Tnss f8 Full Note

AUDIT AND ASSURANCE
ACCA PAPER F8
STUDY NOTES
Contents
Section 1: Introduction to Paper F8
Section 2: Audit Framework and Regulation
Section 3: Planning and Risk Assessment
Section 4: Internal Control
Section 5: Audit Evidence
Section 6: Review and Reporting
TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 2

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION TO PAPER F8
The Audit and Assurance syllabus is essentially divided into five areas. The syllabus starts with
the nature, purpose and scope of assurance engagements, including the statutory audit, its
regulatory environment and introduces professional ethics relating to audit and assurance. It
then leads into planning and risk assessment audit. The syllabus then covers a range of
areas relating to an audit of financial statements including the scope of internal control. These
include, evaluating internal controls, audit evidence, and a review of the financial statements.
In addition to final review procedures, the final section concentrates on reporting, including
the form and content of the statutory audit report.
APPROACH TO EXAMINING THE SYLLABUS

The syllabus is assessed by a three-hour paper-based examination, consisting of fifteen
scenario-based multiple choice and three compulsory questions of 2 marks each. The bulk of
the questions will be discursive but some questions involving computational elements will be
set from time to time. The questions will cover all areas of the syllabus. Question 16, 17 and
18 will be a mixture of knowledge-based and application-based questions worth 30, 20 and
20 marks respectively.
AIM OF THE PAPER

To develop knowledge and understanding of the process of carrying out the assurance
engagement and its application in the context of the professional regulatory framework.
MAIN CAPABILITIES - on successful completion of this paper, candidates should be able to:
A. Explain the concept of audit and assurance and the functions of audit, corporate
governance, including ethics and professional conduct, describing the scope and
distinguishing between the functions of internal and external audit;
B. Demonstrate how the auditor obtains and accepts audit engagements obtains an
understanding of the entity and its environment, assesses the risk of material
misstatement (whether arising from fraud or other irregularities) and plans an audit of
financial statements
C. Describe and evaluate internal controls, techniques and audit tests, including IT
systems to identify and communicate control risks and their potential consequences,
making appropriate recommendations
D. Identify and describe the work and evidence obtained by the auditor and others
required to meet the objectives of audit engagements and the application of the
International Standards on Auditing
E. Explain how consideration of subsequent events and the going concern principle can
inform the conclusions from audit work and are reflected in different types of audit
report, written representations and the final review and report.

SECTION 2
AUDIT FRAMEWORK AND REGULATION

This is the first section of the F8 syllabus and the following topics are covered:
 The concept of audit and other assurance engagements, focusing on external audits
 Corporate governance
 Professional ethics and ACCA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct
 Internal audit, governance and the differences between external audit and internal audit
 The scope of the internal audit function, outsourcing and internal audit assignments
The need for and benefits of an assurance engagement
OBJECTIVES OF AN ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENT

Assurance engagement—An engagement in which a practitioner expresses a conclusion
designed to enhance the degree of confidence of the intended users other than the
responsible party about the outcome of the evaluation or measurement of a subject matter
against criteria.
ELEMENTS OF AN ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENT: Remember the acronym – CREST

 Criteria
 Report/Conclusion
 Evidence
 Subject matter and the Subject matter information
 Three parties
o Practitioner
o Intended user 3 parties relationship
o Responsible party
TYPES OF ASSURANCE
Under the “International Framework for Assurance Engagements” there are two types of
assurance engagement a practitioner is permitted to perform:
a) Reasonable assurance engagement—the objective of a reasonable assurance engagement
is a reduction in assurance engagement risk to an acceptably low level in the
circumstances of the engagement as the basis for a positive form of expression of the
practitioner’s conclusion. This type of assurance gives high but not an absolute assurance.
A typical example is an audit engagement
b) Limited assurance engagement—the objective of a limited assurance engagement is a
reduction in assurance engagement risk to a level that is acceptable in the circumstances
of the engagement, but where that risk is greater than for a reasonable assurance
engagement, as the basis for a negative form of expression of the practitioner’s
conclusion. This type gives a moderate level of assurance. An example is a review
engagement.

Assurance engagement risk—the risk that the practitioner expresses an inappropriate
conclusion when the subject matter information is materially misstated
OBJECTIVE OF AN AUDIT (ISA 200)

The objective of an audit of financial statements is to enable the auditor to express an opinion
whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with an
applicable financial reporting framework.
Brain Teaser - An audit cannot give an absolute assurance. Explain?
REVIEW ENGAGEMENT AND A NEGATIVE ASSURANCE

The objective of a review engagement is to enable an auditor to state whether, on the basis of
procedures which do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, anything
has come to the auditor’s attention that causes the auditor to believe that the financial
statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with an applicable
financial reporting framework.
As already explained, the practitioner gives a negative form of conclusion called a negative
assurance. Negative assurance is when a practitioner gives an assurance that nothing has
come to his attention which indicates that the financial statements have not been prepared in
accordance with an applicable financial reporting framework.
THE TRUE AND FAIR VIEW CONCEPT

 There is no statutory definition of true and fair.
 It can be used interchangeably with ‘in all material respect’.
 To show a true and fair view accounts must be:
o In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
o Objective i.e. free from bias.
o Based on verifiable evidence
o Based on reasonable estimates and accurate figures as far as possible.
o Free from distortion, concealment, or manipulation of material facts.
MATERIALITY
“Materiality” is defined in the International Accounting Standards Board’s “Conceptual
Framework for Financial Reporting” in the following terms: “Information is material if its
omission or misstatement could influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis
of the financial statements.”
Auditing principle
The auditor should consider materiality and its relationship with audit risk when conducting an
audit. If audit risk is assessed as high, then materiality level is most likely to be low.
Since the objective of an audit of financial statements is to enable the auditor to express an
opinion whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance
with an applicable financial reporting framework, the assessment of what is material is a
matter of professional judgment.

In designing the audit plan, the auditor establishes an acceptable materiality level so as to
detect quantitatively material misstatements. However, both the amount (quantity) and nature
(quality) of misstatements need to be considered. Examples of qualitative misstatements
would be:
 the inadequate or improper description of an accounting policy when it is likely that a

user of the financial statements would be misled by the description, and
 Failure to disclose the breach of regulatory requirements when it is likely that the
consequent imposition of regulatory restrictions will significantly impair operating
capability.
The auditor considers materiality at both the overall financial statement level and in relation to
classes of transactions, account balances, and disclosures. This process may result in
different materiality levels depending on the aspect of the financial statements being
considered.
As a guide for the exams: 0.5% of TURNOVER, 5% of PBT and 2% of TOTAL ASSETS.
Materiality should be considered by the auditor when:

(a) Determining the nature, timing and extent of audit procedures; and
(b) Evaluating the effect of misstatements.
If the auditor has identified a material misstatement resulting from fraud or error, the auditor
should communicate the misstatement to the appropriate level of management on a timely
basis, and consider the need to report it to those charged with governance in accordance with
ISA 260 “Communication of Audit Matters with Those Charged with Governance.”
Factor affecting the materiality decision of the auditor:

 Results of risk assessment
 First vs. Recurring audit.
 Degree of estimation required for an item
 Critical points
 Level of offsetting.

CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
This topic area covers the following:
 Fundamental principles
 Conceptual framework
 Safeguards.
 Specific threats to independence and possible safeguards
 Confidentiality
 Changes in professional appointment
 Obtaining professional work
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
In order to achieve the objectives of the accountancy profession, professional accountants
have to observe a number of prerequisites or fundamental principles.
These fundamental principles are:

Integrity: A professional accountant should be straightforward and honest in performing
professional services.
Objectivity: A professional accountant should be fair and should not allow prejudice or bias,
conflict of interest or influence of others to override objectivity.
Professional Competence and Due Care: A professional accountant should perform

professional services with due care, competence and diligence and has a continuing duty to
maintain professional knowledge and skill at a level required to ensure that a client or
employer receives the advantage of competent professional service based on up-to-date
developments in practice, legislation and techniques.
Confidentiality: A professional accountant should respect the confidentiality of information

acquired during the course of performing professional services and should not use or disclose
any such information without proper and specific authority or unless there is a legal or
professional right or duty to disclose.
Professional Behaviour: A professional accountant should act in a manner consistent with the
good reputation of the profession and refrain from any conduct which might bring discredit to
the profession. A professional accountant should carry out professional services in
accordance with the relevant technical and professional standards.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The Code set out that in operating member may come up against threats to the fundamental
principles. These are more popularly called threats to independence and they fall under five
categories:
Self-Interest Threat: this occur when a firm or a member of the assurance team could benefit
from a financial interest in, or other self-interest conflict with, an assurance client. Examples
of circumstances that may create this threat include, but are not limited to:

• A direct financial interest or material indirect financial interest in an assurance client;
• A loan or guarantee to or from an assurance client or any of its directors or officers.
Self-Review Threat: this occurs when:

(1) any product or judgment of a previous assurance engagement or non-assurance
engagement needs to be re-evaluated in reaching conclusions on the assurance
engagement , or
(2) When a member of the assurance team was previously a director or officer of the
assurance client, or was an employee in a position to exert direct and significant influence
over the subject matter of the assurance engagement.
Advocacy Threat: this occurs when a firm, or a member of the assurance team, promotes, or
may be perceived to promote, an assurance client’s position or opinion to the point that
objectivity may, or may be perceived to be, compromised. Such may be the case if a firm or a
member of the assurance team were to subordinate their judgment to that of the client.
Examples of circumstances that may create this threat include:

• Dealing in, or being a promoter of, shares or other securities in an assurance client; and
• Acting as an advocate on behalf of an assurance client in litigation,
Familiarity Threat: this occurs when, by virtue of a close relationship with an assurance client,
its directors, officers or employees, a firm or a member of the assurance team becomes too
sympathetic to the client’s interests.
Examples of circumstances that may create this threat include, but are not limited to:
 A member of the assurance team having an immediate family member or close family
member who, as an employee of the assurance client, is in a position to exert direct
and significant influence over the subject matter of the assurance engagement;
 Long association of a senior member of the assurance team with the assurance client
Intimidation Threat: this occurs when a member of the assurance team may be deterred from
acting objectively and exercising professional skepticism by threats, actual or perceived, from
the directors, officers or employees of an assurance client.
Examples of circumstances that may create this threat include, but are not limited to:
 Threat of replacement over a disagreement with the application of an accounting
principle; and
 Pressure to reduce inappropriately the extent of work performed in order to reduce fees.
SAFEGUARD
Safeguards fall into the following categories:

Safeguards created by the profession, legislation or regulation, include:
quality control system; and
Safeguards within the assurance client include:

 When the assurance client’s management appoints the firm, persons other than
management ratify or approve the appointment;
 The assurance client has competent employees to make managerial decisions;
 Policies and procedures that emphasize the assurance client’s commitment to fair
financial reporting;
 Internal procedures that ensure objective choices in commissioning non-assurance
engagements; and
 A corporate governance structure, such as an audit committee, that provides
appropriate oversight and communications regarding a firm’s services.
Safeguards within the audit firm:

 Firm leadership that stresses the importance of independence and the expectation
that members of assurance teams will act in the public interest;
 Second partner review, peer review;
 Rotation of senior personnel e.g. engagement partner
 Policies and procedures to ensure members of the assurance team do not make, or
assume responsibility for, management decisions for the assurance client;
 Removing an individual from the assurance team, when that individual’s financial
interests or relationships create a threat to independence
 Using different partners and teams with separate reporting lines for the provision of
non-assurance services to an assurance client e.g. tax services.
 Training and education, disciplinary procedures.
 Discussing independence issues with the audit committee or others charged with
governance;
Safeguards created by individuals:

 Professional development requirement
 Keeping record of contentious issues.
 Using a mentor.
 Keeping contact with professional bodies.

SPECIFIC AREAS OF THREAT TO INDEPENDENCE
Undue dependence on an audit client (size of fees):
When the total fees generated by an assurance client represent a large proportion of a firm’s
total fees, the dependence on that client or client group and concern about the possibility of
losing the client may create a self-interest threat. The significance of the threat will depend
upon factors such as:
 The structure of the firm; and
 Whether the firm is well established or newly created.
Safeguards might include:
Taking steps to reduce dependency on the client;
onsulting a third party e.g. professional regulatory body, another professional accountant.
ACCA however sets out general guidelines for firms. It recommends that in general the
recurring work paid by one client or group of connected client should not exceed 15% of the
gross practice income (10% in case of listed or other public interest companies).
Beneficial interest in share and other investment:

A financial interest in a client constitutes a substantial self-interest threat. According to both
ACCA and IFAC the following parties are not allowed to own a direct financial interest or a
material indirect financial interest in an audit client:
The extent of the threat depends:
Possible safeguards:
forming the client’s audit committee
Family and personal relationship:

Family and personal relationships between a member of the assurance team and a director,
an officer or certain employees, depending on their role, of the assurance client, may create
self-interest, familiarity or intimidation threats. The significance will depend upon a number of
factors including:
 the individual’s responsibilities on the assurance engagement,

 the closeness of the relationship and
 the role of the family member or other individual within the assurance client.
When an immediate family member of a member of the assurance team is a director, an

officer or an employee of the assurance client in a position to exert direct and significant
influence over the subject matter of the assurance engagement, the threats to independence
can only be reduced to an acceptable level by removing the individual from the assurance
team.

 Removing the individual from the assurance team;
 Where possible, structuring the responsibilities of the assurance team so that the
professional does not deal with matters that are within the responsibility of the close
family member; or
 Policies and procedures to empower staff to communicate to senior levels within the firm
any issue of independence and objectivity that concerns them.
Employment with assurance client:

A firm or a member of the assurance team’s independence may be threatened if a director, an
officer or an employee of the assurance client in position to exert direct and significant
influence over the subject matter of the assurance engagement has been a member of the
assurance team or partner of the firm.
Similarly, a member of the assurance team’s independence may be threatened when an

individual knows or have reasons to believe that he or she is to, or may, join the assurance
client in the near future.
Factors to consider:
(a) The position the individual has taken at the assurance client.
(b) The amount of any involvement the individual will have with the assurance team.
(c) The length of time that has passed since the individual was involved in the audit.
(d) The former position of the individual within the assurance team or firm.

 Modifying the assurance plan for the assurance engagement;
 Assigning an assurance team to the subsequent assurance engagement that is of sufficient
experience in relation to the individual who has joined the assurance client;
 Quality control review of the assurance engagement.
 Policies and procedures to require the individual to notify the firm when entering serious
employment negotiations with the assurance client.
 Removal of the individual from the assurance engagement.
 Consideration should be given to performing an independent review of any significant
judgments made by that individual while on the engagement.
ACCA provides that a key audit partner should not accept a key management position with a
former audit client unless at least two years has elapsed since that partner was involved with
the audit.

Close business relationship with an assurance client:
Unless clearly insignificant, an assurance provider should not participate in any close biz
relationship (e.g. a joint venture) with an assurance client. Safeguards may not reduce this
threat and the firm may either end the assurance service or terminate the biz relationship.
Long association of senior personnel with assurance client:

Using the same senior personnel on an assurance engagement over a long period of time may
create a familiarity threat. The significance of the threat will depend upon factors such as:
 The length of time that the individual has been a member of the assurance team;
 The role of the individual on the assurance team;
 The structure of the firm; and
 The nature of the assurance engagement.

• Rotating the senior personnel off the assurance team;
• Involving an independent professional accountant.
• Independent internal quality reviews.
The following rules exist for the audit of listed or other public interest entities (ACCA):
 The engagement partner should be rotated after a pre-defined period, normally no more
than five years, and should not return to the engagement until a period of five years has
elapsed;
 Other key members of the audit team should be rotated after a pre-defined period, normally
no more than seven years, and should not return to the engagement until a period of two
years (or five years if returning as engagement partner) has elapsed.
Please note that in practice rotation may not be possible due to:
Possible safeguards should however be applied (see above).

Actual or threatened litigation:
When litigation takes place, or appears likely, between the firm or a member of the assurance
team and the assurance client, a self-interest or intimidation threat may be created.
The significance of the threat created will depend upon such factors as:
re of the assurance engagement; and
Safeguards include:
 Disclosing to the audit committee, the extent and nature of the litigation;
 If the litigation involves a member of the assurance team, removing that individual from
the assurance team; or Independent review.
If such safeguards do not reduce the threat to an appropriate level, the only appropriate
action is to withdraw from, or refuse to accept, the assurance engagement.

Gifts and hospitality:
Accepting gifts or hospitality from an assurance client may create self-interest and familiarity
threat. When a firm or a member of the assurance team accepts gifts or hospitality, unless the
value is clearly insignificant, the threats to independence cannot be reduced to an acceptable
level by the application of any safeguard. Consequently, a firm or a member of the assurance
team should not accept such gifts or hospitality.
Loans and guarantees:

A firm or member of the audit team should not make or accept a loan or guarantee in relation
to an assurance client who is not a bank or similar institution. Loans from clients that are
relevant financial institution should be on normal commercial terms as these are acceptable
but the loan cannot be applied for partnership capital or partner concerned must not be the
engagement partner.
Overdue fees:
A self-interest threat may be created if fees due from an assurance client for professional
services remain unpaid for a long time. Generally the payment of such fees should be required
before the report is issued and firms should avoid fees building up unnecessarily. The
following safeguards may be applicable:
 Discussing the level of outstanding fees with the audit committee or others charged
with governance.
 Involving an additional professional accountant who did not take part in the assurance
engagement to provide advice or review the work performed.
The firm should also consider whether the overdue fees might be regarded as being
equivalent to a loan to the client and whether, because of the significance of the overdue
fees, it is appropriate for the firm to be reappointed.
Provision of non-assurance services to assurance clients:
Preparation of accounting records and financial statement (Self review threat)

Auditors routinely assist management with the preparation financial statement and give
advice about accounting treatments and journal entries. For assurance clients that are not
listed routine accounting and bookkeeping services that are routine, mechanical, or of a
technical nature are allowable provided that appropriate safeguards are in place e.g.
obtaining client approval for work undertaken, using separate staff.
Accounting work should not be performed for a listed or public interest company unless an
emergency arises.
For any client, auditors are not allowed to make management decisions e.g.
(a) Determine or change journal entries without client approval
(b) Authorize or approve transactions
(c) Prepare source documents

Other services include but not limited to: taxation services, recruitment for senior
management position, provision of corporate finance services, valuation services, IT systems
services etc.
Contingent fees - Firms should not accept fees contingent on the outcome of the engagement
in relation to an audit.
Pricing: Audit firms are entitled charge what fee they like for professional services, but a fee
significantly lower than market rate (i.e. lowballing) might be a threat to the auditor being seen
as independent unless the audit firm can prove that appropriate time and staff are delegated
to the task and that professional standards are met.
Second and other opinions: If a company is unhappy with the audit opinion which it receives or
may receive from its current auditors, then it might approach other audit firms for a second
opinion. There are two potential problems with this situation:
 The approached firm may form a negligent opinion because they are not necessarily in
possession of all material facts and information.
 The original auditor may be put under pressure to accept the second opinion.
(intimidation and self-interest threat)
Where a company approaches a member (who is not the auditor) for a second opinion on the
treatment of items in the financial statements, the member should contact the company’s
auditor (after obtaining the company’s permission) to obtain all necessary information and
relevant facts required to formulate a professional judgement. If the company refuses to give
permission the member should decline to act.
Recent services with an assurance client: If during the period covered by the assurance report
or preceding two years on which a report was given by the firm, a member of the assurance
team had served as an officer or director of the assurance client, or had been an employee in
a position to exert direct and significant influence over the subject matter information of the
assurance engagement, the threat created would be so significant that no safeguard could
reduce the threat to an acceptable level. Consequently, such individuals should not be
assigned to the assurance team.
In other situations the significance of the threats will depend upon factors such as:
 the position the individual held with the assurance client;
 the length of time that has passed since the individual left the assurance client;
 the role the individual plays on the assurance team
The significance of the threat should be evaluated and, if the threat is other than clearly
insignificant, safeguards should be considered and applied as necessary to reduce the threat
to an acceptable level. Such safeguards might include:
a) involving an additional professional accountant to review the work done by the
individual as part of the assurance team or otherwise advise as necessary;
b) discussing the issue with those charged with governance, such as the audit committee

CONFIDENTIALITY
Information confidential to a client acquired in the course of professional work should not be
disclosed except where consent has been obtained from the client or where there is a public
duty to do so or where there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose. A member
should neither use nor appear to use that information for his personal advantage or for the
advantage of a third party
Where a member is in any doubt, the matter should initially be discussed fully within his firm.
If it fails to resolve the problem, he should consider taking legal advice or consult the
Association. An accountant should only act for a client on the understanding that the client will
make full disclosure. If during the course of an engagement, the client fails to furnish all the
information considered necessary, the accountant should disclose this in his report
The auditor has neither a general right nor duty to make unauthorized disclosures to the tax
authorities, police or anybody. There are however, circumstances in which he is free to
disclose information regardless of his client’s wishes, and circumstances in which he has an
obligation to do so.
These are recognised exceptions to the general rule:

 Obligatory disclosure include:
o On a court’s order,
o If a member knows or suspects his client to have committed treason, drug trafficking,
terrorist offences, money laundering.
o Under ISA 250, the auditor may have a responsibility to disclose significant non-
compliance with laws and regulations in his report
 Voluntary disclosure include: In certain cases members are free to disclose information,
whatever its nature. These circumstances fall into four categories of disclosure:
o in the public interest;
o to protect a member's interests; e.g. in case the member is involved in a litigation,
o to a statutory authority: there are other cases of express statutory provisions where disclosure of
information to a proper authority overrides any duty of confidentiality Members should refer to the
legislation relevant to the economic sector where their clients operate.
o to a non-governmental body
When considering whether or not disclosure is justified, members should take the following
into account:
a) the relative size of the amounts involved and the extent of the likely financial damage
b) whether members of the public are likely to be affected;
c) the possibility or likelihood of repetition;
d) the reasons for the client's unwillingness to disclose the matters to the proper authority;
e) the gravity of the matter;
f) relevant legislation, accounting standards and auditing standards, etc.;

CHANGES IN PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
A member of the profession who is asked to accept nomination as auditor should, where
applicable, request the prospective client’s permission to communicate with the present
auditor by means of a professional etiquette letter. If permission is refused or if the existing
auditor is refused permission to respond to the request, the prospective auditor should
decline the appointment.
Professional etiquette letter is written to inform the present auditor of the nomination as
(1) a matter of professional courtesy and;
(2) to ascertain whether there are any circumstances concerning the change of auditor which
might affect the proposed auditor’s decision on whether to accept the nomination.
Reasons for change of auditors:

1. the present auditor is too large/small for the client
2. some ethical impediment to continuing the engagement
3. change in control or ownership of the client
4. present auditor may be too expensive
5. conflicts of interest threatening objectivity and independence
6. loss of confidence
7. dispute over issues such as accounting policies
8. personality clash
Where the auditor feels aggrieved by his proposed removal he normally has a statutory right
under national legislation to make representations to the shareholders.
Transfer of books, papers and information

Once a new auditor has been appointed the former auditors should ensure that all books and
papers belonging to their clients, in their possession, are transferred except where they can
claim to exercise a “right of lien
OBTAINING PROFESSIONAL WORK
Advertising
For Audit firms to attract new clients and maximize their income, they rely mainly on
reputation and recommendation. The ACCA’s rules on advertising and publicity require that
material may not:
 bring ACCA into disrepute or discredit the firm or accountancy profession,
 discredit the services offered by others,
 be misleading,
 fall short of any relevant codes on advertising standards in the relevant jurisdiction,
 In advertisement, references to fees are best avoided but may mention the basis on
which fees will be charged.
Advertising fees:
 It is inappropriate to include information about fees in short adverts because it is difficult
to explain the services represented by a single fee.

 In longer adverts the basis of fees, hourly rates, etc. should be clearly stated.
 Key issue; avoid misleading clients. Free consultation may be appropriate.
 Commission offered to third parties for referral of clients should be disclosed to the client.
Tendering: the process of quoting a fee for work before the work is carried out. Issues to
consider before submitting a tender:
o Can the firm do the work professionally at a low fee?
o Is there any independence / professional / legal reasons why the firm should not
tender?
o Any conflict of interest?
o Does the firm have the expertise and technical competence to do the audit?
o Are there any special / business reasons for wanting the audit? (e.g. a strategy to enter
an industry)
 Client management integrity and a consideration on what audit risks might arise?
Are there any perceived problems with the current audit or auditors?`
Content of the proposal:

 Fees and how it has been calculated
 an outline of how the firm intends to meet the requirement of the client
 an outline of the firm and its personnel
 the proposed audit methodology
 the ability of the firm to offer other services etc.
How companies select their auditors after a tender depends on so many factors which
includes, fees, reputation, expertise, geographical spread, size and availability of other
services.
PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Consideration of fraud and error…………………………………….ISA 240
Consideration of laws and regulations………………………………ISA 250
Terms of audit engagement…………………………………………ISA 210
Fraud and error
Fraud is an intentional act by one or more individuals among management, those charged
with governance, employees, or third parties, involving the use of deception to obtain an
unjust or illegal advantage. (IAASB).
Two types of fraud relevant to the auditor according to ISA 240 are:
1. Fraudulent financial reporting; and
2. Misappropriation of assets
Fraudulent financial reporting involves intentional misstatements including omissions of

amounts or Disclosures in financial statements to deceive financial statement users.
Fraudulent financial reporting may be accomplished by the following:
 Manipulation, falsification (including forgery), or alteration of accounting records or
supporting documentation from which the financial statements are prepared.
 Misrepresentation in, or intentional omission from, the financial statements of events,
transactions or other significant information.
 Intentional misapplication of accounting principles and standards
‘Error’ refers to the unintentional misapplication of accounting policies, oversights or

misinterpretations of fact and clerical errors. If a material error has been identified but has not
been corrected, it becomes an irregularity, i.e. an unintentional act is converted to an
intentional one.
A misstatement is quite simply something stated wrongly or inaccurately, either in terms of

amounts in the financial statements or, for example, descriptions or narrative concerning
matters included.
Director responsibility
Management is responsible for the prevention and detection of fraud and error through the
implementation and operation of adequate accounting and internal control systems.
Auditor’s responsibility:
The auditor has no responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud and error although
the annual audit may act as a deterrent. An auditor conducting an audit should obtain
reasonable assurance that the financial statements taken as a whole are free from material
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. An auditor should design audit procedures to
obtain reasonable assurance that those frauds and errors which are material and might
impair the truth and fairness have not occurred, or that if they have occurred they have either
been corrected or properly disclosed in the financial statements. Due to the inherent
limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements will not
be detected even though the audit is properly planned and performed.
The auditor should maintain an attitude of professional skepticism throughout the audit,
recognising the possibility that a material misstatement due to fraud could exist,
notwithstanding the auditor's past experience with the entity about the honesty and integrity
of management and those charged with governance.
Professional skepticism can be referred to as an attitude that includes a questioning mind

and a critical assessment of evidence
Other responsibilities of the auditor:

 Fraud risk factor consideration
 Obtaining adequate understanding of the accounting and internal control systems
 Team discussion and documentation of facts
 Consideration of potential effects of any fraud and error identified
 Modified or additional procedures in the light of fraud indicators
 Obtain management confirmation of responsibility
Reporting responsibilities;
 Discuss with an appropriate level of management
 Report to those charged with governance (Board of directors, Audit committee)
 Report to the users of the audit report
 Report to the Regulatory and Enforcement authorities
 Withdrawal may be an option
Auditors will increasingly be seen as guardians against fraud and error. Perhaps the future of
fraud and error prevention and detection lies in distinct assurance engagements for this
purpose rather than in the annual audit.
Consideration of laws and regulation (ISA 250)

Non-compliance with laws and regulations may lead to material misstatements in the financial
statements and all non-compliance has implications for the integrity of management and
employees. It is the management’s responsibility to prevent and detect non-compliance.
Principle: When planning and performing audit procedures and in evaluating and reporting the
results, the auditor should recognize that non-compliance with laws and regulations may
materially affect the financial statements.
Auditors’ responsibility:
 Obtaining an understanding of relevant laws and regulations
 ISA 250 requires the auditor to plan and perform the audit with an attitude of
professional skepticism recognizing that the audit reveal conditions or events that
would lead to questioning whether an entity is complying with laws and regulations.
 Design and perform audit procedures in such a way that material non-compliance with
relevant laws and regulation are identified.
After obtaining the general understanding, the auditor should perform further audit
procedures to help identify instances of non-compliance with those laws and regulations
where non-compliance should be considered when preparing financial statements,
specifically:
– Inquiring of management as to whether the entity is in compliance with such laws and
regulations; and
– Inspecting correspondence with the relevant licensing or regulatory authorities.
Further, the auditor should obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about compliance with
those laws and regulations generally recognized by the auditor to have an effect on the
determination of material amounts and disclosures in financial statements. The auditor
should have a sufficient understanding of these laws and regulations in order to consider
them when auditing the assertions related to the determination of the amounts to be recorded
and the disclosures to be made.
The auditor should obtain written representations that management has disclosed to the
auditor all known actual or possible noncompliance with laws and regulations whose effects
should be considered when preparing financial statements.
When the auditor believes there may be noncompliance, the auditor should document the
findings and discuss them with management. When adequate information about the

suspected noncompliance cannot be obtained, the auditor should consider the effect of the
lack of sufficient appropriate audit evidence on the auditor’s report. The auditor should
consider the implications of noncompliance in relation to other aspects of the audit,
particularly the reliability of management representations
Reporting non-compliance
First to the appropriate level of management depending on its materiality and the individuals
involved (if any)
User of the audit report

If the auditor concludes that the noncompliance has a material effect on the financial
statements, and has not been properly reflected in the financial statements, or if the auditor
is precluded by management or circumstance from obtaining sufficient appropriate audit
evidence to evaluate whether noncompliance that may be material to the financial
statements, has, or is likely to have, occurred, the auditor should give an appropriate
modification to the audit report
To Regulatory and Enforcement Authorities

The auditor’s duty of confidentiality would ordinarily preclude reporting noncompliance to a
third party. However, in certain circumstances, that duty of confidentiality is overridden by
statute, law or by courts of law (for example, in some countries the auditor is required to
report noncompliance by financial institutions to the supervisory authorities). The auditor may
need to seek legal advice in such circumstances, giving due consideration to the auditor’s
responsibility to the public interest.
Withdrawal from the engagement may be considered where for example the auditor
concludes that no remedial action is taken as appropriate and senior management is involved
TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT AND THE ENGAGEMENT LETTER

The letter of engagement is a letter sent by the auditor (or accountant) to his client at the
beginning of any new audit (or accountancy work). It serves the following purposes:
– sets out the terms of the engagement,
– forms the basis of the contract and
– aims to avoid any misunderstanding between the client and the auditor.
Contents of engagement letter

 objective of the audit and management’s responsibility for the financial statements
 Unrestricted access to whatever records, documentation and other information requested
in connection with the audit; and
 Management’s responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective internal control.
 Request for the client to confirm the terms of the engagement by acknowledging receipt of
the engagement letter.
 Description of any other letters or reports the auditor expects to issue to the client.
 the scope of the work including reference to legislation and professional standards,
 a description of audit procedures including their inherent limitations,
 forms of report to be issued,
 audit timing and basis for fee computation

Recurring engagement.
On recurring audits, the auditor should consider whether circumstances require the terms of
the engagement to be revised and whether there is need to remind the client of the existing
terms of the engagement. The auditor may decide not to send a new engagement letter each
period. However, the following factors may make it appropriate to send a new letter:
 Any indication that the client misunderstands the objective and scope of the audit.
 Any revised or special terms of the engagement.
 A recent change of senior management or those charged with governance.
 A significant change in ownership, nature or size of the client’s business.
 Legal or regulatory requirements.
INTERNAL AUDIT AND REVIEW

Internal auditing is an independent appraisal activity established within an entity as a service
to the entity. Its functions include, amongst other things, examining, evaluating and
monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control. Internal auditors provide
assurance about a sound internal control system which enhances the reliability of the external
financial information of the employer. (IAASB). In accordance with the UK Turnbull report, the
need for an internal audit function is influenced by:
 Scale, diversity and complexity of company’s operations.
 Number of Employees.
 Cost-benefit considerations.
 Changes in key risks.
 Changes in organizational structures, systems and processes.
 Increase number of unexplained or unacceptable events.
 Problems with internal control systems.
Distinction between internal and external audit

Although many of the techniques internal and external auditors use are similar, the basis and
reasoning of their work are different.
Scope - External audit is focused on the financial statements, whereas the internal audit is focused on
the operations of the entire business.
Purpose: Internal audit is an activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations
while external audit is an exercise to enable auditors to express an opinion on the financial
statements.
Reporting line: Internal audit reports to the board of directors, or other people charged with
governance, such as the audit committee and such reports are for internal consumption only
by the directors and management of the company, while the external auditors report to the
shareholders or members of a company on the truth and fairness of the accounts, this report
usually is publicly available.
Relationship: Internal auditors are very often employees of the organization, although sometimes the

internal audit function is outsourced. External auditors are independent of the company and
its management. They are appointed by the shareholders.
Regulation: Internal auditing is not regulated in the same ways as statutory external auditing. There are no
legal requirements associated with becoming an internal auditor. Internal auditor's work is set by
company policy. In contrast to external auditors, internal auditors are not required to be members of a
professional body such as the ACCA.
Reports - external auditor’s reports are also highly regulated both professionally and statutorily. For
example, ISA 700 and 701 contains detailed guidance on the format of both unmodified and
modified reports respectively. This is not so for internal audit reports as there is no standard
form of presentation.
Scope and objectives of the internal audit function

 Review of accounting and internal control (financial and otherwise) systems for adequacy of
design and operating effectiveness.
 Review of the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
 Review of compliance with external laws and regulations and internal policies.
 Examination of financial and operating information to assess its adequacy, relevance and
reliability
 Identification of key business risks and assessment of risk management strategies for
operating effectiveness.
 Review and assessment of systems, policy and other strategic implementations.
 Carrying out special investigations into particular areas.
 Review of and advising on corporate governance procedures
Limitations of the internal audit function

Threats to independence majorly as a result of:
– Involvement in systems design and implementation may create a self-review threat.
– Familiarity threat often due to present or past involvement in operational activities.
– Reporting relationships.
 Variation of standards: approaches to internal audit vary significantly across industries.

While some are moving to a more consultancy type approach, others continue to perform
the traditional checking approach
 Cost-benefit considerations, skill shortages, scope conflict are other limitations.
SPECIAL INTERNAL AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS

Internal audit can be involved in many different assignments as directed by management.
These include:
1. Value for money (VFM) audits: this is concerned with obtaining the best possible
combination of services for the least resources. It is therefore the pursuit of the 3Es i.e.

Economy: attaining the appropriate quantity and quality of physical, human and financial
resources (inputs) at lowest cost.
Efficiency: this is the relationship between goods or services produced (outputs) and the
resources used to produce them. An efficient operation produces the maximum output for any
given set of resource inputs, or it has minimum inputs for any given quantity and quality of
product or service provided.
Effectiveness: this is concerned with how well an activity is achieving its targeted objectives.
The internal auditors will evaluate these three factors for any business system or operation in
the company. Value for money can often only be judged by comparison. In searching for value
for money, present methods of operation and uses of resources must be compared with
suitable alternatives.
Problems with VFM auditing: s w

 Defining objectives and measuring effectiveness is usually a subjective process especially for
not-for profit organization (NFPs) which mostly sets non-financial objectives.
 Conflict: There is usually a tradeoff between achieving economy, efficiency and
effectiveness
 Over-emphasis in cost control: There can be an emphasis with VFM audits on costs and cost control
rather than achieving more benefits and value, thus concentrating on short term benefits at
the expense of future growth
2. Best value: 'Best value' is a requirement for organizations to demonstrate the achievement of
the ‘4Cs’ and effective service delivery. It is a performance framework introduced into local
authorities by the UK government. It is of more prominence in the public sector and for NFPs.
In order to achieve best value, an organization must strive for continuous improvement by
implementing the '4 Cs' i.e.
Challenge: this involves identifying the different options for providing services and questioning
the status quo.
Compare: Services provided must be compared to that of other local authorities and the
private sector in order to determine areas where improvement is needed.
Consult : In setting performance targets, service users should be consulted.
Compete : competition should be used as a means of securing efficient and effective
services.
Internal audit's role is to:

 ensure that the authority has arrangements in place to achieve best value.
 take part in carrying out position audits;
 serve as an assurance provider in terms of whether best value objectives are being
achieved or not.
 ensure that the authority keeps abreast of best value developments.
3. IT auditing: is a specialist type of work that involves reviewing and reporting on all
aspects of information systems including hardware, application and systems development.
This includes identifying key IT risks, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of general and
application controls.

OPERATIONAL INTERNAL AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS:
It is basically about ensuring policies are adequate and effective. This could include:
Procurement is the process of purchasing for the business. A procurement audit will therefore
concentrate on the systems of the purchasing department and ensure it operates according to
company guidelines.
Human resource : People are the most important assets an organization, without them money and
machine cannot achieve anything. HR department is not only charged with recruiting able
hands, they also assist them in meeting the organization needs by enhancing individual staff
skills.
Marketing is the very important process for increasing the demand for company's products.
The internal auditor ensures that marketing systems policies are adhered to.
Treasury entails managing funds and ensuring that they are available when needed .Treasury
invest excess funds and borrow funds thus exposing the organization to risk. Internal auditor is
thus ensures that risks are managed in line with company procedure.
FOCAL POINT : the study guide specifically requires an understanding of the nature and
purpose of the above operational areas. It would be helpful that candidates understand the
key risks and possible controls in each area. Also, see the note on REPORTING for a detailed
review of internal audit reports
Outsourcing the internal audit function

Advantages/Reasons:
a. Internal audit staff can be used from a broader source of experts e.g. professional firms that may
specialize
b. in the particular type of organization.
c. Reduces the risk of high turnover or loss of staff from the internal audit dept.
d. Outsourcing can provide an immediate internal audit department.
e. Contracting out could increase independence, since staff from an external firm will need to
comply with robust ethical guidelines and are more likely to be rotated to avoid close working
relationship building up.
f. Skills required for only a short time each year can be provided without incurring
excessive costs of maintaining an in-house expertise.
g. It could provide access to new market place techniques without the need for significant
investment or in-house development. The specialist firm is more likely to be in line with
current developments.
h. Generally, less management time is dedicated to internal audit and more time to other
core activities.
i. There is greater focus on cost and efficiency in the internal audit function.
Disadvantages
 Threats to independence and objectivity if the external audit service is provided by the same firm.
 Standards of performance and service may fall once the contract has been secured and
previous team disbanded.

 Confidentiality of organization information may become an issue.
 The cost of outsourcing the internal audit function might be high enough to justify an
in-house dept.
 ‘Lock in’ effects.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. (Report of Cadbury
committee which identified the following:
 Directors: responsible for corporate governance

 Shareholders: (owners) linked to the directors by the financial statements
 Other relevant parties: such as employees, customers and suppliers (stakeholders)
The day-to-day running of a company is the responsibility of the directors and other management staff to
whom they delegate, and although the company's results are submitted for shareholders' approval at the
AGM, there is often apathy and acquiescence in directors’ recommendations.
AGMs are often very poorly attended. For these reasons, there is the potential for conflicts of
interest between management and shareholders.
The importance of good corporate governance was summed up by another report to the UK
government: 'good governance ensures that the constituencies (Stakeholders) with a relevant interest in
the company's business are fully taken into account' (Hampel Committee Report, 1998).
Voluntary codes
An important question to consider is 'will the same way of managing companies be the best
method for all companies?' The answer is likely to be no. Companies are different from each
other, and globally, they operate in different legal systems with different institutions, frameworks and
traditions. It would not be possible to construct one single way of operating companies that could
be described as good practice for all.
The key issue in corporate governance is that 'a high degree of priority [is] placed on the interests of
shareholders, who place their trust in corporations to use their investment funds wisely and
effectively'. Bear in mind that, as companies are different, so might these shareholders be. Shareholders
in a company might be a family, they might be the general public or they might be institutional investors
representing, in particular, people's future pensions. These shareholders will vary in their degree of
interaction with the company and their directors.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

In the context of this great variety in the basic element of these companies, the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has established a number of principles of
Corporate Governance, which were issued in 1999 and reviewed in 2004, and which serve as a
reference point for countries (to develop corporate governance codes if they so wish) and companies.

The UK has developed the Combined Code, which is recommended best practice for companies, particularly
listed companies.
Advantages of voluntary codes

 They maintain their flexibility to suit all the different situations in which companies operates
 Selective application, where certain elements of codes do not seem relevant to certain
companies (particularly smaller or owner-managed companies).
 Cost saving (unnecessary implementation costs).
Disadvantages of voluntary codes
 Danger of some companies will not comply with the codes
 lack of comparability in the market
Solutions
In order to obtain the best of the advantages and avoid the worst disadvantages, countries may
take a hybrid approach and make some elements of corporate governance mandatory and some
voluntary. For instance in the UK, companies are required to comply with legislation (such as the
Companies Act) and there is also a voluntary corporate governance code, the Combined Code, which
contains some mandatory elements for companies which are listed on the Stock exchange.
OECD and Combined Code principles of corporate governance

 Protection of shareholders' rights.
 Equitable treatment of all shareholders (minority and foreign shareholders).
 Recognition of the rights of stakeholders as established by law
 Active co-operation between corporations and stakeholders in creating wealth, jobs and the
sustainability of financially sound enterprises.
 Timely and accurate disclosure on all material matters (the financial situation,
performance ownership and governance the company)
 Strategic guidance of the company, the effective monitoring of management by the board,
and the board's accountability to the company and the shareholders
The board
 Every company should be headed by an effective board, which is collectively responsible
for the success of the company.
 A clear division of responsibilities at the head of the company between the running of the
board and the executive responsibility for the running of the company's business.
 No one individual should have unfettered powers of decision.
 A balance executive and non-executive directors (and in particular independent non-

executive directors) such that no individual or small group of individuals can dominate
the board's decision taking.
 A formal rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment directors.

 The board should be supplied in a timely manner with information in a form and of a quality
appropriate to enable it to discharge its duties.
 Induction, regular update of skills and knowledge.
 A formal and rigorous annual evaluation of performance of committees and individual

directors.
 All directors should be submitted for re-election at regular intervals, subject to continued
satisfactory performance
REMUNERATION
 These must be sufficient to attract, retain and motivate directors of the quality required to run the
company successfully, but a company should avoid paying more than is necessary for
this purpose.
 A significant proportion of executive directors' remuneration should be structured so as to
link rewards to corporate and individual performance.
 There should be a formal and transparent procedure for developing policy on executive
remuneration and for fixing the remuneration packages of individual directors. No director
should be involved in deciding his or her remuneration
ACCOUNTABILITY AND AUDIT

 A balanced and understandable assessment of the company's position and prospects.
 Maintaining a sound system of internal control to safeguard shareholders' investment and

the company's assets.
 Formal and transparent arrangement applying the financial reporting and internal
control principles.
 Maintaining an appropriate relationship with the company's auditors.

Relations with institutional shareholders
– There should be a dialogue with shareholders based on the mutual understanding of
objectives.
– The board as a whole has responsibility for ensuring that satisfactory dialogue with
shareholders takes place.
– The board should use the AGM to communicate with investors and to encourage their
participation.
Auditors
Annual audit of financial statements by an independent auditor enhance (reliability and comparability of
reporting). The principles also imply that shareholders will benefit if other information is subject to
checks by auditors. This information includes disclosure relating to:
– Financial and operating results of the company
– Company objectives

– Major share ownership and voting rights
– Members of the board and key executives, and their remuneration
– Material foreseeable risk factors
– Material issues regarding employees and other stakeholders
– Governance structures and policies
As an example, auditors could be asked to check whether companies are applying certain
aspects of corporate governance codes. Auditors in the UK are required to report on whether listed
companies comply with the following aspects of the Combined Code:
 Directors’ responsibility for preparing financial statements explained in report

 System of internal control reviewed and reported
 Audit committee of at least three non-executive directors set up
Directors
The directors of a company are responsible ultimately for managing the company and should set
company policy, including risk policy, and are responsible for the company's systems and controls. An
important element of setting strategies is determining and managing risks.
The ultimate responsibility for a company's system of internal controls lies with the board of directors. It
should set procedures of internal control and regularly monitor that the system operates as it
should. Part of setting up an internal control system will involve assessing the risks facing the business,
so that the system can be designed to ensure those risks are avoided.
Once the directors have set up a system of internal control, they are responsible for reviewing it regularly
to ensure that it still meets its objectives.
Risk Policy
 Setting strategy
 Budgets
 Managing the company's people
 Maintaining company assets
 Ensuring corporate governance rules are kept.
Systems, controls and monitoring
 Responsibility for the company policies.

 Responsibility for the controls to mitigate risks.
 Responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of systems and controls.
Turnbull committee
They considered companies and internal control which set out the following
recommendations:
 Have a defined process for the effectiveness of internal control
 Review regular reports on internal control
 Consider key risks and how they have been managed
 Check the adequacy of action taken to remedy weaknesses and incidents
 Consider the adequacy of monitoring
 Conduct an annual assessment of risks and the effectiveness of internal control
 Make a statement on this process in the annual report

Non-executive directors
They are directors who do not have an executive function in the company and ensure that the
board exercises objective judgment. The must be a balance of the ED’S and NED’S.
The non-executive directors may have a particular role in some sensitive areas such as
company:
 Reporting
 Nomination of directors
 Remuneration of directors
Audit committees
An audit committee can help a company maintain objectivity with regard to financial reporting and the
audit of financial statements.
Role and function of audit committees (Cadbury report)
 Improving the quality of financial reporting (by reviewing the financial statements).
 Creating a climate of discipline and control (independent judgment & fraud reduction).
 Assisting the finance director (by providing a forum in which he can raise issues of concern &
difficulty)
 Strengthen the position of the external auditor (a channel of communication & concern)
 Guarantee external auditors independence (in the event of a dispute with management)
 Strengthen the position of the internal audit function (independence from management)
 Increase public confidence in the (credibility and objectivity of financial statements')

Advantages of audit committees
 Independent point of reference in the event of disagreement arising.
 Increased confidence in the credibility and objectivity of financial reports
 Allows the executive directors to devote their attention to core management functions.
 It is an impartial body for the auditors to consult & communicate with ED’s & internal auditors.
 It enhance the objectivity of the internal auditors
 It serves as a 'critical friend' to the board(keeping corporate governance requirement)
Opponents of audit committees (Disadvantages)
 Misunderstanding & distraction by the E.D’S
 Difficulty in selection base on competence & experience
 Costs may be increased.
 Formalized reporting procedure may dissuade the auditors from raising matters of judgment and
limit them to reporting only on matters of fact.

Internal control effectiveness
The directors of a company are responsible for ensuring that a company's system of controls is
effective. Internal controls are essential to management in achieving the following:
 Safeguarding the company's assets

 Helping to prevent and detect fraud
 Safeguarding the shareholders' investment
 Good internal control helps the business to run efficiently
 Reduction in identified risks to the business.
 It ensures reliability of reporting.
 Compliance with laws and regulations.
If the board does not see the need for an internal audit function, in the UK, the Combined Code requires
companies to consider the need for one annually, so that the need for internal audit is regularly reviewed.
The Combined Code also recommends that the board of directors reports on its review of internal controls
as part of the annual report.
The statement should be based on an annual assessment of internal control which should confirm that
the board has considered all significant aspects of internal control. In particular the assessment
should cover:
 The changes since the last assessment in risks faced, and the company's response
 The scope and quality of management's monitoring of risk and internal control,
 The extent and frequency of reports to the board.
 Significant controls, failings and weaknesses
 The effectiveness of the public reporting processes

SECTION 3
PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT
This is the second section of the F8 syllabus and the following topics are covered:
1. Planning the audit of financial statement…………….ISA 300
2. Understanding the entity and its environment……….ISA 315
3. Audit risk……………………………………………………………..ISA 315
4. Response to assessed risk……………………………………ISA 330
5. Audit Documentation…………………………………………...ISA 230

6. Audit Sampling……………………………………………….……ISA 530
7. Using the work of others………………………………ISA 610 & 620
AUDIT PLANNING
Preliminary Engagement Activities (Pre-planning procedures)
The auditor should perform the following activities at the beginning of the current audit
engagement: (ISA 300)
 Perform procedures regarding the continuance of the client relationship and the
specific audit engagement.
 Evaluate compliance with ethical requirements, including independence
 Establish an understanding of the terms of the engagement.
ISA 300 provides that the main objective of planning is to enable the audit to be performed in
an effective manner.
Other purposes/objectives include:
1. To ensure adequate attention is paid to important areas of the audit

2. To ensure that potential problem areas are identified
3. To identify a suitable audit approach
4. To identify the nature, timing and extent of audit procedures required
5. Planning facilitates communication, delegation, supervision, coordination and review

Overall audit strategy (OAS):
When planning an audit, an auditor must first establish the overall audit strategy which sets
the Scope, Timing and Direction of the audit and acts as the basis for the development of a
more detailed audit plan.
1. Scope:
– Description of the business including the audit coverage in terms of locations and
components to be covered
– Relevant financial reporting framework (FRF)
– Relevant regulatory framework
– Industry related regulation and practices.
– Relevant work of others e.g. internal audit, experts etc.
– Other relevant characteristics of the engagement
2. Timing key dates

– Interim audit timing Vs Final audit timing
– Year-end procedures e.g. date of inventory counting
– Timing of communication to management e.g. letter of weaknesses.
– Timing of team meetings and review of work performed.
– Other communication deadlines e.g. to third parties, component auditors etc
3. Direction:
a. Likely high risk areas and possible impact on the overall financial statement
b. Overall audit approach/methodology
c. Determination of appropriate materiality levels
d. Significant developments affecting the client’s business and industry.
e. Nature of the entity’s internal control system
Audit plan: The purpose of the audit plan is to ensure that the audit objectives can be
achieved through efficient use of the auditor’s resources while reducing audit risk to an
acceptably low level. Once the OAS has been established, the auditor can then start
developing a more detailed audit plan.
Key stages/content of the audit plan includes:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the business and its environment.
2. Preliminary analytical review
3. Detailed risk and materiality assessment including setting tolerable error rate.
4. Audit approach: nature, timing and extent of audit procedures for specific areas.
5. Responsibility for supervision and review.
6. Logistics related issues e.g. staffing, audit time budget and deadlines.

UNDERSTANDING THE ENTITY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT
The auditor should obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including its
internal control, sufficient to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the
financial statements whether due to fraud or error, and sufficient to design and perform
further audit procedures.(ISA 315).
The standard provides detailed guidance on why it is important to obtain such an

understanding, how it is obtained and what should actually be obtained.
Why?
 To identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements
 To enable the auditor to design and perform further audit procedures
 To provide a frame of reference, for exercising the audit/professional judgment e.g.
when setting materiality levels
How?
 Inquiries of management and others within the entity and other relevant third parties
 Observation of systems
 Inspection relevant book and records
 Prior period knowledge/ review of prior year working papers
 Discussion among the engagement team
 Analytical procedures
 Related press or analysts’ report.
What?
 Industry, regulatory and other external factors
 Financial reporting framework
 Nature of the entity’s business
 Business objectives and strategies
 Basis of selection and application of accounting policies
 The entity’s business risks that can translate to financial statement risk.
 The internal control system (ICS): how effective are its components?
 The entity’s financial performance: past and current.
As described in ISA 500, audit procedures to obtain an understanding of the entity and its
environment and to assess the risk of material misstatement are referred to as “risk
assessment procedures”.
In addition, in performing risk assessment procedures, the auditor may obtain audit evidence
about:
 classes of transactions, account balances, or disclosures and related assertions and
 about the operating effectiveness of controls, even though such audit procedures were
not specifically planned as substantive procedures or as tests of controls (respectively).
The auditor should perform the following risk assessment procedures to obtain an
understanding of the entity and its environment, including its internal control:

 Inquiries of management and others within the entity;
 Analytical procedures;
 Observation; and
 Inspection.
AUDIT RISK
Audit risk is the risk that the auditor will give inappropriate opinion when the financial
statements are materially misstated. Auditors are required to reduce audit risk to an
acceptable low level.
Audit approaches/methodologies - Risk Vs Procedural
Risk-based audit approach

This approach should ensure that the greatest audit effort is directed at the areas in which the
financial statements are most likely to be misstated, so that the chance of detecting errors is
improved and time is not spent on unnecessary testing of 'safe' areas. The auditor plans the
audit around the risks that the client’s financial statement may contain misstatements. As a
result, the audit for different clients will involve different priorities, different tests and will take
different lengths of time. The increased use of risk-based auditing reflects two factors:
 The growing complexity of the business environment increases the danger of fraud or
misstatement. Factors such as the developing use of computerized systems and the growing
internationalization of business are relevant here.
 Pressures are increasingly exerted by audit clients for the auditors to keep fee levels
down while an improved level of service is expected
The Top down approach (business risk approach) is an important development of the risk
based approach and it should be noted that ISAs mandates the use of a risk based approach
Systems audit approach (test of controls):
The evaluation of the systems of internal control forms the basis of the audit. Though it is an
efficient means of carrying out audit, it cannot always stand alone as substantive procedures
have to be carried out. See the review on internal control for a detailed discussion.
Substantive approach: (see the review on audit evidence for more detail)
Procedures are carried out to detecting material misstatements in the financial statement
principally through:
 Test of details of account balances, transactions and disclosures; and
 Substantive analytical procedures.

COMPONENTS OF AUDIT RISK:
Audit risk has two components:
1. Risk of material misstatement (entity risk): the risk that the financial statements are
materially misstated prior to audit. This may be as a result of:
 Inherent risk: is the susceptibility of an assertion to a material misstatement assuming

that there were no related internal controls.
 Control risk: is the risk that a material misstatement that could occur in an assertion
will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis by the entity’s internal
control.
2. Detection risk: the risk that the auditor’s procedures will not detect a material
misstatement in an assertion. Detection risk has two components:
 Sampling risk: the risk that the conclusion reached based on a sample might differ
from that which would have been reached conclusion reached if the entire population were
tested.
 Non-sampling risk: the risk that the auditor will reach the wrong conclusion for any
reason not related to the size of the sample. They arise from audit mistakes e.g. failing to
identify errors, misinterpretation of evidence. It can be minimized by improving quality control
procedures e.g. adequate training and review procedures.
There is inverse relationship between the risk of material misstatement and detection risk – if
the risk of material misstatement is high then detection risk must be low, which is achieved by
testing a larger sample. If it is a risky area we do more work, if it is a less risky area we do less
work.
The ISA 315 says that 'the auditor should identify and assess the risks of material
misstatement at the financial statement level, and at the assertion level for classes of
transactions, account balances and disclosures'.
To assess the risk of material misstatement (inherent risk and control risk) the auditor must
use their knowledge of the business, experience and professional judgment to evaluate
numerous factors:
At the Financial statement level;

 Management integrity and attitude to risk
 Management experience and knowledge
 Changes in management.
 Unusual pressure on management e.g. tight reporting deadlines, financial reporting
pressures

 Nature of business and its industry e.g. mono-product companies, changes in
technology, competitive conditions, regulatory requirements, changes in demand, accounting
practices in the industry etc.
At the Assertion level:
 Financial statement accounts prone to misstatement e.g. account requiring high

degree of estimation.
 Complex accounts e.g. account requiring expert valuation.
 Risky asset (can be stolen or lost) e.g. cash, inventory, financial instruments.
 Transactions not subjected to ordinary processing procedures.
 High volume (unexpected) transactions: the accounting system may have problems
coping with such a volume
 The completion of unusual or complex transactions at or near the year end.
THE AUDITOR’S PROCEDURES IN RESPONSE TO ASSESSED RISKS
In order to reduce audit risk to an acceptably low level, the auditor should determine the
appropriate response to assessed risk at:
 the financial statement level, and
 the assertion level.
Financial statement level:
The auditor should determine overall responses to address the risks of material misstatement
at the financial statement level. Such responses may include:
 Emphasizing to the audit team the need to maintain professional skepticism in

gathering and evaluating audit evidence,
 Assigning more experienced staff or those with special skills or using experts,
 Providing more supervision,
 Making general changes to the nature, timing, or extent of audit procedures
Assertion level:
The auditor should design and perform further audit procedures whose nature, timing, and
extent are responsive to the assessed risks of material misstatement at the assertion level.
This may involve performing, for each assertion:
 Tests of controls.
 Substantive procedures.

AUDIT DOCUMENTATION
The record of audit procedures performed, relevant audit evidence obtained, and conclusions
the auditor reached (terms such as “working papers” or “work papers” are also sometimes
used).
The auditor should prepare the audit documentation so as to enable an experienced auditor,
having no previous connection with the audit, to understand:
 the nature, timing, and extent of the audit procedures performed to comply with ISAs
and applicable legal and regulatory requirements
 the results of the audit procedures and the audit evidence obtained, and
 significant matters arising during the audit and the conclusions reached
IMPORTANCE OF WORKING PAPERS
Working papers are important because they:
 Enables an effective audit quality control review to be carried out.

 Provide assurance that the work delegated by the audit partner has been properly
completed
 Provide evidence that an effective audit has been carried out in accordance with
auditing standards.
 It may serve as a source of evidence of work done in case of litigation.
 Contain sufficiently detailed and up-to-date facts which justify the reasonableness of
the auditor’s conclusions, thereby providing a basis for the audit opinion.
 Retain a record of matters of continuing significance to future audits
 Assists in planning, supervising and controlling the audit
AVOIDING UNNECESSARY PAPERS
Before deciding to prepare a particular audit working paper, the auditor should be satisfied
that it is:
1. necessary either because it will serve an essential or useful purpose in support of the
auditor’s report, or
2. not practicable for the client staff to prepare the working paper, or for the auditor to
make copies of papers that the client staff (including internal auditors) have prepared as part
of their normal regular duties.
PAPERS PREPARED BY CLIENT

Certain working papers required by the auditor may have already been prepared by client
staff. The auditor should make arrangements, whenever possible, for copies of these to be
made available to the audit team.
When arranging for working papers to be prepared, the auditor should take care to ensure
that the working papers will give all the information required. All such working papers should

normally be clearly identified as having been prepared by the client. The member of audit staff
directly responsible for an audit area in which working papers prepared by client staff are
included should sign those papers – this will show that they have been checked and that they
can be reviewed by subsequent reviewers. The signature of the audit team member indicates
that the working paper (prepared by client staff) has been ‘audited’.
CONTENT
Each audit working paper must be headed with the following information:
 The name of the client
 The period covered by the audit
 The subject matter
 The file reference
 The initials (signature) of the member of staff who prepared the working paper, and the
date on which it was prepared
 In the case of audit papers prepared by client staff, the date the working papers were
received, and the initials of the audit team member who carried out the audit work
 The initials of the member of staff who reviewed the working papers and the date on which
the review was carried out
 Each audit paper should meet the characteristics of a good working paper, as detailed
below.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD WORKING PAPER

On the basis of the discussion above, a good working paper should meet the requirements of
ISA 230 by displaying the following characteristics:
 It should state a clear audit objective, usually in terms of an audit assertion (for example,
‘to ensure the completeness of trade creditors’).
 It should fully state the year/period end (e.g. 31 October 2009), so that the working paper
is not confused with documentation belonging to a different year/period.
 It should state the full extent of the test. This will enable the preparer and any subsequent
reviewers, to determine the sufficiency of the audit evidence provided by the working
paper.
 Where there is necessary reference to another working paper, the full reference of that
other working paper must be given. A statement that details of testing can be found on
‘another working paper’ is insufficient
 The working paper should clearly and objectively state the results of the test.
 The conclusions reached should be consistent with the results of the test.
 The working paper should be clearly referenced so that it can be filed appropriately and
found easily when required at a later date.
 It should be signed by the person who prepares it so that queries can be directed to the
appropriate person.
 It should be signed and dated by any person who reviews it, in order to meet the quality
control requirements of the review.
If any relevant characteristic is judged absent, then this should result in an audit review point
(i.e. a comment by the reviewer directing the original preparer to rectify the fault on the
working paper).

Filing audit working papers. Working papers are usually found in two separate files:
a. Permanent audit files; the purpose of which are to:
 Document information of continuing importance to the audit
 Document information of a permanent nature and other background information about
the client
 Give audit staff new to the audit information regarding the client’s affairs and the
nature of the audit.
Examples include:
Client’s memo and articles of association
Organizational structure of the client
Copies of important legal documents and agreements
Copies of past years financial statement
Board minutes of continuing relevance
Engagement letters
Accounting manuals and other relevant system notes etc.
b. Current audit files; containing information of relevance to the current year audit, the
purpose of which are:
 To provide a record of work planned
 To detail the work performed including procedures followed, test performed, information
obtained, and conclusions reached
 To enable any person, most especially the reporting partner reviewing the audit to satisfy
themselves that an adequate examination for audit purpose has been carried out.
Examples include:
Overall audit strategy
The audit plan
Letter representation
Management letter
Analyses of significant ratios from the current year financial statement
External confirmation reports e.g. expert reports, circularization letter.
Management accounts details
Relevant board minutes
Financial statements etc.
Please take note of the following key principles outlined by ISA 230:
1. The auditor should document discussions of significant matters with management and
others on a timely basis.
2. If the auditor has identified information that contradicts or is inconsistent with the
auditor’s final conclusion regarding a significant matter, the auditor should document how
the auditor addressed the contradictions or inconsistency in forming the final conclusion.
3. Where, in exceptional circumstances, the auditor judges it necessary to depart from a
basic principle or an essential procedure that is relevant in the circumstances of the audit,
the auditor should document how the alternative audit procedures performed achieve the
objective of the audit, and, unless otherwise clear, the reasons for the departure.
4. After the assembly of the final audit file has been completed, the auditor should not delete
or discard audit documentation before the end of its retention period.
5. When the auditor finds it necessary to modify existing audit documentation or add new

audit documentation after the assembly of the final file has been completed, the auditor
should, regardless of the nature of the modifications or additions, document:
 when they were made, and (where applicable) reviewed
 the specific reasons for making them, and
 their effect, if any, on the auditor’s conclusions.
CONCLUSION
Working papers provide evidence that an effective, efficient, and economic audit has been
carried out. They should therefore be prepared with care and skill. They should be sufficiently
detailed and complete so that an auditor with no previous experience of that audit can
understand the working papers in terms of the work completed, the conclusions reached, and
the reasoning behind these conclusions.
AUDIT SAMPLING
ISA 530 (Audit sampling and other selective testing procedures) defines audit sampling as the
application of audit procedures to less than 100% of the items within an account balance or
classes of transactions such that all sampling units have a chance of selection.
This will enable the auditor to obtain and evaluate audit evidence about some characteristics
of the item selected in order to form or assist in forming a conclusion concerning the
population.
Why sampling is inevitable?

Sampling is normally appropriate for areas in which there are a large number of similar
transactions, where it is not cost effective to test them all.
Cases where sampling is not appropriate include the following:

1. The auditor is put on enquiry as a result of previous information.
2. Population is too small for valid conclusions to be drawn, and in any event, it is quicker
to test all transactions rather than spend time constructing a sample.
3. The transactions in a particular area are material.
4. The data may be sensitive items e.g. Director’s emoluments.
5. There is a non-homogeneous population.
Distinction between sampling and selective testing:

Sampling is the application of audit procedures to less than 100% of the items in the
population in order to extrapolate a conclusion about the population. The object is to select a
sample that is expected to be representative of population and to examine the sample items.
Selective testing, however, is any examination of less than 100% of the items in the
population e.g. applying audit procedures to all items within a population which have a
particular characteristic (say all items over a certain amount). In selective testing the sample is
not expected to be representative of the population.
STATISTICAL AND NON-STATISTICAL SAMPLING METHODS

Statistical sampling involves the use of mathematical procedures such as probability theory,

to draw conclusions about the population. It requires the use of random selection.
Non-statistical sampling otherwise called judgment sampling, may use non-random selection
methods, does not rely on probability theory and requires more subjectivity (i.e. auditor’s
judgment) in making sampling decisions.
Condition necessary for the use of statistical sampling:
1. The population to be tested must be homogeneous (i.e. items of the same kind).
2. The population must be very large; otherwise the benefits of the technique will not be
achieved.
3. Expectation of error must be low e.g. control risk must have been assessed as low.
4. The item in the population must be identifiable ones selected, so that checking of the items
chosen is easily carried out e.g. pre-numbering of invoices.
Advantages of statistical sampling:

1. At the conclusion of the test the auditor is able to state a definite level of confidence he
may have that the whole population conforms to the sample result within a stated
precision limit.
2. Sample size is objectively determined; having regard to the degree of risk the auditors are
prepared to accept.
3. The process of fixing required precision and confidence levels compels the auditor to
consider and clarify their audit objectives risks issues.
4. Statistical techniques are probably more defensible than judgmental ones because of its
methodical process
Drawbacks:
1. It can stifle the use of professional judgment.
2. It is relatively expensive as some procedures need to be developed and staff needs to
be trained.
3. Unsuspected bias in sample selection may invalidate the conclusion
4. It frequently needs back-up by further tests within the population reviewed e.g. for
highly material items, non-routine items, sensitive items etc.
5. The selection exercise can be time consuming.
6. It may not be an ideal method under some circumstances as earlier identified.
CONSTRUCTING SAMPLES
The steps involved in audit sampling can be summarized as follows:
1. Designing the sample - the ISA provides that when designing an audit sample, the auditor
should consider:
 Specific audit objectives e.g. the auditor may want to be 95% certain that receivables
are not overstated by more than 5%. Clearly the more confident auditors need to be
and the narrower the precision limits they wish to work with the larger the sample size
will be.
 The population: the essential feature of population is that it must be homogeneous.
 Stratification may have to be used to reduce the degree of variation between items
within a population.

Sample size: when determining the sample size the auditor should consider –
I. Sampling risk: see below.
II. Tolerable error is the maximum error in the population that the auditor will be willing to
accept and still concluding that the result from the sample has achieved the audit
objectives. The smaller the tolerable error, the larger the sample size needs to be.
III. Expected error: if the auditors expect error to be present in the population, a larger
sample than when no error is expected ordinarily needs to be examined to conclude
that the actual error in the population is not greater than the planned tolerable error.
Sampling risk is the risk that the conclusion auditors draw will be different from that which
they would have drawn had they examine the entire population. To reduce sampling risk to an
acceptably low level, the sample size needs to be representative of the population.
Non-sampling risks arises from audit mistakes e.g. failing to identify errors, incorrect
evaluation of sample results etc. it has nothing to do with the sample size. Audit firms can
minimize this risk by improving training and review procedures.
2. Selection of the sample: the auditor should select sample items in such a way that the
sample will be representative of the population. A representative sample is one where all
the items in the population have equal chances of being selected. Selection methods
include:
 Random sampling
 Systematic sampling
 Selective testing
 Haphazard selection
 Value weighted selection e.g. monetary unit sampling (MUS)
 Other judgmental methods.
3. Evaluation of sample results - having carried out the relevant audit procedures on each
sample items, the auditor should:
 Analyze any error detected in the sample.
 Extrapolate (i.e. project) the errors found in the sample into the population to obtain
the probable error which should be compared with tolerable error and additional
procedures are carried out where necessary.
 Reassess sampling risk especially where the projected/probable error is greater than
or almost equal to the tolerable error.
Using the work of others in an audit.
 Using the work of internal auditing…………………………………………..ISA 610
 Using the work of an expert…………………………………………………...... ISA 620

USING THE WORK OF INTERNAL AUDITING.
External auditors may make use of work internal audit have done when carrying out external
audit procedures. It should however be noted that the external auditor has sole responsibility
for the opinion expressed.
ASSESSMENT OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT (A GENERAL ASSESSMENT)
ISA 610 provides that the external auditors must obtain a sufficient understanding of the
internal audit function in order to assist in the planning and development of an effective audit
approach and to determine whether and desirable to rely on internal audit work. This
assignment will in any case have an effect on the assessment of the control environment and
audit risk. In assessing the internal audit function, the following factors should be considered:
 The organizational status of internal audit- the internal auditor should :
1. Be able to plan and carry out their work as they wish.
2. Have access to highest level of management e.g. the audit committee
3. Be free of any operating responsibility
4. Be able to communicate fully with the external auditor.
 The scope of the internal audit function- the external auditor should consider the
nature of assignment performed and the action taken by management as a result of
internal audit reports.
 Due professional care: a decision should be made as to whether the work of internal
audit generally appears to be planned, controlled, documented and reviewed as
evidenced by adequate manual and working papers.
 Technical competence- the internal auditor department should be appropriately

staffed in terms of numbers qualification and experience to achieve objective.
External auditors may use the internal auditor’s work on the following areas-
 Recording an accounting system
Evaluating and testing internal control systems- if the external auditors are to rely on the work
done by the completion of an internal control evaluation questionnaire, they should check that
the method of evaluation is appropriate. They should confirm that internal audit has
satisfactorily tested controls in details by re-performing a sample of internal audit test; if
internal audits work is satisfactory, external auditors can make a reduced assessment of
control risk as a consequence.

 Substantive procedure- external auditors are primarily interested in internal audit’s roles
as a control, the important of internal audit as a source of substantive evidence will be
less. Nevertheless, certain situation exist e.g. where the client has several site [branches],
internal audit may have visited sites that external auditors will not have the chance to
visit.
EVALUATION OF SPECIFIC INTERNAL AUDIT WORK
The following are key considerations in respect of the situation where the external auditor
decides that reliance can be placed on internal audit. However the external auditor would be
considering whether to do the work himself in particular areas…(Do I do the work myself?)…
Key considerations include:
a. The materiality of the areas or items to be tested and of the information that can be
obtained from internal audit.
b. The level of audit risk inherent in the areas or items to be tested or in the information to be
obtained.
c. The level of judgment required
d. The sufficiency of complementary audit evidence.
e. The specialist skills required for the area.
When the external auditor intends to use specific work of internal auditor, the external auditor
should evaluate and perform audit procedures that work to confirm the adequacy for external
auditor’s purpose. The auditor should ensure that:
a. The work has been performed by those with adequate technical training and proficiency.
b. Assistants are properly supervised
c. Sufficient appropriate audit evidence is obtained to support the conclusions reached.
d. Reports are consistent with the conclusions reached.
e. Have exceptional and unusual matters arising and disclosed by internal audit been
properly resolved.
Some observance of internal audit procedures may be necessary as well as re-performance of

internal audit procedures. The extent of reliance by the external auditor should be
documented.

USING THE WORK OF AN EXPERT
An expert is a person or firm possessing special skill, knowledge and experience in a

particular field other than accounting and auditing. Auditors may need to obtain evidence in
the form of reports, opinions, valuations, or statement from an expert e.g. valuation of certain
types of assets (say, land and building); determination of amounts using specialized method
(say, pension accounting); the measurement of work completed and work in progress on
contracts, legal opinion etc.
Key principle: when using the work performed by an expert, the auditor should obtain
sufficient appropriate audit evidence that such work is adequate for the purpose of the audit.
Explanation: the following points give an explanation of the provisions of ISA 620:
1. Determining the need to use the work of an expert: one element of audit planning is
the question of whether specialist evidence may be necessary. Factors to consider
include:
a. The materiality of the item concerned,
b. The nature and complexity of the item concerned,
c. The risk of material misstatement,
d. The quantity and quality of other audit evidence available.
If it is decided that expert evidence is needed the expert should be engaged by the
client or by the auditor with the client’s consent. If the client refuses, for whatever
reasons, and the item is material and there is no other source of evidence, the auditor
should modify the audit report.
2. Competence and objectivity: in order to be able to rely on the evidence provided by the
expert the auditor must be satisfied that the expert is competent and objective. If the
auditor is in any doubt they should discuss it with management.
3. The expert’s scope of work: there should be term of reference that will cover such
areas as follows:
 The objectives of the expert’s work
 the intended use of the work
 the extent of the expert’s relationship with the entity
 confidentiality of the entity’s information

 assumptions and methods to be used
 The extent of the expert’s access to appropriate records and files.
4. Assessing the work of the expert: auditors should assess whether the substance of
the expert’s findings is properly reflected in the financial statement. Some considerations
include:
 The source of data used
 The appropriateness and reasonableness of assumptions and methods used.
 The results of the expert’s work in the light of the auditor’s knowledge of the
business and the result of other audit procedures.
If the auditor is not satisfied with expert’s work, the auditor should discuss the problem
with management and the expert. It may occasionally be necessary to obtain the
opinion of a second expert.
Reference to an expert in the audit report:
Unmodified report: NO REFERENCE TO THE EXPERT
Modified report: REFERENCE MAY BE MADE BUT WITH EXPERT’S PERMISSION

SECTION 4:
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
FOR THE EXAMS:
It is a highly examinable topic. The questions on internal control usually requires a high level
of application of knowledge to the scenario as candidates are often asked to identify
weaknesses in internal control system and make suitable recommendations. Therefore you
should focus adequate attention on question practice. Do not ignore the possibility of a
knowledge-based questions, say, elements and limitations of internal control system.
GAINING AN UNDERSTANDING OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (ICS)
ISA 315 defines internal control systems as the process designed and effected by those
charged with governance, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance
about the achievement of the entity’s objectives with regard to reliability of financial reporting,
effectiveness and efficiency of operations and compliance with applicable laws and
regulations. The ISA provides that the ICS has five elements:
1. The control environment: includes the governance and management functions and the
attitudes, awareness and actions of those charged with governance concerning the entity’s
internal control system. It provides a background for the control procedures to operate. In
evaluating the design of an entity’s control environment the auditor should consider the
following:
 The ethical values and integrity of management

 Management’s commitment to competence
 Participation of those charged with governance
 Management’s philosophy and operating style
 Organizational structure
 HR policies and procedures.
2. Entity’s risk assessment procedures: auditors should obtain an understanding of an entity’s

processes for identifying business risks relevant to financial reporting. Factors to consider
include how management:
 Identifies business risks relevant to financial reporting

 Estimates the significance of the risk
 Assess the likelihood of their occurrence
 Decides upon actions to manage the risk.

3. Information systems: the auditor is required to consider the information systrm and related
business processes relevant to financial reporting objectives including:
 The classes of transactions in the entity’s operation that are significant to the financial
statement and the processes for initiating, recording, processing and reporting them
in the financial statement.
 The processes for communicating financial reporting roles and responsibilities.
4. Control activities: are those policies and procedures in addition to the control environment
which are established to achieve the entity’s specific objectives. Control activities can take a
number of forms, including:
 Approval and control of documents

 Checking the arithmetic accuracy of records
 Maintaining and reviewing control accounts and trial balances
 Segregation of functions
 Maintaining reconciliation statements
 Controls over computerized applications.
 Limiting physical access to assets and records
Mnemonic SPAMSOAP can help here! - Segregation of duties, Physical control, Authorization
and Approval, Management, Supervisory, Organization, Accounting and arithmetic, Personnel.
Others include Acknowledgement and Budgetary
5. Monitoring controls: is a process to assess the quality of internal control performance over
time. It involves assessing the design and operation of controls on a timely basis and taking
necessary corrective actions.
Confirming understanding:
In order to confirm their understanding of the control systems auditors will often carry out
walk-through tests. This is where they pick up a transaction and follow it through the system
from source to destination to see whether all the controls they anticipate should be in
existence were in operation with regard to the transaction.
Limitations of accounting and internal control systems:
Any ICS can only provide reasonable assurance about the achievement of objectives because
of inherent limitations. These include:
1. the need to balance the cost of the controls with its benefits.
2. the potential for human error.
3. collusion between employees
4. the possibility of controls being by-passed or overridden by management.

5. controls being designed to cope with routine and not one-off (non- routine)
transactions.
6. obsolescence of controls.
ASCERTAINING, RECORDING, EVALUATING AND TESTING THE ICS
The following are some of the methods of ascertaining an ICS:
 Examining previous audit work except in cases of first audit.

 Review of client’s own documentation of the systems.
 Interviews with client’s staff.
 Tracing transactions e.g. carrying out walk- through tests.
 Observation of client’s procedures.
Some techniques of recording an ICS include the use of:
 Narrative notes
 Organisational chart
 Flowcharts
 Internal control questionnaires (ICQ).
Evaluating: ICQ are usually regarded as documents for evaluating rather than recording.
However, the various questions making up the ICQ can be constructed in such a way as to
require answers in the form of descriptive notes to systems. In this way they can fulfill both
functions.
Internal control evaluation (ICE) is designed to determine whether desirable controls are
present that prevents particular errors (or fraud) or omission and are answered using
knowledge of the system obtained from flowcharts or ICQ. They are referred to as key or
control questions and require the exercise of the auditor’s judgment. For example:
A typical sales ICE – “Can goods be dispatched without being invoiced?”
The answer NO to the ICE implies the system is strong and controls exist to prevent the
specified problem. Tests of controls will be required to ensure the controls are operating.
The answer YES implies that a weakness as been identified and a substantive test will be
required.
ICQ contains objective questions which focus on specific controls and the information
obtained in completing the ICQ are used to answer the relevant ICE. Consequently, they often
referred to as subsidiary or criteria questions.

The distinction between these two questions often causes confusion as they are sometimes
shown in bold type of italics with the subsidiary ICQ underneath e.g.
ICE….. “Can goods be purchased without prior authority?”
ICQ….. “Are purchase orders and requisitions approved?”
ICQ….. “Are there authority limits?”
ICQ….. “Is there a list of authorized suppliers?” etc.
Testing: ISA 330 requires that the auditor perform tests of controls to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence that controls were operating effectively at relevant times during
the period under audit. It is unlikely that a cost-effective audit can be carried out on a system
that is seriously flawed and as such the auditor may have to consider resignation.
INTERNAL CONTROLS IN A COMPUTERISED INFORMATION SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT.
Two types of controls can be found in a CIS environment, and these include:
1. General CIS controls: aims to establish a framework of overall control over the CIS’s
activities to provide a reasonable level of assurance that overall objective of the
system are achieved. Such general controls can be in the employed in the following
areas:
 Development of computer applications, e.g.
o Full testing procedures
o User acceptance procedures
o Standard over system design, programming and documentation
o Adequate documentation and staff training.
o Segregation of duties e.g. in areas of design and testing
 Prevention or detection of unauthorized changes to programs, e.g.
o Full records of program changes
o Use of passwords
o Use of locked doors and keypads
o Maintenance of program logs
o Use of anti-virus software and back-up procedures
o Periodic testing of programs
o Approval of changes by users and management
 Controls to ensure continuity of operations:
o Back up procedures
o Prevention against fire and theft
o Standby arrangements
o Maintenance agreements
o Back up power sources
o Insurance and disaster recovery procedures.

2. CIS application controls: are the specific control over the relevant accounting
applications maintained by the computer in order to provide reasonable assurance that
all transaction are authorized and recorded, and are processed completely, accurately
and on a timely basis. Examples include:
o Agreement of control totals
o Check digit verification
o Authorization of input data
o Screen warning
o Regular review of master files and standing data
o Record count
o Procedures for distribution of output
o Follow up exception report
General CIS controls that relates to some or all applications are usually interdependent
controls i.e. their operation is often essential to the effectiveness of CIS application controls
(they act as an umbrella to the application controls). As application controls may be useless
when general controls are ineffective, it will be more efficient to review the design of general
controls first before reviewing the application controls.
FOR THE EXAMS:
The F8 study guide requires that candidates are able to explain and provide examples of
control objectives, control activities and tests of controls relevant to the following transactions
and balances: Revenue; Purchases; Inventory; Bank and cash; Payroll; Capital expenditure.
Please see the supplemental notes for these areas.
COMMUNICATION OF AUDIT MATTERS TO THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE

Objectives
 To promote mutual understanding of the scope of the audit and the respective
responsibilities of the auditors and those charged with governance(these matters would
be contained in the letter of engagement)
 To ensure relevant information and constructive observations arising from the audit
process are shared(these matters are usually made in what is commonly known as the
“management letter” or “letter of weakness”)
Who are “those charged with governance”?

 Those entrusted with the supervision, control and direction of an entity,
including directors, partners, proprietors, audit committee, committee of
management or trustees and who have responsibility for directing the
entity’s affairs and preparing its financial statements.

Communications should be:
 Prompt- after each audit visit.
 Made to the appropriate level of management.
 In writing ( it may be inappropriate in terms of cost to write formal letters to
management of smaller entities- in which case an oral report would be
acceptable but a file note of the communication should be made by the
auditors in their working papers).
 Discussed with management first.
Contents of reports after completion of interim audit visits and of the final audit:
 Unadjusted errors, irregularities, frauds, illegal acts( together with adjustments
necessary to the financial statements)
 Material weaknesses/inefficiencies/deficiencies in the accounting and control systems.
 Implications of the weakness.
 Inappropriate accounting policies adopted.
 Inactions over previous matters reported.
 Constructive advice on improvements.
 Request for a reply indicating actions taken or giving reasons why no action is to be
taken.
Disclaimers
 The report should be prefaced with the following 2 disclaimers:
 That the report is not a comprehensive statement of all weakness or of all
improvements which could be made.
 That the report is prepared for the sole use of the client and should not be disclosed to
third parties without the written consent of the auditors and that no responsibility is
assumed to any other person.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAFTING OF A REPORT TO MANAGEMENT

It is usual to compile a cover letter to management together with a schedule of weaknesses
The Cover letter will contain the disclaimers mentioned above thus:
“We could emphasize that the matters referred to in the attached schedule of weakness
came to our attention during the course of our audit. They are not intended to be a
comprehensive statement of all weakness which may exist or of all improvements which
could be made.
This report has been prepared for the sole use of the directors {of X}.None of its contents
may be disclosed to third parties without our written consent. We assume no liability to any
other person.”

The schedule of weaknesses {illustrative extracts only}
1 Purchase requisitioning procedures
Purchases can be requisitioned without proper authorization
Consequences: Unnecessary goods or goods for personal consumption of staff may be

acquired
Recommendation: All goods requisitioned should be made on standard pre-numbered

requisitioned forms, authorized by a responsible department manager. These should be
sequence-checked for completeness periodically
Note that it is necessary to state not only the weakness but to state the consequences of
that weakness if allowed to continue.

SECTION 5
AUDIT EVIDENCE.
 Audit evidence - Audit procedures - Audit assertions

 Audit of specific items in the financial statement (substantive procedures) including:
 Payables, Accruals and Purchases (to be reviewed in class)
 Receivables and Sales
 Inventory
 Tangible non-current assets
 Bank and cash
 Non-current liabilities.
 Computer assisted audit techniques (CAAT).
 Small and Not for profit organizations (to be reviewed in class)
FOR THE EXAMS:
 This is a very important area of the syllabus. So far we have applied audit procedures
as part of risk assessment procedures and test of controls, but this section focuses on
testing the financial statement i.e. substantive procedures.
 This section is more likely to show up in question 1. It is typical for the examiner to ask
for a list of substantive procedure and the reason for carrying out those procedures in
the context of a scenario. It may also show up as a part of question 3 or 4.
 Rote learning a list of audit procedures to be used for specific balances and
transactions is not advisable as the examiner will require application to the scenario.
Therefore candidates should be able to understand how audit procedures are
developed (e.g. based on audit assertions).
 The examiner may also draft the scenario in the context of a computerized
environment and as such candidates should be able apply CAAT in carrying out audit
procedures.
 Sufficient question practice; deep understanding of audit assertions and the eight
types of audit procedures; knowledge of relevant paper F3 accounting standards and
basic accounting processes; good presentation will definitely help a candidate bank
some marks in this area of the exams.

AUDIT EVIDENCE – AUDIT ASSERTIONS – AUDIT PROCEDURES
ISA 500 ‘Audit Evidence’ requires that auditors should obtain sufficient appropriate audit
evidence to be able to draw reasonable conclusions on which to base the audit opinion.
Audit evidence can be defined as all of the information used by the auditor in arriving at the
conclusions on which the audit opinion is based. Audit evidence includes the information
contained in the accounting records underlying the financial statements and other
information.
Sufficient appropriate audit evidence
The auditor’s judgement as to what constitutes a sufficient (quantity) and appropriate (quality)
evidence is influenced by the following factors:
 The results of risk assessment.

 The nature of the client’s accounting and internal control system.
 The materiality of the item involved.
 The auditors knowledge and experience of the business
 The source and reliability of the evidence.
Financial statement assertions:
These are representations by management, explicit or otherwise, that are embodied in the
financial statements.
Management is responsible for the preparation and the fair presentation of the financial
statement (FS). In representing that the FS show a “true and fair view” or “are fairly presented
in all material respect” , management are making assertions about the FS. The relevance of
audit evidence should be considered in relation to the overall audit objective of forming an
opinion and reporting on the FS. To achieve this objective the auditor needs to obtain audit
evidence to support the FS assertions.
The relevant assertions are set out in ISA 500 as the following:
Assertions about transactions and events for the period:
 Occurrence transactions and events that have been recorded actually occurred and
pertain to the entity
 Completeness: there are no unrecorded transactions and events.
 Accuracy: transactions and events have been measured and recorded accurately.
 Cut-off: transactions and events have been recorded in the correct accounting period.
 Classification: transactions have been recorded in the appropriate accounts

Assertion about account balances at the period end:
 Existence: assets, liabilities and equity interest exist

 Rights and obligations: assets and liabilities pertain to the entity.
 Completeness: there are no unrecorded assets and liabilities
 Valuation and allocation: assets and liabilities have been measured at the appropriate
amount and any necessary allocation adjustments have been correctly made.
Assertions about presentation and disclosure:
 Occurrence and rights and obligations: all disclosed transactions and events have
occurred and pertain to the entity.
 Completeness: there is no unrecorded disclosures
 Classification and understandability: clearly expressed disclosures and appropriate
presentation.
Note: when designing the audit plan, audit tests should be designed to obtain evidence about
the FS assertions. You should try to remember the three groups of assertions so that you
apply relevant assertions in the exam depending on whether you are looking at transactions
e.g. sales and purchases, or balances e.g. receivables and payables. Two of the most
important assertion tests are for completeness and occurrence/existence.
RELIABILITY ISSUES
Although the reliability of audit evidence is dependent upon the particular circumstances, the
following general presumptions may be found helpful:
 Evidence obtained from independent external sources are more dependable than that
obtained from the entity’s records
 Internally generated evidence is more reliable when the accounting and internal
control systems is operating effectively
 Self generated evidence in more reliable than that obtained by or from the client.
 Documentary evidence is more reliable than oral evidence and original documents
are more reliable.

SUBSTANTIVE PROCEDURES
These are procedures carried out to detect material misstatement at the assertion level and it
includes:
1. Test of details of transactions and events, account balances and disclosures

2. Substantive analytical procedures.(see below)
Tests of controls should however not be confused with substantive tests. Tests of controls are
performed to obtain audit evidence about the:
1. Adequacy of design of the accounting and internal control systems, and its
2. Operating effectiveness.
Substantive tests may be incorporated with other procedures e.g. an invoice is checked for
both its accuracy (substantive) and its authorization (test of control). The same invoice may
also be used as part of a walk-through test which the auditor will perform to gain and confirm
their understanding of the internal control systems (risk assessment procedure).
Audit Procedures for Obtaining Audit Evidence
The auditor obtains audit evidence to draw reasonable conclusions on which to base the audit
opinion by performing audit procedures to achieve the following objectives:
 Obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including its internal
control, to assess the risks of material misstatement at the financial statement and
assertion levels (audit procedures performed for this purpose are referred to in the
ISAs as “risk assessment procedures”);
 When necessary or when the auditor has determined to do so, test the operating
effectiveness of controls in preventing, or detecting and correcting, material
misstatements at the assertion level (audit procedures performed for this purpose are
referred to in the ISAs as “tests of controls”); and
 Detect material misstatements at the assertion level (audit procedures performed for
this purpose are referred to in the ISAs as “substantive procedures”).
TYPES OF AUDIT PROCEDURES.
ISA 500 sets out the types of audit procedures that the auditor can perform to generate
various forms of audit evidence.
 Inspection of tangible assets*

 Inspection of records and documents*
 Observation
 Inquiry

 Confirmation*
 Re-calculation*
 Re-performance
 Analytical procedures*
*they are highly important when carrying out substantive procedures.
ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES (ISA 520)

Nature and purpose
‘Analytical procedures’ involve analysis of ratios, trends and relationships (based on financial
and non-financial data) including the resulting investigation of fluctuations. The analysis is
usually carried out by comparisons. It basically involves identifying fluctuations and
relationships that do not appear consistent with other relevant information, expected patterns
or predicted amounts.
Comparisons : Financial information is compared, for example, with:
 prior periods (historical data);

 budgets and forecasts (future-oriented data);
 predictive estimates (e.g., of the annual depreciation charge);
 industry averages.
Purposes and Uses

 To assist in PLANNING the nature, timing and extent of other audit procedures.
 As SUBSTANTIVE procedures when their use is more effective or efficient than tests of
details in detecting material misstatement.
 As an overall REVIEW, to conclude whether financial statements as a whole are
consistent with the auditors’ knowledge of the business.
At the planning stage

Analytical procedures at this stage (sometimes called ‘preliminary analytical review’) assist in:
 increasing knowledge and understanding of the business through the accumulation of

information on trends in key relationships;
 identifying areas of potential risk (e.g., relating to the entity’s financial condition);
 determining the nature, timing and extent of other audit procedures (i.e., audit strategy
) by directing tests to areas of potentially material misstatement.
Information availability
Financial information available at the planning stage may include:
o interim financial information;
o budgets or forecasts;
o management accounts AND draft financial statements.

At the Substantive stage (substantive analytical procedures)
Analytical procedures at stages other than the planning and overall review stages are optional.
Substantive analytical procedures (‘SAPs’) are based on the expectation that relationships
which are known to exist may be expected to continue in the absence of clear evidence to the
contrary. For example, the relationship between gross profit and sales revenue may be
expected to remain constant unless there are changes in sales prices, sales mix and/or cost
structure.
Where sufficient substantive evidence is not obtained by analytical procedures alone, some
tests of detail will also be required.
Extent of use
Factors determining the extent of use of substantive analytical procedures include:
o The closeness of relationships between items of data. Analytical procedures are more
appropriate when relationships are plausible and predictable (e.g., between sales
commission and sales revenue). A plausible relationship is one which may reasonably
be expected to exist.
o The degree of disaggregation in available information. For example, a detailed review
of gross profit margins by major product would be more effective than the review of an
overall gross profit.
o The availability and reliability of financial data (e.g., budgets) and non-financial data
(e.g., units produced). Independently prepared non-financial data should facilitate
more effective procedures.
o The relevance of available information. For example, budgets based on expectation are
more useful than targets.
o The comparability of available information.
o The auditor’s cumulative knowledge and experience. Effective analytical procedures
are based on recognizing unusual or unexpected variations. If knowledge is limited, it is
difficult to know what to expect.
o The nature of the enterprise and its operations. When steady trends develop it is easier
to know what to expect and identify variations.
The auditor is more likely to use analytical procedures for:

existing well-established clients;
in well-known, stable industries;
where predictive information is readily available; and
accounting and internal control systems are effective.
Extent of reliance
Factors determining the extent of reliance on substantive analytical procedures include:
Materiality of items involved. The less significant an account balance or class of

transactions, the more reliance may be placed on analytical procedures.

Other audit procedures directed to the same financial statement assertion. For
example, a reduction in the extent of tests of detail will be justified where significant
fluctuations and inconsistencies have been corroborated.
The accuracy of predictions. Income and expenditure accounts tend to be more
predictable than balance sheet accounts because they are composed of large numbers
of like transactions (whereas balances tend to be a net amount). Non-recurring
accounting entries (e.g., asset revaluations) and discretionary expenses (e.g., research
and development) do not lend themselves to effective analytical procedures.
Risk assessments. For example, if internal control over the processing of sales orders
is weak (i.e., control risk is high) more reliance on tests of details for drawing
conclusions on receivables may be required.
The effectiveness of controls, if any, over the preparation of information used for
analytical procedures.
Types of substantive analytical procedure

Trend analysis (e.g., graphical time series and regression analysis);
Ratio analysis; and
Reasonableness tests (also called ‘proof in total’).
Reasonable tests
These provide an independent check on the total value of a population and are most useful
for income and expenditure accounts. The mechanics are:
calculate the expected value of a population;

compare with recorded value;
difference should not be material. An investigation may be carried out if it is.
Investigation of fluctuations
ISA 520 requires that when unexpected trends or deviations are identified the auditor should:
seek explanations from relevant client staff .
obtain corroborative evidence.
Reasons such as the deliberate concealment of errors, ‘window-dressing’, theft and fraud will
usually only be considered as a last resort (unless the auditor has reason to suspect such
irregularities).
At the overall review stage:
Analytical review at this stage is required in forming an overall conclusion as to whether the
financial statements as a whole are consistent with the auditor’s knowledge of the business.
The review may also identify the need for further substantive procedures. Ratio analysis is
particularly useful in testing the consistency of the inter-relationships of amounts disclosed in
the financial statements. It is usual to compare ratios calculated at this stage with those of
the preliminary analytical review.
Conclusion
As analytical procedures have applications covering three of the principal stages of an audit

i.e. (planning, substantive and review stage), it is highly likely that in any paper F8 examination
you will have an opportunity to refer to them and obtain some marks. However, such vague
and general comments as "I will perform analytical procedures" are clearly unworthy of marks
when another candidate writes, for example,
"Schedule monthly payroll expenses and corroborate fluctuations by reference to

starters/leavers and pay rises",
"Compare delivery vehicle running expenses to the number of vehicles with the prior year",
Compare trade payables individually and in total to prior year balances and explain any
unusual changes,
Compare individual accruals with amount in the prior year accounts to account for unusual
differences and identify omissions from the list this year.
Check this out in the June 2009 question 1 exam:
 List the substantive analytical procedures that can be used to give assurance on the
total income from ticket sales for one day in B-Star;
 List the substantive analytical procedures that can be used to give assurance on the
total income from ticket sales for the year in B-Star.
(8 marks)
AUDIT OF SPECIFIC AREAS IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (SUBSTANTIVE PROCEDURES)
It is important to keep in mind the FS assertions when you are considering performing
substantive audit tests. When answering examination questions, you should design relevant
tests based on the assertions rather than learning a long list of tests for a particular asset or
liability.
For this area, knowledge of relevant International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS/IAS)
may be an added advantage.
TANGIBLE NON-CURRENT ASSETS (TNCA): Verification procedures includes.
 Obtain or prepare a summary of tangible NCA showing how gross book value,
accumulated depreciation and NBV reconcile with the opening position. Re-cast the
schedule if it is obtained. (completeness and accuracy)
 Compare NCA in the general ledger with the TNCA register and obtain explanations for
differences. (completeness and accuracy)

 Verify additions by inspecting relevant documentation e.g. supplier’s invoice, board
minutes etc. (occurrence, rights and existence)
 Check that capitalization of expenditure is appropriate (e.g. revenue expenditure
should be expensed) and NCA are charged to the appropriate accounts and that it is in
line with consistently applied policy. (classification and presentation)
 Check additions have been recorded in the TNCA register and the general ledger.
(completeness and accuracy)
 Inspect relevant documents of title depending on the nature of the tangible NCA. E.g.
land registry certificates, vehicle registration documents, contract documents,
architect’s certificate, insurance policies etc. (rights and existence)
 Carry out physical inspection of TNCA and confirm their existence, condition, and use
for the client’s business. (Existence, rights, valuation).
 Verify valuation to valuation certificates. This may involve reviewing some other factor
such as the experience and independence of the expert. ( see ISA 620) (Valuation).
 Check that revaluations are properly accounted for in line with relevant IFRS e.g.
o No selective revaluation, revaluation should be carried out consistently.
o Accounting for surpluses and deficits.
o TNCA should not be carried at a value more than its recoverable amounts. Etc.
(valuation)
 Review depreciation rates applied in relation to:
o Assets lives, residual values, past experience of gains or losses on disposal,
replacement policy. (Allocation)
 Check that:
o All assets with limited useful life have been depreciated.
o Depreciation policies and rates are disclosed and applied consistently.
o Recalculate depreciation and verify proper posting. (allocation and accuracy)
 Verify disposal to supporting documentation, checking transfer of title. (Occurrence)
 Agree receipt on sale to the cash book. (Occurrence)
 Check that TNCA disposed are removed from the books and that profit or loss is
properly calculated with the appropriate disclosures met. (Occurrence, accuracy and
presentation).
 Check that all relevant disclosure requirements are met e.g. depreciation rate, method,
accounting policies (classification and understandability) etc.
AUDIT OF PROVISIONS AND CONTINGENCIES
The auditor’s main task will be to decide whether a provision has been set up in accordance
with IAS 37 Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets. The auditor should
consider the possibility of contingent assets and liabilities crystallizing into real assets and
liabilities and also decide whether disclosures are appropriate. The auditor should carry out
procedures in other to become aware of any litigations and claims involving the entity which

may have a material effect on the financial statement. Such procedures would include the
following:
1. making appropriate enquiries of management including obtaining representation.

2. examining board minutes for indication of possible claims
3. examining correspondence with the entity’s lawyers
4. examine legal expenses accounts
When litigation or claims have been identified, the auditor should seek direct communication
with the entity’s lawyers. If management refuses to give the auditors permission to
communicate with the lawyer (or the lawyer refuses to respond) and the auditor can find no
alternative sufficient evidence, this would be a limitation of scope and may lead to a qualified
opinion or a disclaimer of opinion. Generally, substantive procedures that can be carried out
for provision and contingencies include:
 obtain clients schedule of provisions and contingencies and seek supporting documentation
in the form of legal opinion, correspondence with customers, environmental and technical
reports.
 Assess the basis of provisions for reasonableness and compliance with IAS 37. This may
involve:
1. determining for each material provisions whether the company has a present
obligation as a result of past events by:
a. reviewing the correspondence relating to the item
b. Discussion with the directors. Have the created any valid expectation?
2. determining for each material provision whether it is probable that a transfer of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation;
a. Checking whether any payments have been made after the reporting date in
respect of the item,
b. Review of correspondence with solicitors, banks, customers, insurers,
suppliers both pre and post year end.
c. Sending a letter to the solicitor to obtain there view where relevant
d. Analyzing past provision and settlements
 Recalculate all provisions made.
 Compare the amount provided with any post year end payments and with any amount
paid in the past for similar items.
 In the event that it is not possible to reliably estimate the amount of the provisions,
check that a contingent liability is disclosed in the accounts
 Consider the adequacy of disclosure of provisions and contingencies
 The bank letter can also provide the necessary evidence in respect of bills discounted
and guarantees

 Physically inspect any site in respect of which clean ups or restoration provisions have
been made.
 Obtain a letter of representation from management disclosing all relevant information
about any other provision or contingencies.
AUDIT OF RECEIVABLES
Key substantive procedures include:
 Obtain a list of receivables balances and re-cast the schedule. (accuracy)

 Agree the total on the schedule with the balance on the receivables ledger control
accounts. (completeness)
 Trace on sample basis some receivables balances to the relevant accounts in the
receivable ledger and the general ledger. (existence and accuracy).
 For these individual customers accounts, agree opening balances to year-end balances
in the prior year’s audited records. (completeness and accuracy)
 Trace sales and cash received during the year to the sales day book and the cash book
respectively. (occurrence and accuracy)
 Obtain relevant supporting documentation for these items e.g. sales invoices, receipts,
dispatch notes etc. (occurrence and accuracy)
 Trace a sample of credit notes issued for sales returns to the respective journals and
the relevant customer accounts. (completeness and valuation)
 Agree a sample of sales invoices to entries in the sales day book, receivables ledger,
and the general ledger. (completeness)
 Obtain a direct confirmation (see below) of receivables through circularization
(existence, rights and obligation, valuation)
 Review cash received from receivables after the reporting date (valuation and rights
and obligation)
 Review goods dispatch notes and invoices just before the year end to ensure sales
have been recorded in this year’s financial statements. (Cut off) and vice versa.
 Obtain or prepare a breakdown of receivables balances on a month-by-month basis
and make comparison with that of prior years. (completeness) Etc.
 Review disclosures e.g. current and long term receivables should be separated.
(classification and understandability)
EXTERNAL CONFIRMATION (ISA 505)
One of the principal methods of obtaining corroborative evidence available to auditors is by

inquiry. Inquiry involves seeking information from knowledgeable persons inside or outside the
entity. Confirmation is the name given to a specific form of inquiry that is particularly widely
used. It involves obtaining written confirmation from a third party, typically, although not

exclusively, in relation to an account balance in which the third party has an interest. General
issues relating to confirmations are:
 In what situations is the use of confirmations appropriate?

 What assertions are addressed by confirmations?
 How should a request for confirmation be made?
Situations
Confirmations are best used where there is a knowledgeable party, independent of the entity
and where alternative reliable evidence is not readily available. The most knowledgeable
parties are those in a commercial relationship with the entity holding reciprocal information as
to entity balances. These include debtors, creditors, banks, lenders, borrowers and custodians
of entity assets such as stocks and securities. It is in their interest to respond to an auditor’s
request for confirmation to ensure that any differences are identified and resolved.
Generally speaking, parties from whom confirmation is sought are likely to be independent,
ensuring the evidence is reliable. However, there are two situations where the auditor may
need to exercise caution. The first is where the other party is ‘related’, e.g. a fellow subsidiary
of the same parent or having majority shareholders in common. The second is where the other
party might be economically dependent on the entity and may be motivated to provide an
inaccurate response for fear of losing business with the entity.
Assertions
Where confirmations relate to reciprocal balances (such as debtors, creditors, banks,
borrowers and lenders), they provide persuasive evidence as to rights and obligations
(ownership), existence, accuracy and valuation. However, because of human nature
(intentional and unintentional acts), confirmations may not always provide reliable evidence
as to accuracy and valuation.
Form of request
As a general rule, the request must be presented in such a form that facilitates a response by
the other party. This can be achieved by using a standard form with space for the response
and enclosing a return addressed envelope.
A possible scenario is between the use of confirmations that specify the information to be
confirmed, or that request the other party to supply information. The latter approach
eliminates the risk that the other party may not undertake a careful check of their records
before responding, but increases the risk that the other party fails to respond.
The use of positive or negative confirmations is another possible scenario. Both specify the
information to be confirmed but a negative request only requires a response where the
information is incorrect. The debate as to their respective benefits is indeterminate. Generally
speaking, negative confirmations are used where there are a large number of small balances
and the risk of material misstatement is assessed as low. However, the confirmation must be
seen more as a test of control than as a substantive procedure. It assists in confirming the
presumed low incidence of errors and provides qualitative information on the type of errors

that exist. Where detection risk is high, or the materiality of the account balance is high,
positive confirmation will be needed to provide substantive evidence.
It is nearly always the case that management of the audited entity must authorise each
confirmation request. This exposes the risk that the process could be interfered with by the
entity because the confirmation is usually in the form of a request – from the entity – for
information to be supplied to their auditor. It is important that auditors control the process by
ensuring that confirmations sent are in agreement with those selected for confirmation and
that respondent addresses are verified. It is also important that the envelopes bear the
auditors’ return address in the event of non-delivery. Where no response is received to a
positive request for confirmation (after suitable follow- up requests), alternative evidence
must be obtained if the information to be confirmed is material to the financial statements or
to maintain the integrity of sample evidence. Although a need to make follow-up requests in
seeking confirmation responses is important, examination candidates often give undue
prominence to this particular aspect and inadequate attention to suitable alternative sources
of evidence.
Receivables’ confirmations
The use of confirmation evidence is usually very important in the audit of trade receivables
because there are few other sources of external corroborative evidence. It is usually suitable
when the majority of the credit customers are reasonable-sized businesses. Because
existence is an important assertion being verified, it is important that the source from which
the sample is selected is tested for completeness. This usually requires selecting the sample
from a list of receivables balances that has been tested against the sales ledger and totalled
and agreed with the general ledger balance. The list of receivables balances is usually
subdivided into current due balances and overdue balances. Each present separate audit
risks as overdue balances are more likely to contain errors and thus require a proportionately
larger sample.
It is necessary to verify non-responses with alternative reliable evidence of the outstanding

balance in order to maintain the integrity of the sample where positive confirmations are used.
Such evidence includes delivery notes signed for by the customer, written customer sales
orders and, if subsequently paid, a remittance advice accompanying the payment identifying
the specific invoices being paid.
Payables/Creditors’ confirmations:
Creditors are much less frequently confirmed than debtors. The auditor already has external
evidence in the form of supplier invoices and statements. Although held by the entity and thus
potentially at risk from being manipulated, they are likely to provide sufficient appropriate
evidence in the absence of any suspicious circumstances. In addition, the principal assertion
verified by confirmation evidence would be that of completeness. The available population
(creditor balances recorded by the entity), is not a suitable starting point for selecting a
sample for confirmation when verifying completeness. If time is available, auditors tend to
prefer to use the complementary/reciprocal population of purchases (or payment transactions
recorded after the period end) when verifying the completeness of recorded creditors.

Bank confirmations: In many countries, the auditing profession has come to a mutual
agreement with the banking industry on the method to be employed in seeking confirmations.
A standardised form is commonly used with open questions for the bank to complete. The
evidence should be reliable because banks usually maintain a high level of internal control
over records of customer balances. However, because the task of completing the confirmation
is often entrusted to relatively junior personnel and is not subject to independent checks,
auditors must be alert for the possibility of clerical errors when making use of the evidence
obtained by confirmation.
Another consideration when confirming bank balances is that they involve both debit and
credit balances and contingencies. Therefore, evidence of both completeness and existence is
sought. Although balances with each bank are usually individually material (in that all banks
are confirmed – not just a sample), the auditors must take reasonable care that all banks
which the entity has had dealings with during the year are identified. Auditors should request
confirmations from each bank, not just those with recorded balances outstanding at the
period end.
AUDIT OF SALES:
Substantive procedures on the sales figure in the income statement should cover the
consideration of the following items:
 Invoices including calculation of discounts and taxes

 Sales day book and sales returns journal
 Other relevant supporting documentation include credit notes, goods dispatch notes,
receipts.
 Ledger accounts posting e.g. sales account, receivables ledger, cash book etc. down to
the income statement.
 Control accounts reconciliations at the year end
 Analytical procedures
 Cut-off procedures
 Disclosure requirements (IAS 18).
AUDIT OF INVENTORIES
The external auditor is principally concerned with the accuracy of the inventory figure in the
financial statements. This means that the auditor is concerned with:
 Inventory count including cut-off procedures; and

 Subsequent inventory valuation.
Knowledge of key provisions of IAS 2 Inventories may be necessary.

PHYSICAL INVENTORY COUNT AND THE AUDITOR
A business may count inventory by one or a combination of the following methods.
1. Physical inventory count at the year end: From the auditor’s view point this is often the
best method.
2. Physical inventory count before or after the year end: This will provide audit evidence of
varying reliability depending on:
 The length of time between the physical inventory count and the year end: The greater the
time period, the less the value of audit evidence.
 The business’s system of internal controls
 The quality of records of inventory movements in the period between the physical
inventory count and the year end.
3. Perpetual inventory where management has a programme of inventory- counting
throughout the year [on a continuous basis].
Where a suitable record of inventories is maintained, it is often backed up by a programme of
continuous counting as part of general inventory control procedures. This programme should
ensure that; and the auditor should also check that:
 Each item is physically inspected at least once in a year and more frequently in the
case of items more liable to loss etc.
 Adequate records are kept up to date and
 The records are amended as a result of physical inspection and that there are
appropriate reports and investigation procedures for discrepancies.
Advantages of perpetual inventory systems:
 No disruption caused by periodic count.

 Adequate records are kept up to date.
 Earlier identification fraud and errors.
 Enhances interim reporting.
 There is increased discipline over store keepers caused by the surprise element of
random checks.
ORGANISATION OF COUNTING: Comprehensive instruction should be laid down for the

undertaking of the counting detailing:
 The procedure to be followed by each centre, dividing each into areas for counting
purposes.
 The appointment of competent supervisors [both technically and managerially] for area,
with teams [pairs] of technically competent counters under them. One person for each
team should be responsible for counting, the other for recording and checking the count.
The store keepers should not be responsible for counting unless their work is
independently checked. Auditors need to be aware of the possibility of misappropriation of
assets with falsification of related records.

 The mark to be applied to inventories to indicate that they have been counted e.g. chalk
mark.
 Standardised pre-numbered forms for recording the count, the issue and return of which
should be control so that all inventories counted and areas are accounted for, and that
proper accounting records are kept.
 Movement of inventories during the count should be halted or closely controlled.
 Comparison as soon as practicable after the count with the continuous records so that
discrepancies may be investigated and adjusted.
AUDITOR’S ATTENDANCE AT COUNTING: ISA501 provides that “when inventory is material to

financial statement, the auditor should obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding
its existence and condition by attendance at physical inventory counting unless impracticable.
Attendance enables the auditor inspect inventory and observe compliance with the operation
of management procedure in order to provide evidence as to their reliability. Where the count
is not attended on the day planned due to unforeseen circumstances, the auditor should take
or observe some physical count on an alternative date if possible. Where attendance is
impracticable, due to nature or location of the inventories, auditors should consider whether
sufficient evidence is available to avoid a qualification of the audit report.
Bear in mind that it is not the auditor’s responsibility to count inventory but the clients. There
are three aspects of the auditor’s duties, covering the times before, during and after the
counting.
BEFORE THE COUNTING (PLANNING): The auditor should carry out the following when planning
attendance at inventory count:
1. Review previous year working papers and discuss with management inventory count
arrangements and significant changes in order to gain knowledge of the client’s
inventory counting system.
2. Assess key factors.
 Nature and volume and location of inventory.
 Identification of high value items.
 Controlling and recording procedures.
 The timing of the count.
3. Identify problem areas in relation to the system of internal control and decide whether
reliance can be placed on internal auditors.
4. Assess inherent, control and detection risks and establish materiality.
5. Arrange to ensure that a representative selection of location, inventory and procedure
are covered.
6. Arrange third party confirmation of inventories held by third parties depending on
materiality, the auditors should also consider the integrity and independence of the
third party.

7. If the nature of the inventories is specialized, then the auditor will need to arrange
expert help or to review the client’s own arrangement.
8. Examine the client’s counting instructions: if they are inadequate, the matter should
be discussed with the client with a view to improving their prior to the inventory count.
9. Auditors should perform analytical procedures on inventory as part of the planning
process, these will consist of the consideration of the ageing of inventory count using
standard ratios – inventory turnover; inventory days.
DURING THE COUNTING: The main task is to ensure that the client’s staffs are carrying out
their duties effectively. The auditor should:
1. Check that client staffs are following instructions.

2. Make test count to ensure procedures and internal controls are working properly
focusing more on high value items.
3. Ensure that the procedures for identifying damaged, obsolete and slow-moving
inventory operate properly: the auditor should obtain information about the inventories
condition, age, usage and in the case of WIP, its stage of completion.
4. Confirm that inventory held on behalf of third parties is separately identified and
accounted for. [E.g. goods consignment].
5. Make notes of items counted, damaged inventory, instances where the counting
procedures are not being followed.
6. Examine cut off procedures [see below].
7. Conclude whether the count provides reliable evidence on inventories existence.
8. Consider whether any amendment is necessary to subsequent audit procedures.
9. Reach an overall conclusion as to whether or not the counting was satisfactory and
hence provides reliable evidence supporting the final inventory figure in the financial
statements.
AFTER THE INVENTORY COUNT:
1. Trace items that were test counted to inventory sheets and final inventory statements.
2. Check that all count records have been included in the inventory sheets.
3. Check that the final statement of inventory is supported by count records.
4. Ensure that all inventory records have been adjusted or reconciled to the physical
count and all differences investigated.
5. Confirm cut-off by using details of the last serial number of goods inwards and
outwards notes and of movements during the count.
6. Check replies from third parties about inventories held by or for them.
7. Confirm the clients final valuation of inventory has been calculated correctly.
8. Follow up queries and notify problems in counting procedures to management.

COMPUTER ASSISTED AUDIT TECHNIQUES (CAAT).
The application of auditing procedures using the computer as an audit tool is generally
referred to as CAATs. The following are examples of the uses of computers within an audit:
 Flowcharting the clients system.

 Preparation of audit plans.
 Analytical procedures
 Preparation of audit working papers.
 Evaluation of audit risk Etc.
There are two types of CAATs i.e. audit software and test data.
Audit software: these are computer programs used for audit purposes to process data of audit
significance from the client’s accounting system. It may be used during many audit testing
procedures. Its use is particularly appropriate when carrying out substantive procedures as it
can scrutinize large volumes of data and extract information. It may be a general package
program or a purpose written program.
Difficulties in using computer audit programs:
1. Cost: Set up cost may be substantial.

2. Changes to clients systems: may result in costly alterations to the programs and may
also require running the program regularly during the year to the system at different
dates.
3. Small installations: It may be difficult to justify for small installations especially in terms
of purpose written (bespoke) packages.
4. Systems documentation: Some programs often suffer from inadequate documentation
and testing and thus may not be user friendly or may even produce erroneous output.
5. Quantity of output: An enquiry program that is badly designed may produce a large
volume of output.
Test data: are data used by the auditor for computer processing to test the operation of the
client’s computer programs. Test data techniques are used in conducting audit procedures by
entering data (e.g. a sample of transactions) into an entity’s computer system and comparing
the results obtained with predetermined results. There are three major approaches to the use
of test data:
 Using live data: At its simplest level auditor may use real data that as already been
processed which involves the control they want to test. Results should have been
predetermined and actual results can be compared thereon with differences
investigated. This method is not usually feasible because the auditor will want to use a
collection of normal, exceptional and even absurd data to test controls and thus they
are unlikely to find this easily from a batch of live data.

 Dummy data in normal production run: the auditor constructs a series of dummy
transactions which contains the required conditions. These are processed along with
normal data and actual results will be compared predetermined results. This method
has the advantage of producing a realistic testing environment as the client’s actual
programs are used. However, the auditors may need to reverse the transactions after
testing to eliminate the effect of test data. This may be time consuming and it may
distort management information.
 Dummy data in a special run: in this method the auditor constructs a series of dummy
transactions which contains the required conditions and uses it on the copies of the
client’s data files in a special run (and not in the normal production run). The dangers
associated with ‘live’ testing are therefore largely eliminated. However, it is still
essential to obtain the client’s permission and this reduces the independence of the
test. It is also necessary to obtain an assurance that the program being used in the
test run is identical to that used in the client’s normal run.
Difficulties of using audit test data:
1. Cost: there may be considerable cost involved in ascertaining the relevant controls to
test and in constructing test data from the scratch. It may be difficult to identify all
relevant conditions.
2. Time: the need to predetermine the results manually may be both time consuming and
tedious.
3. Limited objectives: test data is likely to be confined to test of controls and may
therefore be less valuable in audit terms than using audit software.
4. Dangers of live testing: careful planning and control is needed to expurgate the test
data from the records. A significant problem with test data is that any resulting
corruption of the client’s data files has to be corrected.
5. Dangers testing during a special run: this is because an artificial testing environment
is created. Assurance is needed that the normal programs and files have been tested.
6. Scope limitation (1): a problem with test data is that it only tests systems control that
exists at a particular point in time.
7. Scope limitation (2): also the auditors are only testing controls in the programs being
run and controls which they know about.
The following are important considerations when making a decision whether or not to use
CAATs:
 The auditor’s familiarity with IT and CAATs.

 The availability of CAATs and suitable computer facilities and the need for client’s co-
operation.
 The impracticability of manual testing (particularly when audit trail is missing).
 The effectiveness and efficiency of CAATs in terms of cost, time and volume of
transactions.
 Timing of the tests.

F8 DEC 07 Q4:
Delphic Co is a wholesaler of furniture (such as chairs, tables and cupboards). Delphic buys
the furniture from six major manufacturers and sells them to over 600 different customers
ranging from large retail chain stores to smaller owner-controlled businesses. The receivables
balance therefore includes customers owing up to $125,000 to smaller balances of about
$5,000, all with many different due dates for payments and credit limits. All information is
stored on Delphic’s computer systems although previous audits have tended to adopt an
‘audit around the computer’ approach.
You are the audit senior in charge of the audit of the receivables balance. For the first time at
this client, you have decided to use audit software to assist with the audit of the receivables
balance. Computer staff at Delphic are happy to help the auditor, although they cannot
confirm completeness of systems documentation, and warn that the systems have very old
operating systems in place, limiting file compatibility with more modern programs.
The change in audit approach has been taken mainly to fully understand Delphic’s computer
systems prior to new internet modules being added next year. To limit the possibility of
damage to Delphic’s computer files, copy files will be provided by Delphic’s computer staff for
the auditor to use with their own audit software.
Required:
1. Explain the audit procedures that should be carried out using audit software on Delphic
Co. receivables balance. For each procedure, explain the reason for that procedure. (9
marks)
2. Explain the potential problems of using audit software at Delphic Co. For each problem,
explain how it can be resolved. (8
marks)
3. Explain the concept of ‘auditing around the computer’ and discuss why this increases
audit risk for the auditor. (3 marks)
(20 marks)
F8 DEC 05 Q6: Practice question.
A. Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) are used to assist an auditor in the collection of
audit evidence from computerized systems.
Required: List and briefly explain four advantages of CAATs. (4 marks)

B. Porthos, a limited liability company, is a reseller of sports equipment, specialising in racquet
sports such as tennis, squash and badminton. The company purchases equipment from a
variety of different suppliers and then resells this using the Internet as the only selling media.
The company has over 150 different types of racquets available in inventory, each identified
via a unique product code. Customers place their orders directly on the Internet site. Most
orders are for one or two racquets only. The ordering/sales software automatically verifies the
order details, customer address and credit card information prior to orders being verified and
goods being despatched. The integrity of the ordering system is checked regularly by
ArcherWeb, an independent Internet service company.
You are the audit manager working for the external auditors of Porthos, and you have just
started planning the audit of the sales system of the company. You have decided to use test
data to check the input of details into the sales system. This will involve entering dummy
orders into the Porthos system from an online terminal.
Required: List the test data you will use in your audit of the financial statements of Porthos to
confirm the completeness and accuracy of input into the sales system, clearly explaining the
reason for each item of data. (6 marks)
C. You are also considering using audit software as part of your substantive testing of the data
files in the sales and inventory systems of Porthos.
i. List and briefly explain some of the difficulties of using audit software; (4
marks)
ii. List the audit tests that you can program into your audit software for the sales and
inventory system in Porthos, explaining the reason for each test. (6 marks)
(20 marks)
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
DELPHIC CO. (Suggested solution):
Procedure: Cast the list of receivables balances and agree it to the receivables control
account balances.
Reason: To ensure the completeness and accuracy of recording of items in the receivables
ledger and control accounts.

Procedure: Compare each customer account balances in the receivable ledger with its credit
limit.
Reason: To check for violation of system rules. (No limit should be exceeded)
Procedure: Review the balances in the receivables ledger to ensure no customer has a credit
balance.
Reason: To check for unreasonable items in the ledger.
Procedure: Calculate receivables days for each month end to monitor control of receivables
over the year.
Reason: To obtaining new/relevant statistical information.
Procedure: Stratify receivables balances to show all material items and select a sample for
testing..
Reason: To select items for audit testing.
Procedure: Produce an aged receivables analysis to assist with the identification of

irrecoverable debts.
Reason: To assist with receivables valuation testing.
(B) Problems of using audit software
Cost: There may be substantial setup costs to use the software, especially where the
computer systems of the client have not been fully documented, as is the situation in Delphic
Co. A cost benefit analysis from the audit point-of-view should be carried out prior to deciding
to use audit software.
Lack of software documentation: The computer audit department at Delphic cannot confirm
that all system documentation is available, especially for the older ‘legacy’ systems currently
in use. This again confirms the view that use of audit software should be deferred until next
year to avoid extensive setup costs which cannot be recouped due to system changes.
Change to clients’ systems: Changes to clients’ computer systems can result in costly
amendments to the audit software. Given that Delphic’s systems will change next year, this is
almost certain to result in amendments to the software. Starting to use audit software this
year is therefore not advisable.
Outputs obtained: The audit manager needs to be clear exactly what audit assertions are to
be tested with the audit software and what outputs are expected. Starting testing just to
obtain knowledge of the system is inappropriate as testing may be too detailed and output
produced that is not required, increasing the cost for the client.
Use of copy files: The use of copy files means that the auditor will not be certain that these are
the actual files being used within Delphic’s computer systems, especially as the provenance of
those files will not be checked. To ensure that the files are genuine either the auditor should
supervise the copying or the ‘live’ files on Delphic’s computer systems should be used.
(c) Auditing around the computer
This term means that the ‘internal’ software of the computer is not documented or audited by
the auditor, but that the inputs to the computer are agreed to the outputs from the computer.
This method of auditing increases audit risk because:
 The actual computer files and programs are not tested; the auditor has no direct
evidence that the programs are working as documented.
 Where errors are found in reconciling inputs to outputs, it may be difficult or even
impossible to determine why those errors occurred. Constructive amendments to
clients’ systems cannot be made and there is an increased likelihood of audit
qualifications.
DEC 05, Q5b
Test data: Input of an order for a negative number tennis racquets.
Reason: Ensures that only positive quantities are accepted although the company cannot
despatch negative quantities anyway.

Test data: Input of an order for ten tennis racquets.
Reason: There are reasonableness checks in the system to identify possible input errors. A
warning message should appear on screen asking the customer to confirm any order for more
than say two racquets.
Test data: Input of an order without payment details
Reason: Ensures that orders are paid for prior to dispatch being completed this also limits the
number of bad debts.
Test data: Input of invalid inventory code
Reason: Ensures that the computer detects the invalid code and presents an error message
rather than taking the nearest code and accepting that.
Test data: Input of invalid customer credit card details
Reason: Online checking of credit card details to the credit card company ensures that goods
cannot be
despatched without payment. This will also limit the number of bad debts.
Test data: Input of invalid address
Reason: Ensures that the address and valid zip code is valid, possibly by accessing a
database of valid codes. If the code is not valid an error message should be displayed. This
ensures that goods are only despatched to valid addresses.
DEC 05, QCii
Audit tests using audit software and the reason for the tests: (T stands for test while R stands
for reason)
T: Calculation check of the sales day book.
R: Ensures that the computerised sales day book has been cast correctly and helps to verify
the sales balance in the financial statements.

T: Analysis of the aging of items in the inventory ledger.
R: Help to detect inventory items which are relatively old which may need valuing at net
realisable value rather than cost.
T: Selecting a sample of inventory at the end of the year as part of the physical verification.
R: Removes bias from sample selection as well as being quicker than selecting the items
manually.
T: Selecting a sample of sales invoices for Removes bias from sample selection as well as
being
R: checking to despatch documentation quicker than selecting the items manually.
T: Checking completeness of sales invoice.
R: Ensures that all sales invoices are recorded in the sales numbers day book.
T: Check that all sales invoices have been paid for.
R: All sales are paid for on ordering, unpaid sales would be a violation of systems rules and
would need to be investigated by the auditor.
T: List large credit notes (perhaps more than five racquets) for investigation by the auditor.
R: The auditor will find reasons for the return, and this is also a check on the accuracy of the
ordering system as ordering errors may result in customers returning goods later.
NOTES

SECTION 6:

REVIEW AND REPORTING
This material represents the last two sections of the F8 syllabus and as such cover:
REVIEW REPORTING
Overall review External reporting
Going concern Internal reporting
Subsequent events
Management representation
FOR THE EXAMS:
 THIS IS AN INTERESTING AREA AND IS A SUATABLE CANDIDATE FOR QUESTION 5. GET

A GOOD GRAB OF GOING CONCERN, SUBSEQUENT EVENTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON
THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT.
 CANDDIDATES ARE UNLIKELY TO BE REQUIRED TO PREPARE A FULL VERSION OF THE

AUDITOR’S REPORT BUT MAY BE ASKED TO CRITICALLY APPRAISE ONE WHICH MAY
FOR EXAMPLE CONTAIN SOME DEFICIENCIES.
 PLEASE REVIEW THE VARIOUS FORMATS AND CONTENT OF THE REPORTS INCLLUDED
AS AN APPEXDIX TO THIS MANUAL.
OVERALL REVIEW OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The auditors must perform and document an overall review of the financial statements before
they can reach an opinion. Once the bulk of the substantive procedures have been carried
out, the auditors will have a draft set of financial statements which should be supported by
appropriate and sufficient audit evidence. The review should be carried out by a senior
member of the audit team, with appropriate skills and experience.
Procedure 1: Compliance with accounting regulations

The auditors should consider whether:
 The information presented in the financial statements is in accordance with

local/national statutory requirements.
 The accounting policies employed are in accordance with accounting standards,
properly disclosed, consistently applied and appropriate to the entity.
Procedure 2: Review for consistency and reasonableness
The auditors should consider whether the financial statements are consistent with their
knowledge of the entity's business and with the results of other audit procedures, and the
manner of disclosure is fair. The principal considerations are as follows.
 Whether the financial statements adequately reflect the information and explanations
previously obtained and conclusions previously reached during the course of the audit
 Whether it reveals any new factors which may affect the presentation of, or disclosure
in, the financial statements
 Whether analytical procedures applied at the overall review stage achieve its objective.
 The potential impact on the financial statements of the aggregate of uncorrected
misstatements (including those arising from bias in making accounting estimates)
identified during the course of the audit and the preceding period's audit, if any
Procedure 3: Presentation and disclosure
Auditor should not be influenced by management’s desire to present fact in a more favourable
(or unfavourable) form, but should reflect the substance of the underlying transaction.
Summarising errors
During the course of the audit, errors will be discovered which may be material or immaterial
to the financial statements. It is very likely that the client will adjust the financial statements
to take account of material and immaterial errors during the course of the audit. At the end of
the audit, however, some errors may still be outstanding and the auditors will summarise
these unadjusted errors.
 In evaluating whether the financial statements are prepared in all material respects, in
accordance with an applicable financial reporting framework, the auditor should
assess whether the aggregate of uncorrected misstatements that have been identified
during the audit is material. ISA 320.12
 If the auditors consider that the aggregate of misstatements may be material, they
must consider reducing audit risk by extending audit procedures or requesting
management to adjust the financial statements (which management may wish to do
anyway).
 If management refuses to adjust the financial statements and the results of extended
audit procedures do not enable the auditor to conclude that the aggregate of

uncorrected misstatements is not material, the auditor should consider the appropriate
modification to the auditor's report. ISA 320.15
Completion checklists
Audit firms frequently use checklists which must be signed off to ensure that all final
procedures have been carried out, all material amounts are supported by sufficient
appropriate evidence, etc.
GOING CONCERN (ISA 570)
ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE: Auditors should consider whether the going concern basis is
appropriate, and whether disclosure of any going concern problems is sufficient.
Under the 'going concern assumption' (IASB Framework) an entity is ordinarily viewed as
continuing in business for the foreseeable future with neither the intention nor the necessity
of liquidation, ceasing trading or seeking protection from creditors pursuant to laws or
regulations. Accordingly assets and liabilities are recorded on the basis that the entity will be
able to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business'.
Management’s responsibility:
1. ISA 570 Going concern states that when preparing accounts, management should
make an explicit assessment of the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.
2. Secondly, the directors should ensure that the financial statements are prepared
using the going concern basis where it is appropriate. This would have been
determined based on the assessment carried out in 1 above. However, the break-up
basis should be used where the directors conclude that the entity cannot continue as
a going concern.
3. Thirdly, according to IAS 1 Presentation of financial statements, the director should

disclose adequately the principal events or conditions that give rise to the uncertainty
about continuance as a going concern, and management's plans to deal with the
situation.
The following list gives examples of possible indicators of going concern problems.
(a) Financial indications

 Net liabilities or net current liability position
 Fixed-term borrowings approaching maturity without realistic prospects of renewal or
repayment, or excessive reliance on short-term borrowings
 Major debt repayment falling due where refinancing is necessary to the entity's
continued existence
 Indications of withdrawal of financial support by lenders
 Negative operating cash flows indicated by historical or prospective financial
statements
 Adverse key financial ratios
 Inability to pay suppliers on due dates
 Change from credit to cash-on-delivery transactions with suppliers
 Inability to obtain financing for essential new product development or other essential
investments
 Substantial sales of non-current assets not intended to be replaced
(b) Operating indications
 Loss of key management without replacement

 Loss of a major market, franchises, license, or principal supplier
 Labour difficulties or shortages of important supplies
(c) Other indications
 Non-compliance with statutory requirements

 Pending legal proceedings against the entity that may, if successful, result in
judgements that could not be met
 Changes in legislation or government policy.
Auditors' responsibilities
 In obtaining an understanding of the entity, the auditor should consider whether there
are events or conditions and related business risks which may cast significant doubt
on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.
 The auditor should remain alert for evidence of events or conditions and related
business risks which may cast doubt on the entity's ability to continue as a going
concern throughout the audit
 The auditor should evaluate management's assessment of the entity's ability to

continue as a going concern. The auditors should consider:
 The process management used
 The assumptions on which management's assessment is based
 Management's plans for future action
 If management's assessment covers a period of less than twelve months from the
balance sheet date, the auditor should ask management to extend its assessment
period to twelve months from the balance sheet date.

 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:
 review management's plans for future actions based on its going concern
assessment;
 gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence to confirm or dispel whether or not
a material uncertainty exists; and
 seek written representations from management regarding its plans for future
action.
 When questions arise on the appropriateness of the going concern assumption,

auditors may also have to carry out additional procedures or to update information
obtained earlier. The ISA lists various procedures which the auditors should carry out in
this context.
 Analyse and discuss cash flow, profit and other relevant forecasts with
management
 Analyse and discuss the entity's latest available interim financial statements
 Review the terms of debentures and loan agreements and determine whether
they have been breached
 Read minutes of the meetings of shareholders, the board of directors and
important committees for reference to financing difficulties
 Enquire of the entity's lawyer regarding litigation and claims
 Confirm the existence, legality and enforceability of arrangements to provide or
maintain financial support with related and third parties
 Assess the financial ability of such parties to provide additional funds
 Consider the entity's position concerning unfulfilled customer orders
 Review events after the period-end for items affecting the entity's ability to
continue as a going concern
PLEASE NOTE: Based on the audit evidence obtained, the auditor should determine if, in the
auditors' judgement, a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that alone or
in aggregate, may cast significant doubt on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern.
An uncertainty will be material if it has so great a potential impact as to require clear
disclosure of its nature and implications in the accounts. IAS 1 requires that the accounts
should:
 Adequately describe the principal events or conditions that give rise to the uncertainty
about continuance as a going concern, and management's plans to deal with the
situation, or
 State clearly that a material uncertainty exists and therefore the entity may be unable
to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business
Reporting responsibilities of the auditor

Note: to gain a good understanding of these area you may need to study and
understand the various forms the external auditor’s report could take
If adequate disclosure is made in the financial statements, the auditor should express an
unqualified opinion but modify the auditor's report by adding an emphasis of a matter
paragraph.
The auditors may express a disclaimer of opinion if for example there are multiple material
uncertainties.
If adequate disclosure is not made in the financial statements, the auditor should express a
qualified or adverse opinion, as appropriate. The report should include explicit reference to
the fact that there is a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the
company's ability to continue as a going concern.
If in the auditors' judgement, 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.
If management is unwilling to make or extend its assessment when requested to do so by the

auditor, the auditor should consider the need to modify (qualified opinion or a disclaimer) the
auditor's report as a result of the limitation on the scope of the auditor's work.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Auditors must consider the effect of subsequent events on:
– the financial statements;

– the auditor’s report.
Subsequent events are all events occurring after a period end (i.e. reporting date) i.e.:
– events after the balance sheet date (as defined in IAS 10); and
– events after the financial statements have been authorised for issue.
Events occurring up to date of auditor’s report
– The auditor is responsible for carrying out procedures designed to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence that all events up to the date of the auditor’s report that
may require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the financial statements have been
identified.
– These procedures are in addition to those applied to specific transactions occurring
after the period end that provide audit evidence of period-end account balances (e.g.
inventory cut-off and receipts from trade receivables). Such procedures should
ordinarily include:
o reviewing minutes of board/audit committee meetings;
o scrutinising latest interim financial statements/budgets/cash flows, etc;
o making/extending inquiries to legal advisors on litigation matters;

o inquiring of management whether any subsequent events have occurred that might
affect the financial statements e.g. management procedures for identification of
subsequent events, new commitments or borrowings, issue of shares/debentures,
sales or destruction of assets etc.
o normal post balance sheet work performed in order to verify year-end balances
o obtaining a letter of representation.
When the auditor becomes aware of events that materially affect the financial statements, the
auditor must consider whether they have been properly accounted for and adequately
disclosed in the financial statements.
Facts discovered after the date of the auditor’s report but before financial statements are
issued
Tutorial note: After the date of the auditor’s report it is management’s responsibility to inform
the auditor of facts which may affect the financial statements.
If the auditor becomes aware of such facts which may materially affect the financial
statements, the auditor:
o considers whether the financial statements need amendment;

o discusses the matter with management; and
o takes appropriate action (e.g. audit any amendments to the financial statements and
issue a new auditor’s report).
If management does not amend the financial statements (where the auditor believes they
need to be amended) and the auditor’s report has not been released to the entity, the auditor
should express a qualified opinion or an adverse opinion (as appropriate).
If the auditor’s report has been released to the entity, the auditor must notify those charged
with governance not to issue the financial statements (and the auditor’s report thereon) to
third parties.
Tutorial note: The auditor would seek legal advice if the financial statements and auditor’s
report were subsequently issued.
Facts discovered after the financial statements have been issued
The auditor has no obligation to make any inquiry regarding financial statements that have
been issued.

However, if the auditor becomes aware of a fact which existed at the date of the auditor’s
report and which, if known at that date, may have caused the auditor’s report to be modified,
the auditor should:
– consider whether the financial statements need revision;

– discuss the matter with management; and
– take appropriate action (e.g. issuing a new report on revised financial statements).
ISA 560 requires that when management revises the financial statement, the auditor should
issue a new report after carrying out revised audit procedures up to the date of the new report
and should review steps taken by management to ensure that anyone in receipt of the
previously issued financial statement together with the audit report thereon is informed of the
situation. The new auditor’s report should include an “other matter paragraph” referring to a
note in the financial statement that more extensively discusses the reason for the revision to
the new financial statement and the audit report. Where management does not revise or take
necessary steps to withdraw the financial statements, the auditor must take steps to prevent
reliance on their report and this would involve taking a legal advice and in extreme cases,
directly contacting the shareholders depending on the auditor’s legal rights and obligations.
MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION (ISA 580)
According to the ‘IAASB Handbook glossary of terms’, management representations are

representations made by management to the auditor during the course of an audit, either
unsolicited or in response to specific inquiries.
They are required for certain principal purposes in accordance with ISA 580 and these
include:
1. To allow management to acknowledge its responsibility for the fair presentation of the
financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework,
and has approved the financial statements.
2. To obtain audit evidence from management on matters material to the financial
statements when other sufficient appropriate audit evidence cannot reasonably be
expected to exist.

3. To allow management to acknowledge its responsibility for the design and
implementation of internal control to prevent and detect error; and
4. To confirm that management believes that the effects of those uncorrected financial
statement misstatements aggregated by the auditor during the audit are immaterial,
both individually and in the aggregate, to the financial statements taken as a whole. A
summary of such items should be included in or attached to the written
representations.
When the auditor receives such representation they should:
 Seek corroborative audit evidence from sources inside or outside the entity;
 Evaluate whether the representations made by management appear reasonable and
consistent with other audit evidence obtained, including other representations; and
 Consider whether the individuals making the representations can be expected to be
well informed on the particular matters.
Representations by management cannot be a substitute for other audit evidence that the
auditor could reasonably expect to be available. For example, a representation by
management as to the cost of an asset is not a substitute for the audit evidence of such cost
that an auditor would ordinarily expect to obtain.
If a representation by management is contradicted by other audit evidence, the auditor should

investigate the circumstances and, when necessary, reconsider the reliability of other
representations made by management.
The auditor would ordinarily include in audit working papers evidence of management’s
representations in the form of a summary of oral discussions with management or written
representations from management.
A written representation is ordinarily more reliable audit evidence than an oral representation
and can take the form of:
 A representation letter from management;

 A letter from the auditor outlining the auditor’s understanding of management’s
representations, duly acknowledged and confirmed by management; or
 Relevant minutes of board meetings or a signed copy of the financial statements.
Content and wording:
The precise scope of the formal record of representations should be appropriate to the
circumstance of each particular audit. Typical contents include:
 Acknowledgement of management’s responsibility for the preparation of the financial

statement.

 Confirmation that all books and records have been made available to the auditor
 Confirmation that there have been no fraud and any material non-compliance with
relevant laws and regulations
 Confirmation of the management’s belief that the financial statements free from
material misstatement.
 Other representations as are relevant to the circumstance of the audit e.g. in the areas
of provisions and contingencies, events after the reporting date that may require
adjustment or disclosure etc.
Dating of the letter:
A letter of representation should be signed by persons whose level of authority is to

appropriate to the significance of the representation made (normally the CEO and the CFO).
The formal record of representation by management should be dated on the same day that
the financial statements are approved. It should not be dated after the audit report since it is
part of the audit evidence used to form an opinion contained in the report.
Actions if management refuses to provide representation:
If 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. However, this would be carried out after discussions have been held
with management to clarify the matters in doubt.

REPORTING
EXTERNAL REPORTING (INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT)
INTERNAL REPORTING (INTERNAL AUDIT AND REVIEW REPORTS)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
ISA 700 ‘The Independent Auditor’s Report on a complete set of General Purpose Financial
Statement’ addresses circumstances when the auditor is able to express an unqualified
opinion and no modification to the auditor’s report is necessary.
ISA 701, “Modifications to the Independent Auditor’s Report” establishes standards and
provides guidance on the modifications to this report for an emphasis of matter, a qualified
opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion.
UNMODIFIED REPORT (ISA 700)
An unqualified opinion should be expressed when the auditor concludes that the financial
statements (FS) give a true and fair view (or are presented fairly in all material respect) in
accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.
An unmodified auditor’s report includes an unqualified opinion without any other modification
in the form of emphasis of matter.
Elements of the Auditor’s Report:
Consistency in the auditor’s report, when the audit has been conducted in accordance with
the ISAs, promotes credibility in the global marketplace by making more readily identifiable
those audits that have been conducted in accordance with globally recognized standards. It
also helps to promote the reader’s understanding and to identify unusual circumstances when
they occur.
Title
The auditor’s report should have a title that clearly indicates that it is the report of an
independent auditor.
A title indicating the report is the report of an independent auditor, for example, “Independent
Auditor’s Report,” affirms that the auditor has met all of the relevant ethical requirements
regarding independence and, therefore, distinguishes the independent auditor’s report from
reports issued by others.

Addressee
The auditor’s report should be addressed as required by the circumstances of the

engagement.
National laws or regulations often specify to whom the auditor’s report on general purpose
financial statements should be addressed in that particular jurisdiction. Ordinarily, the
auditor’s report on general purpose financial statements is addressed to those for whom the
report is prepared, often either to the shareholders or to those charged with governance of the
entity whose financial statements are being audited.
Introductory Paragraph
The introductory paragraph in the auditor’s report should identify the entity whose financial
statements have been audited and should state that the financial statements have been
audited. The introductory paragraph should also:
(a) Identify the title of each of the financial statements that comprise the complete set of
financial statements;
(b) Refer to the summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes; and
(c) Specify the date and period covered by the financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
The auditor’s report should state that management is responsible for the and the fair
presentation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting
framework and that this responsibility includes:
(a) Designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and
fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether
due to fraud or error;
(b) Selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and
(c) Making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor’s Responsibility
The auditor’s report should state that the responsibility of the auditor is to express an opinion
on the financial statements based on the audit.
The auditor’s report should state that the audit was conducted in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing. The auditor’s report should also explain that those
standards require that the auditor comply with ethical requirements and that the auditor plan

and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are
free from material misstatement.
Auditor’s Opinion
An unqualified opinion should be expressed when the auditor concludes that the financial
statements give a true and fair view or are presented fairly, in all material respects, in
accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and where appropriate, whether
the FS comply with statutory requirements.
Other reporting responsibilities:
When the auditor addresses other reporting responsibilities within the auditor’s report on the
financial statements, these other reporting responsibilities should be addressed in a separate
section in the auditor’s report that follows the opinion paragraph.
Auditor’s signature
The report must contain the signature, whether this is the auditor’s own name or the audit
firm’s name (mostly used) or both.
Date of report
The auditor should date the audit report as of the completion date of the audit. This informs
the users that the auditor has considered the effects on the FS and on the report of events
and transaction of which the auditor became aware and that occurred up to that date. The
auditor’s report should never be dated earlier than the date on which the FS was signed or
approved by the directors.
Auditor’s address
The report should name a specific location, which is ordinarily the city where the auditor
maintains the office that has responsibility for the audit.
Matters that Do Not Affect the Auditor’s Opinion (ISA 706)
(a) Emphasis of matter

(b) Other matter paragraph
Matters that Do Affect the Auditor’s Opinion (ISA 705): Modified Opinion
(a) Qualified opinion,
(b) Disclaimer of opinion, or
(c) Adverse opinion.

Matters that Do Not Affect the Auditor’s Opinion: Emphasis of matter paragraph
In certain circumstances, an auditor’s report may be modified by adding an emphasis of

matter paragraph to highlight a matter affecting the financial statements which is included in
a note to the financial statements that more extensively discusses the matter. The addition of
such an emphasis of matter paragraph does not affect the auditor’s opinion. The paragraph
would preferably be included after the paragraph containing the auditor’s opinion but before
the section on any other reporting responsibilities, if any. The emphasis of matter paragraph
would ordinarily refer to the fact that the auditor’s opinion is not qualified in this respect.
Examples of situations where it may be used:
 The auditor should modify the auditor’s report by adding a paragraph to highlight and
draw attention to a material matter regarding a going concern problem that is already
disclosed in the FS.
 The auditor should consider modifying the auditor’s report by adding a paragraph if there
is a significant uncertainty (other than a going concern problem). A significant uncertainty
is a matter whose outcome depends on future actions or events not under the direct
control of the entity but that may materially affect the financial statements.
(Contingencies)
An illustration of an emphasis of matter paragraph for a significant uncertainty in an auditor’s

report follows:
“Without qualifying our opinion we draw attention to Note X to the financial statements. The
Company is the defendant in a lawsuit alleging infringement of certain patent rights and
claiming royalties and punitive damages. The Company has filed a counter action, and
preliminary hearings and discovery proceedings on both actions are in progress. The
ultimate outcome of the matter cannot presently be determined, and no provision for any
liability that may result has been made in the financial statements.”
 It can also be used for additional statutory reporting responsibilities.

 If the auditor has determined that the financial reporting framework prescribed by law or
regulation would be unacceptable but for the fact that it is prescribed by law or regulation,
the auditor shall accept the audit engagement only if the following conditions are present:
 Management agrees to provide additional disclosures in the financial statements
required to avoid the financial statements being misleading; and it is recognized in
the terms of the audit engagement that the auditor’s report on the financial
statements will incorporate an Emphasis of Matter paragraph, drawing users’
attention to the additional disclosures.
 Stating in a new or amended audit report the reasons for recalling and amending an
already issued financial statements

Matters that Do Affect the Auditor’s Opinion (Modified Opinion)
An auditor may not be able to express an unqualified opinion when either of the following
circumstances exists and, in the auditor’s judgment, the effect of the matter is or may be
material to the financial statements:
a) There is an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence (limitation on the

scope of the auditor’s work); or
b) The financial statements are materially misstated (otherwise called disagreement with
management) regarding:
i. the acceptability of the accounting policies selected,
ii. the method of their application or
iii. the adequacy of financial statement disclosures.
The circumstances described in (a) could lead to a qualified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion.
The circumstances described in (b) could lead to a qualified opinion or an adverse opinion.
A qualified opinion should be expressed when the auditor concludes that an unqualified
opinion cannot be expressed but that the effect of any disagreement with management, or
limitation on scope is not so material and pervasive as to require an adverse opinion or a
disclaimer of opinion. A qualified opinion should be expressed as being ‘except for’ the effects
of the matter to which the qualification relates.
A disclaimer of opinion should be expressed when the possible effect of a limitation on scope
is so material and pervasive that the auditor has not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate
audit evidence and accordingly is unable to express an opinion on the financial statements.
An adverse opinion should be expressed when the effect of a disagreement is so material and
pervasive to the financial statements that the auditor concludes that a qualification of the
report is not adequate to disclose the misleading or incomplete nature of the financial
statements.
Basis of a modified opinion:
Whenever the auditor expresses an opinion that is other than unqualified, a clear description
of all the substantive reasons should be included in the report and, unless impracticable, a
quantification of the possible effect(s) on the financial statements.
Ordinarily, this information would be set out in a separate paragraph preceding the opinion or
disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements and may include a reference to a more
extensive discussion, if any, in a note to the financial statements.
Inability to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence (i.e. limitation on the scope of the auditor’s
work) may be:

 Imposed by management
 Imposed by the nature and timing of the auditor’s appointment (for example, when the
timing of the auditor’s appointment is such that the auditor is unable to observe the
counting of physical inventories). It may also arise when, in the opinion of the auditor,
the entity’s accounting records are inadequate or when the auditor is unable to carry
out an audit procedure believed to be desirable.
 Imposed by circumstances beyond the control of management
When there is a limitation on the scope of the auditor’s work that requires expression of a
qualified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, the auditor’s report should describe the limitation
and indicate the possible adjustments to the financial statements that might have been
determined to be necessary had the limitation not existed.
The process of forming an audit opinion in an exam question can be summarised in a step
format, as follows:
 Analyse the requirement.

 Read through all the information given in the question carefully.
 Ascertain whether all the evidence reasonably expected to be available has been
obtained and evaluated.
 If not, identify whether the effect of not gaining evidence is such that the financial
statements could as a whole be misleading (disclaimer of opinion) or in material part
could be misleading ('except for' opinion).
 Ascertain whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
 If not, determine whether departure was required to give a true and fair view and if so,
whether it has been properly disclosed.
 Decide whether any unnecessary departure is material to the financial statements
('except for' opinion) or is pervasive to them (adverse opinion).
 Conclude whether the financial statements as a whole give a true and fair view.
INTERNAL AUDIT AND REVIEW REPORTS
Internal auditors, external auditors, and consultants who perform internal audit and review
engagements provide reports to management (internal audit reports). These reports are
important because they provide documentary evidence of the work performed, the
conclusions reached and the recommendations made. The quality and presentation of such
reports makes a substantial difference to the value added by internal audit and those
performing similar functions.
Internal audit reports are different to statutory auditors’ reports produced by external auditors
because statutory reports are governed by legislation and either national auditing standards,
or International Standards on Auditing. Statutory auditors’ reports are highly codified, and
usually fairly brief by comparison with internal audit reports, and they are often available for
public inspection. Statutory auditors’ reports are produced for the benefit of shareholders and
other stakeholders whereas internal audit reports are produced for the benefit of
management; they are generally private documents and are not normally available for public
inspection.
On the other hand, internal audit reports are similar, in some respects, to reports to
management on the design and implementation of controls provided by external auditors to
management during the course of, and at the end of, statutory audits. The method of
production of such reports is similar, for example. Both internal and external auditors draft
these sorts of reports on the basis of the findings of their work and there will usually be a split
between significant and insignificant matters, and a summary or overall evaluation of the
more important matters. Draft reports will often be discussed with management to confirm
the findings and to establish management’s likely response. Responses are often
incorporated into the report. Reports will often be redrafted several times, particularly in large
organisations, after which the report will be issued. If management have not commented at an
earlier stage, a formal response may be expected later. It is normal to follow up on
recommendations or agreed action points in order to establish how the issues have been
dealt with.
External auditor reports to management typically called letter of weaknesses/management

letter deal in substance with, inter alia, issues relating to the design and implementation of
internal controls that have come to the external auditors’ attention during the course of the
statutory audit. They generally deal with weaknesses in systems, the potential consequences
and provide recommendations to management. Whilst internal audit reports may appear to be
similar, they are different in substance.
Internal audit engagements are usually undertaken as part of a pre-planned program of work
with a variety of objectives as part of an entity’s overall corporate governance arrangements.
These objectives can relate to the risks faced by the business, internally and externally, and /
or they can deal with the enhancement of performance.
Whilst there are common elements to the two types of reporting, risk-based reporting tends to
look at the current position and internal issues, whereas enhancement of performance tends
to be more outward and forward-looking. Risk-based reports might include establishing
whether existing systems are properly aligned with the overall objectives of the entity. For
example, internal auditors may be requested to establish whether human resources systems
are capable of, and are actually delivering, the development and retention of the best staff in
an entity’s particular market. Where it is believed that systems are not properly aligned,
internal audit may be requested to make recommendations in relation to changing the
existing systems, or implementing new systems, in order to achieve corporate objectives.
Reports relating to the enhancement of performance may involve a review of the market, and
management’s business strategies and overall risk management systems at a higher level.
Whatever the assignment, there will almost always be a formal report which should be clear,
balanced and constructive, consistent in style and concise.
Internal audit reports will usually contain a header page giving a title (the subject matter of the
report), a distribution list, the date of production of the report, the identity of the authors and

some sort of reference number. They will usually include an executive summary providing the
background to the project (an introduction), summary terms of reference, the major outcomes
of the work, the key risks identified and key action points or recommendations, and a
summary of any further work required.
The main body of the report includes detailed findings, action points or recommendations and
will often include alternative recommendations. It gives details of responsibility for actioning
the points, the costs involved with the various recommendations, and time-scales for
implementation. Appendices will often contain the full terms of reference, tables or
questionnaires used, flowcharts and systems diagrams, timetables, details of tests performed,
and any other relevant information.

APPENDIX
THE STANDARD UNMODIFIED AUDIT REPORT
XYZ AUDITOR'S REPORT
Report on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company which comprise,
the balance sheet as at December 31, 20X1, and the income statement, statement of
changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and a summary of
significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
Management's responsibility for the financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. This responsibility
includes: designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation
and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and
making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
Auditor's responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those
standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free from material
misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amount and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the
financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
entity's internal control. An audit also include evaluating the appropriateness of accounting

policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit
opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of (or 'present fairly, in all
material respects,') the financial position of ABC Company as of December 31, 20X1, and of it
is financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards.
Report on other legal and regulatory requirements
[Form and content of this section of the auditor's report will vary depending on the nature of
the auditor's other reporting responsibilities.]
[Auditor's signature]
[Date of auditor's report]
[Auditor's address]
Limitation on Scope—Qualified Opinion
“We have audited ... (remaining words are the same as illustrated in the introductory
paragraph – see standard report). Management is responsible for … (remaining words are the
same as illustrated in the management’s responsibility paragraph – see standard report).
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
Except as discussed in the following paragraph, we conducted our audit in accordance with ...
(remaining words are the same as illustrated in the auditor’s responsibility paragraphs – see
standard report).

We did not observe the counting of the physical inventories as of December 31, 20X1, since
that date was prior to the time we were initially engaged as auditors for the Company. Owing
to the nature of the Company’s records, we were unable to satisfy ourselves as to inventory
quantities by other audit procedures.
In our opinion, except for the effects of such adjustments, if any, as might have been
determined to be necessary had we been able to satisfy ourselves as to physical inventory
quantities, the financial statements give a true and fair view of ... (remaining words are the
same as illustrated in the opinion paragraph – see standard report).”
Limitation on Scope—Disclaimer of Opinion
“We were engaged to audit the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company, which
comprise the balance sheet as of December 31, 20X1, and the income statement, statement
of changes in equity and cash flow statement for the year then ended, and a summary of
significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes.
Management is responsible for … (remaining words are the same as illustrated in the
management’s responsibility paragraph – see standard report).
(Omit the sentence stating the responsibility of the auditor.)
(The paragraph discussing the scope of the audit would either be omitted or amended
according to the circumstances.)
(Add a paragraph discussing the scope limitation as follows:
We were not able to observe all physical inventories and confirm accounts receivable due to
limitations placed on the scope of our work by the Company.)
Because of the significance of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraph, we do not
express an opinion on the financial statements.”
Disagreement on Accounting Policies—Inappropriate Accounting Method— Qualified Opinion
paragraph – see standard report).

Our responsibility is to … (remaining words are the same as illustrated in the auditor’s
responsibility paragraphs – see standard report).
As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the
financial statements which practice, in our opinion, is not in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards. The provision for the year ended December 31, 20X1, should
be xxx based on the straight-line method of depreciation using annual rates of 5% for the
building and 20% for the equipment. Accordingly, the fixed assets should be reduced by
accumulated depreciation of xxx and the loss for the year and accumulated deficit should be
increased by xxx and xxx, respectively.
In our opinion, except for the effect on the financial statements of the matter referred to in
the preceding paragraph, the financial statements give a true and fair view of ... (remaining
words are the same as illustrated in the opinion paragraph – see standard report).”
Disagreement on Accounting Policies—Inadequate Disclosure—Qualified Opinion
paragraph – see standard report).
On January 15, 20X2, the Company issued debentures in the amount of xxx for the purpose of
financing plant expansion. The debenture agreement restricts the payment of future cash
dividends to earnings after December 31, 19X1. In our opinion, disclosure of this information
is required by … (refer to relevant statute or standard)

In our opinion, except for the omission of the information included in the preceding
paragraph, the financial statements give a true and fair view of ... (remaining words are the
same as illustrated in the opinion paragraph – (see standard report)
Disagreement on Accounting Policies—Inadequate Disclosure—Adverse Opinion
paragraph – (see standard report)
management’s responsibility paragraph – see paragraph 60 of ISA 700 (Revised).
(Paragraph(s) discussing the disagreement.)
In our opinion, because of the effects of the matters discussed in the preceding paragraph(s),
the financial statements do not give a true and fair view of (or ‘do not present fairly, in all
material respects,’) and fair view of (or ‘do not present fairly, in all material respects,’) the
financial position of ABC Company as of December 20, 19X1, and of its financial performance
and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards.”

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AUDIT AND ASSURANCE

Section 3: Planning and Risk Assessment

Section 4: Internal Control

Section 5: Audit Evidence

Section 6: Review and Reporting

TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 2

APPROACH TO EXAMINING THE SYLLABUS

AIM OF THE PAPER

TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 3

AUDIT FRAMEWORK AND REGULATION

The need for and benefits of an assurance engagement

OBJECTIVES OF AN ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENT

ELEMENTS OF AN ASSURANCE ENGAGEMENT: Remember the acronym – CREST

TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 4

OBJECTIVE OF AN AUDIT (ISA 200)

Brain Teaser - An audit cannot give an absolute assurance. Explain?

REVIEW ENGAGEMENT AND A NEGATIVE ASSURANCE

THE TRUE AND FAIR VIEW CONCEPT

TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 5

 the inadequate or improper description of an accounting policy when it is likely that a

Materiality should be considered by the auditor when:

Factor affecting the materiality decision of the auditor:

TNSS F8 – Audit and Assurance Class Note Page 6

These fundamental principles are:

Professional Competence and Due Care: A professional accountant should perform

Confidentiality: A professional accountant should respect the confidentiality of information

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Self-Review Threat: this occurs when:

Examples of circumstances that may create this threat include:

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quality control system; and

Safeguards within the assurance client include:

Safeguards within the audit firm:

Safeguards created by individuals:

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Safeguards might include:

Taking steps to reduce dependency on the client;

Beneficial interest in share and other investment:

The extent of the threat depends:

forming the client’s audit committee

Family and personal relationship:

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When an immediate family member of a member of the assurance team is a director, an

Safeguards might include:

Employment with assurance client:

Similarly, a member of the assurance team’s independence may be threatened when an

Safeguards might include:

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Long association of senior personnel with assurance client:

Safeguards might include:

Possible safeguards should however be applied (see above).

re of the assurance engagement; and

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Loans and guarantees:

Provision of non-assurance services to assurance clients:

Preparation of accounting records and financial statement (Self review threat)

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