Appoint Company Auditors Template

 

A newly incorporated company, whether public or private, needs to appoint its first auditors. Generally, this is put in place by the board of directors of the company by passing a resolution (Director’s resolution or Board resolution) within a certain time limit. Different countries have different time limits. For example, in Hong Kong, the board needs to appoint an auditor before the company’s first annual general meeting. 

In cases where the board has not appointed the first auditors, the shareholders of the company can appoint them in a general meeting.  

Why do I need to appoint company auditors? 

Importantly, for any incorporated company, whether private or public, appointing the first auditors for the first financial year is a requirement under corporate law.  

How can I appoint company auditors?

Essentially, there are two ways to appoint company auditors. Firstly, the board of directors can appoint the first auditors by passing a resolution. Secondly, the shareholders of the company can appoint auditors by passing a resolution in the shareholders’ meeting.

In general, a company must appoint auditors every year by the shareholders at the annual general meeting. However, the board of directors can appoint auditors for the first financial year of a newly incorporated company. They can do this by using a Directors’ Resolution to Appoint First Auditors.

What is a director’s resolution to appoint company auditors?

A Directors’ Resolution to Appoint Company Auditors is a resolution passed by the directors of a newly incorporated company to appoint a company auditor for the first financial year.

There are two options when using a Directors’ Resolution to Appoint First Auditors:

• When a meeting of the board of directors convenes to appoint the first auditors, use a Board Minutes to Appoint First Auditors; or
• If the board resolution will be passed by way of a written resolution, use a Board Resolution to Appoint First Auditors.

What is a director’s resolution?

Notably, a director’s resolution is a document that records the decisions and/or actions of the board of directors of a company. You may also refer to it as a board resolution.

What is the difference between a board minutes and a director’s resolution?

In essence, the board minutes is a document that records all the details of a board meeting. This includes the number of directors present in the meeting, names of the directors who were present (and/or absent), name of the chairman, what matters were discussed and what decisions were taken by the board. The decisions taken by the board are recorded as resolutions in the minutes.  A minute can include many resolutions as multiple decisions can be made in a board meeting. In simple terms, a resolution forms part of the minutes of a meeting.

Conversely, a resolution is a document that only mentions the decision/s taken by the board. Since this document comes into play when there is no meeting among the directors, it naturally does not include any details of the meeting. The document then goes to all directors to obtain their consent.

What should I include in a director’s resolution to appoint first company auditors?

You should include:

• Details of the company;
• Details the meeting (if there was a board meeting);
• Date of passing the resolution; and
• Name of the auditor appointed.

Who can sign a director’s resolution?

Generally, a director’s resolution needs the signature of a director. If a board meeting has been held, then the resolutions form part of the minutes of the meeting. Usually, the chairman of the meeting (a director) will sign. Whereas if the resolution is circulating to the board without a meeting, then all directors need to sign. 

The company secretary can sign true copies of any board resolution or director’s resolution.

You Might Also Like

Along with this document, make sure you see these other templates in our library:

• Shareholder Agreement
• Option Agreement
• Employee Option Repurchase Agreement
• Share Appreciation Rights Plan
• Share Option Plan

The Zegal Template Library

Zegal's template library is a list of essential and premium business templates for your everyday legal needs.

Save money and time without sacrificing quality or missing vital legal requirements. Whether you're a startup or a larger enterprise, Zegal lets anyone create a legal agreement.

Let us take care of the legals so you can focus on running your business.

If you need more help, our "Talk to a Lawyer" feature gives you access to a qualified lawyer to get all the expert advice you need.

Try it for free today!