Matters of material significance

Matters of material significance are issues that auditors and independent examiners must report to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland if they find them while reviewing a charity’s accounts.

Matters of material significance: a guide for auditors and independent examiners (linked at the side) was produced jointly by the regulators in Northern Ireland, England and Wales, and Scotland. It was updated in April 2020 to give clearer examples of what should be reported, especially around modified audit opinions. The feedback statement (linked at the side) explains why the guidance was updated and what changed.

These reporting requirements apply to all audits and independent examinations carried out or reported after 1 May 2017, no matter what accounting period they cover.

If you are an auditor or independent examiner and become aware of a reportable issue, you can notify the Commission using the online Concern about a charity form.