Guidance and tools for audit committees

Check out our informative guidance and tools for audit committee members.

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Prepared by Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB), these documents are packed full of insights and practical advice to help your audit committee review and discuss auditor performance with a focus on audit quality.

Our guidance and tools documents for audit committees are the result of the recommendations and conclusions of the Enhancing Audit Quality (EAQ) initiative, which was completed by CPA Canada and CPAB in 2013. We are also pleased to provide you with Protocol for Audit Firm Communication of CPAB Inspection Findings with Audit Committees, which was developed by CPAB.

You will learn about:

activities to enhance oversight and assessment of the external auditor
key factors of audit quality to consider when performing an annual auditor assessment
guidance on conducting and reporting on a comprehensive auditor review
best practices for communicating CPAB inspection findings

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External auditor oversight: Audit committee guidance

Through effective oversight, audit committees contribute to the audit’s overall quality while safeguarding the external auditor’s independence. Learn more about audit committee responsibilities, as well as activities and best practices to meet those responsibilities.

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Annual assessment of external auditor: Tool

When an audit committee is not conducting a comprehensive review of the external auditor, it’s still important to conduct an annual assessment. Our helpful tool identifies three factors your audit committees should consider and assess.

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Comprehensive review of external auditor: Tool

Is it time for your audit committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the external auditor? Our tool provides guidance to help you perform an effective review and communicate a well-informed conclusion to the board.

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Guidance, tools for audit committees: FAQs

Does your client’s audit committee need to improve their oversight function? Guidance and Tools for Audit Committees — FAQs answers key questions about tools we have developed to help audit committees enhance audit quality.

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Audit committee tools: Information for clients

Learn about four key publications that are packed with practical tips and best practices to improve audit committee oversight.