Companies Act 2006

6 (1) The body must have rules to the effect that a person is not eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor unless— U.K.

(a) in the case of an individual[F1 other than an EEA auditor], he holds an appropriate qualification,

[F2 (aa) in the case of an individual who is an EEA auditor—

(i) he holds an appropriate qualification,

(ii) he has been authorised on or before 5 April 2008 to practise the profession of company auditor pursuant to the European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (First General System) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/18) and has fulfilled any requirements imposed pursuant to regulation 6 of those Regulations, or

(iii) he has passed an aptitude test in accordance with sub-paragraph (2), unless an aptitude test is not required (see sub-paragraph (2A)).]

(b) in the case of a firm—

(i) each individual responsible for statutory audit work on behalf of the firm is eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor, and

(ii) the firm is controlled by qualified persons (see paragraph 7 below).

[F3 (2) The aptitude test—

(a) must test the person's knowledge of subjects—

(i) that are covered by a recognised professional qualification,

(ii) that are not covered by the professional qualification already held by the person, and

(iii) the knowledge of which is essential for the pursuit of the profession of statutory auditor;

(b) may test the person's knowledge of rules of professional conduct;

(c) must not test the person's knowledge of any other matters.

(2A) No aptitude test is required if the subjects that are covered by a recognised professional qualification and the knowledge of which is essential for the pursuit of the profession of statutory auditor are covered by the professional qualification already held by the person.]

(3) A firm which has ceased to comply with the conditions mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b) may be permitted to remain eligible for appointment as a statutory auditor for a period of not more than three months.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 10 para. 6(1)(a) inserted (6.4.2008) by The Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3494), reg. 17(2)

F2 Sch. 10 para. 6(1)(aa) inserted (6.4.2008) by The Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3494), reg. 17(3)

F3 Sch. 10 para. 6(2)(2A) substituted (6.4.2008) for Sch. 10 para. 6(2) by The Statutory Auditors and Third Country Auditors Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3494), reg. 17(4)