* Independent Auditors: Amazon hires external independent auditors, typically major accounting firms like Deloitte, to conduct annual audits of its financial statements. These audits are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) because Amazon is a publicly traded company.
* The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): The SEC regulates publicly traded companies like Amazon and oversees their financial reporting. They can conduct investigations and require further audits if they find discrepancies.
* The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB): The PCAOB is a non-profit corporation created by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to oversee the audits of public companies. They inspect the work of independent auditors to ensure their independence and effectiveness.
* Internal Audit: Amazon also has an internal audit function that conducts regular audits of its operations, processes, and controls. This helps ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and company policies.
* Other Regulators: Depending on the nature of Amazon's business activities in specific jurisdictions, they may be subject to audits by other regulatory bodies, such as tax authorities or consumer protection agencies.
While the specific auditors that Amazon uses may vary, the general process of auditing involves examining financial records, verifying transactions, and assessing the company's internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance.