30 years: Credit & banking
In this video, Bill Gallagher provides an overview of the role and importance of an audit committee in corporate governance.
In this video, Bill Gallagher provides an overview of the role and importance of an audit committee in corporate governance.
9 mins 5 secs
It is very important to understand that one of the main responsibilities of board members is to act in the best interest of the company. In order to do so, Boards often create committees such as the audit committee, to assist in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.
Key learning objectives:
Understand the roles and responsibilities of the audit committee
Understand what are governance codes
Comprehend the composition and requirements of an audit committee
The audit committee helps the board confirm the reliability of a company's financial accounts and oversees external auditors. The main reason why an audit committee is so important to a company is the vital role of financial statements and financial disclosure.
Many audit committees will also be responsible for oversight of a company’s internal audit function, which provides assurance to the board of the effectiveness of, and management’s compliance with, a company’s policies and procedures. When a company does not have a separate risk committee, the audit committee will often assume oversight of the management of risks that a company faces.
Depending on the jurisdiction of a company, there are rules that may be specified by the UK Corporate Governance Code and other standards, these are known as governance codes. It covers monitoring financial statements, recommending auditors, reviewing auditor independence, and developing policies regarding non-audit services.
At least three independent directors and a separate chairman from the board. To summarise, audit committee's role is one of oversight, assessment, and review, rather than direct involvement in financial statement preparation or monitoring financial controls.
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