Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Do You Have Questions?

If you’re new to ADMA or looking for professional services to elevate your business, this section will guide you through our platform and demonstrate how we can assist you.

Financial Auditing & Assurance, IFRS, and ISA

What is financial auditing, and why is it important for businesses?

Financial auditing is an independent examination of a company’s financial statements to ensure their accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards such as IFRS and ISA. It builds credibility and trust with stakeholders.

What are International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)?

IFRS are globally recognized standards for preparing financial statements. They provide consistency and transparency, making it easier for businesses to operate internationally.

What are International Standards on Auditing (ISA)?

ISA are guidelines that auditors follow to ensure that audits are conducted professionally, accurately, and ethically. These standards ensure high-quality audits and consistency across different jurisdictions.

Are audits mandatory for companies in the UAE?

Yes, most companies in the UAE are required to undergo annual audits, especially those operating in free zones or under specific business licenses.

How does IFRS compliance benefit UAE businesses?

IFRS compliance ensures transparency, comparability, and credibility in financial statements, facilitating international business dealings and compliance with UAE regulations.

What is the role of an auditor in ensuring compliance with UAE financial regulations?

An auditor evaluates a company’s financial statements to ensure they are accurate, comply with UAE laws, and meet international standards like IFRS and ISA.

What are the penalties for non-compliance with audit requirements in the UAE?

Penalties can include fines, legal action, and revocation of business licenses if a company fails to meet audit or regulatory standards.

What is the difference between internal and external audits?

Internal audits are conducted by employees or outsourced teams to improve internal controls, while external audits are independent reviews of financial statements conducted by third parties for compliance and accuracy.

How can ADMA help businesses comply with IFRS and ISA?

ADMA provides comprehensive auditing services, ensuring that businesses comply with IFRS, ISA, and UAE-specific financial regulations, helping them avoid penalties and improve their financial reporting.

What documents are typically required for a financial audit in the UAE?

Documents required for audits include balance sheets, income statements, tax filings, bank statements, and invoices, among others.

How long does a typical financial audit take?

The duration of an audit depends on the size and complexity of the business, but it typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks.

What are the different types of audit opinions?

Audit opinions can be unqualified (clean), qualified, adverse, or a disclaimer, depending on the auditor’s assessment of the financial statements’ accuracy and compliance.

How often should businesses conduct internal audits?

Internal audits should ideally be conducted annually or more frequently depending on the size and complexity of the business.

What is the significance of external audit reports for investors and stakeholders?

External audit reports provide assurance to investors and stakeholders that the company’s financial statements are accurate and reliable, promoting trust and transparency.

How does ADMA assist with financial audits for multinational corporations?

ADMA offers specialized audit services that cater to the unique needs of multinational corporations, ensuring compliance with both local and international standards.

What are the common issues discovered during financial audits?

Common issues include misstatements, VAT inaccuracies, improper asset reporting, and failure to adhere to IFRS or UAE regulations.

How can an audit improve a company’s internal controls?

An audit identifies weaknesses in a company’s internal controls and provides recommendations for improving financial management, risk mitigation, and compliance.

What is the difference between assurance and auditing?

While both provide confidence in financial statements, assurance services include a broader scope, such as evaluating risk management and governance processes, while auditing focuses on financial accuracy.

Why is materiality important in financial auditing?

Materiality helps auditors determine the significance of errors or omissions in financial statements and whether they could impact stakeholders’ decisions.

What is an audit trail, and why is it important?

An audit trail is a record of all transactions that supports the accuracy and completeness of financial reports. It is crucial for verifying the integrity of financial data.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

What are the key changes in accounting standards or regulations we need to be aware of?
  • IFRS 17: This standard, which came into effect on January 1, 2023, relates to insurance contracts and aims to provide a more consistent accounting approach. It replaces IFRS 4 and requires insurers to measure insurance contracts using a current value approach, improving comparability across entities.
  • IFRS 9: This standard, effective from January 1, 2018, deals with financial instruments. It introduced new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities and a new expected credit loss model for impairment.
  • Ongoing changes in tax laws, such as adjustments in corporate tax rates or international tax regulations, can affect accounting for income taxes. Staying updated on these changes is critical for accurate tax reporting and compliance.
How can we ensure our financial statements are accurate and compliant with current regulations?
  • Regular Training: Ensure that your accounting team stays up to date with the latest accounting standards and regulations through ongoing education and training.
  • Accurate Data Entry: Ensure that data entry is accurate and reflects the actual transactions and events.
  • Disclosure Requirements: Ensure that all required disclosures are included in the financial statements to provide a complete picture of the company’s financial position.
  • Regular Audits: Schedule regular audits with a reputable external auditor to verify the accuracy and compliance of your financial statements.
  • Address Findings: Act on any recommendations or findings from external audits to improve processes and compliance.

Audit

What is involved in the audit process, and how can we prepare for it?
  • Audit Engagement: The auditor and the company agree on the scope, timing, and objectives of the audit.
  • Preliminary Assessment: The auditor gains an understanding of your business and industry to plan the audit procedures.
  • Internal Controls Review: The auditor assesses your internal controls to determine the effectiveness and identify areas of risk.
  • Substantive Testing: The auditor performs detailed testing of financial transactions, balances, and disclosures to verify their accuracy.
  • Interviews and Inquiries: The auditor may conduct interviews with key personnel to understand business processes and internal controls.
  • Draft Report: The auditor prepares a draft report summarizing findings, including any issues or discrepancies.
  • Management Review: You review the draft report and provide feedback or additional information.
  • Final Report: The auditor issues the final audit report, including the audit opinion, which could be unqualified (clean), qualified, adverse, or a disclaimer of opinion.
Can you help us understand the audit findings and implement recommendations?

Review the Audit Report

  • Audit Opinion: Determine the type of opinion given (unqualified, qualified, adverse, or disclaimer). An unqualified opinion is ideal, while a qualified, adverse, or disclaimer opinion indicates issues that need addressing.
  • Findings Summary: Look at the summary of findings, which may include issues related to internal controls, compliance, financial statements, or operational processes.
  • Detailed Observations: Examine detailed observations and issues noted by the auditor. This may include discrepancies, weaknesses, or areas needing improvement.

Analyze Key Issues

  • Internal Controls: Identify any weaknesses in internal controls, such as inadequate segregation of duties or ineffective oversight.
  • Financial Misstatements: Look for any misstatements or errors in financial reporting and understand their impact on the financial statements.
  • Compliance Issues: Review any compliance issues related to laws, regulations, or accounting standards.
How can we improve our internal controls to pass audits more easily?

Assess and Document Current Controls

  • Conduct a Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate risks within your processes. Understanding where the vulnerabilities are helps in tailoring controls to address them. 
  • Document Existing Controls: Ensure that all internal controls are well-documented. This includes policies, procedures, and any control activities.

Enhance Segregation of Duties

  • Separate Key Functions: Divide responsibilities among different employees to reduce the risk of errors or fraud. For example, the person who approves transactions should not be the same person who processes them.
  • Implement Approval Hierarchies: Establish clear levels of authorization for transactions and activities.

Still have a Question?

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