11/08/2018
My explanation and position on statutory Instrument 34 of April 16 ,2018 Accountants Fees stipulates the charge out rates for professional Accountants.there has been a lot of complaints from SMPs and SMEs in Zambia.what we note however is that the fundamental differences in the fee structure is the charge out rate which has been pegged at 30n or ZMW 0.3 Kwacha from 18n per fee unit.the surprising issue is the uproor from both professional Accounting firms or SMPs and SMEs.putting things in perspective The profession dictates that Accountants are supposed to be rewarded fairly for the risk they undertake in carrying out Audits on their clients.It also puts the responsibility of ensuring Financial statements are properly prepared by Accountants in the various companies seeking Audits.The added demands by other regulatory bodies like Financial intelligence centre and Other regulatory agencies policing money laundering puts on added work on the Accountant.
The SI 34 is a mere guide to cure a lot of unethical issues that were creeping up in the profession.while the complaints may be entertained it puts added responsibility on reporting Accountants to ensure their house is in order.The cry by a lot of stakeholders to reduce or vary the charge out rates is unwarranted
Before an Audit is commenced the Auditee firm should ensure their Financial statements and required schedules are in order.What we note is that most clients will want the Auditor to process the companies incomplete records.this puts on added pressure on the Audit budget and the Audit may take longer time than required.
Some companies have presented skeleton Accounts maybe up to trial balance or even just scattered records to Auditors and expect the reports to take a short Audit period.