Reference to an expert in the Auditor's Report

When issuing an unmodified auditors report, the auditor should 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 specialist.  If permission is refused and the auditor believes such a reference is necessary he should seek legal advice.