주식회사의 외부감사에 관한 법률 개정이 중소기업의경영환경 및 외부감사환경에 미치는 영향

This study discusses the effects of the revision to the Act on External Audit of Stock Companies (Hereafter “the Act”) on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)’ business and external audit environment. The latest revision of the Act was passed by the Korea National Assembly on September 28, 2017, and the revised bill will take effect from November 1, 2018. The key provisions of the amendment are as follows. First, the scope of companies subject to external audit will be expanded to limited liability companies (LLCs). Second, the cases subject to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)’s designation will be expanded, and all listed and unlisted companies whose ownership and management are not separated will be designated an external auditor for three years after six-year audit engagements. Third, standards for appropriate audit hours will be set. Fourth, supervisory role and disciplinary action will be enhanced. The amendment is expected to improve accounting transparency and audit quality of companies. According to the changes of business and audit environment following the amendment, however, SMEs may encounter financial burden and reverse discrimination. Thus, it is necessary to focus a discussion on the effects of the amendment on SMEs’ business and audit environment. This paper may carry implications for SMEs, external auditors, and financial supervisory authorities.