NBFC Audit

Introduction

An audit, also known as auditing, is a procedure to determine whether a specific business is operating in accordance with all the rules and laws that have been directed at them and that they are required to abide by. It entails confirming that the actions are taking place on-site or inside the business.

To make sure that the processes and quality systems are in conformity with the regulatory requirements, it also includes inspection or examination. An audit might be conducted on a single function, a set of processes, or the entire business. Some audits are carried out for a specific reason, such as document, risk, performance, or follow-up on certain corrective actions.

Types Of Audits

Statutory Audit-

It is an audit type that, as its name implies, is required for all businesses registered under the Companies Act of 2013. The goal is quite similar to that of internal audits. Contrary to internal audits, this one is mandated by law and is therefore mandatory.  After conducting an audit of the company's Book of Accounts in accordance with the established format, the Statutory Auditor issues a report.

A CA is responsible for doing the Statutory Audit mandated by the Companies Act of 2013 in compliance with RBI standards. This sort of audit is performed by certified auditors who act as external auditors and neutral third parties.

By examining the bank balances, bookkeeping records, financial transactions, etc., a Statutory Audit aims to determine if the company is giving a fair and accurate portrayal of its activities.

Internal Audit-

Internal auditing is the process of evaluating the internal control mechanisms, corporate governance, and account processing of a corporation. Prior to any inspection, internal audit aims to pinpoint issues and find their fixes.  It facilitates in the identification of any issues with the organization's internal processes and, as a result, improves operational effectiveness.

• Process Audit -

It is a specific kind of audit that is carried out to ensure that business operations adhere to the preset guidelines set forth by the regulating organizations. Additionally, the goal of this kind of audit is to confirm that no company procedure has any actions that violate these regulations.

• Product Audit-

Any individual product or service can be subject to this kind of examination. Hardware, processed materials, and software may all be subject to audits to make sure they adhere to customer needs, performance standards, and specifications.

• System Audit-

Performing this kind of audit at the managerial level. It is done to make sure a proper system was built, to check that everything is helpful, and to make sure that it complies with the standards.

NBFC Audit – Procedure

Step 1 - The Memorandums and Articles of Association of the NBFC should be consulted in order to ascertain the nature of its work.  If the auditor deems it necessary, they may also review the board/committee meeting minutes and speak with top-level executives to have a better understanding of the main duties performed by the organization.

Identifying the company's primary business activities, such as loan provision or participation in investment companies, will help define the standards that the company must adhere to.

Step 2 - The auditor then assesses the company's internal control system. The Internal Control System's duties include upholding an appropriate system, implementing various internal control measures within the company, assisting with fast decision-making, identifying fraud, etc. The auditor evaluates the efficiency of the company's internal control system.

Step 3 -  All NBFCs must obtain the Certificate of Registration before starting their business under Section 45-IA of the RBI Act if they have a minimum net owned fund of Rs. 2 crore. The auditor then acquires a copy of the company's Certificate of Registration to make sure it is not conducting business without it. The auditor wants a copy of the application if the company has requested the certificate and has done so.

Step 4 - Whether the NBFC is a loan company, investment company, hire purchase financing company, or equipment leasing firm must be determined by the auditor. The auditor classifies the kind of the company to determine whether or not it complies with the relevant regulations if the NBFC does not fit into any of the classifications.

Step 5 - Based on the firm's revenue sources, such as investments, accounting standards, asset categorization, accounting for investments, provisioning for bad/doubtful loans, capital adequacy norms, etc., the auditor examines whether the company is in conformity with the prescribed prudential norms.

Duty of Auditor

• NBFC Auditors Report RBI Directions Compliance
• The Board of Directors will get an additional report from the auditors.
• Issues that should be covered in the auditor's report
• Any unfavorable or qualified statements must be supported by reasons.
• The bank must receive an exception report from the auditor.