Independence in appearance is the perception of the public that the auditor is independent. It is achieved by following rules designed to demonstrate formal independence of the auditor from the client, and avoiding any facts or circumstances that may lead a member of the public to conclude that the auditor is biased, or lacks integrity
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. These rules include the code of conduct, but also various local legislations and guidelines.There are five general conditions that undermine independence in appearance
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, and are forbiddenunder the IFAC Code of Ethics and various other legislations:1.
Having a financial interest in the client.2.
Having a family relationship with employees, managers or owners of the client.3.
Performing work that is the responsibility of management.4.
Auditing work that was originally completed by the auditor or the firm.5.
Providing services to a client that are incompatible with the objectives of the external audit.I believe that there is another important condition missing from this list. This condition will be discussed in the next chapter.