Byju’s second auditor to leave next year amid bankruptcy proceedings

BDO, the auditor of Indian edtech startup Byju’s, has resigned with immediate effect, the second departure of an auditor from the struggling company in a couple of year, further raising concerns about its financial health and governance.

In a devastating resignation letter, MSKA, a subsidiary of BDO, highlighted various issues with Byju’s, including significant delays in financial reporting, inadequate management support and concerns over the corporate’s ability to get better significant dues from the Dubai-based entity.

The auditor’s decision to withdraw its investment comes at a time when Byju’s, once India’s most beneficial startup at $22 billion, has been grappling with a series of crises, including the Supreme Court’s recent decision to reopen bankruptcy proceedings against the startup.

Deloitte, Byju’s previous auditor, and key members of the startup’s board resigned last year, citing governance issues at the corporate.

MSKA, appointed in August 2023 for a five-year term, stated in her resignation letter: “The Company’s management did not provide us with sufficient support in providing the accounting records, information and explanations we requested, as well as sufficient and appropriate audit evidence that would enable us to complete the audit for the 2022-2023 financial year.”

A Byju’s spokesperson said in a press release that BDO’s demands on the corporate involved “crossing ethical and legal boundaries”.

“The real reason behind BDO’s resignation is BYJU’S’ adamant refusal to backdate its reports, while BDO went to the extent of recommending a firm that could facilitate such illegal activity. There are multiple call recordings where BDO officials clearly suggest backdating these documents, which BYJU’S refused to do. BYJU’S strongly believes that this is the primary reason for their resignation,” the Byju’S spokesperson added.

MSKA disclosed that it had filed a Form ADT 4, indicating potential fraud or criminality at the corporate.

The resignation letter also highlighted concerns over ongoing legal proceedings against Byju’s and its management, including initiation of liquidation proceedings by lenders and accusations of harassment and mismanagement by minority shareholders.

MSKA noted instances where Byju’s failed to provide the audit team with vital information, similar to notifications of general shareholders’ meetings and bankruptcy proceedings.

The auditor’s departure adds to the mounting challenges facing Byju’s, whose valuation has plummeted amid missed financial deadlines, revenue shortfalls and conflicts with investors. Major backers including Prosus and Peak XV had earlier alleged governance issues and sought legal motion to oust founder Raveendran.

The edtech company’s troubles have intensified in recent months, with India’s Supreme Court recently staying a tribunal ruling that had halted bankruptcy proceedings against the corporate. U.S. creditors are in search of to get better $1 billion from Byju’s, adding to the pressure on the once-celebrated startup.