How can an undertaking prepare for auditor assurance on the sustainability report?

It recommended to involve the auditor in the preparations for the annual report as early as possible at the beginning of the CSRD preparation process. It is beneficial to go through the structure of the assurance work with the auditor and the undertaking at an early stage. In this way, clear arrangements can be made about the nature and timing of the work of the accountant and the desired audit trail (recording of the documentation needed to test the reliability of the sustainability information in the annual report).

It is also desirable if the auditor carries out an early review of the materiality analysis process and the related selected sustainability topics that can be reported on. After all, if the auditor concludes later in the process that another sustainability topic should also be reported on, it is difficult or impossible for the undertaking to include that information in the annual report as well. It is therefore a good idea to have the auditor review the selection of topics and the associated materiality process shortly after completion of the materiality analysis, or already before or during the process.

An assurance engagement for a report on financial year 2025 or later can also be started now. The Royal Netherlands Institute of Chartered Accountants also recommends starting the process at an early stage.

Questions CSRD & ESRS

Do you have questions about the CSRD, ESRS or are you missing a question in this list? Send us an e-mail and we will contact you as soon as possible. For technical questions, EFRAG has set up an ESRS Q&A platform (latest release of technical explanations: December 2024). Here you can submit a question, and also find answers to previously asked questions.

Questions regarding individual facts or circumstances will not be answered through these channels. For such questions, we recommend that you contact an advisor such as your company accountant.

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