Engagement Planning Flashcards
Who has the responsibility of preventing and detecting fraud?
Management has the responsibility of preventing and detecting fraud?
When is the best time to engage an auditor?
The earlier the auditor is hired- the better for audit planning and efficiency.
When can audit procedures be performed at interim dates?
If Control Risk for the accounts and/or transactions is low- audit procedures can be performed at interim dates.
The auditor then reviews changes in the balances at year-end.
What is the purpose of the Audit Committee? what should be communicated?
Responsible for Hiring Auditor
Oversees Internal Control
Matters to be communicated:
- fraud, illegal acts
- significant matters on IC
- significant adjustments
- disagreements with mgt
- serious difficulties with mgt related to the audit
- consultation mgt had with other cpas about accounting and auditing matters
- major issues discussed regarding initial or recurring retention of auditor
communication should be in writing (by product reports) and restricted to those charged with governance
what is audit risk and How is it calculated?
risk that an auditor unknowingly may fail to modify then opinion on financial statements that are materially misstated (the risk the auditor could render the wrong opinion)
(Inherent Risk x Control Risk )x Detection Risk
Risk that material mistakes- errors- omissions- or fraud will result in an inaccurate audit report
Measured in both Qualitative and Quantitative
Describe Control Risk
risk the IC structure will not PDCMM on a timely basis
cannot be controlled by the auditor
Describe Inherent Risk.
the susceptibility of an assertion to a material misstatement, assuming there are no related controls
cannot be controlled by the auditor
Describe Detection Risk.
the risk that the auditor will not detect a material misstatement. it is a function of effectiveness of the procedure and the application by the auditor
inverse relationship with RMM
can be controlled by the auditor by modifying the NET of substantive procedures
What are the three factors that affect/influence fraud?
Rationalization (ability to)
Incentive/Pressure
Opportunity
(RIO)
The presence of the fraud risk factors does not guarantee that fraud has taken place
What are quantitative measurements versus non-quantitative measurements with respect to risk?
Quantitative Measurements - Inherent- Control- and Detection Risk can all be measured in terms of percentages
Non-Quantitative Measurements - Inherent- Control- and Detection Risk can all be measured in terms of acceptable ranges
What is the auditor’s responsibility with respect to fraud and illegal acts?
Assess the RISK that such things will lead to material misstatements
Design the audit to provide reasonable assurance against fraud- illegal acts that directly and materially affect the financial statements
Report ALL management fraud to the audit committee (minor fraud by low-level employees not reported to committee)
Perform required inquiries and procedures (management inquiries- analytical procedures- discussions with audit personnel about fraud)
what are the elements of quality control (undertaken by the cap firm)?
Human resources Engagement and continuance of the client Leadership Performance of engagement Monitoring Ethical requirements
What is the difference between fraud and errors?
Errors are unintentional- fraud is intentional.
What red flags may indicate higher risk in an audit?
Management compensation tied to stock
Aggressive financial forecasting
Former auditor disagreed with Management
Records not available for audit
Current audit procedures may need to be reconsidered if red flags exist.
What does an examination of internal control accomplish with respect to illegal acts?
Internal control analysis can result in the conclusion that IC is weak- but probably won’t identify illegal acts
What is the purpose of adjusting audit procedures in light of fraud risk factors identified during an audit?
Strives to make audit engagement procedures less patterned and predictable
Re-evaluates management’s application of accounting procedures
Finds and assigns audit personnel with relevant skills in this area
What should be documented with respect to fraud risk factors in an audit?
Any fraud risks identified that could lead to material misstatement
Audit procedures performed to assess risks
Nature of communication made to audit committee and company management
Disclosure to third parties regarding fraud not normally the auditor’s responsibility
Fraud by management should normally be reported to the audit committee- NOT the SEC.
What was the effect of the SOX Act of 2002?
Created PCAOB
Designates Officer responsibility for internal control
Must disclose significant internal control weaknesses to auditor and audit committee
Must disclose any level of fraud discovered by employees with internal control responsibilities
What type of assurance is provided by a Compilation?
Compilations are not an assurance service. No assurance is provided.
What type of assurance is provided by Review services?
Reviews provide NEGATIVE assurance.
What is the independence requirement for a Review?
Reviews require independence.
No Internal Control work allowed
Performs analytical procedures
No material indirect financial interest allowed
No immaterial direct financial interest allowed