Auditor independence Shareholders need to have confidence that the auditors have assessed relevant information objectively, and that they have scrutinised evidence critically and independently. Shareholders also want to be sure that the auditors have undertaken their work and made their judgements free from any bias, and without being influenced unduly by management who prepared the financial statements. There are many detailed regulations and professional standards to which audit firms and all their staff must adhere, and which support both the fact and perception of auditor independence. In simple terms, auditors may not do anything that should be the role of management or that creates a mutual interest. specific requirements vary around the world, but generally include: