Future of Environmental, Social and Governance Auditing in the Czech Republic - Evidence from Statutory Auditors

This paper analyses the attitudes and opinions of statutory auditors regarding the issue ofEnvironmental, Social and Governance reporting and its verification in the Czech Republic. Theresearch examines auditors’ willingness to perform ESG assurance, their attitudes towards ESG issues, and their views on key skills and training needs. A questionnaire survey was conductedamong Czech statutory auditors, and the results were analysed using statistical methods. Thefindings reveal differing attitudes between auditors employed in audit firms and self-employed auditors. Auditors from larger companies are more likely to perceive ESG reporting as a meaningful tool for responsible business and demonstrate greater interest in its verification, whereasself-employed auditors tend to be more sceptical and regard ESG as more of a formal obligation.Although the study focuses on the Czech Republic, it is based on European legislation, and theresults can be generalised across the EU.