Benitec Biopharma Appoints Ernst & Young as New Auditor

What Happened

• Benitec Biopharma (BNTC) filed an 8-K on September 24, 2026 reporting a change in its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee decided on September 18, 2026 to dismiss Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) and notified Baker Tilly on September 21, 2026. The company appointed Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as its successor auditor.

Key Details

• Baker Tilly had served as Benitec’s auditor since 2020.
• The audit reports issued by Baker Tilly for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2026 and 2025 contained no adverse opinions, disclaimers, or qualifications.
• There were no disagreements with Baker Tilly on accounting principles, financial statement disclosure, or audit scope for the periods reviewed.
• The only reportable issue disclosed was a previously reported material weakness in internal control over financial reporting (related to share‑based compensation calculation review), which the company states was remediated as of June 30, 2026. Baker Tilly has been authorized to respond to inquiries from the successor auditor about that matter.

Why It Matters

• A change of auditor is an important governance event; investors should note the new independent auditor (EY) and that the change followed a committee review.
• The filing indicates the prior audits were unqualified and that the only past control issue was disclosed and subsequently remediated, which helps limit uncertainty about prior financial statements.
• There is no indication in the 8-K of accounting disagreements or ongoing disputes with the former auditor that would affect financial results. Investors tracking audit continuity or governance changes may want to monitor upcoming filings for any additional details about the transition to EY.