The directors of ABC Limited, Alex and Mark are both qualifi ed accountants. Mark has taken on the role of preparing the fi nancial statements of the company and ensuring that these are fi led on time with the competent authorities. Alex on the other hand, is an auditor by profession and is preparing to audit the fi nancial statements for ABC Limited.Required:

(a) Explain the duty of care which accountants must exercise in rendering services generally and what action may be taken in the case of breach of professional duty; (7 marks)