The auditors are supposed to give an objective opinion regarding the financial statements at the end of their audit exercise. The auditor should be fair and should not allow prejudice or bias, conflict of interest or influence of others to override objectivity. Independence of an auditor can be defined in the next paragraphs.
Independence of mind which is the state of mind that permits the provision of an opinion without being affected by influences that compromise professional judgement allowing an individual to act with integrity and exercise objectivity and professional of scepticism.
Independence in appearance which is knowledge of all relevant information, including any safeguards applied to enable the auditors to give objectiven opinion
