Chapter 9 Flashcards
Define Audit Sampling
Process of selecting and evaluating a sample of audit-relevant items from a population to the point that auditors can expect the sample to be representative
A sample is Representative is it is
one in which the characteristics in which characteristics in the sample of audit interests are APPROXIMATELY the same as those of the population.
Can one attribute absolute assurance to accuracy of financials?
No. Sampling is necessary in an audit due to practicality, which is why an opinion on assurance is given instead.
If an auditor would like to increase the likelihood of a representative sample, sample size should be (Increased/Decreased).
Increase. In addition, care in designing the process and evaluation the results will also increase likelihood.
A sample result can be nonrepresentative due to sampling or nonsampling risks. Define Nonsampling Risk
Risk audit tests do not uncover existing exceptions in the sample, but due to ineffective or inappropriate audit procedures.
Define Nonstatistical sampling
When the auditor tries to estimate sampling risk with professional judgement rather than susbtantial techniques
(Sampling risk/Nonsampling Risk) is an inherent part of sampling that results from testing less than the entire population.
Sampling Risk
If one would want to reduce sampling risk, one should (increase/decrease) sample size
Increase, and/or use the appropriate sample selection method, but keep in mind the risk can’t be totally avoided if testing less the entire population.
A sample result can be nonrepresentative due to sampling or nonsampling risks. Define sampling risk.
Risk an auditor reaches an incorrect conclusion due to the sample that would have been different had the entire populated been tested.
Name one of the three types of manners in which auditors select items for sample
- Random selection
- Haphazard selection
- Block selection
Describe some advantages of Statistical Sampling
See slide 8
Characteristics of Random Selection
- Every item in the population has an equal chance of being selected for inclusion in the sample
- Statistically unbiased sample is the result (of course, theres always a little bit of sampling risk but Random Selection reduces it)
- More probabilistic, thus must be used with statistical sampling and may be used for nonstatistical sampling.
What are some advantages of non-statistical sampling?
Usually more cost-effective and judgmental, thus widely used by auditors in practice especially for tests of relatively small populations.
True or False - All three methods can be used for statistical sampling
False. Haphazard and Block selection are considered NOT probabilistic. Thus, they may only be used with non statistical sampling. Random Sampling MUST be used with Statistical sampling, and MAY be used for non statistical sampling.
Whats an example of Random Selection techniques
- Random Number Tables - Systematic selection
- Random number generators
Define Stratification
Divides a population into relatively homogeneous subgroups. Allows for efficiency by allowing for smaller number of items to sample, while also enabling them to relate sample to materiality.
(Block/Haphazard) selection - selects items on an arbitrary basis and without any conscious bias.
Haphazard. Example is pulling invoices from all over a file drawer without regard to a certain characteristic.
Block Selection - Define It
A Block Sample consists of all items in a selected time period, numerical sequence, or alphabetical sequence, as opposed to individual transactions. Generally cannot be relied on as “representative”
Define Classical variables sampling
This is used to estimate the numerical quantity of a misstatement in population. Used often in substantive testing.
Probability-proportional-to-size sampling, or Dollar-Unit sampling, is a sampling plan that
Applies attribute sampling theory to develop an estimate of the total dollar amount of misstatement in population. This is an alternative to classical variables sampling.
Define Attribute Sampling, a statistical sampling plan
Estimates the rate of occurrence of certain population characteristics
Define a Dual Purpose Test
When one sampling plan is used for dual purposes, like test of control and a substantive test of dollar amount of an account balance.
Discovery sampling, a form of attribute sampling, is designed to do what?
locate at least one deviation/exception in the population (eg, looking for fraud in a series of disbursements). Used when a low rate of occurrence of a critical deviation is expected
There is always some degree of sampling error. What issampling error?
Difference between actual population rate/amount and the rate/amount indicated by sample.
What are Sampling Plans for?
Procedures used to accomplish specific audit objectives, such as estimating different population characteristics (attributes like occurrence rates and variables like numerical quantities).
After a test of control, if the sampling risk of assessing control risk is too high means that
Auditors will need to perform more substantive work accidentally, based on an inappropriately higher control risk.
What are the two types of sampling risks auditors are concerned with under Tests of Controls?
Risk of assessing control risk too high
Risk of assessing control risk too low
List one of the equirements for planning a sample
- The relationship of the sample to the relevant audit objective
- Materiality, or maximum tolerable misstatement/deviation rate
- Allowable sampling risk
- Characteristics of the population
The results of the tests of controls is known as the -
Deviation Rate. High deviation rate does notnecessarily mean there may be a misttatement in financials but, control risk is increased and it may have to be communciated to management or audit committees.
Define the Tests of Controls
Used to determine whether a client’s internal control operates effectively to prevent or detect misstatements in the financials
If sampling risk of assessing control is too low, what characteristics are pertinent?
Not as effective, as less ubstantive work will be accidentally occuring due to lowered assessed control risk.
See Slide 21 for judging whether operating effectiveness is adequate per Test of Controls
Slide 21
Define the first step of audit sampling for test of Controls.
- Determine the objective of the test.
- To provide evidence of operating effectiveness of a control
- Only necessary to support auditor’s planned reliance on a control to support a lower assessed control risk
Step 2 of Audit Sampling for Tests of Controls is to
define the attributes and deviation conditions
- Must use professional judgement to define what exactly makes a “deviation”