Purpose Key audit matters (KAM) and their impact on the auditor is a relatively understudied area. The purpose of this study is to analyse whether auditors perceive that the recent requirement for auditors of listed companies to report KAMs has enhanced the transparency of audit reports or not, what additional risks they now face, how the risk is being managed and its impact on the relationship with their clients. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses an interpretive approach for detailed interviews with some of South Africa’s leading audit experts to highlight their perspective of the impact of KAM on audit reporting and the audit environment. Findings The experts have various perceptions of what makes a matter “key”. These vary from materiality, to subjectivity and difficulty, as well as incorporating a time-based consideration. Concerns identified include a significant increase in cost and an increase in potential liability, triggering the need for thorough internal risk management policies. The audit experts conclude that KAM has ultimately failed to achieve its goal of greater transparency, with clients virtually ignoring KAM reports. Research limitations/implications The research relies on a relatively small sample of subject experts and may not provide a complete account of the view of all audit professionals and KAM reports issued. It analyses the impact of KAM from the preparers’ perspective. Originality/value This study contributes to the research conducted in this topical area. Although there has been research on KAM focusing on pre-implementation consequences, there is virtually no formal academic research on the impact KAM has had on audit partners and firms in South Africa post implementation. It may also serve as a basis for the IAASB to consider going forward.

Purpose Tax risk-management (TRM) is relatively understudied in the area of corporate governance and integrated reporting. The purpose of this study is to identify whether South African organisations identify, rank and manage tax risks in terms of importance and relevance to their own corporation. The study also aims to identify the link, if any, between TRM practices being implemented and the discussion and disclosure of these practices in the integrated report. Design/methodology/approach Detailed interviews with some of South Africa’s leading tax and corporate governance experts are used to highlight the TRM practices currently in place, as well as the evolution of these practices. These interviews also identify the connection between the practices and the integrated reporting disclosures. Findings The experts interviewed have identified a sound understanding of TRM practices in place and certainly some evolution of these practices over the past five years. What has been identified though is the need for further enhancement and incorporation of TRM practices into the corporate governance control structures within organisations. Integrated reporting disclosure of TRM still appears to be an area where there is need for improvement, specifically a better understanding by companies of how to use their integrated reports as a strategic asset of the company as opposed to merely a compliance exercise. Research limitations/implications The research relies on a relatively small sample of subject experts and does not provide a complete account of TRM developments. Originality/value The study adds value by contributing to research conducted on TRM. Although there has been research on ERM from a corporate governance perspective, few studies have examined this from a tax perspective, and there is virtually no formal academic research on the relationship between TRM and corporate governance from a South African perspective.

The New International Standard of Auditing (ISA) statement number 701 titled key audit matters (KAM) has been reported as one of the most significant changes to the audit profession and the manner in which audit reports are to be delivered. Effective from 15 December 2016, auditors for Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) -listed companies will need to disclose key and significant transactions that occurred on the audit, even in the event of an unmodified audit opinion. The legislators describe this as increasing transparency and accountability to enhance the fairness of reporting and to assist the stakeholders with understanding the audited annual financial statements. This paper uses a detailed content analysis of prior academic and professional audit literature to explore possible unintended consequences, uncertainties and risks of the KAM. These include disclosure of potential confidential information and potentially increased auditor

This paper uses South Africa as an example to explore how crises of trust -stemming from the legacy of Apartheid, local and international corporate failures and the changing regulatory framework in the United States -have contributed to shaping aspects of South African corporate governance. Using Giddens' theory of modernity, the research considers how the country's racist past and recent corporate scandals have converged to shape South Africa's corporate governance landscape. In turn, mechanisms of modernity explain why South Africa has developed a highly sophisticated system of corporate governance.

Orientation: The new standard on leases, International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 16, will require the majority of lessees to account for lease arrangements on the face of the balance sheet. This is in contrast to the current standard and, as a result, the effects of this transition to on-balance sheet finance require analysis.Research purpose: The purpose of this article is to identify and examine the material change implications that may arise from the implementation of IFRS 16 and determine its effect on both preparers and users of the financial statements with a specific focus on lessee accounting.Motivation for the study: Leasing is a widely used economic transaction that affects the majority of corporates and individuals. There is a lack of formal academic literature surrounding the possible implications of the new accounting standard in a South African context.Research approach, design and method: The authors performed a detailed literature review as well as gathered information at a public debate held jointly by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) to investigate what the implications may be.Main findings: This article finds and concludes that there are potentially six change implications. The affected parties were identified as lenders, preparers and analysts with the banking and retail sectors requiring the most consideration.Practical/managerial implications: Care will need to be taken when new lease transactions are entered into so that the entity still adheres to potential liquidity and solvency targets as well as loan covenant obligations.Contribution/value-add: The normative and qualitative style sheds light on the effect of the imminent changes to South Africa’s financial reporting structure, making an important contribution to financial reporting knowledge, transparency and accountability.