Audit Procedures: Tests and Analysis

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Questions and Answers

Which audit process phase primarily focuses on performing tests and gathering evidence?

  • Phase I - Client acceptance
  • Phase III - Testing and evidence (correct)
  • Phase II - Planning
  • Phase IV - Evaluation and Judgement

Substantive procedures are designed to detect material misstatements in the financial statements.

True (A)

Which of the following is an example of a test of details?

  • Analyzing gross profit margin trends
  • Using regression models to predict revenue
  • Vouching (correct)
  • Comparing current year sales with prior year sales

What type of audit procedure involves analyzing financial trends and relationships instead of reviewing individual transactions?

<p>Substantive Analytical Procedures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the procedure with its correct definition:

<p>Vouching = Checking if recorded transactions have proper supporting documents. Tracing = Following transactions from source documents to financial records. Confirmation = Obtaining third-party evidence to verify balances. Recalculation = Manually verifying mathematical accuracy of financial data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of vouching in the context of auditing?

<p>To ensure that recorded transactions actually occurred. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assertion is tested when tracing shipping documents to sales invoices and entries in the sales ledger?

<p>Completeness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An auditor is testing the accuracy of sales transactions. Which procedure would be most effective?

<p>Recalculating amounts on sample sales invoices. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an auditor uses tracing as a substantive procedure on transactions, what is the auditor testing for?

<p>Completeness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tracing is only used as a substantive procedure and not as a test of controls.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match whether 'Tracing' is a substantive procedure or a test of controls:

<p>Tracing as a Substantive Procedure = To test for completeness of financial statement amounts. Tracing as a Test of Controls = To assess whether internal controls over recording transactions are operating effectively.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of physical verification of fixed assets?

<p>To confirm the existence of the asset. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An auditor is performing physical observation of inventory. What is the primary purpose of this procedure?

<p>To evaluate the effectiveness of the client's inventory count process. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If management is suspected of inflating revenue, what details beyond outstanding amounts should auditors confirm?

<p>details of the sales agreements</p> Signup and view all the answers

When testing accounts receivable, vouching might be used for overstatements. What type of procedure is best for testing for understatement of accounts payable?

<p>Tracing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To search for unrecorded liabilities, the auditor reviews ______ made by the client for a period after the balance sheet date.

<p>disbursements</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of confirmation provides more reliable audit evidence?

<p>Positive confirmation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a required alternative procedure if a response is not received for accounts receivable using the positive confirmation method?

<p>Checking subsequent cash receipts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an audit client does not allow confirmations, it automatically indicates fraud risk.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step an auditor should take if a client restricts the use of confirmations?

<p>Inquire why confirmations are restricted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should auditors prevent the client from influencing account selections for confirmation?

<p>To maintain objectivity and ensure a representative sample is selected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the confirmation letter to include a request for the third party to respond directly to the auditor?

<p>To ensure independent and unbiased responses. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one task the auditor performs in the monitoring process?

<p>Evaluating responses to identify discrepancies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of performing interim testing using substantive procedures?

<p>It may assist the auditor in identifying and resolving issues at an early stage of the audit. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the risk of material misstatement affect the extent of substantive procedures?

<p>The greater the risk, the greater the extent of substantive procedures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Substantive Procedures

Audit tests performed to detect material misstatements in the financial statements.

Tests of Details

Examine underlying transactions and balances directly.

Substantive Analytical Procedures

Analyzing financial trends instead of individual transactions.

Vouching

Checking if recorded transactions have proper supporting documents, going from ledger to source.

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Tracing

Following transactions from source to financial records for completeness, ensuring valid details are recorded.

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Confirmation

Obtaining evidence from a third party to verify balances.

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Recalculation

Manually verifying the mathematical accuracy of financial data.

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Physical Verification

Physically inspecting assets to ensure existence and condition.

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Occurrence

Management assertion that recorded sales actually occurred and are genuine.

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Completeness

Management assertion that all sales that occurred are fully recorded.

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Classification

Ensuring sales are in the correct accounts.

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Accuracy

recorded at the right prices.

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Cut-off

Sales are recorded in the correct accounting period.

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Tracing

Audit technique to follow transactions from source to financial statements.

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Search for Unrecorded Liabilities

A search for unrecorded liabilities to ensure completeness and valuation.

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Positive Confirmation

The recipient must respond whether the balance is correct or incorrect.

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Negative Confirmation

The recipient only responds if they disagree with the stated balance.

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Alternative Procedures For Accounts Receivable

Checking subsequent cash receipts, shipping documents, invoices, & acknowledgments.

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Alternative Procedures for Bank Confirmations

Reviewing bank statements and reconciliations.

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Interim Testing

Performing audit procedures at an interim date.

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Substantive Procedures After Interim Testing

Auditor must cover remaining period by performing substantive procedures.

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Extent of Substantive Procedures

The greater the risk of misstatement, the greater the extent of procedures.

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Study Notes

Audit Process Model

  • Phase III involves both, testing and evidence

Substantive Procedures

  • Used to detect material misstatements in financial statements
  • Divided into two main types: tests of details and substantive analytical procedures

Tests of Details

  • Directly examine underlying transactions and balances

Examples of Tests of Details

  • Vouching
  • Tracing
  • Confirmation
  • Recalculation
  • Physical Verification

Substantive Analytical Procedures

  • Analyzing financial trends and relationships rather than reviewing individual transactions

Examples of Analytical Procedures

  • Comparing gross profit margin trends
  • Analyzing sales growth vs. industry trends
  • Using regression models to predict revenue

Assertions & Substantive Procedures on Sales

Management Assertion Audit Objective (Auditor's viewpoint) Substantive Audit Procedures (Auditor's direct testing)
Occurrence Ensure recorded sales actually occurred and are genuine. Perform vouching by selecting a sample of sales transactions from the Sales Ledger and examining supporting documents (shipping documents, delivery notes, customer acknowledgments). Confirm selected transactions with customers if necessary.
Completeness Ensure all sales that occurred are fully recorded. Trace a sample of shipping documents (delivery notes) to recorded sales invoices and entries in the Sales Ledger and General Ledger.
Classification Ensure sales are recorded in proper revenue accounts. Examine a sample of recorded sales transactions to verify correct classification by comparing invoice details with revenue account descriptions.
Accuracy Ensure sales amounts are recorded correctly at authorized prices and quantities. Recalculate amounts on sample sales invoices, match prices to approved price lists, and quantities to customer purchase orders.
Cut-off Ensure sales transactions are recorded in correct accounting period. Review shipping documents and invoices around year-end; verify sales entries recorded in the correct accounting period (pre- and post-year-end cut-off).

Tracing as a Dual Purpose Test

  • Tracing is a technique to follow transactions from source documents to financial statements
  • Tracing is used in both: substantive procedures (Tests of Details) and tests of controls

Tracing Aspect: Substantive Procedure vs Test of Controls

Aspect Tracing as a Substantive Procedure Tracing as a Test of Controls
Purpose Completeness of financial statement amounts. Assess if internal controls over recording transactions are operating effectively.
Audit Focus Ensuring valid transactions are recorded. Evaluating if the control process ensures proper recording of transactions.
Direction Bottom-up (Source documents → Ledger) Bottom-up, but with assessing control implementation goal.
Example Selecting shipping documents and tracing to sales invoices. Testing an entity's control over sales invoices.
Assertion Tested Completeness of transactions. Control effectiveness in ensuring accurate and complete recording.

Physical Inspection: Dual Purpose Test

Aspect Observation (Example: Inventory Count) Physical Verification (Example: Checking Fixed Assets)
Definition Watching a process being performed by the client. Physically inspecting an asset to confirm its existence.
Who Client's staff performs count, auditor observes. Auditor directly inspects.
Audit Obj. Effectiveness of the client's process (test of controls). Asset physically exists (substantive procedure).
Assertion Control effectiveness (is client following procedures). Existence & Valuation (does asset exist and usability).
Auditor Action Auditor watches employees count inventory at year-end ensuring procedures are followed. Auditor checks machinery, inspecting its condition.

Procedures to manage risks when inflating revenue to meet expectations:

  • Auditor can design external confirmations to confirm outstanding amounts
  • Confirm details of the sales agreements
  • Inquire about changes in sales agreements and delivery terms

Account Balance Testing

  • Each account balance is tested for over/understatement

Testing Over/Understatements

Account Primary Risk Substantive Procedure Direction of Testing
Assets (Cash, AR, Inventory) Overstatement Vouching (Ledger → Supporting Docs) Top-Down
Liabilities (Loans, Payables) Understatement Tracing (Source Docs → Ledger) Bottom-Up
Revenue (Sales, Interest) Overstatement Vouching (Ledger → Sales Invoices) Top-Down
Expenses (COGS, Operating) Understatement Tracing (Purchase Orders → Ledger) Bottom-Up

Search for Unrecorded Liabilities

  • Substantive test for accounts payable
  • Test provides evidence as to completeness and valuation
  • Auditor reviews disbursements, made after the balance sheet date
  • Most unrecorded APs are typically paid within a reasonable time after the balance sheet date due to vendor pressure

Confirmation types: Positive vs Negative

Aspect Positive Confirmation Negative Confirmation
Definition Recipient responds, confirming balance correctness. Recipient only responds if they disagree with the stated balance.
Relability More reliable since response is required Less reliable since no response is assumed to mean agreement.
Risk Level Used when there is a higher risk of material misstatements or fraud. Used when there is a lower risk and many small balances exist.
Evidance Stronger audit evidence Weaker audit evidence
Follow-Up If no response, perform alternative procedures. No follow-up required for non-responses.
example "Please confirm if your balance of PKR 500,000 is correct or incorrect." "If your balance of PKR 500,000 is incorrect, inform us."

No Response to Confirmation Letter

  • If no reply to positive confirmation, ISA requires alternative procedures

Accounts Receivable Alternative Procedures

  • Checking subsequent cash receipts
  • Examining shipping documents, invoices, & acknowledgments

Bank Confirmations Alternative Procedures

  • Reviewing bank statements and reconciliations
  • Non-response doesn't mean the balance is accurate, alternative testing is needed.

Audit Client Does Not Allow Confirmations

  • Management's refusal is a red flag
  • Inquire why confirmations are restricted
  • Assess reason validity
  • Perform alternative procedures to verify balances OR
  • Consider scope limitation leading to qualified opinion/disclaimer
  • Management unreasonably restricting confirmations may indicate fraud risk

Sending Confirmation Letters: Steps

  • Select accounts for confirmation based on audit risk and materiality, prioritizing high-risk accounts.
  • Auditor should not allow client to influence the selection.
  • Prepare confirmation letter using client's letterhead, addressed to third parties, including specific balance or details and a request for response directly to the auditor.
  • Client's approval and Authorization are needed. The client must not mail the letters or handle responses.
  • Mail or electronically send confirmations yourself; client should not be involved in mailing.
  • Use client's envelope with their letterhead; send letters directly and include a self-addressed return envelope (auditor's address).
  • The client should not send or collect the responses.
  • Monitor responses and follow up on non-replies; if no response, send follow-up requests and perform alternative audit procedures

Evaluate Responses and Identify Discrepancies

  • Look for discrepancies between confirmed balances, unusual terms, misstatements or fraud indicators
  • Significant differences require further investigation
  • Do not Ignore discrepancies without further verification

Interim Testing Using Substantive Procedures

  • Performing these at an interim date aids in identifying and resolving issues early in the audit.
  • Stage increases risk of undetected misstatements.
  • Cover remaining period by performing substantive procedures from interim to the period end.

Extent of Substantive Procedures

  • Greater risk of material misstatement = greater extent of substantive procedure, this can lower DR to an acceptable level.
  • The extent of testing depends on sample size affected by the risk of material misstatement
  • Automated tools enable more extensive testing of electronic transactions
  • Substantive procedures may be reduced if internal controls are adequate

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