Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa

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Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Transparency
Report 2017
EY South Africa
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Message from the EY South Africa Country Managing Partner
and the Assurance Leader                                    1

About Us                                                    5

  Legal structure, ownership and governance                 5
  Network arrangements                                      5
Commitment to quality                                       8

 Infrastructure supporting quality                          8
 Instilled professional values                              9
 Internal quality control system                            10
 Client acceptance and continuance                          11
 Performance of audits                                      11
 Review and consultation                                    12
 Audit partner and Firm rotation                            13
 Audit quality reviews                                      15
 External quality assurance review                          15
 Compliance with legal requirements                         15
Independence practices                                      16

Continuing education of audit professionals                 18

Revenue and remuneration                                    19

 Financial information                                      19
 Partner remuneration                                       19

Appendix 1                                                  20

Appendix 2                                                  21

Appendix 3                                                  22
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Message from the EY South Africa Country
    Managing Partner and the Assurance Leader

                           Welcome to the 2017 Transparency Report of Ernst & Young Inc. (EY South Africa). We
                           appreciate that our stakeholders want to understand how we advance audit quality, manage risk
                           and maintain our independence as auditors. Regular dialogue is important to us, and this report is
                           one of the ways in which we advise our stakeholders of what we are doing in each of these areas.

                           Due to EY South Africa’s audits of EU Public Interest Entities (PIEs), we are required to compile
                           this Transparency Report, which complies with the European Unions’ 8th Company Law Directive,
                           Yf\o`a[`[gn]jkl`]ÕfYf[aYdq]Yj]f\af_+(Bmf]*()/&Afl`akj]hgjl$qgmoaddd]Yjfegj]
                           about our internal quality control system: how we instill professional values, how we perform
                           an audit, our review and consultation processes, our approach to audit quality reviews, and our
                           independence practices.

                           Executing high-quality audits continues to be our top priority and is at the heart of our
                           commitment to serve the public interest. It enables us to grow the global EY network successfully
Ajen Sita                  and responsibly, while achieving our purpose of building a better working world. Auditors play a
Country Managing Partner   vital role in the functioning of capital markets by promoting transparency and supporting investor
                           [gfÕ\]f[]&;gehYfa]k$j]_mdYlgjkYf\gl`]jklYc]`gd\]jk[gmflgfmklg\]dan]j]p[]dd]f[]af
                           every engagement.

                           EY South Africa’s reputation is based on and grounded in providing high-quality professional audit
                           services objectively and ethically to every company we audit. The foundation of our business is
                           the position of trust we occupy within society as a whole. In South Africa, that society remains
                           unequal in wealth distribution; unequal in access to employment opportunities; and unfortunately
                           features high levels of corruption.

                           EY South Africa is focused on enhancing audit quality and upholding our independence, informed
                           by several matters including external and internal inspection results. Continuous improvement
                           of audit quality requires us to challenge approaches to audit execution, and we focus on this by
                           ]nYdmYlaf_Yddafkh][lagfÕf\af_kYf\lYcaf_j]khgfkan]Y[lagfk&O]Yj]^g[mk]\gfafn]klaf_
                           in tools to improve what we do, creating the highest-performing teams, and building trust and
                           [gfÕ\]f[]afl`]Ym\alko]h]j^gje&

                           In recent times, a spotlight has been shone on the audit profession and the media has reported
                           extensively on the role of auditors and the purpose of an audit. There is much to be done to
                           j]Zmad\[gfÕ\]f[]Yf\ljmklafgmjhjg^]kkagfYkYo`gd]&=QKgml`9^ja[Y[geealklghdYqaf_alk
                           hYjlafZmad\af_l`Yl[gfÕ\]f[]Yf\lg[gflafm]gh]jYlaf_oal`l`]`a_`]kld]n]dkg^af\]h]f\]f[]
                           and ethics.

Lance Tomlinson            Much has also been reported in the media about state capture in South Africa. On a weekly basis
Country Assurance Leader   we are learning about irregular business practices and relationships. Companies in South Africa
                           and abroad have been forced to review their business practices and relationships in order to
                           safeguard their brands. We have seen local and global banks close accounts of individuals and
                           companies, and a growing number of companies are reviewing who they do business with.

                           As EY, we have committed ourselves to a purpose of building a better working world for our
                           people, our clients and our communities. Now more than ever we are called upon to live this
                           purpose. In order to protect our own brand from the risks prevalent in the market, there are a
                           number of actions we have undertaken.

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Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Firstly, we are performing comprehensive reviews of our own internal risk management practices with particular emphasis on client
& engagement acceptance as well as those policies that deal with our independence. Whilst we consider these policies to be strong
and globally consistent, we are enhancing delegation of authority levels and introducing additional safeguards for work we deliver,
particularly in the public sector. Secondly, we are engaging all our stakeholders including regulators and our clients in order to
understand their evolving positions with respect to their own organisations as well as sharing information about risk management
at EY. Thirdly, we are increasing engagement with our own partners and staff in the areas of ethics and independence. In addition
to the annual independence, ethics, and anti-bribery & corruption training that all people at EY are required to undertake, we have
provided supplementary classroom and web-based learning updates on these topics, including the recently released Non-Compliance
with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) standard. We take strong action against partners and staff who do not live our values, or who
]phgk]gmjZjYf\lgjakc&O][gfkakl]fldq\]egfkljYl]l`ak[geeale]flZqaehgkaf_kYf[lagfkl`YljYf_]^jgeÕfYf[aYdh]fYdla]klg
dismissals. Lastly, we are actively seeking ways to bring relevant role-players together in discussions on changes that will enhance the
transparency and build the strong reputation of our profession.

The current business climate in South Africa is both unprecedented and dynamic. Selecting the right clients to serve is critical. This
requires information, judgement, robust policies and practices, and an appropriate level of oversight. There is no single publicly
available watch-list of entities believed to be undertaking corrupt practices, nor have there been any prosecutions on the theme of state
capture. Consequently, it is impossible to state with certainty that we have a complete list of companies allegedly implicated in state
capture. That said, we have been actively monitoring public reports and making decisions about companies we will not serve. Through
this external monitoring exercise, we have to date compiled a list of over 550 entities in the market place that we are now monitoring.

We have recently performed a review of all clients (over 2,500 in each year), both audit and non-audit, that EY South Africa has
served in the last 5 years and have compared these against the list of over 550 entities referred to above, to identify whether we have
performed work for those entities. Through this exercise, we have concluded that we have not provided services for companies that we
mf\]jklYf\lgZ]\aj][ldqgof]\Zql`]?mhlY^YeadqafKgml`9^ja[Y&O][Yf[gfÕjel`Ylg^l`]egj]l`Yf*$-(([da]flko]k]jn]\af
]Y[`g^l`]hj][]\af_-q]Yjk$o]a\]flaÕ]\+[da]flkaf*(),$*()-Yf\*().j]kh][lan]dq$^jgeo`geo][memdYlan]dq]Yjf]\^]]k
of less than R1.5m of our total revenues, and which we today consider to be companies in the private sector that we would no longer
want to perform services for. In none of these cases did we act as internal or external auditors. Furthermore, they were short duration,
non-repeat assignments that were routine in nature and involved advice on the application of accounting and reporting standards, data
[gehadYlagfYf\j]na]okg^l`]Y[[mjY[qg^logÕfYf[aYdeg\]dk&O]`Yn]j]na]o]\]Y[`g^l`]k]Ykka_fe]flk$Yf\o]Yj][gfÕ\]fl
about our independence and compliance with professional standards as well as the high quality of the work performed in delivering our
services.

Over the coming months there is likely to be more information in the public domain. We will monitor these developments and work
with the relevant stakeholders to improve transparency and governance in the profession and aim to root out corrupt practices from
our society. Where we believe that a client relationship poses a risk to our brand, we will, consistent with past practice, discontinue the
relationship.

L`]j]`Yn]Z]]fka_faÕ[Yfl\]n]dghe]flkafl`]Kgml`9^ja[YfeYjc]lgn]jl`]dYklq]Yjl`YloaddaehY[ll`]Ym\alhjg^]kkagfafq]Yjk
to come. One such development is the requirement for the adoption and implementation of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation (MAFR),
]^^][lan]^gjÕfYf[aYdq]Yj%]f\kgfgjY^l]j)9hjad*(*+&Qgm[Yfj]Y\egj]YZgmll`akafl`]Zg\qg^l`]j]hgjl&L`akjmdaf_oadd`Yn]
^Yj%j]Y[`af_aehda[Ylagfk^gjYm\alÕjekYf\l`]aj[da]flk&

9^mjl`]jka_faÕ[Yfl\]n]dghe]flaf*()/oYkl`]Ye]f\e]flg^l`]Daklaf_J]imaj]e]flkZql`]Bg`Yff]kZmj_Klg[c=p[`Yf_]
 BK=!&O`ad]Ym\alÕjekoadd[gflafm]lgZ]Y[[j]\al]\Zql`]BK= kmZb][llgl`]f][]kkYjqimYdalq[gfljgdkZ]af_afhdY[]3Yf\kmZb][l
lgl`]gml[ge]g^Õjej]_mdYlgjqj]na]ok!l`]j]khgfkaZadalq^gjYhhgaflaf_af\ana\mYdYm\alhYjlf]jklgka_fghafagfkgfYdakl]\[da]fl
will now reside with the Audit Committee of that entity. To discharge this responsibility, the audit committee will require additional
af^gjeYlagflgZ]hjgna\]\Zql`]Ym\alÕjeYkkh][aÕ]\afl`]Daklaf_J]imaj]e]flk&L`]f]oj]imaj]e]flkZ][Ye]]^^][lan]           
15 October 2017.

                                                                                                                                          2
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Now more than ever is the time to remind ourselves of our Purpose – “building a better working world”. We are committed to building
our distinctive brand, ensuring that we are a favoured employer, ensuring positive relationships with our stakeholders, and playing our
role to improve our communities.

We are also proud to have been recognised as a Top Employer in Africa, and are especially delighted that EY South Africa was ranked
*Y[jgkkl`][gmfljq$Y^l]jGd\EmlmYd&L`akeYc]kmkl`]d]Y\af_hjg^]kkagfYdk]jna[]kÕjeafKgml`9^ja[Y&O]`Yn]Z]]fhdY[]\af
the top 10 for the past 12 years.

This year, EY South Africa also received recognition at the Business Engage Gender Mainstreaming Awards. EY was the overall winner
in the categories of Diversity & Transformation and Economic Empowerment and the winner in the category of Women Empowerment
afl`]ogjchdY[]^gjfgf%BK=dakl]\[gehYfa]k&O][Ye]k][gf\afl`][Yl]_gjqg^Oge]fgf=p][mlan];geeall]]kafEmdlafYlagfYdk
and in the category of Young Women.

Afl`][mjj]flq]Yjo]Y[`a]n]\Yd]n]d):%::==jYlaf_&Lg\YqZdY[chYjlf]jkeYc]mh,(g^gmjgof]jk`ahYf\logl`aj\kg^gmj
Kgml`9^ja[YfD]Y\]jk`ahl]YeYj]ZdY[c&Gn]jYddYlYÕjed]n]degj]l`Yf-(g^gmjklY^^Yj]ZdY[c&:%::==akYfafl]_jYl]\
socio-economic process aimed at redressing the imbalances of the past by seeking to substantially and equitably transfer and confer
l`]gof]jk`ah$eYfY_]e]flYf\[gfljgdg^Kgml`9^ja[YÌkÕfYf[aYdYf\][gfgea[j]kgmj[]klgl`]eYbgjalqg^alk[alar]fk&L`]
ljYfk^gjeYlagfg^gmjÕjeYf\[gmfljqakYbgmjf]qYf\fglYf]n]fl&Gmjd]n]d)jYlaf_ak[gfÕjeYlagfl`Ylo]Yj]eYcaf_ka_faÕ[Yfl
progress towards this imperative. We will use this accomplishment to accelerate progress towards being fully representative of the
\]eg_jYh`a[g^Kgml`9^ja[Y&GmjD]n]d):%::==klYlmkakYka_faÕ[YflY[`a]n]e]fl^gjgmjÕjeYf\akaf\a[Ylan]g^gmjYZkgdml]
commitment to the transformation imperative of the country and the development and upliftment of our people.

We encourage all our stakeholders — including investors, audit committee members, companies and regulators — to continue to engage
with us on our strategy as well as any of the matters covered in this report.

    Ajen Sita                                                                                                                       Lance Tomlinson
    Country Managing Partner                                                                                               Country Assurance Leader
    EY Inc.                                                                                                                                  EY Inc.
    28 November 2017

      EY’s purpose: building a better working world
      EY is committed to doing its part in building a better working world.
      L`]afka_`lkYf\imYdalqk]jna[]ko]\]dan]j`]dhZmad\ljmklYf\[gfÕ\]f[]afl`][YhalYdeYjc]lkYf\af][gfgea]kl`]ogjd\gn]j&O]\]n]dgh
      outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world
      for our people, our clients and our communities.

3
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Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
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Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
About Us

Legal structure, ownership and                                         =Q?e]eZ]jÕjekYj]_jgmh]\aflg^gmj_]g_jYh`a[9j]Yk2
                                                                       9e]ja[Yk39kaY%HY[aÕ[3=mjgh]$Ea\\d]=Ykl$Af\aYYf\9^ja[Y

governance                                                              =E=A9!3Yf\BYhYf&L`]9j]Yk[gehjak]YfmeZ]jg^J]_agfk$
                                                                       o`a[`[gfkaklg^e]eZ]jÕjekgjk][lagfkg^l`gk]Õjek&
In South Africa, Ernst & Young Incorporated is a personal liability
                                                                       EY South Africa is part of the EMEIA Area, which comprises EYG
company incorporated in the Republic of South Africa and is a
                                                                       e]eZ]jÕjekaf10[gmflja]kaf=mjgh]$l`]Ea\\d]=Ykl$Af\aY
e]eZ]jÕjeg^=jfklQgmf_?dgZYdDaeal]\$YMC[gehYfq
                                                                       and Africa. Within the EMEIA Area, there are 12 Regions. EY
limited by guarantee (EYG). In this report, we refer to ourselves as
                                                                       South Africa is part of the Africa Region (Southern Cluster).
“EY South Africa,” “we,” “us” or “our.” EY refers collectively to
                                                                       Ernst & Young (EMEIA) Limited (“EMEIA Limited”), an English
l`]_dgZYdgj_YfakYlagfg^l`]e]eZ]jÕjekg^=Q?&
                                                                       company limited by guarantee, is the principal coordinating entity
The EY South Africa companies are owned by their directors.            ^gjl`]=Q?e]eZ]jÕjekafl`]=E=A99j]Y&=E=A9Daeal]\
                                                                       ^Y[adalYl]kl`][ggj\afYlagfg^l`]k]ÕjekYf\[ggh]jYlagf
EY South Africa also includes the following entities which are EYG
                                                                       between them, but it does not control them. EMEIA Limited is a
e]eZ]jÕjekafKgml`9^ja[Y2
                                                                       e]eZ]jÕjeg^=Q?$`YkfgÕfYf[aYdgh]jYlagfkYf\\g]kfgl
• Ernst & Young Advisory Services (Pty) Ltd                            provide any professional services.

• Ernst & Young Services (Pty) Ltd                                     Each Region elects a Regional Partner Forum (RPF), whose
                                                                       representatives advise and act as a sounding board to Regional
• =jfklQgmf_:::==N]jaÕ[YlagfK]jna[]k Hlq!Dl\
                                                                       leadership. The partner elected as Presiding Partner of the
                                                                       RPF also serves as the Region’s representative on the Global
As at 30 June 2017, the South Africa Executive                         Governance Council.
comprised:

Ajen Sita                    Managing Partner

NYd
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
Network arrangements                                                       Americas
                                                                      Regions         10
                                                                                                 EMEIA
                                                                                           Regions       12
                                                                                                                 Asia-Pacific
                                                                                                              Regions           5
                                                                                                                                           Japan
                                                                                                                                     Regions       1
                                                                      Countries       31   Countries     98   Countries         22   Countries     1
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory
k]jna[]k&Ogjd\oa\]$*-($(((h]ghd]afe]eZ]jÕjekafegj]
than 150 countries share a commitment to building a better
working world, united by shared values and an unwavering
commitment to quality, integrity and professional skepticism. In
today’s global market, the integrated EY approach is particularly
important in the delivery of high-quality multinational audits,
which can span multiple jurisdictions.

This integrated approach enables EY to develop and draw upon
the range and depth of expertise required to deliver such complex
audits.

=Q?[ggj\afYl]kl`]e]eZ]jÕjekYf\hjgegl]k[ggh]jYlagf
among them. EYG does not provide services, but its objectives         Independent Non-Executives
include the promotion of exceptional high-quality client service by   Up to six Independent Non-Executives (INEs) are appointed from
e]eZ]jÕjekogjd\oa\]&                                                outside EY. The INEs are senior leaders from both the public and
=Y[`e]eZ]jÕjeakYd]_Yddq\aklaf[l]flalq&L`]ajgZda_Ylagfk      hjanYl]k][lgjk$Yf\j]Ö][l\an]jk]_]g_jYh`a[Yf\hjg^]kkagfYd
and responsibilities as members of EYG are governed by the            backgrounds. They bring to the global organisation, and the GGC,
regulations of EYG and various other agreements.                      l`]ka_faÕ[YflZ]f]Õlg^l`]ajnYja]\h]jkh][lan]kYf\\]hl`g^
                                                                      knowledge. The INEs also form a majority of the Public Interest
The structure and principal bodies of the global organisation         Sub-Committee of the GGC, which addresses public interest
\mjaf_l`]q]Yj]f\]\+(Bmf]*()/Yj]\]k[jaZ]\Z]dgo&L`]q         matters, including stakeholder dialogue. The INEs are nominated
j]Ö][ll`]hjaf[ahd]l`Yl=Q$YkY_dgZYdgj_YfakYlagf$`YkY        by a dedicated committee.
common shared strategy.
                                                                      Global Executive
The Executive includes the Global Executive (GE), its committees      The Global Executive (GE) brings together EY’s leadership
and teams, and the leadership of the four Areas. This streamlined     functions, services and geographies. It is chaired by the Chairman
structure allows EY to enhance its global scale and the delivery      and CEO of EYG, and includes its Global Managing Partners of
of consistent exceptional client service worldwide, with the          Client Service and Business Enablement; the Area Managing
Executive responsible for coordinating a global approach to           Partners; the global functional leadership for Talent and Finance;
strategy, quality, risk management, business planning and             the leaders of the global service lines — Assurance, Advisory, Tax
priorities.                                                           and Transaction Advisory Services; the Global Leader for Public
At the same time, the network also operates on a Regional             Hgda[q3Yf\gf]=Q?e]eZ]jÕjehYjlf]jgfjglYlagf&
level. This operating model allows for greater stakeholder focus      The GE also includes the Chair of the Global Accounts Committee
afl`]*0J]_agfk$h]jeallaf_e]eZ]jÕjeklgZmad\kljgf_]j          and the Chair of the Emerging Markets Committee, as well as a
relationships with clients and others in each country, and be more    representative from the Emerging Markets practices.
responsive to local needs.
                                                                      The GE and the GGC approve nominations for the Chairman and
Global Governance Council                                             CEO of EYG, and ratify appointments of the Global Managing
The Global Governance Council (GGC) is the main oversight body        Partners. The GE also approves appointments of Global Vice
of EYG. It comprises one or more representatives from each            ;`Yajk&L`]??;jYlaÕ]kl`]Yhhgafle]flkg^Yfq?dgZYdNa[]
J]_agf$gl`]je]eZ]jÕjehYjlf]jkYkYl%dYj_]j]hj]k]flYlan]k        Chair who serves as a member of the GE.
and up to six independent non-executives (INEs). The Regional
representatives, who otherwise do not hold senior management
roles, are elected by their RPFs for a three-year term, with
provision for one successive reappointment. The GGC advises
EYG on policies, strategies and the public interest aspects of
its decision-making. The approval of the GGC is required for a
fmeZ]jg^ka_faÕ[YfleYll]jkl`Yl[gmd\Y^^][l=Q&

                                                                                                                                                   6
Transparency Report 2017 - EY South Africa - Transparency Report 2017 South Africa
The GE’s responsibilities include the promotion of global             E]eZ]jÕjekYj]kmZb][llgj]na]okl`Yl]nYdmYl]l`]aj
objectives and the development, approval, and, where relevant,        adherence to EYG requirements and policies governing issues
implementation of:                                                    such as independence, quality and risk management, audit
                                                                      e]l`g\gdg_q$Yf\`meYfj]kgmj[]k&E]eZ]jÕjekmfYZd]lg
• Global strategies and plans
                                                                      meet the quality commitments and other EYG membership
• Common standards, methodologies and policies to be promoted         requirements may be subject to separation from the EY
  oal`afe]eZ]jÕjek                                                  organisation.

• People initiatives, including criteria and processes for
  admission, evaluation, development, reward and retirement of
  partners

• Quality improvement and protection programs

• Proposals regarding regulatory matters and public policy

• Hgda[a]kYf\_ma\Yf[]j]dYlaf_lge]eZ]jÕjekÌk]jna[]g^
  international clients, business development, markets and
  branding

• EY’s development funds and investment priorities

• =Q?ÌkYffmYdÕfYf[aYdj]hgjlkYf\Zm\_]lk

• GGC recommendations

The GE also has the power to mediate and adjudicate disputes
Z]lo]]fe]eZ]jÕjek&

GE committees
Established by the GE and bringing together representatives
from the four Areas, the GE committees are responsible for
making recommendations to the GE. In addition to the Global
Audit Committee, there are committees for Global Markets and
Investments, Global Accounts, Emerging Markets, Talent, Risk
Management, Assurance, Advisory, Tax, and Transaction Advisory
Services.

Global Practice Group
This group brings together the members of the GE, GE
committees and Regional leaders. The Global Practice Group
seeks to promote a common understanding of EY’s strategic
objectives and consistency of execution across the organisation.

=Q?e]eZ]jÕjek
Mf\]jl`]j]_mdYlagfkg^=Q?$e]eZ]jÕjek[geeall`]ek]dn]k
to pursue EY’s objectives, such as the provision of high-quality
k]jna[]ogjd\oa\]&Lgl`Yl]f\$l`]e]eZ]jÕjekmf\]jlYc]
the implementation of global strategies and plans, and maintain
the prescribed scope of service capability. They are required to
comply with common standards, methodologies and policies,
including those regarding audit methodology, quality and
risk management, independence, knowledge sharing, human
resources, and technology.

9Zgn]Ydd$=Q?e]eZ]jÕjek[geeallg[gf\m[laf_l`]aj
professional practices in accordance with applicable professional
and ethical standards, and all applicable requirements of law. This
commitment to integrity and doing the right thing is underpinned
by the EY Global Code of Conduct and EY values.

:]ka\]kY\ghlaf_l`]j]_mdYlagfkg^=Q?$e]eZ]jÕjek]fl]jaflg
several other agreements covering aspects of their membership
in the EY organisation, such as the right and obligation to use the
EY name, and the sharing of knowledge.

7
7
Commitment to quality

Infrastructure supporting                                            about EY people, clients and processes, and they are readily
                                                                     accessible for consultation with audit engagement teams.

quality                                                              Additional resources often augment the Global Professional
                                                                     Practice group, including networks of professionals focused on:
Quality in our service lines
Vision 2020+, which sets out EY’s purpose, ambition and              • Internal-control reporting and related aspects of the EY audit
kljYl]_q$[Yddk^gj=Q?e]eZ]jÕjeklghjgna\]]p[]hlagfYd            methodology
client service worldwide. This is supported by an unwavering
                                                                     • 9[[gmflaf_$Ym\alaf_Yf\jakcakkm]k^gjkh][aÕ[af\mklja]kYf\
commitment to quality and service that is professionally
                                                                       sectors
and globally consistent, and means service that is based on
objectivity, professional skepticism, and adherence to EY and        • =n]fl%kh][aÕ[akkm]kafngdnaf_Yj]Ykg^[anadYf\hgdala[Ydmfj]kl3
professional standards.                                                or sovereign debt and related accounting, auditing, reporting
                                                                       and disclosure implications
=Q?e]eZ]jÕjekYf\l`]ajk]jna[]daf]kYj]Y[[gmflYZd]^gj
delivering quality engagements. EY service lines manage the          • General engagement issues and how to work effectively with
overall process for quality reviews of completed engagements           audit committees
and input for the quality of in-process engagements, which helps
                                                                     Risk management
achieve compliance with professional standards and EY policies.
                                                                     Responsibility for the delivery of high-quality service and
Vision 2020+ has reinforced the ownership of quality by the          ownership of the risks associated with quality is placed with the
service lines, including audit. It has also resulted in increased    e]eZ]jÕjek&9egf_gl`]jl`af_k$l`]?dgZYdJakcEYfY_]e]fl
clarity around the role of risk management in policies and           Leader helps oversee the management of these risks by the
practices that support and improve quality audit.                    e]eZ]jÕjek$Yko]ddYkgl`]jjakckY[jgkkl`]gj_YfakYlagfYk
                                                                     part of the broader Enterprise Risk Management framework.
L`]?dgZYdNa[];`Yajg^9kkmjYf[][ggj\afYl]ke]eZ]jÕjekÌ
compliance with EY policies and procedures for assurance             E]eZ]jÕjehYjlf]jkYj]Yhhgafl]\lgd]Y\jakceYfY_]e]fl
services.                                                            afalaYlan]kafZgl`l`]k]jna[]daf]kYf\e]eZ]jÕjek$kmhhgjl]\
                                                                     by other staff and professionals. The Global Risk Management
Professional Practice
                                                                     Leader is responsible for establishing globally consistent risk
The Global Vice Chair of Professional Practice, referred to as the
                                                                     management execution priorities and enterprise-wide risk
Global Professional Practice Director (PPD), is overseen by the
                                                                     eYfY_]e]fl&L`]k]hjagjala]k[Yk[Y\]lge]eZ]jÕjek$
Global Vice Chair of Assurance and works to establish global audit
                                                                     and their execution is monitored through an Enterprise Risk
quality control policies and procedures. Each of the Area PPDs
                                                                     Management program.
is overseen by the Global PPD and the related Area Assurance
Leader. This helps provide greater assurance as to the objectivity   ?dgZYd[gfÕ\]flaYdalqhgda[q
of audit quality and consultation processes.                         Hjgl][laf_[gfÕ\]flaYdaf^gjeYlagfakaf_jYaf]\afl`]]n]jq\Yq
                                                                     Y[lanala]kg^=Q?e]eZ]jÕjek&J]kh][l^gjafl]dd][lmYd[YhalYd
The Global PPD also leads and oversees the Global Professional
                                                                     and all other sensitive and restricted information is required
Practice group. This is a global network of technical subject
                                                                     by the Global Code of Conduct, which provides a clear set of
matter specialists in accounting and auditing standards, who
                                                                     principles to guide the behaviours expected of all EY people.
[gfkmdlgfY[[gmflaf_$Ym\alaf_Yf\ÕfYf[aYdj]hgjlaf_eYll]jk$
                                                                     L`]?dgZYd;gfÕ\]flaYdalqHgda[q^mjl`]j\]lYadkl`akYhhjgY[`lg
and perform various practice monitoring and risk management
                                                                     hjgl][laf_af^gjeYlagfYf\j]Ö][lkl`]]n]j%af[j]Ykaf_mk]g^
activities.
                                                                     restricted data. This policy provides added clarity for EY people
The Global PPD oversees development of the EY Global Audit           and forms the fundamental element of broader guidance that
Methodology (EY GAM) and related technologies so that                af[dm\]kc]qhgda[a]kgf[gfÖa[lkg^afl]j]kl$h]jkgfYd\YlYhjanY[q
they are consistent with relevant professional standards and         and records retention. Other guidance includes:
regulatory requirements. The Global Professional Practice
                                                                     • Social media guidance
group also oversees the development of the guidance, training
Yf\egfalgjaf_hjg_jYekYf\hjg[]kk]kmk]\Zqe]eZ]jÕje            • Information-handling requirements
professionals to execute audits consistently and effectively. The
                                                                     • Cfgod]\_]%k`Yjaf_hjglg[gdk
Global, Area and Region PPDs, together with other professionals
o`gogjcoal`l`]eaf]Y[`e]eZ]jÕje$Yj]cfgod]\_]YZd]

                                                                                                                                        8
Components of the audit quality control program                        We have deployed world-class tools that enhance the quality and
In the following sections, we describe the principal components of     value of our audits. Our ability to deliver consistency is based
the EY South Africa audit quality control program:                     in part on the use of EY Canvas, our online audit platform. EY
• Instilled professional values                                        Canvas was broadly deployed beginning in 2015 and is now
                                                                       used globally. It better supports audit execution, streamlines
• Internal quality control system                                      communications and enables us to provide a seamless audit.
• Client acceptance and continuance                                    We recently launched the EY Canvas Client Portal, which adds to
• Performance of audits                                                the leading-edge tools already offered to our auditors. In addition,
                                                                       we have deployed the 2017 Audit Milestones Program globally,
• Review and consultation                                              which establishes the use of Milestones on selected Public Interest
• Audit partner rotation                                               Entity (PIE) audits as one important step to improving results and
                                                                       sustaining quality across engagements.
• Audit quality reviews
                                                                       Af*().$=Q\]n]dgh]\Yf]logjcg^ImYdalq=fYZd]e]flD]Y\]jk
• External quality-assurance reviews                                   (QELs) and created a Global Audit Quality Committee.
• Compliance with legal requirements                                   These and other SAQ initiatives have helped us to continue to
                                                                       drive quality improvements. They demonstrate that audit quality
Instilled professional values                                          is the single most important factor in our decision-making and the
                                                                       key measure on which our professional reputation stands.
Sustainable Audit Quality
Quality is the foundation for exceptional client service. It is what   Tone at the top
we pride ourselves on. It is integral to our work and central to       Senior EY and EY South Africa leadership are responsible
gmjj]khgfkaZadalqlghjgna\][gfÕ\]f[]lgl`][YhalYdeYjc]lk&       for setting the right tone at the top and demonstrating EY’s
Delivering quality is at the heart of all we do and supports our       commitment to building a better working world through behavior
purpose of building a better working world for our people, our         and actions. While the tone at the top is vital, our people also
[da]flkYf\gmj[geemfala]k&L`akakj]Ö][l]\afl`]KmklYafYZd]      understand that quality and professional responsibility start with
Audit Quality (SAQ) program, which is the highest priority for our     them. Our shared values, which inspire our people and guide
Assurance practice.                                                    them to do the right thing, and our commitment to quality are
                                                                       embedded in who we are and in everything we do.
=Y[`e]eZ]jÕjel`YleYc]kmhgmj_dgZYdkljm[lmj]ak
committed to providing high-quality audits. In 2015, we                The EY approach to business ethics and integrity is contained
launched the SAQ initiative throughout our Assurance practices.        in the EY Global Code of Conduct and other policies, and is
SAQ establishes a governance structure and is focused on               embedded in the EY culture of consultation, training programs
continuously improving our audit process.                              and internal communications. Senior management regularly
                                                                       reinforces the importance of performing quality work, complying
We use the word “sustainable” in SAQ to demonstrate that this          with professional standards, adhering to our policies, leading by
is not a one-off short-term initiative, but an ongoing process of      example and through various communications. Also, EY’s quality
improvement. EY has had a common audit methodology for some            review programs assess professional service as a key metric in
time; now we have a common language and processes regarding            evaluating and rewarding all professionals.
audit quality.
                                                                       The EY culture strongly supports collaboration and places
There are six components to SAQ: tone at the top, strengthening        special emphasis on the importance of consultation in dealing
h]ghd][YhYZadala]k$kaehdaÕ[Ylagf$Ym\all][`fgdg_qYf\\a_alYd$     with complex or subjective accounting, auditing, reporting,
enablement and quality support, and accountability. SAQ is             regulatory and independence matters. We believe it is important
aehd]e]fl]\Zq]Y[`e]eZ]jÕje$Yf\ak[ggj\afYl]\Yf\                to determine that engagement teams and clients correctly follow
overseen globally.                                                     consultation advice, and we emphasise this when necessary.
We constantly reinforce the importance of the six components,
and discuss them with every Regional Assurance leader and
every partner. Audit quality and the key elements of SAQ are                             The consistent stance of EY South Africa has
something every senior manager, manager and team member                                  been that no client is more important than
must understand and be committed to implementing locally. SAQ                            our professional reputation — the reputation
is essential to all our goals and ambitions.                                             of EY South Africa and the reputation of each
                                                                                         of our professionals.
O]`Yn]eY\]ka_faÕ[Yflhjg_j]kkl`jgm_`K9I&=QÌk
afl]jfYdYf\]pl]jfYdafkh][lagfÕf\af_k_dgZYddqYj]k`goaf_
improvement, and we are producing greater consistency in
execution.

9
9
Code of conduct                                                      We recognise that in today’s environment — characterised by
We promote a culture of integrity among our professionals. The       continuing globalisation and the rapid movement of capital — the
EY Global Code of Conduct provides a clear set of principles         quality of our audit services has never been more important.
that guide our actions and our business conduct, and are to be       As part of EY Vision 2020+, we continue to invest heavily in
followed by all EY personnel. The Code of Conduct is divided into    developing and maintaining our audit methodology, tools and
Õn][Yl]_gja]k2                                                      other resources needed to support quality service delivery.
• Working with one another                                           While the market and stakeholders continue to demand
                                                                     `a_`imYdalqYm\alk$l`]qYdkg\]eYf\af[j]Ykaf_dq]^Õ[a]fl
• Working with clients and others
                                                                     and effective delivery of audit services. In addition to the
• Acting with professional integrity                                 investments mentioned, EY continues to seek ways to improve
                                                                     l`]]^^][lan]f]kkYf\]^Õ[a]f[qg^alkYm\ale]l`g\gdg_qYf\
• Maintaining our objectivity and independence
                                                                     processes, while improving audit quality.
• Respecting intellectual capital
                                                                     We work to understand where our audit quality may not be up
Through our procedures to monitor compliance with the EY             to our own expectations and those of stakeholders, including
Global Code of Conduct, and through frequent communications,         ]pl]jfYdYm\alÕjej]_mdYlgjk&O]k]]clgd]Yjf^jge]pl]jfYd
we strive to create an environment that encourages all personnel     and internal inspection activities and to identify root causes of
to act responsibly, including reporting misconduct without fear of   adverse quality occurrences to enable us continually to improve
retaliation.                                                         audit quality, and we believe that taking effective and appropriate
                                                                     actions to improve quality is important.
The EY Ethics Hotline provides our people, clients and others
gmlka\]g^l`]gj_YfakYlagfoal`Ye]Yfklgj]hgjl[gfÕ\]flaYddq    Effectiveness of the quality control system
activity that may involve unethical or improper behaviour and
                                                                     EY has designed and implemented a comprehensive set of global
that may be in violation of professional standards or otherwise
                                                                     audit quality control policies and practices. These policies and
inconsistent with the EY Global Code of Conduct. The hotline is
                                                                     practices meet the requirements of the International Standards
gh]jYl]\ZqYf]pl]jfYdgj_YfakYlagfl`Ylhjgna\]k[gfÕ\]flaYd
                                                                     on Quality Control issued by the International Auditing and
and, if desired, anonymous hotline reporting services for
                                                                     Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). EY South Africa has adopted
companies worldwide.
                                                                     these global policies and procedures, and has supplemented
When a report comes into the EY Ethics Hotline, either by            them as necessary to comply with local laws and professional
phone or internet, it receives prompt attention. Depending on        _ma\]daf]k$Yf\lgY\\j]kkkh][aÕ[Zmkaf]kkf]]\k&
the content of the report, appropriate individuals from Risk
                                                                     We also execute the EY Audit Quality Review (AQR) program to
Management, Talent, Legal or other functions are involved to
                                                                     evaluate whether our system of audit quality control has operated
address the report. The same procedures are followed for matters
                                                                     effectively so as to provide reasonable assurance that EY South
that are reported outside of the EY Ethics Hotline.
                                                                     Africa and our people comply with applicable professional and
                                                                     internal standards and with regulatory requirements.
                  Our values: who we are                             The results of the AQR program and external inspections are
                  People who demonstrate integrity,                  evaluated and communicated within EY South Africa to provide
                  respect and teaming                                the basis for continual improvement in audit quality, consistent
                                                                     with the highest standards in the profession.
                  People with energy, enthusiasm and
                                                                     The GE is responsible for implementing quality improvement and
                  the courage to lead
                                                                     protection programs across EY. As such, it reviews the results of
                                                                     our internal AQR program and external regulatory reviews, as well
                  People who build relationships based
                                                                     as any key actions designed to address areas for improvement.
                  on doing the right thing
                                                                     The recent results of such monitoring, together with the recent
                                                                     feedback from independent regulatory inspection visits, provide
Internal quality control system                                      EY South Africa with a basis to conclude that our internal control
                                                                     systems are designed appropriately and are operating effectively.
EY South Africa’s reputation for providing high-quality
professional audit services independently, objectively and
ethically is fundamental to our success as independent auditors.
We continue to invest in initiatives to promote enhanced
objectivity, independence and professional skepticism. These are
fundamental attributes of a high quality audit.
At EY South Africa, our role as auditors is to provide assurance
gfl`]^Yajhj]k]flYlagfg^l`]ÕfYf[aYdklYl]e]flkg^l`]
[gehYfa]ko]Ym\al&O]Zjaf_lg_]l`]jimYdaÕ]\l]Yeklghjgna\]
our services, drawing on our proven experience across industry
sectors and services. We continually strive to improve our quality
and risk management processes so that the quality of our service
is at a consistently high level.

                                                                                                                                        10
Client acceptance and                                                    In our annual client continuance process, we review our service
                                                                          delivery and ability to continue to provide quality service, and
 continuance                                                              [gfÕjel`Yl[da]flkk`Yj]=QKgml`9^ja[YÌk[geeale]fllg
                                                                          imYdalqYf\ljYfkhYj]f[qafÕfYf[aYdj]hgjlaf_&L`]hYjlf]jaf
 EY policy                                                                charge of each audit, together with our Assurance leadership,
 The EY Global Client Acceptance and Continuance Policy sets out          annually reviews our relationship with the audit client to
 hjaf[ahd]k^gje]eZ]jÕjeklg\]l]jeaf]o`]l`]jlgY[[]hlY             determine whether continuance is appropriate.
 new client or a new engagement, or to continue with an existing
                                                                          As a result of this review, certain audit engagements are
 client or engagement. These principles are fundamental to
                                                                          a\]flaÕ]\Ykj]imajaf_Yf\Yj]l`]fkmZb][l]\lgY\\alagfYd
 maintaining quality, managing risk, protecting our people and
                                                                          oversight procedures during the audit (close monitoring), and
 meeting regulatory requirements. The objectives of the policy are
                                                                          some audit clients are discontinued. As with the client acceptance
 to:
                                                                          process, our local PPD is involved in the client continuance
 • Establish a rigorous process for evaluating risk and making            process and must agree with the continuance decisions for
   decisions to accept or continue clients or engagements                 engagements designated for close monitoring.
 • Meet applicable independence requirements                              Both client acceptance and client continuance decisions consider
                                                                          the engagement team’s assessment of whether
 • A\]fla^qYf\\]YdYhhjghjaYl]dqoal`Yfq[gfÖa[lkg^afl]j]kl
                                                                          the company’s management could pressure us to accept
 • Identify and decline clients or engagements that pose excessive
                                                                          inappropriate accounting, auditing and reporting conclusions
   risk
                                                                          to undermine quality. Considerations and conclusions on the
 • Require consultation with designated professionals to identify         integrity of management are essential to acceptance and
   Y\\alagfYdjakceYfY_]e]flhjg[]\mj]k^gjkh][aÕ[`a_`%jakc           continuance decisions.
   factors

 • Comply with legal, regulatory and professional requirements            Performance of audits
 AfY\\alagf$l`]=Q?dgZYd;gfÖa[lkg^Afl]j]klHgda[q\]Õf]k           9khYjlg^=QNakagf*(*(#$=Q`Ykafn]kl]\ka_faÕ[Yfldqaf
 _dgZYdklYf\Yj\k^gjY\\j]kkaf_[Yl]_gja]kg^hgl]flaYd[gfÖa[lk        improving audit methodologies and tools, with the goal of
 of interest and a process for identifying them. It also includes         performing the highest-quality audits in the profession. This
 hjgnakagfk^gjeYfY_af_hgl]flaYd[gfÖa[lkg^afl]j]klYkima[cdq       investment is consistent with EY’s goal to have the leading audit
 Yf\]^Õ[a]fldqYkhgkkaZd]l`jgm_`l`]mk]g^YhhjghjaYl]               hjY[la[]kafl`]hjg^]kkagfZq*(*(Yf\j]Ö][lkl`][geeale]fl
 safeguards. Such safeguards range from obtaining a client’s              lgZmad\af_ljmklYf\[gfÕ\]f[]afl`][YhalYdeYjc]lkYf\af
 [gfk]fl^gj=Q?e]eZ]jÕjeklgY[l^gjloggjegj][da]flklg           economies the world over.
 \][dafaf_Yf]f_Y_]e]fllgYnga\Yfa\]flaÕ]\[gfÖa[l&
                                                                          Audit methodology
 L`]=Q?dgZYd;gfÖa[lkg^Afl]j]klHgda[qYf\Ykkg[aYl]\_ma\Yf[]       EY GAM provides a global framework for delivering high quality
 were updated in early 2015. The updates take into account the            audit services through the consistent application of thought
 increasing complexity of engagements and client relationships,           processes, judgments and procedures in all audit engagements.
 and the need for speed and accuracy in responding to clients.
                                                                          Making risk assessments, reconsidering and modifying them
 They also align with the latest International Ethics Standards
                                                                          as appropriate, and using these assessments to determine the
 Board for Accountants (IESBA) standards.
                                                                          nature, timing and extent of audit procedures are fundamental to
 Putting policy into practice                                             EY GAM. The methodology also emphasises applying appropriate
 We use the EY Process for Acceptance of Clients and                      professional skepticism in the execution of audit procedures. EY
 =f_Y_]e]flk H9;=!$Yf]oafljYf]l%ZYk]\kqkl]e$^gj]^Õ[a]fldq         GAM is based on International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and
 coordinating client and engagement acceptance and continuance            is supplemented in South Africa to comply with the local auditing
 Y[lanala]kafdaf]oal`_dgZYd$k]jna[]daf]Yf\e]eZ]jÕjehgda[a]k&   standards and regulatory or statutory requirements.
 PACE takes users through the acceptance and continuance
                                                                          An EY auditor is presented with a version of EY GAM organised
 j]imaj]e]flk$Yf\a\]flaÕ]kl`]hgda[a]kYf\j]^]j]f[]k
                                                                          by topic and designed to focus the audit strategy on the
 to professional standards needed to assess both business
                                                                          ÕfYf[aYdklYl]e]fljakck$Yf\l`]\]ka_fYf\]p][mlagfg^l`]
 opportunities and associated risks.
                                                                          appropriate audit response to those risks. EY GAM consists of
 As part of this process, we carefully consider the risk                  two key components: requirements and guidance, and supporting
 characteristics of a prospective client or engagement and several        ^gjekYf\]pYehd]k&L`]j]imaj]e]flkYf\_ma\Yf[]j]Ö][l
 due diligence procedures. Before we take on a new engagement             both audit standards and EY policies. The forms and examples
 gj[da]fl$o]\]l]jeaf]o`]l`]jo][Yf[geealkm^Õ[a]fl                 include leading practice illustrations, and assist in performing and
 resources to deliver quality service, especially in highly technical     documenting audit procedures.
 areas, and if the services the client wants are appropriate for us
 to provide.

 11
11
Mkaf_l][`fgdg_q$=Q?9E[YfZ]ÉhjgÕd]\ÊgjlYadgj]\lghj]k]fl   EY Helix is our suite of data analytic tools for use in audits.
the relevant requirements and guidance, depending on the nature     Analytics is transforming the audit by analysing larger
g^l`]]flalqZ]af_Ym\al]\&>gj]pYehd]$l`]j]Yj]hjgÕd]k^gj    populations of audit-relevant data, identifying unseen patterns
listed entities and for those considered non-complex entities.      and trends in that data, and helping to direct our audit efforts.
                                                                    The use of analytics also allows us to obtain better perspectives,
Enhancements to the audit methodology are made regularly to
                                                                    richer insights and a deeper understanding of transactions and
address new standards, emerging auditing issues and matters,
                                                                    areas of risk.
implementation experiences, and external and internal inspection
j]kmdlk&Af*().$=Q?9EoYkmh\Yl]\lgaf[dm\]l`]f]oYf\        We have developed analytics that cover our clients’ end-to-end
revised ISAs dealing with auditor reporting, other information      business operating cycles, supported by analytics-based audit
af[dm\]\afYfYffmYdj]hgjlYf\ÕfYf[aYdklYl]e]fl\ak[dgkmj]k&   programs to aid their application.
EY GAM was also enhanced by adding guidance to address
                                                                    Using our analytics, our engagement teams can enhance
common questions from audit teams and issues arising from
                                                                    their audit risk assessment, enabling the audit of higher-risk
inspections.
                                                                    transactions, and assisting our people in asking better questions
In addition, we monitor current and emerging developments           YZgmlYm\alÕf\af_kYf\]nYdmYlaf_l`]gml[ge]k&
continually, and issue timely audit planning and other reminders.
                                                                    Formation of audit engagement teams
These reminders emphasise areas noted during inspections as
                                                                    EY South Africa policies require an annual review of partner
well as other key topics of interest to our regulators, including
                                                                    assignments by our Assurance leadership to make sure that
the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR).
                                                                    the professionals leading listed-company audits possess the
These topics include professional skepticism, group audits,
                                                                    appropriate competencies (i.e., the knowledge, skills and abilities)
revenue recognition and engagement quality reviews.
                                                                    lg^mdÕddl`]aj]f_Y_]e]flj]khgfkaZadala]k$Yf\Yj]af[gehdaYf[]
EY GAM requires compliance with relevant ethical requirements,      with applicable auditor rotation regulations.
including independence from the company we audit.
                                                                    The assignment of professionals to an audit engagement is
Technology                                                          also made under the direction of our Assurance leadership.
Our audit engagement teams use technology to assist in              Factors considered when assigning people to audit teams
executing and documenting the work performed in accordance          af[dm\]]f_Y_]e]flkar]Yf\[gehd]palq$kh][aYdak]\af\mkljq
with EY GAM.                                                        knowledge and experience, timing of work, diversity, continuity,
                                                                    and opportunities for on-the-job training. For more complex
:]_affaf_afdYl]Õk[Ydq]Yj*()-$o]dYmf[`]\=Q;YfnYk$
                                                                    engagements, consideration is given to whether specialised or
our global audit platform that lies at the heart of the audit and
                                                                    additional expertise is needed to supplement or enhance the audit
enables us to provide a high quality audit. This was launched
                                                                    engagement team.
gfYh`Yk]\ZYkakY[jgkk=Q?e]eZ]jÕjek_dgZYddq$oal`
deployment completed in 2017. EY Canvas is built using HTML5,       In many situations, internal specialists are assigned as part of the
state-of-the-art technology for web applications. This allows us    audit engagement team to assist in performing audit procedures
to provide heightened data security and to evolve our software to   and obtaining appropriate audit evidence. These professionals are
respond to changes in the accounting profession and regulatory      used in situations requiring special skills or knowledge, such as
environment.                                                        information systems, asset valuation and actuarial analysis.

L`jgm_`l`]mk]g^hjgÕd]im]klagfk$Ym\al]f_Y_]e]flkaf=Q
;YfnYkYj]YmlgeYla[Yddq[gfÕ_mj]\oal`af^gjeYlagfj]d]nYfl       Review and consultation
to the company’s listing requirements and industry. This helps
                                                                    Reviews of audit work
to keep our audit plans customised and up-to-date, and provides
                                                                    EY policies describe the requirements for timely and direct
direct linkage to our audit guidance, professional standards
                                                                    senior professional participation, as well as the level of review
and documentation templates. EY Canvas is built with a fresh,
                                                                    required for the work performed. Supervisory members of an
clear design and user interface that allows users to visualise
                                                                    audit engagement team perform a detailed review of the audit
risks and their relationship to our planned response and work
                                                                    documentation for accuracy and completeness. Senior audit
performed in key areas. It also enables a linkage for our group
                                                                    executives and engagement partners perform a second-level
Ym\all]Yeklg[geemfa[Yl]afl]j%g^Õ[]jakckYf\afkljm[lagfk
                                                                    review to determine adequacy of the audit work as a whole, and
so that the primary audit team can direct execution and monitor
                                                                    l`]j]dYl]\Y[[gmflaf_Yf\ÕfYf[aYdklYl]e]flhj]k]flYlagf&9
performance of the group audit. The predecessor audit support
                                                                    lYphjg^]kkagfYdj]na]okl`]ka_faÕ[YfllYpYf\gl`]jj]d]nYfl
lggd$?9Ep$oaddZ]\][geeakkagf]\afgmj*()0Õk[Ydq]Yj&
                                                                    working papers. For listed and certain other companies, an
EY Canvas includes a Client Portal, released in April 2017, to      engagement quality reviewer (described below) reviews important
assist teams in communicating with clients and streamline their     Yj]Ykg^Y[[gmflaf_$ÕfYf[aYdj]hgjlaf_Yf\Ym\al]p][mlagf$Yk
client requests. Mobile applications, integrated with EY Canvas,    o]ddYkl`]ÕfYf[aYdklYl]e]flkg^l`][gehYfqo]Ym\alYf\gmj
o]j]j]d]Yk]\afÕk[Ydq]Yj*()/l`YlYkkaklgmjh]ghd]afl`]aj   audit report.
audit work; for example, in monitoring the status of the audit,
capturing audit evidence securely and performing inventory
observations.

Audit engagement teams use other software applications,
forms and templates during various phases of an audit to
assist in executing procedures, making and documenting audit
conclusions, and performing analysis.

                                                                                                                                      12
The nature, timing and extent of the reviews of audit work depend      Audit engagement team resolution process for
 on many factors, including:                                            differences of professional opinion
                                                                        EY has a collaborative culture that encourages and expects
 • The risk, materiality, subjectivity and complexity of the subject
                                                                        people to speak up, without fear of reprisal, if a difference of
   matter
                                                                        professional opinion arises or if they are uncomfortable about a
 • The ability and experience of the audit team members                 matter relating to a client engagement. Policies and procedures
   preparing the audit documentation                                    are designed to empower members of an audit engagement team
                                                                        lgjYak]Yfq\akY_j]]e]flkj]dYlaf_lgka_faÕ[YflY[[gmflaf_$
 • The level of the reviewer’s direct participation in the audit work
                                                                        auditing or reporting matters.
 • The extent of consultation employed
                                                                        These policies are made clear to people as they join EY, and
 Our policies also describe the roles and responsibilities of           we continue to promote a culture that reinforces a person’s
 each audit engagement team member for managing, directing              responsibility and authority to make their own views heard, and
 and supervising the audit, as well as the requirements for             seek out the views of others.
 documenting their work and conclusions.
                                                                        Differences of professional opinion that arise during an audit are
                                                                        generally resolved at the audit engagement team level. However,
                    Consultation is built into the
                                                                        a^Yfqh]jkgfafngdn]\afl`]\ak[mkkagfg^Yfakkm]akfglkYlakÕ]\
                    decision-making process; it is not
                                                                        with the decision, they refer it to the next level of authority until
                    just a process to provide advice.
                                                                        Y_j]]e]flakj]Y[`]\gjYÕfYd\][akagfakeY\]&
 For complex and sensitive matters, we have a formal process            Furthermore, if the engagement quality reviewer makes
 requiring consultation outside of the audit engagement team            recommendations that the engagement partner does not accept
 with other personnel who have more experience or specialised           or the matter is not resolved to the reviewer’s satisfaction, the
 knowledge, primarily Professional Practice and Independence            audit report is not issued until the matter is resolved. EY policies
 personnel. In the interests of objectivity and professional            require documentation of disagreements and their resolution.
 skepticism, our policies require members of Professional Practice,
 Independence and certain others to withdraw from a consultation
 if they currently serve, or have recently served, the client to
                                                                        Audit partner and Firm rotation
 which the consultation relates.                                        EY supports mandatory audit partner rotation to help strengthen
                                                                        auditor independence. EY South Africa complies with the
 Our policies also require that we document all consultations,
                                                                        audit partner rotation requirements of the code of the IESBA,
 including written concurrence from the person or persons
                                                                        Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) in South
 consulted, in order to demonstrate their understanding of the
                                                                        Africa, and the Companies Act of South Africa, 2008, as well
 matter and its resolution.
                                                                        as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where
 Engagement quality reviews                                             required. EY South Africa supports audit partner rotation because
 Engagement quality reviews are performed by audit partners             it provides a fresh perspective and promotes independence
 in compliance with professional standards for audits of all listed     from company management, while retaining expertise and
 companies and those considered higher risk. Engagement quality         knowledge of the business. Audit partner rotation, combined with
 j]na]o]jkYj]]ph]ja]f[]\hjg^]kkagfYdkoal`ka_faÕ[YflkmZb][l       independence requirements, enhanced systems of internal quality
 matter knowledge. They are independent of the engagement               controls and independent audit oversight, helps strengthen
 l]YeYf\YZd]lghjgna\]gZb][lan]]nYdmYlagfg^ka_faÕ[Yfl           independence and objectivity, and are important safeguards of
 accounting, auditing and reporting matters. In no circumstances        audit quality.
 may the responsibility of the engagement quality reviewer be
                                                                        For PIEs where rotation of the audit partner is not mandated
 delegated to another individual.
                                                                        by local independence regulation or is less restrictive than
 The engagement quality review spans the entire engagement              the IESBA requirements, the EY Global Independence Policy
 cycle, including planning, risk assessment, audit strategy and         requires the lead engagement partner and the engagement
 execution. Policies and procedures for the performance and             quality reviewer to be rotated after seven years. For a new PIE
 \g[me]flYlagfg^]f_Y_]e]flimYdalqj]na]okhjgna\]kh][aÕ[           (including a newly listed company) client, the lead engagement
 guidelines on the nature, timing and extent of the procedures to       partner and the engagement quality reviewer may remain in
 be performed, and the required documentation evidencing their          place for an additional two years before rotating off the team,
 completion. Our PPD approves all engagement quality review             if they have served the client for six or more years prior to the
 assignments for listed companies and those considered higher           listing. Following rotation, the partner may not resume the lead
 risk.                                                                  or engagement quality review role until at least two years have
                                                                        elapsed.

                                                                        We employ tools to track partner rotation that enable effective
                                                                        monitoring of compliance with requirements. We have also
                                                                        implemented a process for partner rotation planning and
                                                                        decision-making that involves consultation with, and approvals by,
                                                                        our Professional Practice and Independence professionals.

 13
13
AfBmf]*()/l`]Af\]h]f\]flJ]_mdYlgjq:gYj\^gj9m\algjk             The results of the Global AQR program, the in-country AQR
(IRBA) announced the requirements for the adoption and                  results, external practice-monitoring and inspection activities
implementation of Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation (MAFR). The             are evaluated and communicated to improve quality. Any quality
jmdaf_`YkZ]]f_Yr]ll]\aflgdYo$Yf\ak]^^][lan]^gjl`]Ym\alg^   improvement plans describe the follow-up actions to be taken,
ÕfYf[aYdq]Yjk[gee]f[af_gfgjY^l]j)9hjad*(*+&                    the people responsible, the timetable and deadlines, and sign-
                                                                        off on completed actions. Measures to resolve audit quality
The ruling is effective for the audit of Public Interest Entity (PIE)
                                                                        matters noted from the Global and in-country AQR program,
[da]flk&A^YHA=`YkZ]]fYm\al]\Zql`]kYe]Õje^gj)(gj
                                                                        regulatory inspections and peer reviews are addressed by
egj][gfk][mlan]q]YjkZ]^gj]l`]ÕfYf[aYdq]Yj[gee]f[af_
                                                                        Assurance leadership and our PPD. The actions are monitored
gfgjY^l]j)9hjad*(*+$l`]ÕjeoaddZ]j]imaj]\lg\][daf]j]%
                                                                        by our PPD and Assurance leadership. These programs provide
appointment, and will then be subject to a 5 year “cooling off”
                                                                        important practice monitoring feedback for our continuing quality
period. EY South Africa is already working to assess the impact of
                                                                        improvement efforts.
this ruling.
                                                                        The results of the AQR program, together with the most recent
Audit quality reviews                                                   independent regulatory inspection visits, combined with other
                                                                        ongoing monitoring procedures, provide EY South Africa with a
The EY Global AQR program is the cornerstone of the EY process          basis to conclude that our internal quality control systems are
to monitor audit quality. EY South Africa executes the Global           designed appropriately and are operating effectively, and that no
AQR program, reports results and develops responsive actions            kqkl]ea[\]Õ[a]f[a]k`Yn]Z]]fa\]flaÕ]\&
plans. The primary goal of the program is to determine whether
systems of quality controls, including those of EY South Africa,
are appropriately designed and followed in the execution of audit
                                                                        External quality assurance
engagements to provide reasonable assurance of compliance with
policies and procedures, professional standards, and regulatory
                                                                        review
requirements. The Global AQR program complies with guidelines           EY South Africa’s audit practice and our registered statutory
in the International Standard on Quality Control No. 1 (ISQC            auditors are subject to regular inspection by the IRBA. As part of
No. 1), as amended, and is supplemented where necessary to              its inspections, the IRBA evaluates quality control systems and
comply with South African professional standards and regulatory         reviews selected engagements.
requirements. It also aids EY South Africa’s continual efforts to
                                                                        L`]dYklg^Õ[]%d]n]dimYdalqYkkmjYf[]afkh][lagfZql`]AJ:9lggc
identify areas where we can improve our performance or enhance
                                                                        hdY[]af*()-&L`]ÕfYdj]hgjlgfl`]afkh][lagfoYkakkm]\gf*
our policies and procedures.
                                                                        Bmf]*().&
Implemented annually, the program is coordinated and monitored
                                                                        The IRBA reviews a sample of audit engagements annually.
by representatives of the Global PPD network, with oversight by
Global Assurance leadership.                                            L`]H;9G:[gf\m[lkafkh][lagfk]n]jq+q]Yjk&L`]dYklg^Õ[]%
                                                                        level and engagement level review by the PCAOB took place in
The engagements reviewed each year are selected on a risk-
                                                                        9m_mkl*().&L`]ÕfYdj]hgjl`Ykq]llgZ]akkm]\&
based approach, emphasising audit engagements that are
dYj_]$[gehd]pgjg^ka_faÕ[YflhmZda[afl]j]kl&L`]?dgZYd9IJ        O]j]kh][lYf\Z]f]Õl^jgel`]]pl]jfYdj]_mdYlgjqafkh][lagf
hjg_jYeaf[dm\]k\]lYad]\jakc%^g[mk]\Õd]j]na]ok[gn]jaf_            process. We thoroughly evaluate points raised during the
a large sample of listed and non-listed audit engagements to            inspection in order to identify areas where we can improve audit
measure compliance with internal policies and procedures, EY            quality and put necessary action plans in place to address these.
GAM requirements, and relevant local professional standards             Together with our AQR process, external inspections aid us in
and regulatory requirements. It also includes reviews of a sample       making our audits and related control processes of the highest
of non-audit engagements. These measure compliance with                 quality in the interests of investors and other stakeholders.
the relevant professional standards and internal policies and
                                                                        Information on the above-mentioned regulators can be found at
procedures that should be applied in executing non-audit services.
                                                                        ooo&ajZY&[g&rYYf\ooo&h[YgZmk&gj_&
In addition, practice-level reviews are performed to assess
compliance with quality control policies and procedures in the
functional areas set out in ISQC No. 1. The Global AQR program          Compliance with legal
complements external practice monitoring and inspection
activities, such as regulatory inspection programs and external         requirements
peer reviews.
                                                                        The EY Global Code of Conduct provides a clear set of standards
AQR reviewers and team leaders are selected for their skills and        that guide our actions and business conduct.
professional competence in accounting and auditing, as well
                                                                        EY South Africa complies with applicable laws and regulations,
as their industry specialisation; they often work in the Global
                                                                        and EY’s values underpin our commitment to doing the right
AQR program for a number of years and are highly skilled in
                                                                        thing. This important commitment is supported by a number of
the execution of the program. Team leaders and reviewers are
                                                                        policies and procedures, explained in the paragraphs below.
assigned to inspections outside of their home location and are
independent of the audit teams reviewed.                                Anti-bribery
                                                                        The EY Global Anti-bribery Policy provides EY people with
                                                                        direction around certain unethical and illegal activities. It
                                                                        emphasises the obligation to comply with anti-bribery laws and
                                                                        hjgna\]k_j]Yl]j\]Õfalagfg^o`Yl[gfklalml]kZjaZ]jq&

                                                                                                                                             14
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