Audit Registration

Registered Auditor 

A Registered Auditor is a firm which is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor to undertake regulated audit work. They require to be registered with a Recognised Supervisory Body (RSB). This is a body which is recognised under the Companies Act for the purposes of the registration and supervision of registered auditors. ICAS is an RSB.

A firm can only accept appointment as an auditor if it is a registered auditor.

What is regulated audit work?

This is work in respect of a company incorporated in the UK or ROI or other entities (as specified in the Audit Regulations), which is required to be performed by a registered auditor, as auditor of that company/entity, ie is reserved by law or constitution, to a 'registered auditor'.

See our: Audit Regulations, Audit Guidance and Audit Regulations and Guidance.

How does a firm become a Registered Auditor?

• an application form for Audit Registration can be obtained from the Institute. A registration fee is payable on application.

• the Institute's Audit Registration Committee considers whether the firm meets the eligibility criteria and that the firm, its principals and employees are fit and proper to carry out audit work;

• comply with the professional indemnity insurance requirements as found in Section 4 of the Public Practice Regulations. 

• principals who are not members of ICAS, ICAEW, ICAI or ACCA are required to become Affiliates. 

• The Affiliate Application Form  and Guidance can be viewed here.

• The application for Regulated Firm Status must be completed by firms with a corporate body as a principal.

Once registered

Once it has been registered the firm must:

• comply with the Audit Regulations and Guidance;

• complete a Firms Annual Return;

• be monitored by the Institute. See the Audit Monitoring section for more information.

Signing Audit Reports

Within a firm of registered auditors, the individual(s) who sign(s) audit reports must:

• be nominated by the firm as a Responsible Individual (RI) and an RI Application Form and Audit Experience Form must be completed.  Guidance notes are available when applying for RI Status.

Audit News

Audit News is a periodic Newsletter, issued to firms, highlighting any changes to the Audit Regulations and current matters of interest.

See the following article for the actions you are required to take: Notification of change of auditor.

Contact us

Any enquiries regarding Audit Registration should be addressed to ereid@icas.org.uk or 0131 347 0282.