11 May, 2021

Auditor resignations indicate new attitude to client selection

A series of high-profile auditor resignations suggest that UK audit firms are becoming more cautious about the companies they work for.

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The audit profession in Britain is at a turning point as Westminster—Brexit permitting—considers new regulation. It seems firms may be responding by clearing the decks: the press has spotted a spate of high-profile auditor resignations with audit firms bidding farewell to a clutch of major clients. This includes firms outside the Big Four, such as Grant Thornton, which recently said sayonara to Sports Direct, the retail chain, embroiled in running arguments over its governance. But Grant Thornton is not alone. KPMG has parted ways with Eddie Stobart, a haulage firm, and Lycamobile, a telecommunications company. PwC meanwhile has sai

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audit, audit reform, auditor resignations, Big Four, Deloitte, EY, Financial Reporting Council, Grant Thornton, KPMG, PwC