17 November 2015
Muscat, Oman-(ME NewsWire)-Abu Timam Grant Thornton, a leading international assurance and advisory firm and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the leading global professional accountancy body hosted a number of key influencers at an event titled "The Future of Audit", which set out to find how the audit environment is set to change to meet the evolving needs of the economy in Oman.

Oman has a diverse economy, but what does this mean for companies and their audited financial statements? What regulations and legislations are taking place globally and locally further promoting change within the industry? These are some of the questions that the audience addressed during the insightful discussion that was attended by some of the largest leading businesses in Oman.

The roundtable found that the independence and strength of the audit committee is key and that the overall strategy of the business should be digested to further drive the way forward for the benefit of the organisation, which will also allow the committee to recognise any lapses in control.

The audience stated that the role of auditing needs to encompass a 'trusted advisor' approach whereby the auditor becomes a strategic partner to further unlock their growth potential and solve any complex issues which may arise. The need to promote Omanisation within the profession was highlighted to ensure the future remains safeguarded for generations to come. Many organisations including Abu Timam Grant Thornton, are running their own nationalisation programmes to further solve this issue to create a buoyant future for the profession and the nationals of the country.

Some of the challenges identified for the future of audit was the use of technology and is this fit for purpose as the profession evolves. This included moving from historical financial statements to integrated reporting. The participants also stated that at present audit is trying to be all things to all people but there is a risk that one standard report doesn't meet the needs of all the different stakeholders and there could be a requirement for different reports for different purposes. There is also the challenges of increasingly complex businesses and the ability of the audit functions and providers to keep up with those changes.

The insightful discussion led way to a futuristic view of the future of audit and how this should no longer be seen as a tick box exercise, but more so a value added partnership which is a necessity for organisations who are truly looking to grow and achieve their growth ambitions.

The topic concluded with the audience taking away a parting question: should there be a single body for supervision and oversight of the audit process across Oman? As a result of the roundtable discussions, Abu Timam Grant Thornton and the ACCA have published a white paper which outlines key findings from the roundtable in further detail. To read the white paper, please contact us.

-Ends -

Notes to editors 
"Grant Thornton" refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another's acts or omissions.

About ACCA:
1. ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

2. We support our 170,000 members and 436,000 students in 180 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. We work through a network of over 91 offices and centres and more than 8,500 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through our public interest remit, we promote appropriate regulation of accounting and conduct relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

3. Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. We believe that accountants bring value to economies in all stages of development and seek to develop capacity in the profession and encourage the adoption of global standards. Our values are aligned to the needs of employers in all sectors and we ensure that through our qualifications, we prepare accountants for business. We seek to open up the profession to people of all backgrounds and remove artificial barriers, innovating our qualifications and delivery to meet the diverse needs of trainee professionals and their employers.

Source:ME NewsWire
The release can be viewed on: www.me-newswire.net/news/16363/en

Contact:
Muhannad Al Barwani
Abu Timam Grant Thornton, Oman
+968 24 571 320
Emuhannad.barwani@om.gt.com
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www.grantthornton.om

© Press Release 2015