Co-Authored By:
Asked by: Octaviano Maximiano
business and finance executive leadership and managementCan a CPA be objective without being independent?
Keeping this in view, what is the difference between independence and objectivity?
In addition to "organizational independence," the Standards also clearly define objectivity. "Objectivity is an unbiased mental attitude that allows internal auditors to perform engagements in such a manner that they believe in their work product and that no quality compromises are made.
Accordingly, what makes an auditor independent?
Auditor independence refers to the independence of the internal auditor or of the external auditor from parties that may have a financial interest in the business being audited. Independence of the internal auditor means independence from parties whose interests might be harmed by the results of an audit.
Independence generally implies one's ability to act with integrity and exercise objectivity and professional skepticism. The AICPA and other rule-making bodies have developed rules that establish and interpret independence requirements for the accounting profession.