Auditors and Materiality

There are many definitions of materiality and such differences in definition show that there is great concern about the applicability of materiality in the auditing profession. Various materiality guidelines have been recommended by both academic researchers and accounting bodies, but the Auditing Practices Board in the UK has yet to recommend a guideline of its own. Looks at the recommendations put forward by those researchers and accounting bodies and the implications and possible pros and cons of having structured guidelines by the auditing profession in the UK. Concludes with a recommended materiality guideline which the Auditing Practices Board should seriously consider and the possibility of applying computer‐based decision aids as a tool to improve efficiency and effectiveness of decision making by the auditors.