Professional Negligence in 2026: When do Management and Auditors’ Actions ‘Cross The Line’?

A panel discussion accompanying a viewing of the ICAEW’s latest training film "Crossing the Line", this event will explore ethical dilemmas and major management and audit themes.

"Crossing the Line” takes viewers into the high-stakes worlds of football club, Scarbridge FC, and software company, Xoltic plc.

We will see management of both companies and the decisions and judgments they make in preparing the accounts and then follow two audit teams responsible for navigating their complex audits and find out how their paths intertwine in unexpected ways.

Some of the real-life issues brought out in the film include:

• ethical dilemmas and pressures faced by those in leadership and assurance roles;
• core audit themes of integrity, the disclosure of contingent liabilities, auditor independence, revenue recognition and related parties;
• the critical importance of transparency and accountability;
• how the key roles of audit committees, external advisors and assurance providers work together in maintaining trust and upholding professional standards;
• why auditors should apply professional scepticism with their clients;
• common technical topics to raise awareness of how issues may occur;
• increased awareness and understanding of how perpetrators may commit fraud.

Schedule:

08:45 - Registration & coffee

09:00 - 10:30 - Panel discussion and Q&A

10:30 onwards - Networking