Audit Reporting

Question 1

State the typical introductory sentence/paragraph of the auditor’s unmodified audit report on one year’s financial statements under the AICPA’s clarified auditing standards.

Answer 1

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company, which comprise the balance sheet as of December 31, 20X1, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Question 2

List the items comprising (that is, the structure) of an unmodified audit report under the AICPA’s clarified auditing standards.

Answer 2

1-Title
2-Addressee
3-Introductory Paragraph
4-Management Responsibility
5-Auditors Responsibility
6-Opinion paragraph
7-Signature, w/ city and state
8-Date

Question 3

State the opinion paragraph of the unmodified audit report on one year’s financial statements under the AICPA’s clarified auditing standards.

Answer 3

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of XYZ Company at December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Question 4

What basic responsibility does the Reporting Principle under the AICPA’s clarified auditing standards impose on an auditor?

Answer 4

Based on an evaluation of the audit evidence obtained, the auditor expresses, in the form of a written report, an opinion in accordance with the auditor’s findings, or states that an opinion cannot be expressed.

Question 5

What is the meaning of an unmodified audit report?

Answer 5

The financial statements are fairly stated according to GAAP (or other applicable accounting framework), and the auditor expresses no reservations.

Question 6

What 2 topics of responsibility are addressed in the “Management’s Responsibility” section of the auditor’s report?

Answer 6

Management’s responsibility for the fair presentation of the financial statements; and
Management’s responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control related to financial reporting.

Question 7

List the alternatives to the unmodified audit report

Answer 7

Qualified
Adverse
Disclaimer of Opinion

Question 8

If the prior period’s financial statements have been audited by a predecessor auditor whose report is not issued, the auditor should add an other-matter paragraph. What specific matters should that other-matter paragraph address?

Answer 8

That the prior period financial statements were audited by a predecessor auditor;
The type of opinion expressed (and the reason for any modification);
The nature of any emphasis-of-matter or other-matter paragraph; and
The date of the predecessor’s report.

Question 9

If the auditor’s report includes a section after the opinion paragraph labeled “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements,” how should the introductory paragraph be labeled?

Answer 9

“Report on the Financial Statements” – ordinarily, the introductory paragraph does not have a label, but, in this case, it would.

Question 10

When the group engagement partner decides to assume responsibility for the component auditor’s work, what is the effect on the auditor’s report?

Answer 10

There should be no reference to the component auditor in the auditor’s report under those circumstances.

Question 11

Describe the two primary responsibilities of the group engagement partner.

Answer 11

The group engagement partner is responsible for (1) the supervision and performance of the group audit engagement in compliance with professional standards and applicable regulatory requirements; and (2) determining whether the auditor’s report is appropriate in the circumstances.

Question 12

Identify the 3 requirements that determine whether a reference to component auditors is permitted.

Answer 12

1-The component’s financial statements must use the same framework as the group
2-The component auditor has complied with GAAS (or PCAOB standards, as applicable).
3-The component auditor has issued an audit report on the component’s financial statements (and that report is not restricted as to use).

Question 13

What do AICPA professional standards identify as the auditor’s objectives when auditing group financial statements?

Answer 13

The auditor’s objectives are to determine whether to act as the auditor of the group financial statements and, if so, (1) whether to reference the component auditor(s); (2) to communicate clearly with the component auditor(s); and to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the financial statements of the component(s) and the consolidation process.

Question 14

When the auditor of the group financial statements assumes responsibility for the component auditor’s work on a significant component, what is the group engagement team’s responsibility to be involved in the work of the component auditor?

Answer 14

The auditor should (1) discuss with the component auditor the significance of the component to the group and the susceptibility of the component to material misstatement; and (2) review the component auditor’s documentation of identified significant risks of material misstatement to the group financial statements.

Question 15

What is meant by the termcomponent auditor?

Answer 15

An auditor who performs work on the financial information of a component that will be used as audit evidence for the group audit.A component auditor may be (1) part of the group engagement partner’s firm, (2) a network-affiliated firm, or (3) another unrelated firm.

Question 16

Describe the responsibilities of the group engagement partner and the group engagement team to obtain an understanding of the component auditor(s).

Answer 16

They should obtain an understanding of (1) the component auditor’s independence and professional competence; (2) the extent to which the group engagement team will be involved in the work of the component auditor; and (3) whether the group engagement team will be able to obtain information about the consolidation process from the component auditor(s).

Question 17

When the group engagement partner decides to reference the component auditor’s work, what is the effect on the auditor’s report?

Answer 17

Introductory paragraph and management responsibility section– no effect.
Auditor’s responsibility section – First sentence modified to identify the component audited by other auditors and the magnitude of the financial statements involved.
Opinion paragraph – Modified to say, “In our opinion, based on our audit and the report of the other auditors…”

Question 18

What is meant by the termsignificant component?

Answer 18

A component identified by the group engagement team that (1) is of individual financial significance to the group; or (2) due to its specific nature, is likely to include significant risks of material misstatement of the group financial statements.

Question 19

Matters for which an emphasis-of-matter paragraph isrequired:

Answer 19

1-When the auditor has substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern;
2-When there is an inconsistency in accounting principles used; and
3-When the financial statements are prepared in accordance with special purpose frameworks.

Question 20

Emphasis-of-matter paragraph:

Answer 20

A paragraph that refers to a matter appropriately presented or disclosed in the financial statements that, in the auditor’s judgment, is of such importance that it is fundamental to users’ understanding of the financial statements.

Question 21

Other-matter paragraph:

Answer 21

A paragraph that refers to a matter other than those presented or disclosed in the financial statements that, in the auditor’s judgment, is relevant to users’ understanding of the audit, the auditor’s responsibilities, or the auditor’s report.

Question 22

Where should an emphasis-of-matter or other-matter paragraph be presented in the auditor’s report?

Answer 22

1-The emphasis-of-matter paragraph should be presented after the opinion paragraph
2-The other-matter paragraph should be presented after the opinion paragraph (and after any emphasis-of-matter paragraph(s)).

Question 23

Qualified opinion

Answer 23

The auditor should express a qualified opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effect on the financial statements, if any, could bematerial, but not pervasive. (This lesson focuses on the qualified opinion in connection with a scope limitation.)

Question 24

Disclaimer of opinion

Answer 24

The auditor should express a disclaimer of opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effect on the financial statements, if any, could bematerial and pervasive.

Question 25

Where is “qualified” language shown in the auditor’s report?

Answer 25

a-No effect on the introductory paragraph or management’s responsibility section.
b-Auditor’s responsibility section—modify the last sentence to state, “We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified audit opinion.”
c-Add a “Basis for Qualified Opinion” paragraph (with such a label) before the opinion
paragraph.
d-Qualify the opinion using appropriate language such as: “In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly . . .” and label the opinion paragraph “Qualified Opinion.”

Question 26

What type of report should the auditor express when a scope limitation is viewed as material, and pervasive?

Answer 26

Disclaimer of opinion.

Question 27

What effect does a qualified opinion for a scope limitation have on the auditor’s report?

Answer 27

• No effect on the introductory paragraph or management’s responsibility section;
• Modify the scope paragraph to reference the scope limitation;
• Add Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph before the opinion paragraph to describe the scope limitation; before the opinion paragraph to describe the scope limitation;
• Modify the opinion paragraph to reference the scope limitation.

Question 28

What type of report should the auditor express when a scope limitation is viewed as material, but not pervasive?

Answer 28

Qualified opinion.

Question 29

Describe an example of the language used in an auditor’s report for aqualified opinionfor a scope limitation when audited financial statements are unavailable for an investment accounted for by the equity method.

Answer 29

"In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for QualifIed Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly …"
The qualification (reservation) is the phrase except for the possible effects of...

Question 30

What is meant by a qualified opinion for a scope limitation?

Answer 30

The auditor is expressing one or more reservations (specifically about a scope limitation where the auditor was unable to perform a desired audit procedure) while still concluding that the financial statements, taken as a whole, are fairly stated and that, except for the specific matter referenced, the auditor has obtained sufficient, appropriate audit evidence as a reasonable basis for the auditor’s conclusions.

Question 31

Effect of a Qualification for a Scope Limitation on the Auditor’s Report

Answer 31

a- No effect on the introductory paragraph or management’s responsibility section.
b- Auditor’s responsibility section—modify the last sentence to state, “We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified audit opinion.”
c- Add a “Basis for Qualified Opinion” paragraph (with such a label) before the opinion paragraph.
d- Qualify the opinion using appropriate language such as: “In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly . . .” and label the opinion paragraph “Qualified Opinion.”

Question 32

When should an auditor express a qualified opinion?

Answer 32

The auditor should express a qualified opinion when the auditor concludes that misstatements arematerial, but not pervasiveto the financial statements

Question 33

When should an auditor express a adverse opinion?

Answer 33

The auditor should express an adverse opinion when the auditor concludes that misstatements arematerial, and pervasiveto the financial statements.

Question 34

What type of report should the auditor express when a misstatement is viewed as material, and pervasive?

Answer 34

Adverse opinion.

Question 35

Give an example of the language used in an auditor’s report for a “qualified opinion” for inadequate disclosure.

Answer 35

"In our opinion,except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above present fairly ...";
The qualification (that is, reservation) is the phrase "except for …"

Question 36

What is the meaning of a qualified opinion for a misstatement relative to GAAP or other applicable financial reporting framework?

Answer 36

The auditor is expressing one or more reservations (specifically about the financial statement presentation - for example, a “GAAP departure”) while still concluding that, except for the specific matter referenced, the financial statements, taken as a whole, are fairly stated and that the auditor has obtained sufficient, appropriate audit evidence as a reasonable basis for the auditor’s conclusions.

Question 37

What type of report should the auditor express when a misstatement is viewed as material, but not pervasive?

Answer 37

Qualified opinion

Question 38

What are the effect of an Adverse Opinion on the Auditor’s Report?

Answer 38

a- No effect on the introductory paragraph or management’s responsibility section.
b- Auditor’s responsibility section—modify the last sentence to state, “We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our adverse audit opinion.”
c- Add a “Basis for Adverse Opinion” paragraph (with such a label) before the opinion paragraph. The auditor should include a description and quantification of the financial effects of the misstatement (when practicable); likewise, the auditor should include the omitted information (when practicable).
d- Express the adverse opinion using appropriate language such as: “In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly . . .” and label the opinion paragraph “Adverse Opinion.”

Question 39

What is the one underlying cause for an adverse opinion?

Answer 39

The auditor concludes that misstatements are material and pervasive to the financial statements

Question 40

Give an example of the language used for an adverse opinion.

Answer 40

“In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse Opinion paragraph, the financial statements referred to above do not present fairly…”

Question 41

What conclusion is expressed by an adverse opinion?

Answer 41

The auditor expresses a conclusion that the financial statements taken as a whole are not fairly stated. That is, taken as a whole, they are misleading

Question 42

What’s the definition of PERVASIVE ?

Answer 42

a- Effects that are not confined to specific elements, accounts or items of the financial statements;
b- effects that, if so confined, represent or could represent a substantial proportion of the financial statements; or
c- regarding disclosures, are fundamental to users’ understanding of the financial statements.

Question 43

What’s a Disclaimer of opinion?

Answer 43

The auditor should express a disclaimer of opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effect on the financial statements, if any, could bematerial and pervasive.

Question 44

What’s a Qualified opinion?

Answer 44

The auditor should express a qualified opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effect on the financial statements, if any, could bematerial, but not pervasive.

Question 45

What is the effect of a Disclaimer of Opinion on the Auditor’s Report?

Answer 45

a- Minor effect on the introductory paragraph (“We were engaged to audit …”) and no effect on the management’s responsibility section.
b- Auditor’s responsibility section – revise this section to consist of the following 2 sentences: “Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on conducting the audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph, however, we were not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion.”
c- Add a “Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion” paragraph (with such a label) before the opinion paragraph.
d- Disclaim an opinion using appropriate language such as: “Because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on these financial statements.” Add an appropriate title preceding the paragraph, such as “Disclaimer of Opinion.”

Question 46

When disclaiming an opinion due to a client-imposed scope limitation, an auditor should indicate in a separate paragraph why the audit did not comply with generally accepted auditing standards. The auditor should also omit the …?

Answer 46

SCOPE Paragraph
A disclaimer report omits the scope paragraph (the second paragraph in the auditor’s responsibility section that describes an audit) and adds a separate paragraph explaining why the audit did not comply with generally accepted auditing standards (Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion). The scope paragraph is omitted because any descriptions of procedures performed could be misunderstood. If a disclaimer is issued, the auditor does not feel that the audit work performed was sufficient to render an opinion. The opinion paragraph remains but it indicates that the scope of work was insufficient to support an opinion.

Question 47

Give an example of the language used for a disclaimer of opinion.

Answer 47

“Because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion. Accordingly, we do not express an opinion on these financial statements.”

Question 48

What conclusion is expressed by a disclaimer of opinion?

Answer 48

No conclusion (no assurance) is expressed, since sufficient appropriate audit evidence has not been obtained.

Question 49

What is the fundamental reason for a disclaimer of opinion?

Answer 49

The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, and the auditor concludes that the possible effect on the financial statements could be material and pervasive

Question 50

What is the effect of a disclaimer of opinion on the auditor’s report?

Answer 50

a- Minor change to introductory paragraph, no effect on management’s responsibility section.
b- Modify the auditor’s responsibility section to consist of 2 sentences, including reference to the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph.
c- Add a Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion paragraph before the opinion paragraph;
d- Express a disclaimer of opinion.

Question 51

What are the auditor’s objectives concerning the “Consistency of Financial Statements.”?

Answer 51

a- evaluate the consistency of the financial statements for the periods presented; and
b- communicate appropriately in the auditor’s report when comparability has been materially affected, or;
c- by adjustments to correct a material misstatement in previously issued financial statements.

Question 52

When is consistency addressed in the audit report?

Answer 52

GAAS require that the auditor identify occasions in which the accounting principles have not been applied consistently. No mention is to be made in the report if the consistency requirement is met. If the auditor was able to obtain sufficient evidence about consistency, the auditor’s report should not refer to consistency.

Question 53

The concept of consistency includes what?

Answer 53

changes in accounting principles and restatements to previously issued financial statements.

Question 54

What is the effect on the auditor’s report when an entity’s financial statements have been restated to correct a prior material misstatement (assuming that disclosure related to the restatement is adequate)?

Answer 54

The auditor’s report should include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph to describe the restatement and reference the footnote that discusses the correction. The auditor should also state that the auditor’s opinion is not modified with respect to the matter.

Question 55

When a material change in accounting principle has been properly accounted for by the entity’s financial statements (with adequate disclosure and justification that the adopted principle is preferable), what is the effect on the auditor’s report?

Answer 55

The auditor’s report should include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph to describe the change and reference the footnote that discusses the change. The auditor should also state that the auditor’s opinion is not modified with respect to the matter.

Question 56

What 4 specific matters should the auditor evaluate when the entity’s financial statements include a material change in accounting principle?

Answer 56

a- Whether the adopted principle is in accordance with the applicable reporting framework;
b- Whether the method of accounting for the effect of the change is in accordance with the applicable reporting framework;
c- Whether the disclosures about the change are adequate; and
d- Whether the entity has justified that the alternative adopted is preferable.

Question 57

What 2 general circumstances may affect the comparability of an entity’s financial statements between periods?

Answer 57

1- A change in accounting principle; or

2- A material restatement of the financial statements (to correct a previous material misstatement).

Question 58

What is the auditor’s responsibility with respect to consistency on audited financial statements presented on a comparative basis?

Answer 58

What is the auditor’s responsibility with respect to consistency on audited financial statements presented on a comparative basis?

Question 59

What is meant by the terminitial audit engagement?

Answer 59

An engagement in which

(a) the financial statements for the prior period were not audited; or
(b) the financial statements for the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor.

Question 60

What are the auditor’s responsibilities with respect to opening balances, and whether they contain misstatements affecting the current period financial statements?

Answer 60

1- Determine whether the prior closing balances have been properly brought forward.
2- Determine whether the opening balances reflect the application of appropriate accounting policies.
3- Evaluate whether audit procedures provide evidence relevant to the opening balances (for example, by reviewing the predecessor’s audit documentation).

Question 61

If management is unwilling to make changes to correct material inconsistencies identified prior to the report release date, how should the auditor’s report address the issue.

Answer 61

The auditor should include an other-matter paragraph to the auditor’s report. (Other possibilities would be to withhold the auditor’s report or withdraw from the engagement.)

Question 62

What should the auditor do when a material misstatement of fact has been identified?

Answer 62

The auditor should discuss the matter with management. If indeed a material misstatement of fact is found to exist, the auditor should request management to consult with a qualified third party (such as the entity’s legal counsel) to address the issue.

Question 63

Identify a few examples of other information.

Answer 63

Financial summaries or highlights, management reports on operations, employment data, financial ratios, and selected quarterly data, etc. (It does not include press releases, information in analyst briefings, or information posted to the entity’s Web site.)

Question 64

When engaged to report on whether supplementary information is fairly stated in relationship to the financial statements, must the auditor issue a separate report on the supplementary information?

Answer 64

The auditor may either issue a separate report on the supplementary information or combine the report on the supplementary information with the report on the financial statements. If using a combined report, the auditor should add an other-matter paragraph to report specifically on the supplementary information.

Question 65

What does the termreadily availablemean?

Answer 65

It means that no further action by the entity is required. Being available through the entity’s web site would be considered readily available, but beingavailable upon requestwould not be considered readily available.

Question 66

What are the requirements for an auditor to accept an engagement to report on whether supplementary information is fairly stated in relationship to the financial statements?

Answer 66

1- The supplementary information must relate to the same period as the financial statements.
2- The auditor must have audited the financial statements.
3- The auditor must have expressed an unmodified or qualified opinion on the financials.
4- The supplementary information will either accompany the financial statements or be made readily available by the entity.

Question 67

What type of assurance does the auditor’s report provide on the required supplementary information presented along with the audited financial statements?

Answer 67

No assurance is given on the required supplementary information. The emphasis-of-matter paragraph commenting on the required supplementary information specifically includes a disclaimer of opinion (or any other assurance) on such supplementary information.

Question 68

Describe the procedures to be performed by the auditor when required supplementary information is associated with an entity’s audited financial statements.

Answer 68

1- Inquire of management about the methods used to prepare the information (and whether it is presented in accordance with prescribed guidelines on a consistent basis).
2- Compare the information for consistency with the basic financial statements and with the knowledge obtained during the audit.

Question 69

What is meant by the termrequired supplementary information?

Answer 69

Information that a designated accounting standard setter requires to accompany an entity’s basic financial statements (although the information is not part of the basic financial statements, authoritative guidelines for measurement and presentation have been established).

Question 70

How does required supplementary information affect the auditor’s report on the entity’s financial statements?

Answer 70

The auditor should include an emphasis-of matter (or other-matter) paragraph in the audit report to comment on required supplementary information (whether or not it is presented at all, and whether or not it is presented in accordance with the prescribed guidelines).

Question 71

What is the purpose of an alert to restrict the use of the auditor’s written communication?

Answer 71

The purpose is to restrict the use of the auditor’s written communication due to potential for misunderstanding if taken out of the context for which the written communication is intended.

Question 72

Identify 2 general circumstances that would require an alert to restrict the use of the auditor’s report.

Answer 72

1- When the subject matter is based on criteria that are only suitable for (or available to) a limited number of users; or
2- The matters are presented in a by-product report that is not the primary objective of the engagement.

Question 73

What is the auditor’s responsibility to enforce the distribution of the auditor’s written communication having an alert to restrict the use of it?

Answer 73

The auditor is not responsible for enforcing such distribution. The purpose of the alert is to appropriately communication the restricted distribution.

Question 74

When financial statements are prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country and are intended for use both outside and inside of the U.S.A., what effect does that have on the auditor’s report?

Answer 74

The auditor should report using the U.S. form of report, including an emphasis-of-matter paragraph that;
1- identifies the financial reporting framework used;
2- refers to the note to the financial statements describing that framework; and
3- indicates that such a framework differs from U.S. GAAP.

Question 75

When engaged to audit financial statements that are prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country for use solely outside the U.S.A., how is the Management’s Responsibility section of the auditor’s report affected?

Answer 75

The sentence describing management’s responsibilities would be changed as follows: “Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with (specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted) in (name of country); ….”

Question 76

When engaged to audit financial statements that are prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country for use solely outside the U.S.A., how is the Auditor’s Responsibility section of the auditor’s report affected?

Answer 76

The second sentence in the section on the auditor’s responsibility would be changed as follows: “We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (and [in name of country]).”

Question 77

When deciding whether to accept an engagement to report on financial statements prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country, what 3 matters should the auditor consider?

Answer 77

1- The purpose for which the financial statements are prepared;
2- The intended users of the financial statements; and
3- The steps taken by management to determine that the framework is acceptable in the circumstances.

Question 78

To what extent must the auditor comply with GAAS when auditing financial statements intended for use solely outside of the U.S.A.?

Answer 78

The auditor should comply with GAAS, except for requirements related to the form and content of the auditor’s report. (In this case, the auditor may report either using a U.S. form of report or using the report form and content associated with the other country.)

Question 79

What is meant by the term “summary financial statements”?

Answer 79

Historical financial information that is derived from financial statements but that contains less detail than the financial statements, while still providing a structured representation consistent with that provided by the financial statements.

Question 80

What should the auditor consider in deciding whether to accept an engagement to report on an entity’s summary financial statements (specifically, to report whether they are consistent with the audited financial statements from which they have been derived)?

Answer 80

1- The auditor must have been engaged to audit the financial statements as a whole;
2- The auditor should determine whether the applied criteria are acceptable; and
3- The auditor should obtain a written agreement from management acknowledging their responsibilities and accepting the expected form and content of the auditor’s report.

Question 81

Identify the only 2 opinion choices for the auditor’s report on summary financial statements.

Answer 81

Only anunmodifiedoradverseopinion is permitted. That is, the summary financial statements are eitherconsistentornot consistentwith the audited financial statements.

Question 82

What is the purpose of the review of interim financial information?

Answer 82

To provide the CPA with a basis for communicating an awareness of any material modifications that should be made to conform with the applicable financial reporting framework, such as GAAP or other applicable financial reporting framework.

Question 83

Identify the 4 paragraphs normally associated with an auditor’s review report on interim financial statements.

Answer 83

1- Identify the nature of the engagement and the interim financial statements;
2- Identify management’s responsibility;
3- Identify the auditor’s responsibility (refer to AICPA standards, describe the procedures for a review, and include a disclaimer of opinion); and
4- Express negative assurance as to whether any material modifications should be made.

Question 84

Identify the evidence gathering procedures normally associated with a review of interim financial information.

Answer 84

1- Read the interim financial information and read the minutes of meetings (board, etc.);
2- Perform analytical procedures;
3- Determine that interim information agrees (or reconciles) to accounting records; and
4- Make inquiries of management and other persons responsible for financial and accounting matters and obtain a management representations letter.

Question 85

The agreement on engagement terms for an auditor’s review of interim financial information should normally address what specific matters?

Answer 85

1- The objectives and scope of the engagement;
2- The responsibilities of management;
3- The responsibilities of the auditor;
4- The limitations of a review engagement; and
5- Identification of the applicable financial reporting framework.