As a leading research centre for industrial biotechnology, acib GmbH operates at the interface between science and industry. As our research is largely funded by public funds from the Republic of Austria, the federal states and the European Union, we are subject to comprehensive and multi-level control by various auditing bodies. These audits ensure that all funds are used in a purposeful, economical and efficient manner.
Statutory annual audit
acib is subject to control by the Austrian Court of Auditors (RH). The audit authority is derived from Art. 126b (2) of the Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG). According to this, the jurisdiction of the Court of Auditors extends to companies in which the federal government, a state or a municipality holds at least a 50 % stake or which are effectively controlled by other financial or organisational measures.
Due to our close funding relationships and partnerships with the federal states, the respective state courts of auditors (Styria, Lower Austria, Tyrol and Vienna) may also carry out audits.
Statutory annual audit
In addition to public control, acib GmbH, as a limited liability company (GmbH), is audited annually by independent auditors. This audit is mandatory under article 268(1) of the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB), as acib is classified as a medium-sized or large corporation due to its size (balance sheet total, sales revenue and number of employees). The annual audit of the financial statements is also required by funding agreements and the articles of association.
The annual auditor is appointed by the general meeting in accordance with the provisions of the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB). The appointment is made annually, with an auditor being appointed for a maximum of five consecutive years. The current auditor of acib is AuditConsultAustria Wirtschaftsprüfung und Unternehmensberatung GmbH.
The certified audit report confirms that the accounts have been kept in accordance with the rules and that the annual financial statements comply with the legal requirements.
Project-related funding control and audits
In addition to the general company audit, our research projects are regularly audited by specific institutions:
- National funding agencies: Ongoing review of project progress and use of funds (e.g. by the FFG, state funding organisations).
- European Union: Direct audits by the European Commission or the European Court of Auditors within the framework of EU programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe).
- Independent audits: For EU research projects above a certain funding amount, acib is obliged to obtain, at its own expense, independent audit confirmation of the project-related financial statements from an external, appropriately authorised auditor; the obligation to commission such an audit arises from the applicable EU funding regulations and the provisions of the relevant grant agreement.
- OLAF: As a recipient of EU funds, we are subject to supervision by the European Anti-Fraud Office to protect the financial interests of the Union.
Our commitment to professionalism
We regard this dense control structure – consisting of government audits, statutory audits and project-related audits – as confirmation of our high quality standards. acib is committed to complete transparency and adherence to the strictest compliance guidelines in all administrative and scientific processes.
In addition to the external audits, acib GmbH has an internal control and management system in place that ensures, in particular, the regularity of financial processes, compliance with funding conditions and the separation of functions. These internal controls are continuously reviewed and, if necessary, adapted to changes in the legal and funding framework.
The employees of acib GmbH are obliged to follow internal guidelines on accounting, procurement, project management and compliance, which form the basis for the traceable and audit-proof use of funds.