跨境审计难题：高成本低收费之下舞弊风险如何防控？

Core Viewpoint - The increasing complexity and risk of cross-border operations in Chinese companies necessitate enhanced scrutiny and resources for auditing, as many firms face significant challenges in managing overseas revenue and compliance with regulations [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cross-Border Business Growth - In 2024, the total overseas revenue of A-share listed companies is projected to reach 10.52 trillion yuan, accounting for 17% of total revenue, with a 61% increase compared to 2020 [2]. - Over 1,100 companies have more than 30% of their revenue from overseas operations, indicating a significant shift towards international business [1][2]. Group 2: Audit Challenges - Cross-border auditing is complicated by factors such as the difficulty in obtaining evidence, compliance with varying international accounting standards, and the lack of transparency in overseas subsidiaries [4][5]. - The cost of cross-border audits is significantly higher than domestic audits, with additional expenses for travel, local legal and accounting services, and compliance with different regulatory frameworks [6][7]. Group 3: Audit Fee Discrepancies - Many companies with substantial overseas revenue pay insufficient audit fees, with 195 out of 810 companies spending less than 1 million yuan on annual audits, raising concerns about audit quality [7][8]. - The disparity between the complexity of cross-border audits and the fees paid can lead to inadequate resource allocation and increased audit risks [8][9]. Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Companies should recognize the importance of adequate audit funding as a necessary investment for risk management and financial reporting accuracy, rather than merely a cost [10][11]. - Audit firms need to enhance their professional capabilities and refuse to take on projects that are priced below cost, while also investing in technology and international talent [11][12]. - Regulatory bodies should improve cross-border regulatory collaboration, establish differentiated oversight mechanisms, and enhance transparency in overseas business operations to mitigate audit challenges [12].