ACCA Ben Wilson's AAA audit cast

Big 4 audit partner Andy and I discuss how work life balance is changing in the modern UK audit environment.

Ben discusses how rising interest rates can trigger / impact an impairment review, and the challenges this can pose for the auditor

I'm joined by Tom Clendon, expert SBR tutor, to give you the facts you need to make an informed choice

Money laundering.....taking dodgy, illegally acquired funds and 'washing' them clean using the financial system. Natwest bank was recently fined £297m for its role in the money laundering activities of Fowler Oldfield, a UK jewellery firm. In this edition of the podcast, Ben discusses the case and uses it to illustrate the 3 phases of money laundering.

Sarah Salman, AAA prize winner for Qatar at the 2021 exam sitting, gives her top tips on how to maximise your chances of passing the AAA exam.

Audit reports are regularly tested in AAA. In this edition of the auditcast, Ben uses Tesco's 2021 auditor's report to bring this dry topic area to life! You can access the audit report here (it starts on page 102) https://www.tescoplc.com/media/757589/tesco_annual_report_2021.pdf

Reporting on climate change is a hot topic, particularly with the COP26 summit around the corner. Ben is joined by Tom Clendon, expert SBR tutor, to discuss the reporting rules as they currently stand and how companies are currently reporting. Ben then discusses the challenges for auditors in this area.

Big 4 audit partner Andy and I discuss current issues relevant to the AAA exam.....auditing in a pandemic, high profile audit failures, non audit services, data analytics, ISA 315 revised and professional scepticism. Its a long one at 17 minutes but loads of great content to help you prepare for the exam.

What is fintech? Why have there been so many fintech transactions in the first half of 2021? And what due diligence work will auditors perform on these transactions? Ben answers these questions in this edition of the audit cast.

Data analytics have been used to drive governments' responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Real time data over the emergence of new variants and their spread has helped to drive decision making over local lockdowns and vaccine rollouts. In this podcast, Ben discusses how auditors can make use of data analytics when planning and performing audits. 

Inflation (prices rising over time) can cause going concern issues for a company, particularly if they are debt financed. In this episode of the audit cast, Ben explores how rising inflation rates can impact the audit report.

Warren Buffett's investment fund, Berkshire Hathaway, has earned huge returns for investors over the last 50 years. However, standards of corporate governance at the company are weak. In this edition of the audit cast, Ben re-caps key principles of corporate governance that are relevant for the AAA exam, using Berkshire Hathaway as a case study. 

The home working revolution of 2020/21 has dramatically impacted many workers. Internal controls have had to adapt to allow workers access to confidential information when working remotely. How has this impacted auditors? 

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are becoming more mainstream. In this podcast, Ben discusses challenges for the auditor around classifying bitcoin in financial statements and potential subsequent events.

Auditing going concern during a global pandemic is a real challenge! Ben discusses the audit tests that should be performed and potential impacts on the auditor's report. 

What were the audit implications of the Ever Given container ship blocking the Suez canal? Ben discusses how inventory, provisions and revenue recognition could be impacted.