Audit Reports - Pre-Clarity Flashcards
What are the requirements for an Audit Report?
Must conform to GAAP
Consistency with prior period reporting is implied (must state if inconsistent)
Adequacy of disclosure is implied (must state if disclosures are lacking)
Opinion is provided - provides assurance
Must be signed by the auditor and dated.
How should an Audit Report be adjusted if reporting is not consistent with the prior period?
If inconsistent- an Unqualified Opinion is OK
EOM paragraph after Opinion is added
Otherwise - Qualified Opinion issued
When is consistency not violated with respect to changes in reporting between years?
Accounting Errors
Reclassifications
Prospective treatment of a new principle
Accounting Estimate Change
What assurance is provided in an audit opinion?
The opinion states that the financial statements are fairly presented in all material respects
The opinion states if the financials are in conformity with GAAP.
What are the sections of the Audit Report?
Title - States that the auditor is independent
Address - whomever hired the auditor
Introduction Paragraph
Management Responsibility Paragraph
Auditor Responsibility Paragraph
Opinion Paragraph
Signed and Dated by Author
Which statements are included in Auditor’s responsibility in Audit Report?
Responsibility of Auditor to express opinion on financial statements.
Conducted in accordance to PCAOB or GAAS.
Standards require that auditor plan and perform audit to obtain reasonable assurance statements free from material misstatement.
Audit involves performing procedures to obtain evidence about amounts and disclosures in financial statements.
Procedures selected depend on auditor’s judgment, including assessment of RMM of financial statements, due to fraud or error.
In making risk assessment, auditor considers IC relevant to prep and fair presentation of financial statements. Purpose is to design audit procedures appropriate in the circumstances, NOT to express an opinion on internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
Audit includes evaluating appropriateness of accounting policies use, reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, and overall presentation of financial statements.
Auditor believes audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide basis for opinion.
For an unqualified opinion to be issued- what must be the case with all periods presented?
Prior year’s Financial Statement used for comparative purposes must also meet criteria for an Unqualified Opinion
If an exception arises- the Explanatory and Opinion paragraphs will address the issue
If a prior year’s issue has been corrected - issue an Unqualified opinion and ignore the past issue
What is included in an unqualified opinion paragraph with an emphasis?
Includes:
Immaterial GAAP issues
Going Concern worries
Auditor shares responsibility
Emphasizing a particular aspect of Financial Statements
Unqualified Opinion/Assurances not affected
EOM paragraph added after opinion
What is the effect of a qualified opinion?
Qualified opinion creates reduced assurances.
Results from scope limitations or major inconsistencies.
Includes material problems with GAAP- disclosures- or segment reporting.
If issue that causes a Qualified Opinion- Basis for qualified opinion paragraph goes after the Scope and before the Opinion paragraphs and the Opinion paragraph refers to the issue as well.
How is the Audit Report changed if there is Scope Limitation and effects are material but not pervasive?
Qualified opinion is issued.
Auditor’s Responsibility paragraph modified
Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph before Opinion paragraph
Opinion paragraph states except for possible effects described in Basis of Opinion paragraph…
How is the Audit Report modified for major inconsistencies found during the audit?
Qualified opinion is issued.
Scope paragraph remains unchanged
Explanatory paragraph between Scope and Opinion paragraphs
Opinion paragraph points out inconsistency
How does a Disclaimer of Opinion affect the Audit Report?
States that an opinion cannot be issued.
Includes severe Scope limitation
What would cause an Adverse Opinion?
Very material GAAP and Disclosure issues.
Auditor’s responsibility section changed to “We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide basis for adverse opinion.”
How is division of auditor responsibility disclosed?
Disclosed in Introductory Paragraph.
Doesn’t name the other auditor without permission.
Referenced in Opinion paragraph and division of responsibility indicated
If other auditor is not referenced- then you take responsibility for their conclusions- so consideration of independence- experience- credentials- etc required
What standards govern SSARS engagements?
Compilations are governed by SSARS (Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services)
Which clients can have compilation engagements?
Non-SEC (non-public) registrants only.