RABJOHNS LLP, the award-winning Worcester firm of accountants and tax advisers, has become one of only a handful of independent firms in the UK to receive audit approval from the main American regulatory authority.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board was formed following the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation to regulate audit work.

Only audit firms which meet the PCAOB's quality standards and obtain their approval can be instructed by US-based groups to undertake work, wherever they are in the world.

There are currently only 1,758 firms with the approval worldwide, only a handful of independent firms in the UK and less than five in the Midlands.

"We are delighted to receive this approval," said Andy Wood director of audit at Rabjohns.

"Through our membership of Kreston International, we have excellent coverage in the US through the firms of CBIZ and MHM. This approval opens the door for the referral of Sarbanes-Oxley work from them to us."

Rabjohns specialises in servicing the owner-managed business sector. It is unusual for an independent practice in having such strong international links as well as a national reputation for the quality of its tax advice.

Mr Wood added: "Quite apart from the US work, we are delighted that our quality systems have received the approval of the US authorities. That in itself adds to the offering of our UK-based clients."