On 1 April 2011, CRO introduced a new system whereby an Auditor Registration Number (ARN) must be inserted on a B1 (annual return form) when an audited set of accounts is filed with the CRO - see
http://www.cro.ie/ena/2011ezine.aspx?page=3&article=94a5f981-0887-47f2-a347-963c203a46d1
This system is designed to ensure that only auditor's reports signed by registered auditors are filed with the CRO and at the same time alert registered auditors that their ARN or their name has been used. As part of this system, CRO has been issuing a monthly e-mail providing auditors with a list of companies who used their ARN on a B1 form during the preceding month. Auditors can then e-mail the CRO if they did not conduct an audit for any one of the companies on the list.
Following a review of the system, CRO has decided to make available to auditors/firms the option of receiving an instant e-mail alert each time a B1 form is filed containing their ARN number.
CRO would encourage any auditor/ firm whose numbers are manageable to choose the instant e-mail option.
The advantage of the instant e-mail is that if an ARN has been used fraudulently, and the instant e-mail is responded to immediately by the auditor, there would be a better chance of CRO being able to stop the annual return from being registered. With monthly e-mails, most of the annual returns on the list will have been registered by the time the auditor/firm receives the e-mail and, once registered, an annual return can only be removed from the Register by way of a High Court Order.
On 1 December, CRO will issue auditors/ firms with the normal monthly list for November.
The default position from 1 December will be that, unless an auditor/firm opts to continue to receive a monthly list, they will be issued with an instant e-mail each time their ARN is used.
Auditors/firms can opt to receive a monthly list by e-mailing CRO.auditor.register@djei.ie. They can revert to instant e-mails at any time by e-mailing the same address.