A5 - Integrated Audits, Attestation Engagements, Compliance and Government Audits Flashcards
When is an examination engagement performed?
The purpose is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether, in all material respects to the following:
1. prospective F/S is presented in accordance with AICPA guidelines
2. Assumptions underlying projections/forecast are suitably supported
3. Express an opinion in a written report on the matters in a paragraph.
What are the main characteristics of an examination engagement?
- Positive assurance will be provided
- An opinion will be issued
- Independence is required
When can be examination reported?
Examination can be reported on:
1. Prospective financial statements
2. Pro forma financial statements
3. Compliance engagements
4. Management discussion and analysis (MD&A)
5. Service organizations
When is a SOC 1 report used?
A SOC 1 report focuses on internal controls over financial reporting
When is a SOC 2 report used?
A SOC 2 report focuses on controls over data security.
What is the SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria (TSC)?
- Security (mandatory)
- Availability - if you’re making ‘up-time’ guarantees
- Processing integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy - protection of private/personal information
When is a type 1 report used in a SOC report?
Type 1 reports only cover the design of internal controls over financial reporting at a specific point in time. No opinion is rendered.
When is a type 2 report used in a SOC report?
Type 2 reports covers the design and effectiveness of internal controls over security (test of controls and results). An opinion is rendered on the effective operation of the controls over a period of time.
What services are not considered attestation engagements?
- Tax preparation services
- Consulting or advisory services
- Internal Control Audits
- Litigation services
What type of engagements are classified as review?
- Pro forma financial statements
- Management discussion and analysis (MD&A)
What type of engagements are classified as agreed-upon procedures?
- Prospective financial statements
- Compliance engagements
- Agreed-upon procedures
What is attestation risk?
It is similar to audit risk and it is the risk the practitioner will express an inaccurate opinion or conclusion on the subject matter or assertion
How is attestation risk computed?
Attestation risk = inherent risk + control risk + detection risk
What is inherent risk?
Risk of misstatement or error without considering controls. This risk exist independent to the attestation engagement and practitioner does not have control over it.
What increases inherent risk?
- complex calculations
- High-volume transactions
- cash businesses
- amounts derived from estimates
- economy
What is control risk?
Risk of misstatement or error after considering controls. This risk exist independent to the attestation engagement and practitioner does not have control over it.
When are control risks considered high?
Control risk is consider high when:
1. Controls implemented are not operating effectively
2. No controls exist relative to a specific assertion
3. Testing operating effectiveness of internal controls is not efficient.
What is detection risk?
Risk that the CPA does not identify a material misstatement or error. Detection risk does not exist independent of the attestation engagement. Therefore, the practitioner has control over this risk by modifying the nature, extent, and timing of attestation procedures.
When is an inverse relationship with attestation risk?
An inverse relationship exists regarding the practitioner’s acceptable level of detection risk and the assurance that will be required from test of details.
What are the key characteristics of an audit?
- focuses on historical F/S
- Requires independence
- express positive assurance
- PCAOB/SAS standards
What are the key characteristics of an examination?
- focus on proforma F/S, service org, compliance, MD&A, prospective F/S
- requires independence
- Express positive opinion
- SSAE standards
What is the objective of an integrated audit?
The objective is to report on internal controls over financial reporting to obtain reasonable assurance that no “material weaknesses” exist.
What is the auditor require to do in an integrated audit?
The auditor is required to test internal controls, and should design a test of controls so they are relevant to the financial statement audit
What materiality is used by the auditor in an integrated audit?
Same materiality for both financial statement audit and the audit of internal control over financial reporting.
What is a top-down approach for an audit of internal controls?
Allows the auditor to take a systematic approach to identify risks and select which controls to test
Who are lesser deficiencies found communicated to in the case of a non-public entity?
These are reported to management within 60 days of the report release date (documentation completion date). Those charged with governance should be informed.
When are lesser deficiencies found communicated to in the case of a governmental entity?
Auditor must communicate deficiencies within 60 days of the report release date (documentation completion date)
What opinion does the auditor render in an integrated audit of an issuer with material weaknesses?
The auditor will render an adverse opinion if there are material weaknesses in internal controls. Significant deficiencies do not apply.
Who issues Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS)?
GAGAS is issued by the Government Accountability Officer (GAO) under the authority of the comptroller general of the U.S.
What is another name for GAGAS?
The yellow book
How is an audit of a governmental entity performed?
It is performed using GAGAS and GAAS standards
How is the audit report on internal controls over financial reporting structured under a GAGAS audit?
- it must be in writing
- Must be issued regardless of whether there are significant deficiencies or not.
- Report should comment on the scope of auditor’s testing on internal controls (understanding of design of relevant controls, implementation, and assessed control risk).
- Report can be combined or separate.
How should the auditor documents significant deficiencies on internal controls?
- if response is written, it should be included in the auditor’s report
- If response is oral, it should include a summary of the oral response in the auditor’s report.
What is the auditor’s responsibility to report on compliance with GAGAS?
Auditor is required to report on compliance with laws, regulations, contracts, and grants even if there are no instances of non-compliance.