public interest score
Public
Interest Score
Public
Interest Score

What is Public Interest Score
and why it is important?

The Public Interest Score (PIS) is a metric mandated by the South African Companies Act, 2008, to assess a company’s public accountability. Calculated annually, the PIS influences the level of financial scrutiny a company must undergo, determining whether an independent audit or review of financial statements is required.

Why is the Public Interest Score important for your company?

Understanding your company’s PIS is essential as it dictates the statutory financial reporting obligations. A higher PIS may necessitate more rigorous financial oversight, impacting compliance costs and operational transparency. Conversely, a lower PIS could mean fewer regulatory requirements, allowing for streamlined and less onerous financial processes.

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    Understanding the consequences of differing Public Interest Score levels

    The PIS directly affects a company’s financial reporting and compliance requirements:

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    PIS below 100

    • Owner-managed companies: No mandatory audit or independent review is required.
    • Not owner-managed: An independent review of financial statements is required.
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    PIS between 100 and 349

    • Owner-managed companies: An independent review of financial statements is required.
    • Not owner-managed: A mandatory audit is required if financial statements are internally compiled; an independent review suffices if they are externally compiled.
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    PIS of 350 or more

    • A mandatory audit of financial statements is required, regardless of whether the company is owner-managed or not.

    Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to penalties and risks damage to the company’s reputation.

    How to calculate your company’s Public Interest Score

    The Public Interest Score is calculated by assigning points based on the following criteria:

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    Number of employees

    One point per employee (average over the financial year).

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    Turnover

    One point for every R1 million (or part thereof) in annual turnover.

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    Third-party liabilities

    One point for every R1 million (or part thereof) owed to external parties at year-end.

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    Beneficial shareholders

    One point for each individual with a direct or indirect beneficial interest in the company’s issued securities.

    For an accurate assessment, utilize our online Public Interest Score calculator.

    The benefits of knowing your Public Interest Score
    Being aware of your company’s PIS enables you to:
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    Ensure compliance

    Meet statutory audit or review requirements, avoiding penalties.

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    Enhance transparency

    Build stakeholder trust through adherence to regulatory standards.

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    Strategize effectively

    Make informed decisions regarding corporate governance and financial management.

    Regularly calculating and understanding your PIS is vital for maintaining good corporate governance and ensuring your company meets its statutory and legal obligations.

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