In South African accounting, a PI Score (Public Interest Score) isn’t about personality – it’s about compliance. Every company must calculate it annually to determine if an audit, independent review, or only a compilation is needed. It’s a simple points system based on your company’s size and impact:

• Average Employees 👥 – 1 point for each employee.
• Turnover 💰 – 1 point per R1 million (or part thereof) of revenue.
• Third-Party Liabilities 📉 – 1 point per R1 million owed to outsiders.
• Shareholders/Members 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 – 1 point for each person with shares or membership.

The PI Score decides the level of financial scrutiny your business needs. High scores often mean you’re handling bigger money, more people, or more risk – so regulators expect more oversight. Lower scores? Fewer hoops to jump through. For example, if your PI Score is over 100, you might need an audit; under 100, maybe just an independent review.

Add up points for each factor. Example: 15 employees (15 points) + R7.5m turnover (8 points) + R2m liabilities (2 points) + 3 shareholders (3 points) = PI Score 28. Easy math, but crucial. The higher your score, the more compliance requirements kick in.

Use your total to see what’s required:
• Under 100: Usually only an independent review or compilation.
• 100 and above: Often an audit is required.
• Certain industries or fiduciary asset holders may need audits regardless of score.

Know your PI Score. It’s not just a number – it affects your compliance costs, reporting needs, and even investor confidence. By keeping track annually, you stay in control and avoid surprises from regulators.