Crossword Genius

Each year end increase is an obstacle for auditors (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earwax

'an obstacle for auditors' is the definition.
(can block ears)

'each year end increase' is the wordplay.
'each' becomes 'ea' (abbreviation).
'end' says to take the final letters.
'increase' becomes 'wax' (waxing is a kind of increasing).
The final letter of 'year' is 'r'.
'ea'+'r'+'wax'='EARWAX'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for earwax that I've seen before include "Substance accumulating in the lugholes" , "Soft yellow secretion - cerumen" , "Secretion from aural glands" , "Otic deposit" , "Soft yellow substance secreted by glands of a certain organ" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.