Impacto da NBC TA 701 nos relatórios de auditoria: análise dos principais assuntos de auditoria tratados nos relatórios internos da Americanas S.A. desde 2016

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes the evolution and effectiveness of the communication of Key Audit Matters (KAMs) in Americanas S.A.'s audit reports from 2016 to 2024, in light of NBC TA 701. The research adopts a qualitative, documentary approach developed through a case study strategy, with thematic content analysis of the independent audit reports disclosed by the company. The results show that, although NBC TA 701 represented a relevant regulatory advance in terms of transparency, its practical application revealed significant limitations in the analyzed context. In the pre-fraud period (2016–2022), KAMs focused on technical and recurring themes, such as deferred taxes, contingencies, and impairment, without adequately addressing the risks that ultimately materialized in the fraud, particularly supply chain financing operations and fictitious cooperative advertising contracts. The comparative analysis of the audit firms, KPMG, PwC, and BDO, revealed substantial differences in approach and professional judgment, notably the discontinuation of the KAM related to commercial agreements with suppliers during the firm transition. After the fraud was revealed, a significant shift was observed in the scope and depth of the reports. It is concluded that the effectiveness of NBC TA 701 as a market warning mechanism depends not only on regulatory compliance, but also on the rigor of professional skepticism and the quality of judgment in selecting the reported matters.