"The current practice of suing individual auditors without also charging their firms may not adequately reflect, at least in some cases, the role and responsibility of firms in these matters," Mr. Cutler added.
However, the attitude toward marketing by auditors without specialized training in the field of marketing can be effective in establishing a balance between auditing and marketing activities.
After its conclusion, the study was submitted to an extensive audit, and all study records, databases, institutional review board approvals, diet controls, written informed consents, and original medical records of the primary center were checked by independent auditors without any interference of the investigators, and only after this quality-control audit was the study submitted for publication.
But they "dissolved" their relationship with their first auditors, Friedman LLP, without an audit ever being completed, and the "proof of funds" "transparency update" so prominent on their home page stresses it "should not be construed as the results of an audit".
The Dollar General Corporation's shares fell 24percentt, after the company, a discount retailer, said it fired its auditor, Deloitte & Touche, without giving a reason.
In some cases, the board said, companies used assumptions that were contrary to past experience, but the auditor had accepted them without challenge.
An auditor warned last month that without "significant decreases" in the district's budget, the acquisition would lead to deficits of $89 million in 2011 and $110 million in 2012.
That could force thousands of Andersen's clients suddenly without an auditor, scrambling to find a replacement.Andersen has tried to draw a line under the affair by offering disgruntled Enron shareholders some $750m in compensation.
Andersen Dumps Client; Cites Own Uncertain Future 04.12.02 BNCCorp is without an auditor, thanks to a rogue partner looking out for his client's best interests.
