150 Audit Commission staff join Ernst & Young

FORMER Audit Commission staff members have joined Ernst & Young after the firm picked up local government work.

E&Y picked up 153 audits in the east and south-east of England, as part of the process of handing over work from the winding-down Audit Commission.

The firm has brought in 150 staff formerly of the commission, which have been transferred under TUPE rules.

"We are very excited to be joining EY," said former Audit Commission district auditor Maria Grindley who is now an Ernst & Young director. "I believe that the skills and knowledge that we bring coupled with the approach, tools and services EY has to offer will provide our clients with an excellent service."

Hywel Ball, the firm's UK&I assurance managing partner, said: "These additional specialist public sector audit skills open up a much larger public sector audit market for us.

"We understand the enormous importance of public sector audit work to society – the role of audit and accountability has never been more important and our overriding focus will be making sure that our clients, and tax payers, are delivered the highest standards."