External auditors are appointed and removed by which committee of the board of directors?

The audit committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial reporting process and the relationship between the company and its external auditors. This committee is specifically tasked with the responsibility of appointing, overseeing, and if necessary, removing external auditors.

The audit committee ensures that the auditors are independent and objective in their assessments, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting. The relationship between the auditors and the audit committee also helps in addressing any issues that may arise during audits, ensuring that any significant concerns are appropriately managed.

In contrast, other committees such as the accounts committee typically deal with financial statements and internal accounting processes rather than directly managing auditor relationships. The risk control committee focuses on identifying and managing risks within the organization, and the nomination committee is primarily responsible for selecting candidates for the board and executive positions, rather than dealing with external auditors. Thus, the audit committee is the designated body for the appointment and removal of external auditors.