately a matter to be determined by a court or other appropriate adjudicative body.
• Certain Matters Expressly out of Purview: Matters that are clearly inconsequential, or relating to personal
misconduct pertaining to business activities of client not covered.
• Disclosure, which is Contrary to Law not Required: As per IESBA Code, disclosure of the matter to an
appropriate authority would be precluded if doing so would be contrary to law or regulation.
Documentation Requirements in NOCLAR : Revised Code over and above require professional accountant to
follow additional documents requirements as under:
• How management / TCWG have responded to the matter.
• The course of action accountant considered, judgments made and decisions that were taken, having regard to
reasonable and informed third party test.
• How accountant is satisfied that responsibility of public interest has been fulfilled.
Coverage of Laws
2. SA 250 talks of auditor’s responsibilities for laws having direct effect on the determination of material
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements (such as tax and labour laws); and other laws and
regulations that do not have a direct effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, but compliance with which may be fundamental to the operating aspects of the business.
NOCLAR, while being alike to SA 250 till this point, is further ahead of it in that it takes into account non-
compliance that causes substantial harm resulting in serious consequences in financial or non-financial terms.
Definition of Stakeholders
However, as per the guideline issued by the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
of India, a member of the Institute in practice shall not respond to any tender issued by an
organization or user of professional services in areas of services which are exclusively
reserved for chartered accountants, such as audit and attestation services.
However, such restriction shall not be applicable where minimum fee of the assignment is
prescribed in the tender document itself or where the areas are open to other professionals
along with the Chartered Accountants.
Clause (7) Advertises his professional attainments or services, or uses any designation or expressions
other than the Chartered Accountant on professional documents, visiting cards, letter heads or
sign boards unless it be a degree of a University established by law in India or recognized by
the Central Government or a title indicating membership of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants or of any other institution that has been recognized by the Central Government or
may be recognized by the Council.
Provided that a member in practice may advertise through a write up, setting out the service
provided by him or his firm and particulars of his firm subject to such guidelines as may be
issued by the Council.