Summit CPA Review
AUD Group Audits · Updated November 2026

Group Audit: Who Is Responsible for the Consolidated Opinion?

Using component auditors changes how evidence is gathered, not who owns responsibility for the group engagement.

Group auditor

The group auditor is responsible for the group audit and obtaining sufficient appropriate evidence for the group financial statements.

Component auditor

A component auditor can perform work on financial information of a component for group audit purposes.

Communication

The group team communicates scope, risks, materiality, procedures, findings, and independence requirements.

Component materiality

Component work can use materiality levels designed to keep aggregation risk appropriately low for the group.

The takeaway

Component auditors help gather evidence. Group responsibility remains with the group auditor.

Related Summit guides

MaterialityContinue with a related Summit CPA Review guide.Using internal auditorsContinue with a related Summit CPA Review guide.ConsolidationsContinue with a related Summit CPA Review guide.

FAQ

Can the group auditor use another auditor's work?

Yes under applicable standards.

Does the group auditor communicate with component auditors?

Yes.

Is group materiality automatically used for every component?

No.