CA Ajay is a senior partner of M/s DRF Associates. M/s DRF Associates is a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants which has been in practice for more…

As per SA 220, “Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements", for audits of financial statements of listed entities, CA Ajay, the engagement quality control reviewer, on performing an engagement quality control review, shall also consider the following: (i) The engagement team's evaluation of the firm's independence in relation to the audit engagement; (ii) Whether appropriate consultation has taken place on matters involving differences of opinion or other difficult or contentious matters, and the conclusions arising from those consultations; (iii) Whether audit documentation selected for review reflects the work performed in relation to the significant judgments made and supports the conclusions reached. As per SQC 1, “Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Historical Financial Information, and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements", there might be difference of opinion within engagement team, with those consulted and between engagement partner and engagement quality control reviewer. The report should only be issued after resolution of such differences. In case, recommendations of engagement quality control reviewer are not accepted by engagement partner and matter is not resolved to reviewer's satisfaction, the matter should be resolved by following established procedures of firm like by consulting with another practitioner or firm, or a professional or regulatory body. In the given situation, under completion of review, CA Ajay, Engagement Quality Control Reviewer has identified certain issues. However, the view of CA Ajay, the EQCR are not accepted by the Engagement Partner. This difference of opinion among the CA Ajay and Engagement Partner should be resolved with abovementioned manner as per SQC 1.