AUD 3 - Internal Control Flashcards
The Steps in an Audit (7)
- Prepare for an audit
- Obtain understanding of client, its environment, & its internal controls (must always be documented)
- Asses risk of marterial misstatement & determine nature, timing, & extent of further procedures
- Perform test of controls
- Perform substantive procedures
- Formulate an opinion
- Issue audit report
What is Internal Control & what are the objectives?
(ACE)
An entity’s systems & policies designed to enable management to meet its objecteds related to ACE. We want reasonable assurance that I/C are achieving certain objectives:
- Accurate & reliable financial reporting
- Compliance with laws & regulations
- Effectiveness & efficiency of operations
What are the 5 elements of Internal Control?
(CRIME)
- Control Environment
- Risk Assesment
- Control Activities
- Information & Communication
- Monitoring
Control Environment
(CHOPPER)
Control Environment - sets the tone of an organization, influencing the control consciousness of its people. It is the foundation of all other components of internal control, providing discipline & structure.
Includes the following (CHOPPER):
- Commitment to competence - effective ctrl requires sincere interest on part of the employees in performing good work
- Human resource policies & practices - sound hiring & training policies for employees
- Organizational structure - a company that operates all over the world has different I/C problems that one operating entirely within a single building
- Participation of those charged w/ Governance
- Philosophy of mgmt & operating style
- Ethical values & integrity
- Responsibility assignment - the manner in which authority, responsibility & accountability is assigned to different employees determines the controls that will be needed.
Risk Assesment
(AIIO)
Risk Assesment - Identification, analysis, & mgmt of risks relevant to the preparation of FS that are fairly presented in conformity w/ GAAP. Risk Assessment includes risks that may affect an entity’s ability to properly record, process, summarize, & report financial data.
Risk Assessment procedures includes:
- Analytical Procedures
- Inquiries
- Inspection
- Observation
Control Activities
(PIPS)
(ARCC-S)
Control Activities - Policies & procedures that help insure that management directives are carried out.
- Performance Reviews (Indicators) - Actual vs. budget FS, P/Y, financial to non-financial
- Information Processing Ctrls - General vs Application Ctrls
- Physical Controls - Access to assets
-
Segregation of Duties (ARCC-S)
- Authorization of transactions
- Recoding (posting) of transactions
- Custody of assets (who has access)
- Comparisons (reported vs. recorded)
Information & Communication
The component of I/C that makes certain that mgmt’s instructions are communicated & that there is a flow of information in all directions within the entity to enhance the efficiency & effectiveness of operations & ensure the transperency & fairness of financial reporting.
Refers to the I.D, retention, & transfer of info in a timely manner allowing personnel to perform their responsibilities.
- Info System - consists of the methods & records used to record, process, summarize & report a company’s transactions & to maintain accountability for the related accounts.
- Communication - involves establishing idividual duties & responsibilities relating to internal control & making them known to personnel.
Monitoring
The ongoing evaluation of internal controls to make certain that they are effective, functioning as intended, & that they remain relevant.
Understanding the Internal Control
(UPDATED)
6 Steps
- Obtain an Understanding of the Design of Internal Control by performing Risk Assessment Procedures (CRIME)
- AIIO
-
Ducument the understanding of Internal Control
- FIND
-
Asses RMM
- Rely, CR, DR, Sub Testing
- Perform Test of Controls (4 Cycles)
- RIIO
- REassess RMM & evaluate Results
- Document conclusions & determine the effect on the planned substantive procedures
Understanding the Internal Control Structure
Step 1 - Obtain an Understanding the DESIGN of Internal Ctrl
(AIIO)
An auditor obtains an understanding of the Entity & its Environment, and Internal Control through by performing Risk Assessment Procedures which includes: (AIIO)
-
Analytical Procedures
- Reviewing audit documentations that document the internal control structure of the client in prior years
-
Inquiries (info on design)
- Asking mgmt to describe the internal controls currently in place
-
Inspection (info on design)
- Examining documents that are used in internal control, such as authorization forms & procedures manual
-
Observation (info on implementation)
- Watching employees perform their jobs
NOTE: The auditor is only trying to determine what controls have been Implemented, and is NOT determining whether the controls have been operating effectively. The latter is only necessary in a FS audit IF the auditor plans to rely on the controls.
Understanding the Internal Control Structure
Step 2 - Document the understanding of I/C
(FIND)
The auditor is REQUIRED to document its understanding of the entity, environment, & internal control.
The 4 common techniques of documenting the understanding of I/C: (FIND)
- Flow Charts - Visual depiction of the process
- Internal Control Questionaire (ICQ) - Yes/No Qs
- Narrative or Memorandum - Written description of the I/C structure
- Decision Tables/Trees
*Not really tested, just for understanding material***
Understanding the Internal Control Structure
Step 3 - Assess RMM (Control Risk)
Intend to Rely?
No = RMM (High) > Substantive Approach Audit
Yes = RMM (Low) > *Combined Approach Audit
*Combined Approach - Test of Controls & Substantive
Understanding the Internal Control Structure
Step 4 - Perform Test of Controls (RIIO)
Test of Controls - to test the effectiveness of the I/C design & operation of a control. The auditor should test the operating effectiveness of such controls at least once in every 3 years.
- Testing the Cycles for ARCCs by doing RIIO
4 Procedures for Testing Controls (RIIO)
- Reperformance - Applies ctrl of client
- Inspection - Examines ctrl
- Inquiry - Asks about ctrl
- Observation - Watches client do ctrl (most effective)
Understanding the Internal Control Structure
Step 6 - Document Conclusions
What 4 things must the Auditor document?
The auditor is REQUIRED to communicate significant deficiencies & material weaknesses to mgmt & those charged w/ governance. The basis for risk assessment must ALWAYS be documented.
Auditor needs to document:
- The assessement of the risk of material misstatement at the FS & relevant assertion levels
- The basis for that assessment
- Significant risks identified & related controls evaluated
- Risk identified & related controls evaluated that requires test of controls to obtain SAAE
Inherent Limitations in an Internal Control Environment
(COCO)
- Collusion (fraud)
- Override by Management (fraud)
- Competence - Human error (error)
- Obsolescence - Cost/Benefit (error)