Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K filing by Benitec Biopharma Inc. (BNTC) was submitted on November 3, 2020, reporting events occurring on November 1, 2020. The registrant is a Delaware corporation headquartered in Hayward, California, with common stock listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This report focuses exclusively on a change in the company's independent registered public accounting firm.
Material Changes
- Change in Certifying Accountant: Effective November 1, 2020, Squar Milner LLP resigned as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm due to its merger with Baker Tilly US, LLP.
- New Auditor: Baker Tilly US, LLP became the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, following the merger.
- Audit History: The audit report by Squar Milner for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications regarding going concern, uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
- Disagreements: There were no disagreements with Squar Milner regarding accounting principles, practices, or audit scope during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, or the subsequent period through November 1, 2020.
- Consultations: The Company did not consult with Baker Tilly US, LLP regarding accounting principles, audit opinions, disagreements, or reportable events prior to the engagement.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing does not contain financial guidance, management outlook, or specific risk factors beyond the standard disclosure regarding the change in auditors. The transition was approved by the Audit Committee on November 1, 2020.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the effective date of the auditor transition (November 1, 2020) and the identity of the new firm (Baker Tilly US, LLP).
- Confirm that no "reportable events" or disagreements existed with the former auditor (Squar Milner LLP) as stated in the filing.
- Review the attached Exhibit 16.1 (Letter from Squar Milner LLP) to ensure the former auditor concurred with the Company's statements.
- Note that this filing does not include updated financial performance data; refer to the most recent 10-K or 10-Q for financial metrics.