Politis

Numerous Complaints Before the Audit Oversight Authority

Published January 12, 2026, 14:27
Numerous Complaints Before the Audit Oversight Authority

The Public Audit Oversight Authority (PAOA) is dealing with several complaints at various stages of examination, as informed the Finance Committee of the Parliament by the Authority's Director-General, Panos Prodromitis. The complaints arise from inspections and reports by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Cyprus. A significant number of cases are before the disciplinary committee, while others are under investigation. The Authority seeks to strengthen its human resources for more effective handling of cases. The PAOA's budget for 2026 is balanced, at €1.9 million, as it was in 2025. Funding comes from 20% from the Republic of Cyprus and 80% from recognized audit bodies. The Authority has made significant international collaborations, such as signing a cooperation agreement with the US counterpart, facilitating capital raising for Cypriot companies. In 2025, the PAOA imposed a disciplinary sanction on an audit firm for the first time, with a fine of €60,000, which is allocated to the state fund. At the same time, consultations are underway to amend the Auditors' Law, aiming to speed up the disciplinary process through the introduction of a settlement process and the automation of penalty imposition for certain offenses. Finally, the PAOA is in consultation with ACCA Cyprus to address ambiguities in the law and issue relevant regulations. In addition, it will host the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) Inspection Workshop in Limassol in March, a significant event during the Cypriot Presidency of the EU.