Description
This book takes us ‘behind closed doors’ to uncover the nature of the relationship between the audit engagement partner and the company finance director in major listed companies. Based on matched interviews with finance directors and audited engagement partners of six listed companies, the book uncovers both sides’ perceptions of how contentious and non-contentious issues are resolved. New insights are provided about the workings of the audit process itself, how negotiation is conducted and the personal relationships and balance of power between the auditors and the board of directors. Vivien Beattie, Richard Brandt and Stella Fearnley PART I Introduction and Regulatory Framework The Auditor-Client Relationship Questionnaire Stage of Study PART II Introduction to the Case Studies ‘In the Top Five of the Highest Risk Clients’: Nick and Simon (NS plc) ‘You Can’t Eat an Elephant’: Thomas and James (TJ plc) ‘Paul’s Job is Not to Win Friends, it’s to Protect Our Shareholders, and That’s My Job as Well’: Michael and Paul (MP plc) ‘Cushions and Pillows’: Colin, Richard and Andrew (CRA plc) ‘They Don’t Challenge Me Enough’: Robert and Charles (RC plc) ‘They’re Almost Part of the Management Team’: Dennis and Alan (DA plc) PART III The Grounded Theory Process Cross-case Analysis and Theory Development Conclusions
