The Auditors Institute has continued to expand its scope beyond the area of SMSF auditing with the addition of a registered company auditor to its board of directors.
Following on from an expansion of its membership to include non-Australian Securities and Investments Commission-registered auditors in August, Augmented Audit Co director and co-founder Jessica Johl has been appointed to the institute’s board.
Originally from South Africa, Johl started her firm in 2020 after relocating to Queensland in 2016 and brings 18 years of audit and assurance services experience to the institute’s governing body, which stated her involvement was part of a strategic initiative to strengthen the organisation for the future.
The institute added: “Jessica is committed to continuous professional development and staying abreast of industry trends, ensuring that both she and the team remain at the forefront of the auditing profession.”
Commenting on her new role, Johl said: “The audit industry in Australia faces significant shifts. The Australian government and regulatory bodies are intensifying scrutiny over audit practices in response to high-profile corporate collapses. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is actively working on enhancing auditing standards and practices.
“Firms must adopt more rigorous methodologies to restore trust in the financial reporting process.
“Additionally, the integration of technology, such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain, into audit processes is on the rise, enabling us to conduct more efficient and effective audits. It is crucial for registered company auditors to unite and leverage our networks to navigate this dynamic environment.”
