Evidence and Risk Flashcards
What constitutes the majority of an auditor’s work in determining an audit opinion?
Collection of evidence to support the opinion
What does audit evidence consist of?
Evidence consists of client accounting data and supporting documentation from client or third parties.
What is the relationship between evidence and detection risk?
- Evidence has an inverse relationship with detection
risk. - The one aspect of audit risk an auditor can control
through (N)ature (T)iming (E)xtent of audit
procedures. - Inherent risk and control risk are outside of auditor’s
control.
Which aspects of audit risk can an auditor control?
An auditor can control detection risk, which is decreased by gathering evidence.
Which aspects of audit risk can an auditor NOT control?
Inherent risk and control risk are outside of an auditor’s control.
How does a high level of acceptable detection risk affect an audit?
- Less evidence collected.
- Opens door for incremental audit risk.
- Internal control should be strong.
- Business and transactions should be relatively
stable and predictable.
(N) Less-competent evidence collected (T) Interim testing acceptable (E) Fewer transactions are verified.
What should occur when a low level of detection risk is acceptable?
More evidence collected
- (N) More-competent evidence collected - (T) End of year balance testing - (E) More transactions are verified
What are the primary risks in an audit for a typical for-profit company?
Auditors are there to verify that:
- assets and revenues are not overstated
- expenses and liabilities are not understated
Exception: If the CPA Exam states that it is a tax-driven company, flip them around.
What is the primary constraint on audit evidence?
Cost vs. Benefit is a primary constraint.
What characteristics should audit evidence have?
Audit evidence should be:
- Sufficient (Quantity) - Appropriate: Relevant and Reliable (Quality)
How does the quality of audit evidence vary depending on who has provided it?
Best evidence: Observation of activity by auditor.
Second Best: Originates from external parties and is sent directly to auditor (or failing that items are generated by third party and provided to auditor by the client such as a bank statement).
Weakest: Oral evidence from management.
Which documents are the most persuasive and credible?
Third party documents are more persuasive and credible than internally-prepared documents. Auditor Knowledge = Most Persuasive
1. Third party info given to auditor 2. Third party info given to client 3. Internally-prepared document
What are substantive procedures?
Test substance/amounts/values.
- They help to reduce the risk of material
misstatements.
- They only test accuracy of financial statements and
dollar amounts.
- They do not test internal controls.
What are the substantive tests that are most often performed?
T.R.A.C.E
- Trace (or Vouch)
- Reconcile
- Analytical procedures
- Confirmations
- Examine evidence that supports management
assertion
When performing audit procedures, what financial statement elements should auditors focus on?
Auditors focus first on balance sheet accounts then associated income statement items.
How is cash audited?
Assurance level is high. Acceptable detection risk is low.
How is accounts receivable audited?
If acceptable DR is high - negative confirmation is used.
- Customer only responds if balance is materially
wrong.
If acceptable DR is low - positive confirmation is used.
- Customer asked to confirm by telling auditor the
balance.
Corresponding Income Statement Account - Revenue
How is accounts payable audited?
Accounts payable is audited by:
- Reviewing purchase orders/invoices
- Confirming with vendors
Corresponding Income Statement Account - Various Expenses
How is inventory audited?
To audit an inventory, one must:
- Examine purchase agreements
- Look at board minutes.
Is inventory held as collateral? Corresponding Income Statement Account - COGS
How are beginning balances audited?
Beginning balances should match last year’s ending balance.