Engagement Planning Flashcards
Audit
What is the primary duty of an auditor?
To provide users of financial information with REASONABLE ASSURANCE that the financial statements are not materially misstated.
Audit
What is the auditor’s responsibility for detecting theft or fraud?
Auditors are not responsible for detecting theft or fraud.
Instead- they are responsible for providing REASONABLE ASSURANCE that the financial statements are not materially misstated.
Audit
When should an auditor be hired in relation to the balance sheet date for optimum audit planning and efficiency?
The earlier the auditor is hired- the better for audit planning and efficiency.
Audit
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.
Audit
When can an auditor accept an engagement offered after the year is already closed?
The auditor can take the engagement if they are able to overcome the limitations of the engagement.
Audit
For what does an auditor use professional skepticism?
To plan the scope of the audit
To plan the objectives of the audit
Audit
How can analytical procedures be performed in audit planning?
The auditor can compare actual versus forecasted numbers.
Audit
What must an auditor have in order to discuss issues relating to a predecessor auditor’s work?
If issues relating to predecessor auditor’s work on previous Financial Statements come up during the current audit- Auditor must have client’s permission to discuss the issue.
Audit
What questions must an auditor ask with respect to procedures carried out by assistants?
Were they adequately performed? (Review the working papers)
Are the results consistent with the audit report?
Audit
How is audit strategy mapped out?
Auditor determines what the reporting objectives are.
Auditor determines the scope of the audit.
Audit
What are the foundations of Generally Accepted Audit Standards (GAAS)?
Materiality and Audit Risk
Audit
What are the General Standards for auditing?
Training and Proficiency (Education and Audit Experience)
Independence
Due Professional Care
(TIP)
Audit
Describe the key components of maintaining auditor independence.
Auditor must be independent in fact and appearance
Honesty
No direct financial interest
No indirect material financial interest
Audit
Describe Due Professional Care
Technical abilities mirror those held by peers in the profession Follow GAAS Standards Obtain a Reasonable Level of Assurance Maintain Reasonable Level of Skepticism Supervise Audit Staff Review judgment at every level
Audit
List the Standards of Field Work
Planning and Supervision
Internal Control
Evidence
(PIE)
Audit
List the Standards of Reporting
Consistency
Disclosures
Opinion
GAAP
(CDOG)
Audit
What should an auditor do prior to accepting an audit engagement?
Review the previous financial statements
Speak to third parties
Contact predecessor auditor to evaluate whether engagement should be accepted (must have client permission)
Audit
What questions should be asked by an auditor prior to taking an engagement?
Note: must have permission of client to contact predecessor auditor (no permission = no engagement)
Why the Auditor Change?
Any Serious Discussions with Audit Committee?
How is Management Integrity? Disagreements?
How was Internal Control?
Understand Industry or Be Willing to Learn
Consider Scope Limitation - Limited evidence available = no engagement
Audit
What should be included in an audit engagement agreement?
Note: must be written
Objectives of Engagement
Limitations of Engagement
Responsibilities of Management - Provide written assertions
Responsibilities of Auditor - Limited error/fraud responsibility
Expectations of Access to Records
Financial Statements (and Disclosures) are Management’s Responsibility
Compliance with Laws
Internal Control