In simple words, Auditor Appointment is the process of officially selecting and approving a person or a firm (called a statutory auditor) to review, verify, and report on the financial records of a company. As per the Companies Act, 2013, every company—whether public or private—must appoint a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) as an auditor within a specific timeline, usually within 30 days of incorporation or after the completion of the previous auditor's term.
The purpose behind this mandatory auditor appointment is to maintain financial transparency, ensure legal compliance, and protect the interests of shareholders, stakeholders, and the government. The auditor will examine the company’s books of accounts, financial statements, transactions, and practices and give a true and fair view of the company’s financial health through their audit report.
For businesses, especially startups and growing companies, this step is not just a legal formality—it is a critical responsibility. A correctly appointed and independent auditor helps avoid non-compliance penalties, prevents errors or fraud, and provides confidence to investors or lenders. Companies that skip or delay this process can face strict penalties and may also be questioned for their financial practices during tax scrutiny or funding rounds.
At CallmyCA, we help business owners and directors with complete auditor appointment services, from drafting the necessary board resolutions to filing required ROC (Registrar of Companies) forms like ADT-1, and ensuring all legal timelines are followed.
Auditor appointment ensures that your company complies with the Companies Act and avoids penalties related to late or incorrect appointment of auditors.
A registered auditor provides an unbiased and professional review of your accounts, helping ensure financial clarity in business operations.
A proper audit helps your company look more trustworthy in the eyes of banks, investors, or lenders when applying for loans or funding.
An auditor can detect financial discrepancies early, helping avoid frauds, misstatements, or tax-related issues
Timely appointment of auditor ensures smoother ROC filings, especially when filing Form ADT-1, which is mandatory.
With a proper audit in place, you can handle any inquiry or notice from the Income Tax Department or GST authorities confidently.
Audit observations often help management make informed financial decisions and improve internal control systems.
In case of private limited or listed companies, having an independent auditor strengthens investor and shareholder trust.
Regular audits by appointed auditors help ensure your business follows correct accounting practices, leading to long-term sustainability.
Auditor appointment is mandatory under the Companies Act to ensure that the company's accounts are reviewed by an independent professional. It brings legal compliance, financial transparency, and boosts stakeholder confidence. Without an auditor, the company risks penalties and may appear non-compliant during funding, tax assessments, or annual filings.
Only a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) holding a valid certificate of practice can be appointed as an auditor. In case of an audit firm, the majority of partners must be practicing CAs. The auditor must not have any conflict of interest with the company.
For newly incorporated companies, the first auditor must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation by the Board of Directors. If not done, the shareholders must appoint the auditor within 90 days at an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM).
Form ADT-1 is the official form that needs to be filed with the ROC (Registrar of Companies) to inform the government about the auditor’s appointment. Filing it within 15 days is mandatory to avoid legal non-compliance and penalties
Yes, but it is a legal process. A company can remove an auditor before their term ends, but prior approval from the Central Government and a special resolution passed by the shareholders is required.
Non-compliance attracts penalties. The company and its officers may be fined, and the financial statements of the company may be considered invalid, which can cause trouble during audits, tax filings, or fund-raising.
Yes, filing ADT-1 is required even for the appointment of the first auditor, unless the appointment is made in an EGM by shareholders, in which case it’s not mandatory. But filing is a best practice to maintain records.
No, the auditor must be appointed by the Board of Directors collectively in a meeting or by passing a resolution, not by an individual director.
For individual auditors, the maximum term is 5 years, and for audit firms, it is 10 years, subject to reappointment rules and mandatory rotation for certain classes of companies.
Yes, every company registered under the Companies Act (except one-person companies in some cases) is required to appoint a statutory auditor, whether private or public, small or large.