Reference to an expert in auditor’s report

When issuing an unmodified auditor’s report, the auditor must not refer to the work of the expert. This is because such a reference might be misunderstood to be a qualification of the auditor's opinion or a division of responsibility neither of which is intended.

Occasionally the auditor may feel that even though he is expressing an unqualified opinion, it may benefit the reader of the accounts if he refers to the work of the expert then the auditor must obtain the permission of the expert. If permission is refused and the auditor believes that such a reference is necessary he should seek legal advice.