Auditing
Auditing
Auditing
1
Learning outcomes
Describe the auditor’s final audit evaluation
processes in completing the audit
Identify and evaluate the audit issues related to
contingent liabilities, commitments, subsequent
events
Describe and draft audit procedures relating to
contingent liabilities, commitments, subsequent
events
Describe the issues related to accounting estimates
and related parties
Describe auditors responsibility relating to gong
concern
Describe and draft audit procedures relating to
assessment of going concern
2
Final Review
3
Completing the Audit ( cont.)
Review of Working Papers
ISA 220 Quality Control for Audits of Historical Financial
Information emphasizes the need to review the work of the
engagement team, the review of working paper becomes an
important aspect of completing the audit. The engagement
partner or managers normally do this just before issuing the
audit report. The review is designed to satisfy the engagement
partners and managers that:
•the work provides sufficient appropriate evidence supporting the
financial report assertions;
•the audit report is fully supported by working papers;
•the working papers are in accordance with appropriate standards;
•important matters have been communicated to relevant parties;
•the senior has undertaken the supervisory role satisfactorily.
Completing the audit
5
Final Analytical Review
7
Final Analytical Procedures
Reasonableness of ratio
How the client fits within its own industry
Critical issues and significant industry business risks
Structure and profitability of the industry
Make sense? In parallel with auditor’s knowledge and
understanding throughout the audit and past years
experiences
8
Final Analytical
Procedures in Planning the
Audit
The auditor should apply analytical procedures at
the planning stage to assist in understanding the
business and in identifying areas of potential risk.
Application of analytical procedures may indicate
aspects of the business of which the auditor was
unaware and will assist in determining the nature,
timing and extent of other audit procedures.
Analytical procedures in planning the audit use both
financial and non-financial information, for example,
the relationship between sales and square footage of
selling space or volume of goods sold.
9
Analytical Procedures in the
Overall Review at the End of
the Audit
The auditor should apply analytical procedures at or
near the end of the audit when forming an overall
conclusion as to whether the financial statements as
a whole are consistent with the auditor’s knowledge
of the business.
The conclusions drawn from the results of such
procedures are intended to corroborate conclusions
formed during the audit of individual components or
elements of the financial statements and assist in
arriving at the overall conclusion as to the
reasonableness of the financial statements. However,
they may also identify areas requiring further
procedures.
10
Investigating Unusual Items
When analytical procedures identify significant
fluctuations or relationships that are inconsistent with
other relevant information or that deviate from
predicted amounts, the auditor should investigate and
obtain adequate explanations and appropriate
corroborative evidence.
Compare account being audited with prior-year
balances
Identify unusual fluctuations from prior year
Examine movement of related accounts
Use internal management accounts
Use of industry data
Reasonableness tests
11
Final Analytical Review
13
Following terms are used in mfrs
137
A provision is a liability of uncertain timing or amount.
A liability is a present obligation of the entity arising from past events, the settlement
of which is expected to result in an outflow from the entity of resources
embodying economic benefits.
An obligating event is an event that creates a legal or constructive obligation that
results in an entity having no realistic alternative to settling that obligation.
A legal obligation is an obligation that derives from:
(a)a contract (through its explicit or implicit terms);
(b)legislation; or
(c)other operation of law.
A constructive obligation is an obligation that derives from an entity’s actions where:
(a)by an established published policiepattern of past practice, s or a sufficiently
specific current statement, the entity has indicated to other parties that it will
accept certain responsibilities; and
b)as a result, the entity has created a valid expectation on the part of those other
parties that it will discharge those responsibilities. 14
Contingencies-Auditors’
objectives
Evaluate the accounting treatment of
known contingent liabilities and to
identify, where practical, any
contingencies that have not been
identified by management (management
is responsible to identify & decide proper
accounting treatment)
15
“Contingent Liabilities” (MFRS 137)
a) A possible obligation that arises from past
events and whose existence will be confirmed
only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of
one or more uncertain future events not
wholly within the control of the enterprise;
or
b) A present obligation that arises from past
events but is not recognize because:
i) It is not probable that an outflow of resources
embodying economic benefits will be required to
settle the obligation; or
ii) The amount of the obligation cannot be measured
with sufficient reliability 16
Three Conditions for a
contingent liabilities
17
Contingent Liabilities
An entity should not recognise a contingent
liability. An entity should disclose a contingent
liability, unless the possibility of an outflow of
resources embodying economic benefits is remote.
Not recognized as liabilities (MFRS 137) because
It has yet to be confirmed (possible obligations)
Do not meet the recognition criteria of liabilities
(present obligations)
To be disclosed as notes to financial statements
18
Contingent Liabilities -
Disclosures
Each class – a brief description of the
nature of the contingent liability
An estimate of its financial effect
An indication of the uncertainties or
timing of any outflow
The possibility of any reimbursement
19
Accounting treatment
Contingent liability-per MFRS 137
Likelihood or occurrence Accounting treatment
of event
21
Accounting treatment
Contingent Assets-per MFRS 137
Likelihood or occurrence Accounting treatment
of event
22
Audit procedures
Management enquiries about unrecorded contingencies, via
letter of representation (written representation ISA 580)
Review current & previous years; IRB report for potential
income tax dispute
Review minutes of meetings for indication of lawsuits or
other contingencies
Analyse legal expenses and invoices from lawyers for any
indication of potential law suit
Obtain a letter from each major lawyers to know about the
status of pending litigation (legal confirmation ,see below)
Review audit documentation for any information that may
indicate a potential contingency
Examine letters of credit as of balance sheet date and obtain
confirmation of used and unused balances
23
Contingent liabilities –
Inability to obtain sufficient appropriate
audit evidence (Limitation of Scope)
24
Example of question on provision &
contingent liabilities
Goods in/purchases
In recent years, Smoothbrush has reduced the level of goods
directly manufactured and instead started to import paint from
South Asia. Approximately 60% is imported and 40% manufactured.
Within the production facility is a large amount of old plant and
equipment that is now redundant and has minimal scrap value.
Purchase orders for overseas paint are made six months in advance
and goods can be in transit for up to two months. Smoothbrush
accounts for the inventory when it receives the goods.
To avoid the disruption of a year end inventory count, Smoothbrush
has this year introduced a continuous/perpetual inventory counting
system. The warehouse has been divided into 12 areas and these
are each to be counted once over the year.
26
Example -continued
At the year end it is proposed that the inventory will be based on the
underlying records. Traditionally Smoothbrush has maintained an inventory
provision based on 1% of the inventory value, but management feels that as
inventory is being reviewed more regularly it no longer needs this provision.
Finance Director
In May 2010 Smoothbrush had a dispute with its finance director (FD) and he
immediately left the company. The company has temporarily asked the
financial controller to take over the role while they recruit a permanent
replacement.
The old FD has notified Smoothbrush that he intends to sue for unfair
dismissal. The company is not proposing to make any provision or disclosures
for this, as they are confident the claim has no merit.
Required:
Describe substantive procedures the auditor of Smoothbrush Paints Co should
perform at the year end in confirming the completeness of provisions or
contingent liabilities.
28
Answers
29
Completing the Audit – Legal
matters
ISA 501 suggests procedures that the auditor should follow in the
identification of such legal matters that will affect the entity:
• make appropriate inquiries of management including obtaining
representations
• review minutes of those charged with governance and
correspondence with the entity’s legal counsel
• examine legal expense accounts
• use any information obtained regarding the entity’s business
including information obtained from discussions with any in-
house legal department
Legal Confirmation
When the auditor has identified litigation or claims
against the entity or when the auditor believes that
such claim may exist, the auditor should seek direct
communication with the entity’s lawyers(ISA 501).Such
communication is in the form of a letter or request for
confirmation commonly referred to as legal
confirmation letter or a legal letter
31
Commitments
Long term contractual commitments during the year but
not yet materialized or “transacted”
Auditors search for unknown commitments within each
auditable area
Sales commitment, purchase of machinery, etc
Reading contracts and correspondence files
Inquiries to client’s solicitors
Auditors may modify audit report to reflect lack of
evidence if no response from solicitors
32
Example
33
Audit review of subsequent events
(Facts discovered after the date of auditors’
report)
34
Final Analytical Review
MFRS 110 Events after the reporting period deals with the treatment in the
financial statements of events, both favourable and unfavourable, occurring
after the period-end. There are two types of event defined by IAS 10:
Those that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the year-end date
(adjusting events)
Those that are indicative of conditions that arose after the year-end date (non-
adjusting events)
2 Types of subsequent events
Adjusting events-Events that provide
additional evidence about conditions that
existed at the date of financial statements
and affect the estimates that are part of the
financial statement preparation process
37
ISA 560 Subsequent Events
The auditor should consider the effect of subsequent
events on the financial statements and on the auditor’s
report.
Require adjustment of
Require financial
the financial
statement disclosure.
statements.
Period Covered by
Subsequent Events Review
53
Related parties
ISA 550
MFRS124
54
Related Parties
Related parties may enter into transaction which unrelated parties
may no enter into and at terms that may be different from those
between unrelated parties
The definition of related party and the disclosure requirements are
dealt with MFRS 124
Related parties of the reporting entities would include its parent,
subsidiaries, associates and its key management personnel and the
close family members of such individual.
The accounting standard defines a related party transaction as “ a
transfer of resources ,services or obligation between related parties,
regardless of whether a price is charged”
Examples
Purchases or sales of goods
Purchases or sales of property and other capital assets
Leasing and rental arrangements
Provision of guarantees or collateral
55
Introduction
A Risk-Based Approach
Risk-based approach requires a thorough understanding of
RPs and RPTs to identify and assess risk
Consider RPs in engagement team discussion
Inquire into changes in RPs from prior period, nature of
RP relationships, and type and purpose of RPTs
Understand controls to identify, account for, and disclose
RPs and RPTs; and to authorize and approve significant
RPTs
Determine whether any of the assessed risks are
significant risks
Respond appropriately to assessed risks risks
52
Significant Features of New Standard
Identifying Undisclosed RPs or Significant RPTs
Searching for unidentified or undisclosed RPs or
RPTs can be an onerous task
Standard takes a robust but practicable approach
Mandatory document inspection limited to a few
document types
Bank and legal confirmations and minutes
However, required to consider which other records or
documents should be inspected in the circumstances
Required to remain alert to undisclosed RPs or RPTs
53
Significant Features of New Standard
Significant Transactions Outside Normal Business
Standard places specific focus on significant
transactions outside normal course of business
As a means to help identify undisclosed RPs
No requirement to search for these transactions but
understand how they are authorized and approved
Probe into the transactions when identified
Make specific inquiries of management
Understand nature of the transactions
Determine whether RPs are involved
54
Significant Features of New Standard
Significant RPTs Outside Normal Business
Treated as significant risks if RPTs are identified
Understand controls over them
Obtain substantive audit evidence about them
Inspect supporting contracts or agreements
Does business rationale of the RPTs suggest possibility of
fraud?
Are their terms consistent with management’s explanations?
Have they been appropriately accounted for and disclosed?
Have they been appropriately authorized and approved?
55
Practical Considerations
DISCLOSURE –MFRS124
Disclosure requirement under MFRS 124
-the name of the parent entity or the ultimate controlling party
-Related party transactions and balances on the nature of the relationship ,
description & amount of the transaction, Outstanding balance
57
Related parties-Audit
procedures
Due to the nature of related party relationships, audit evidence for a
related party transaction may be limited .If availability of
appropriate audit evidence for related party transactions is limited,
the auditor may need to perform the audit procedures such as :
Confirm with the related party, the terms and amount of the
transaction
Discuss with the management the purpose and nature of the
transaction
Inspect documentary evidence in the possession of the related party
ISA 580 requires auditor to obtain written representation from
management
Communicate significant RP matters with TCWG
Refer To handout on additional procedures for related parties
62
Evaluate going concern
assumption
63
Final Analytical Review
65
Going concern issues
MFRS101 – Presentation of financial statements
require management to make an assessment of
the company’s ability to continue as a going
concern
ISA 570(Revised) - Auditors are required to
consider any events which may cast significant
doubt on its client’s ability to continue as a
going concern, at least 1 year beyond the date
of financial statements
Done as part of planning but revised as and
when more facts are obtained during the audit
66
ISA 570 Revised -Going Concern
When planning and performing audit procedures and in evaluating
the results thereof, the auditor should consider the appropriateness
of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the
preparation of the financial statements.
The auditor’s responsibility is to consider the appropriateness of
management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the
preparation of the financial statements, and consider whether there
are material uncertainties about the entity's ability to continue as a
going concern that need to be disclosed in the financial statements.
The auditor considers the appropriateness of management’s use of
the going concern assumption even if the financial reporting
framework used in the preparation of the financial statements does
not include an explicit requirement for management to make a
specific assessment of the entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern.
67
ISA 570 Revised Going
Concern
The auditor cannot predict future events or
conditions that may cause an entity to cease
to continue as a going concern. Accordingly,
the absence of any reference to going
concern uncertainty in an auditor’s report
cannot be viewed as a guarantee as to the
entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern.
68
FINANCIAL INDICATORS
69
FINANCIAL
INDICATORS(Continued)
Arrears or discontinuance of dividends.
Inability to pay creditors on due dates.
Inability to comply with the terms of loan agreements.
Change from credit to cash-on-delivery transactions
with suppliers.
Inability to obtain financing for essential new product
development or other essential investment
70
OPERATING
71
OTHERS
Non-compliance with capital or other statutory or regulatory
requirements, such as solvency or liquidity requirements for financial
institutions.
Pending legal or regulatory proceedings against the entity that may, if
successful, result in claims that the entity is unlikely to be able to satisfy.
Changes in law or regulation or government policy expected to
adversely affect the entity.
Uninsured or underinsured catastrophes when they occur
The significance of such events or conditions often can be mitigated by
other factors. For example, the effect of an entity being unable to make
its normal debt repayments may be counter-balanced by management’s
plans to maintain adequate cash flows by alternative means, such as by
disposing of assets, rescheduling loan repayments, or obtaining additional
72
Evaluating Management’s Assessment
The auditor should evaluate management’s
assessment of the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern.
The auditor should consider the same period as that
used by management in making its assessment under
the financial reporting framework.
If management’s assessment of the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern covers less than twelve
months from the balance sheet date, the auditor
should ask management to extend its assessment
period to twelve months from the statement of
financial position.
73
Period Beyond
Management’s Assessment
The auditor should inquire of
management as to its knowledge of
events or conditions beyond the period
of assessment used by management that
may cast significant doubt on the
entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern.
74
ISA 570 Revised Going
Concern
■ When events or conditions have been identified which may
cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern, the auditor should :-
(a) review management’s plans for future actions based on
its going concern assessment;
76
Audit procedure for going
concern evaluation
(cont)
Inquiring of the entity’s lawyer regarding the existence of
litigation and claims and the reasonableness of
management’s assessments of their outcome and the
estimate of their financial implications.
Confirming the existence, legality and enforceability of
arrangements to provide or maintain financial support with
related and third parties and assessing the financial ability
of such parties to provide additional funds.
Considering the entity’s plans to deal with unfilled customer
orders.
Reviewing events after period end to identify those that
either mitigate or otherwise affect the entity’s ability to
77
continue as a going concern.
How to report/ disclose?
If adequate disclosure is made in the
financial statements, the auditor should
express an unmodified opinion but add a
para “Material Uncertainty Related to
Going Concern” that highlights the
existence of a material uncertainty
relating to the event or condition that may
cast significant doubt on the entity’s
ability to continue as a going concern and
draws attention to the note in the
financial statements that discloses the
matters set out in paragraph 78
How to report/ disclose?
Ifadequate disclosure is not made in the financial
statements, the auditor should express a qualified
or adverse opinion, as appropriate (ISA 700, "The
Auditor's Report on Financial Statements",
paragraphs 45-46). The report should include
specific reference to the fact that there is a
material uncertainty that may cast significant
doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern.
79
Going Concern Basis of Accounting Inappropriate
If, in the auditor’s judgment, the entity will not be able
to continue as a going concern, the auditor should
express an adverse opinion if the financial statements
have been prepared on a going concern basis.
80
Accounting estimates
An
accounting estimate is an approximation of
amount of an item in the absence of a precise
meaning of measurement.
Examples of an accounting estimate:
Allowance to reduce inventories and accounts
receivable to their estimated realizable value
Provision to allocate the cost of long term assets over
their estimated useful lives
Accrued revenue
Provision for loss from a lawsuit
Losses on construction contracts in progress
81
Management is responsible for making
accounting estimates included in the financial
statements. These estimates are often made in
conditions of uncertainty regarding to the
outcomes of events and involve the use of
judgment
A formula based on past experiences is used to
calculate the estimates, and it should be
reviewed regularly by management.
82
Theauditor should gain an understanding of the
procedures and methods used by management to
make accounting estimates. The auditor should
adopt one or a combination of the following
approaches in the audit of an accounting
estimate:
(A) Review and test the process used by management
or the director to develop the estimates.
(B) Use an independent estimate for comparison with
the one prepared by the management or the directors.
(C) Review subsequent events which confirm the
estimate made.
83
(A) Review and testing the procedure
The auditors will carry out these steps:
Evaluate the data and consider the
assumptions on which the estimate is
based
Consider whether data is accurate,
complete and reliable
Seek appropriate evidence from outside
client
Check whether data is appropriately
analyzed and projected
84
Evaluate whether base used for
assumption is appropriate.
Consider whether the formulae used
remain appropriate.
Test calculations involved in the
estimate consideration.
Compare previous estimates with actual
results.
Consider management’s approval
procedures, confirming it is performed
by the appropriate level of management
and evidenced.
85
(B) Use of independent estimates
The auditors may seek evidence from sources
outside the entity. Such an estimate (made or
obtained by the auditors) may be compared with
the accounting estimates. The auditors should
evaluate the data and consider the assumptions
and test the calculation procedures used to
develop the independent estimates.
86
(C) Review the subsequent events
The auditors should review transactions or
events after the period end which may reduce
or even remove the need to test accounting
estimates
If the auditors believe that differences between
the amount of an estimate supported by
evidence and the estimates calculated by
management is unreasonable the an adjustment
should be made.
If the directors or management refuse to revise
the estimate, then the difference is considered
a misstatement.
87
Final Analytical Review
91
Representations by Management
as Audit Evidence
Audit evidence is the information used by the auditor in arriving at the
conclusions on which the auditor’s opinion is based. Written
representations are necessary information that the auditor requires in
connection with the audit of the entity’s financial statements.
Accordingly, similar to responses to inquiries, written representations
are audit evidence
. Although written representations provide necessary audit evidence,
they do not provide sufficient appropriate audit evidence on their own
about any of the matters with which they deal. Furthermore, the fact
that management has provided reliable written representations does
not affect the nature or extent of other audit evidence that the
auditor obtains about the fulfilment of management’s responsibilities,
or about specific assertions.
Cannot be regarded as reliable evidence and cannot be use to
substitute for other evidence. This type of evidence needs to be
92
corroborated
Representations by Management
as Audit Evidence
During the course of an audit, management makes many
representations to the auditor, either unsolicited or in
response to specific inquiries. When such representations
relate to matters which are material to the financial
statements, the auditor will need to:
(a) seek corroborative audit evidence from sources inside or
outside the entity;
(b) evaluate whether the representations made by management
appear reasonable and consistent with other audit evidence
obtained, including other representations; and
(c) consider whether the individuals making the representations
can be expected to be well informed on the particular matters.
93
Basic Elements of a Management
Representation Letter
When requesting a management representation letter,
the auditor would request that it be addressed to the
auditor, contain specified information and be
appropriately dated and signed.
The date of the written representations shall be as near
as practicable to, or after, the date of the auditor’s
report on the financial statements if another letter is
required. The written representations shall be for all
financial statements and period(s) referred to in the
auditor’s report
94
Management from whom Written
Representations Requested
The auditor shall request written representations from
management with appropriate responsibilities for the financial
statements and knowledge of the matters concerned.
Written representations are requested from those responsible
for the preparation of the financial statements. Those
individuals may vary depending on the governance structure of
the entity, and relevant law or regulation; however,
management (rather than those charged with governance) is
often the responsible party.
Written representations may therefore be requested from the
entity’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, or
other equivalent persons in entities that do not use such titles.
In some circumstances, however, other parties, such as those
charged with governance, are also responsible for the
95
preparation of the financial statements.
Action if Management
Refuses to Provide
If Representations
management refuses to provide a representation
that the auditor considers necessary, this
constitutes a scope limitation and the auditor
should express a qualified opinion or a disclaimer
of opinion. In such circumstances, the auditor
would evaluate any reliance placed on other
representations made by management during the
course of the audit and consider if the other
implications of the refusal may have any additional
effect on the auditor’s report.
96
Requested Written Representations Not Provided
■ If management does not provide one or more of the requested
written representations, the auditor shall:
(a) Discuss the matter with management;
(b) Re-evaluate the integrity of management and evaluate the effect that this
may have on the reliability of representations (oral or written) and audit
evidence in general; and
(c) Take appropriate actions, including determining the possible effect on
the opinion in the auditor’s report in accordance with ISA 705(revised),
having regard to the requirement in paragraph 24 of this ISA.
■ The auditor shall disclaim an opinion on the financial statements in
accordance with ISA 705 (Revised) if:
(a) The auditor concludes that there is sufficient doubt about the integrity of
management such that the written representations are not reliable; or
(b) Management does not provide the written representations required
97
Final Analytical Review
99
ISA 260 (Revised) Communications of Audit
Matters with Those Charged with Governance
The auditor should communicate audit matters
of governance interest arising from the audit of
financial statements with those charged with
governance of an entity.
Relevant Persons
The auditor should determine the relevant
persons who are charged with governance and
with whom audit matters of governance interest
are communicated.
100
Matters to be communicated (ISA 260 R)
■ The auditor shall communicate with those charged with governance the
responsibilities of the auditor in relation to the financial statement audit
■ The auditor shall communicate with those charged with governance an overview
of the planned scope and timing of the audit
■ Significant Findings from the Audit
The auditor’s views about significant qualitative aspects of the entity’s
accounting practices, including accounting policies, accounting estimates and
financial statement disclosures
Significant difficulties, if any, encountered during the audit
Other matters, if any, arising from the audit that, in the auditor’s professional
judgment, are significant to the oversight of the financial reporting process.
■ In the case of listed entities, the auditor shall communicate with those charged
with governance: A statement that the engagement team and others in the firm
as appropriate, the firm and, when applicable, network firms have complied with
relevant ethical requirements regarding independence
101
Communication-Form and
Timing
The auditor shall communicate in writing with those charged with
governance regarding significant findings from the audit if, in the
auditor’s professional judgment, oral communication would not be
adequate. Written communications need not include all matters that
arose during the course of the audit.
The auditor shall communicate in writing with those charged with
governance regarding auditor independence when required by paragraph
17. Timing of Communications
The auditor shall communicate with those charged with governance on
a timely basis.
Where matters required by this ISA to be communicated are
communicated orally, the auditor shall include them in the audit
documentation, and when and to whom they were communicated.
Where matters have been communicated in writing, the auditor shall
102
retain a copy of the communication as part of the audit documentation.
COMMUNICATING DEFICIENCIES IN INTERNAL CONTROL TO THOSE
CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (ISA 265)
■ The objective of the auditor is to communicate appropriately to those charged
with governance and management deficiencies in internal control that the
auditor has identified during the audit and that, in the auditor’s professional
judgment, are of sufficient importance to merit their respective attentions.
a) Deficiency in internal control – This exists when:
(i) A control is designed, implemented or operated in such a way that it is unable
to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements in the financial statements on a
timely basis; or
(ii) A control necessary to prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements in the
financial statements on a timely basis is missing.
(b) Significant deficiency in internal control – A deficiency or combination of
deficiencies in internal control that, in the auditor’s professional judgment, is
of sufficient importance to merit the attention of those charged with
governance
103
ISA 265 (Requirements)
The auditor shall determine whether, on the basis of the audit work
performed, the auditor has identified one or more deficiencies in
internal control. (Ref: Para. A1-A4)
If the auditor has identified one or more deficiencies in internal
control, the auditor shall determine, on the basis of the audit work
performed, whether, individually or in combination, they constitute
significant deficiencies. (Ref: Para. A5-A11)
The auditor shall communicate in writing significant deficiencies in
internal control identified during the audit to those charged with
governance on a timely basis.via management letter
The auditor shall include in the written communication of significant
deficiencies in internal control: (a) A description of the deficiencies
and an explanation of their potential effects; and (Ref: Para. A28) (b)
Sufficient information to enable those charged with governance and
management to understand the context of the communication
104
Significant Deficiencies in Internal
Control
The significance of a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in
internal control depends not only on whether a misstatement has actually
occurred, but also on the likelihood that a misstatement could occur and
the potential magnitude of the misstatement. Significant deficiencies
may therefore exist even though the auditor has not identified
misstatements during the audit.
Examples of matters that the auditor may consider in determining
whether a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control
constitutes a significant deficiency include: •
The likelihood of the deficiencies leading to material misstatements in
the financial statements in the future. • The susceptibility to loss or
fraud of the related asset or liability. • The subjectivity and complexity
of determining estimated amounts, such as fair value accounting
estimates. • The financial statement amounts exposed to the
deficiencies. • The volume of activity that has occurred or could occur in
the account balance or class of transactions exposed to the deficiency or
105
deficiencies.
Management letter
This letter intended to inform the client of auditor’s
recommendations for improving any part of the client’s
business.
Most recommendations focus on suggestions for more
efficient operations. Many audit firms write a management
letter for every audit to demonstrate to management that
the firm adds value to the business beyond the audit service
provided.
Their intent is to encourage a better relationship with the
management . A management letter is optional and
intended to help the client operate its business more
effectively.
Some auditors combine the management letter with the
letter about significant deficiencies of internal
106control
Final Analytical Review
109
2. Adequacy of accounts disclosure?
Review disclosure at the end of audit is NOT the
only time the auditor carries out the review,
must be an ongoing process
It is a final review
A checklist is used to guide auditor – Financial
Statement Disclosure Checklist
110
3. Audit documentation review
Reasons for audit documentation review
To evaluate the performance of inexperienced
personnel
To assure the firm’s standard of performance is
met
To counteract the potential bias of auditors’
judgment
To be done by someone experienced and
knowledgeable about the client and
circumstances
Assistant => Senior => Manager => Partner
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Quality Control review
For the audit of public listed companies, the
quality control standards (ISA 220 & ISQC 1)
require that an engagement quality control review
must be performed before the audit report is
issued
Thisis in addition to the final review of audit
documentation by engagement partner
The quality control reviewer is normally a partner
not associated or involved with the details of the
engagement
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4 - Independent review
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END OF LECTURE 4 & 5
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