what is reasonable assurance?
used in statutory audit, whereby reduces assurance engagement risk to an acceptably low level. form of expression is positive.
give an example of reasonable assurance.
“the accounts are true and fair”
what is limited assurance?
higher acceptable engagement risk. form of expression is negative.
give an example of limited assurance.
“nothing has come to our attention”
what is the expectation gap?
(Humphreys and Turley, 1992)
gap exists when auditors and public hold different beliefs about auditors duties ans responsibilities and the messages conveyed by audit reports
give 6 things that auditors are responsible for.
- fraud
- preparation
- true & fair view
- compliance
- going concern
- ethical stance
what are some elements to consider when planning an audit?
- size of entity
- complexity of audit
- auditors experience of entity
- knowledge of business
- commercial environment
- methods of processing transactions
- reporting requirements
how can auditors respond to a high level of audit risk?
- increase sample size & range of techniques used
- commit to longer audit to ensure auditor captures sufficient evidence
- consider use of an expert
- appoint an audit team that is more experienced
- consider asking colleague to review the audit
- reduce materiality
- increase professional skepticism
what are the typical materiality thresholds that are used?
- 5% to 10% profit before tax
- 0.5% to 2% of total assets
- 0.5% to 2% of total revenue
what does audit evidence include?
- controls testing (testing systems and processes)
- substantive testing (testing numbers in financial statements)
what is debtors circularisation?
asking customers to confirm their balance to the auditors. checks if debtors figure on FRs are correct - could be overstated as debtors are assets
what is a letters of management representations?
letter to auditor from senior mgt. states all info is accurate and has been disclosed. may have specific representation for matters of judgement where strong audit evidence is difficult to obtain eg. provisions.
acts as comfort blanket for auditor
when is a “yes - disclaimer ‘cannot obtain evidence’” decision used?
if auditor is unsure if there is a material error and it is pervasive (done to completely mislead users)
when is a “no - qualified opinion ‘except for’” decision used?
if auditor doesn’t know if there has been a material error and it is not pervasive.
if auditor knows there is a material error and it is not pervasive.
when is a “yes - adverse opinion ‘do not’” decision used?
if auditor knows there is a material error and it is pervasive
when is a “unqualified or clean opinion” decision used?
if auditor finds no material errors
what are the limitations of assurance?
- testing is used, samples are selected
- difficulty in detecting fraud
- human error from client or auditor
what are the directors responsibilities?
- preparing accounts in accordance with applicable laws
- select suitable accounting policies
- make judgements which are reasonable & prudent
- assess going concern status
- keeping adequate accounting records
- safeguard assets
- prevent & detect fraud
what is the brydon report?
report commissioned in response to perceived widening of audit expectations gap.
what does the brydon report explore?
- purpose of audit & who it should be carried out for
- whether scope & purpose should be widened & strengthened to meet expectations of audit
- how quality of audit process could be improved
- whether audit findings could be better communicated
- role of audit within wider business assurance & directors legal responsibilities
- role of audit in detecting fraud
- auditor liability
what is the difference between the objectives for external and internal audit?
external audit :
- to form an opinion on the accounts
internal audit :
- to fulfill obligations of the audit committee
what is the difference between the standards for external and internal audit?
external audit :
- must follow ISAs
internal audit :
- can follow IIA
what is the difference between the reporting for external and internal audit?
external audit :
- report to shareholders
internal audit :
- report to audit committee
what is the difference between the status for external and internal audit?
external audit :
- independent
internal audit :
- independent, although often employee
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l1 : phases of an audit5
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l2 : audit acceptance & planning8
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l3 : audit independence7
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l4 : audit risk9
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l5 : audit evidence & assertions19
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l6 : assurance6
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l7 : controls & recommendations10
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l8 : fraud & auditing the income statement14
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l9 : auditing the balance sheet14
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ISAs9
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lazy unincluded stuff39
