What is the difference between Audit in the Public Sector and Audit in the Private Sector?
There are a few key differences between the two sectors. In the Public Sector, we are appointed as external auditors by the Audit Commission, (or in Scotland, Audit Scotland and the Accounts Commission for Scotland) to many health and local government bodies. For these bodies, the audit regime is wider to provide public accountability for the taxpayer’s money that is spent by these organisations. For other Public Sector bodies, such as such as foundation hospitals, universities and housing associations, we are appointed directly by the bodies themselves. Similarly, in the Private Sector we are appointed as external auditors by the client company.
