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The Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants detected the commercial establishment through preliminary inspection and evidence-gathering that revealed advertising of professional services on its website without a license. SOCPA completed the necessary legal procedures before referring the matter to the Public Prosecution. The organization supervises these professional services and requires proper licensing for their provision.
According to SOCPA, the actions violate Article 10 of the Law of the Accounting and Auditing Profession. The law prohibits misleading the public by any means into believing that a person is authorized to practice the profession without a license or after a license has been revoked or suspended. SOCPA has stressed that only licensed entities may offer the services that fall under its oversight.
SOCPA stated it would continue regulatory activities and pursue legal action in cases where practices compromise the integrity of the profession or mislead the public. The regulator called on licensed practitioners to adhere to all relevant laws, regulations and decisions. It emphasized that professional services must only be provided by those holding the necessary licenses.
SOCPA urged all beneficiaries to check the licensing status of professional service providers prior to any dealings with them. The organization asked the public to report any suspected violations. These measures serve to protect clients and to improve the reliability and quality of professional services in the market, according to SOCPA.
A 2023 announcement posted on the SOCPA website described the referral of several violators to the Public Prosecution for practicing the accounting profession without licenses. Separately, Lexis Middle East reported in July that SOCPA had referred a former certified public accountant and two commercial establishments to the Public Prosecution. The July case involved the former accountant issuing an audit report after his authorization was revoked, which the report said constituted a criminal offense.
