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The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants detailed the referral of one former certified public accountant and two commercial establishments to the Public Prosecution in a statement released Thursday. The former accountant had his license revoked yet proceeded to issue an audit report, an action classified as a criminal offense under applicable regulations. The two establishments advertised accounting and auditing services on websites and social media platforms while lacking valid licenses, according to the organization. SOCPA identified these as breaches that undermine professional standards across the sector.
The organization’s statement specified that the violations contravene Article 10 of the Accounting and Auditing Profession Law, which prohibits individuals from misleading the public by claiming the right to practice accounting or auditing without a valid license or after revocation or suspension. SOCPA data places the referred cases within a broader enforcement framework that targets unauthorized practice throughout the Kingdom. The accounting body has pursued similar actions in the past to deter unlicensed operations, a pattern that aligns with ongoing regulatory tightening.
An overview published in April 2026 and citing SOCPA reported that the accounting and auditing sector has undergone more than 300 reforms over the past decade to align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The organization, which maintains a membership exceeding 109,000 professionals, has focused these changes on enhancing financial transparency and bridging gaps between education and market needs. Such reforms include updates to licensing procedures and professional examinations that elevate qualification requirements for practitioners.
SOCPA urged all accounting and auditing practitioners to comply fully with licensing requirements outlined in the profession law. The organization called on members of the public to verify the licensing status of any accountant or auditor through its official website before engaging their services. It further encouraged reporting of suspected violations directly to SOCPA to support continued enforcement efforts.
The Accounting and Auditing Profession Law, administered in part by SOCPA, establishes clear competencies for the Ministry of Commerce and the professional body in overseeing the field. Article 10 specifically addresses penalties for unauthorized practice, including potential criminal referrals to the Public Prosecution in serious cases. SOCPA has integrated these provisions into its operational guidelines, which extend to both individual practitioners and commercial entities offering related services.
Enforcement actions like Thursday’s referral form one element of SOCPA’s mandate, first established by royal decree in 1992, to regulate the profession amid the Kingdom’s economic diversification drive. The organization’s strategy for 2026-2030, approved earlier this year, prioritizes comprehensive professional development and alignment with international standards. Public awareness campaigns form a parallel track, aimed at reducing demand for unlicensed services that could compromise financial reporting accuracy.
