Auditing Principles

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Questions and Answers

According to Prof. Paul N. Manasseh, auditing involves forming an ______ as to whether the books have been kept properly and if the statements portray a true and fair view.

opinion

An audit includes an independent ______ and an expression of an opinion on the financial statements of an economic entity.

examination

An auditor must comply with relevant ______ obligations such as professional standards and legal requirements during an audit.

statutory

The objective of an audit is to enable the auditor to express an opinion on whether the financial statements show a true and fair view of the company's state of affairs in accordance with an identified financial ______ framework.

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

Independence in auditing means having no ______ with parties that have an interest in the company being audited.

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

A cash book, assets register, ledgers, and shareholders' register are examples of the ______ of accounts that are examined during an audit.

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

When verifying transactions, auditors check ______ for authorization, date, proper recording, and whether the transactions are for the benefit of the business.

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

An auditor's opinion on financial statements can be positive, resulting in an unqualified ______, or negative, indicating that the statements are not presented fairly.

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

Frequent auditor visits can lead to staff interruptions, potentially standardizing questions, and creating staff ______ on the auditor.

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

An ______ audit is conducted midway through the financial year, often serving as a precursor to the final audit.

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

Unlike interim audits, ______ audits are typically performed at the end of the financial year.

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

A ______ audit evaluates a company's internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures, recommending improvements where necessary.

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

A ______ audit focuses on assessing the skills and effectiveness of a company's leadership team in achieving strategic objectives.

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

Audits provide ______ of a company's financial statements, which can make it easier to secure financing.

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

While audits offer numerous benefits, a significant disadvantage is that audit ______ can be quite high.

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

Besides investors and lenders, ______ are also key users of audited financial statements, relying on them for job security and wage negotiations.

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

A key difference between statutory and private audits lies in their appointment process; statutory audits are done according to the company’s act, whereas private audits are done ______.

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

In terms of liability, a statutory auditor is liable to third parties, while a private auditor may not be liable through a ______ opinion.

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

While statutory audits are typically conducted at the end of each financial year, private audits can be performed even after ______ years.

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

The rights and duties of a statutory auditor are defined by law, but in a private audit, these can be ______ by the client.

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

In terms of scope, if a statutory auditor performs a pure audit, the private auditor completes both audit and ______ work.

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

The main objective of a statutory audit is to prove the true and fair view, while a private audit aims to find out current profit or loss for ______ purposes.

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

In continuous audits, errors and frauds are discovered earlier, facilitating the presentation of the ______ in time.

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

A disadvantage of continuous audits is that they can be very expensive, and figures already audited may be again ______.

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

In auditing, a ______ view is sought for profit and loss account items, while a fair view is the aim for balance sheet items.

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

The financial reporting framework encompasses standards like ______ or IASs, national accounting standards, and any other comprehensive framework.

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

Unlike accounting, ______ is conducted at the end of the year, focusing on examining already prepared books of accounts.

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

Auditing requires ______ from all interested parties within the company, ensuring an unbiased examination of financial records.

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

The ______ objective of auditing is to ascertain and confirm the true and fair state of the company’s affairs.

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

Auditors may provide a ______ to management, also known as a 'letter of internal weakness,' offering advice for improvement.

<p>management letter</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ audits are legally required, while private audits are conducted at the discretion of the company owners.

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

Auditing standards require auditors to exercise professional ______, which means they should maintain a questioning mind and critically assess the information they are provided with.

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

Internal auditing is an independent ______ of activities within an organization, ensuring efficient management.

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

One of the activities of an internal auditor is to provide ______ to management to improve business practices.

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

The increased size and ______ of businesses have necessitated a stronger focus on internal audits.

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

Unlike external audits, internal audits are not typically regulated by specific ______ or acts.

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

Internal auditing is a ______ exercise, providing ongoing oversight and adjustments to controls.

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

The primary aim of internal auditing is strengthening the internal ______ system within a company.

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

The ______ of an internal audit is determined by management, allowing for a focus on specific areas of concern.

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

While external audits aim to provide a true and fair view, internal audits focus on giving insight into the ______ performance of the company.

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

Both internal and external audits are concerned with the ______ and prevention of errors and frauds within an organization.

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

An advantage of internal audit is that it reinforces the application of a strong internal ______ system within a company.

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

Internal audit acts as a ______ measure for errors and frauds, helping to identify and correct issues before they escalate.

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

One potential disadvantage of internal audit is that management may ______ on it, potentially overlooking other important risk management processes.

<p>over-rely</p> Signup and view all the answers

A disadvantage of internal audit is that management may deny its ______, potentially compromising the objectivity of the audit process.

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

An engagement letter is required after ______ with the prospective client and an evaluation of the services required.

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

Before conducting detailed testing, auditors must ______ and evaluate the client's systems to identify key controls and potential weaknesses.

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

Auditors communicate findings and recommendations to management in a draft report and a letter of ______ before issuing the final audit report.

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

Flashcards

Auditing

An examination of financial statements to ensure they present a true and fair view of a company's financial position and performance.

Balance Sheet

A statement detailing a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time.

Profit and Loss Account

A statement summarizing a company’s revenues, costs, and expenses over a period of time.

Cash Flow Statement

A report summarizing the movement of cash both into and out of a company during a specific period.

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IFRS

A set of accounting standards developed by the IASB to provide a common global language for business affairs.

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Auditing vs. Accounting

Verifying financial statements vs preparing them.

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Primary Objective of Auditing

To determine if financial statements present a true and fair view.

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Statutory Audit

An audit required by law.

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Audit scope

Determined by agreement between the auditor and the business owners, and the company's act.

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Auditor appointment

In statutory audits, done according to the company's act; in private audits, done privately.

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Auditor rights and duties

In statutory, rights and duties are defined by law; in private, they can be limited by the client.

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Auditor Independence

In statutory, auditor is independent; in private, independence can be limited/withdrawn.

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Audit objective

Statutory: Prove a true and fair view. Private: Find profit/loss for taxation.

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Audit Similarities

Both use qualified auditors, detect errors/frauds, and follow standards for decision-making.

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Continuous Audit

Audit conducted throughout the financial period at regular intervals.

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Continuous Audit Advantages

Errors and frauds are found early and reports are presented in time.

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Audit (CPA Definition)

A professional, unbiased assessment of an entity's financial statements, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and providing a true and fair view.

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Independent Examination

The auditor must be qualified as per the Company’s Act, independent, and adhere to professional accounting body standards.

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Books of Accounts

Records such as the cash book, assets register, ledgers and shareholders’ register

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Vouchers

Documents supporting financial transactions (receipts, invoices) checked and authorized for accuracy.

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Opinion (in Auditing)

Auditor's judgement on the accuracy of financial statements, can be positive or negative

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Unqualified Opinion

An unqualified opinion indicates that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the entity in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

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Qualified Opinion

An opinion issued when the financial statements contain material misstatements or when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to form an opinion.

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Interim Audit

An audit conducted during the financial year, usually before the final audit.

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Final Audit

An audit performed at the end of the financial year.

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Procedural Audit

An evaluation of a business's internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.

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Management Audit

Analysis of the skills and effectiveness of a company's management team.

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Advantage of Auditing

Provides assurance and credibility to a company's financial statements.

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Disadvantage of Auditing

Audit fees can be a significant expense for the company.

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Users of Audited Financial Statements

Individuals or entities who rely on audited financial statements for decision-making.

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Investors

Investors make use of the financial statement in order to inform decision making.

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Internal Audit

An independent appraisal of activities within an organization to ensure efficient management and a watchdog over internal controls.

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Activities of Internal Auditor

Independent appraisal, advice to management, and review of operations for soundness and effective controls.

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Factors Increasing Internal Audit

Increase in business size/complexity, dynamic technology, legislation/regulation, and competition.

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Internal Auditing (Characteristics)

Conducted for management; continuous; aims to strengthen internal controls; scope set by management.

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External Auditing (Characteristics)

Conducted for shareholders; periodic; aims to provide a true and fair view; scope set by company's act.

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Auditor's Status

Internal: Employee. External: Independent professional.

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Internal Audit Scope

Management determines the scope of the audit.

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External Audit Report Users

Shareholders and third parties use the report.

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Similarities: Internal vs. External Audit

Both assess internal control strength, conduct independent reviews, aim to detect and prevent errors/frauds, utilize similar records, safeguard assets, and ensure proper accounting.

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External Auditor's Reliance on Internal Audit

External auditors consider qualifications, independence, work scope, prior experience, resources, and internal control strength when relying on internal audit work.

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Advantages of Internal Audit

Reinforces internal control, prevents errors/fraud, aids policy implementation, protects resources, helps achieve objectives, facilitates external audit, leverages insider knowledge.

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Disadvantages of Internal Audit

Overreliance, compromised independence, overshadowing accounting, ignored recommendations, misuse, external auditor over-reliance, and installation costs.

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Initial Stages of an Audit (1-6)

  1. Negotiation; 2. Communicate with prior auditor; 3. Engagement Letter; 4. Initial Investigation 5. Record system; 6. Evaluate System.
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Later Stages of an Audit (7-10)

  1. Conduct tests; 8. Draft report; 9. Discuss report with Management; 10. Issue final report/letter.
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Substantive Tests

Tests to verify transactions and balances and to directly assess the financial statement amounts.

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Compliance Tests

Tests designed to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, such as segregation of duties.

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Study Notes

  • The module covers Auditing and Assurance
  • Facilitator: Prof Isaie Kadhafi Misago

Main Topics

  • Introduction to Auditing
  • Legal and Professional Framework of Audit
  • Conduct of an Audit
  • Review of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Internal Control System
  • Auditing Evidence
  • Audit Sampling
  • Audit of Balance Sheet and P&L Account Items
  • Errors, Fraud, and Irregularities
  • Auditing in a Computerized Environment
  • Audit Report
  • Receivership and Liquidation
  • Audit of Specialized Institutions

Definition of Auditing

  • Auditing constitutes an independent examination of a business's books of accounts and vouchers
  • This informs an opinion on whether items have been correctly maintained and align with company regulations
  • It also assess whether statements provide an accurate view of the company's financial state at a specific time
  • Definition by Prof. Paul N. Manasseh
  • An audit is an independent examination and an expression of an opinion on the financial statements of an economic entity by an appointed auditor
  • This is in pursuance of that appointment and in compliance with relevant statutory obligation, Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Analysis of Manasseh's Definition

  • Independent Examination involves an expertise account and adherence to legal requirements
  • It requires no association with parties having a vested interest
  • A requirement from the Accounting professional bodies

Books of Accounts

  • A cash book
  • Assets register
  • Ledgers
  • Shareholders' register

Vouchers

  • A voucher is a document for transaction support
  • Vouchers are checked for authorization, date, accurate entry, and business relevance

Opinion

  • A positive or unqualified opinion
  • A negative or qualified opinion

Statements

  • Balance sheet
  • Profit and loss account
  • Funds flow statement

True and Fair

  • True for Profit and loss account items
  • Fair for balance sheet items

Analysis of CPA's definition

  • Financial Statements; Balance sheet, profit and loss account, notes, cash-flow statement, statement of changes in equity
  • Financial Reporting Framework; International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), International Accounting Standards (IASs), national accounting standards, or any authoritative financial reporting framework

Distinction Between Auditing and Accounting

  • Auditing examines books to provide a true view of a company's affairs
  • Accounting prepares books to aid management in decision-making
  • Auditing happens once a year
  • Accounting is continuous
  • Auditing is conditional, based on prepared books
  • Accounting is not conditional
  • Auditing requires independence from interested parties
  • Accounting can be influenced by management
  • Auditing requires professional vigilance
  • Accounting involves management reviews
  • Auditing is a statutory requirement for companies
  • Accounting is essential for any business size

Objectives of Auditing

  • Audits are classified into primary and secondary objectives

Primary Objectives

  • Verifying the true and fair state of a company's affairs
  • Ensure company has proper books of accounts
  • Generating a report

Secondary Objectives

  • Providing management advice via "Management letter"
  • Detection of errors and frauds

Types of Audit

  • Classified based on the nature of work and the approach

Types of Audit Based on Work Nature

  • Statutory and private audits

Statutory Audit vs Private Audit

  • Statutory audits are legally required
  • Private audits are conducted at the owners' discretion
  • Statutory audit scope is defined by company's act
  • Private audit scopes are determined by auditor and owners
  • The appointment happens according to the company's act for statutory audits
  • Appointments happen privately in private audits Auditors are liable to third parties
  • Auditors may not be liable, and a disclaimer opinion may be issued
  • Statutory audits occur at year-end
  • Private audits can be done after three the end of three years
  • Statutory auditor rights are defined by law
  • Private audits rights can be limited by the client
  • Statutory auditors are independent
  • Private auditor independence varies
  • Statutory auditors perform pure audit work.
  • Private auditors may do audit and accounting work
  • Statutory audit scope is unrestricted
  • Private audit scope is be restricted
  • Statutory audits prove a fair view
  • Private audits determine profits for taxation

Similarities Between Statutory and Private Audit

  • Both are conducted by qualified auditors
  • Both aim at providing advice to management
  • Both used to detect errors and frauds
  • Auditors guided by audit standards
  • Audits are used for decision making, and evaluate companies

Types of Audit Based on Approach

  • Continuous
  • Interim
  • Final
  • Continuous Audit
  • This occurs throughout a financial period at predetermined intervals
  • Continuous audits are ideal for large organizations with tight reporting deadlines

Advantages of Continuous Audit

  • Early discovery of errors and frauds
  • Facilitates timely report submission
  • Provides clear understanding of business

Disadvantages of Continuous Audit

  • Very expensive
  • Figures already may be again manipulated
  • Frequent visits by the auditor result into interruptions to the staff
  • Questions asked by the auditor may become standard
  • Staff may depend on the auditor

Interim Audits

  • Interim audits are conducted halfway through the financial year, before the final audit
  • These audits are for dynamic businesses and also cheaper than continuous audits
  • Interim audits enhance the maintenance of current records

Final Audits

  • Typically done year-end
  • Procedural Audit involves evaluation of internal controls, accounting policies, by an auditor; recommendations for improvement in procedures made
  • Management Audit analyzes a company's management competencies to evaluate effectiveness relative to strategic objectives, it isn't appraise individual executive performance, but to instead evaluates team competence

Advantages of Auditing

  • Assurance and reliability of company books
  • Serves as detective and preventive measure
  • Minimizes disputes
  • Simplifies borrowing with unqualified audit report
  • Assists investors

Disadvantages of Auditing

  • Auditing fees can be expensive
  • Disrupts client operations
  • Risk of company revealing secret information to competitors

Users of Audited Financial Statements

  • Present and prospective investors
  • Employees
  • Lenders
  • Suppliers and trade creditors
  • Customers
  • Government
  • The public
  • Lawyers, competitors, stock brokers, statisticians, journalists, trade-unions, and credit-rating agencies.

Internal Audit definition

  • It is an independent appraisal of activities within an organization aimed at ensuring management runs company properly, therefore bettering the business. Also it acts as a watchdog over the company's entire internal control systems

Activities of the Internal Auditor:

  • Independent appraisal of activities
  • Advice to management
  • Review of operation for soundness, adequacy, the application of accounts and financial controls and the promotion of such effective controls at reasonable costs

Factors that necessitate an increase in internal audit needs

  • Increase in business size and complexity, dynamic technology, Legislation and regulation requirements, and competition

Differences Between External and Internal Audit

  • Internal Auditing is conducted on behalf of the management
  • External Auditing is conducted on behalf of the shareholders
  • Internal Auditing is not regulated by statutes or act
  • External Auditing is conducted according to the requirements of the company's act
  • Internal Auditing is a continuous exercise
  • External Auditing is conducted periodically
  • Internal Auditing is conducted by a competent accountant, who is an employee of the company
  • External Auditing is conducted by a external professional and a qualified accountant
  • Internal auditing aims to at strengthening the internal control system
  • External auditing is aimed at providing the true fair view of the state of affairs
  • The scope of internal audit is determined by management
  • The scope of external audit is determined by the Company Act
  • An internal audit report is used strictly by management
  • An external audit report is used by owners or by third parties
  • Internal audits are not a legal requirement
  • External audits are a legal requirement
  • Internal is used to analyze company's routine
  • External is conducted to assess the company's performance

Similarities of External audit and Internal audit

  • Strength of Internal Control Systems
  • Carry out independent reviews
  • Detection and the prevention of errors and frauds
  • Use similar materials and records
  • Ensure the safeguard of the company's assets
  • Ensure proper books of accounts are kept

External auditor's reliance on the work of internal auditor

  • The qualifications and experience of the internal auditor and his/her Staff
  • Internal auditor's independence
  • Scope of his/her work
  • Previous experience
  • Availability of resources
  • Strength of Internal Control system

Advantages Of Internal Audit

  • It reinforces application of strong internal control system
  • Acts as a preventive measure for errors and frauds
  • Helps management in implementation of company policies
  • It assists the company in achieving its objectives
  • It facilitates the external auditor
  • Guarantees company resources
  • Internal Knows the problems

Disadvantages of Internal Audit

  • Management relies on it
  • Management may deny its independence
  • It may overshadow accounting department
  • Management ignore its recommendations
  • Management may misuses it.
  • The external auditor may over-rely on the internal auditor.
  • Its installation is expensive.

Stages of an Audit

  • Negotiation with the client
  • Communication with the previous auditor
  • Engagement letter
  • Initial investigation
  • Record the system
  • Evaluate the system
  • Conduct various tests (Compliance tests, substantive tests, verification etc ).
  • Write the draft report. Discuss the draft report with Management (Letter of representation)
  • Issue of the final report and Management letter.

Group Assignment

  • Discuss the legal and profession framework of audit
  • Write a detailed note on the audit report covering the following:
    • introduction
    • qualities of a good audit report
    • content of the audit report
    • types of audit reports
    • types of opinions

Individual Assignment

  • The IT application in auditing, address whether it is must/optional (submit 4 page discussion)

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