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(b) You are the audit manager of Johnston Co, a private company. The draft consolidated financial statements forthe year ended 31 March 2006 show profit before taxation of $10·5 million (2005 – $9·4 million) and totalassets of $55·2 million (2005 – $50·7

题目

(b) You are the audit manager of Johnston Co, a private company. The draft consolidated financial statements for

the year ended 31 March 2006 show profit before taxation of $10·5 million (2005 – $9·4 million) and total

assets of $55·2 million (2005 – $50·7 million).

Your firm was appointed auditor of Tiltman Co when Johnston Co acquired all the shares of Tiltman Co in March

2006. Tiltman’s draft financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2006 show profit before taxation of

$0·7 million (2005 – $1·7 million) and total assets of $16·1 million (2005 – $16·6 million). The auditor’s

report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2005 was unmodified.

You are currently reviewing two matters that have been left for your attention on the audit working paper files for

the year ended 31 March 2006:

(i) In December 2004 Tiltman installed a new computer system that properly quantified an overvaluation of

inventory amounting to $2·7 million. This is being written off over three years.

(ii) In May 2006, Tiltman’s head office was relocated to Johnston’s premises as part of a restructuring.

Provisions for the resulting redundancies and non-cancellable lease payments amounting to $2·3 million

have been made in the financial statements of Tiltman for the year ended 31 March 2006.

Required:

Identify and comment on the implications of these two matters for your auditor’s reports on the financial

statements of Johnston Co and Tiltman Co for the year ended 31 March 2006. (10 marks)


相似考题

1.4 Ryder, a public limited company, is reviewing certain events which have occurred since its year end of 31 October2005. The financial statements were authorised on 12 December 2005. The following events are relevant to thefinancial statements for the year ended 31 October 2005:(i) Ryder has a good record of ordinary dividend payments and has adopted a recent strategy of increasing itsdividend per share annually. For the last three years the dividend per share has increased by 5% per annum.On 20 November 2005, the board of directors proposed a dividend of 10c per share for the year ended31 October 2005. The shareholders are expected to approve it at a meeting on 10 January 2006, and adividend amount of $20 million will be paid on 20 February 2006 having been provided for in the financialstatements at 31 October 2005. The directors feel that a provision should be made because a ‘valid expectation’has been created through the company’s dividend record. (3 marks)(ii) Ryder disposed of a wholly owned subsidiary, Krup, a public limited company, on 10 December 2005 and madea loss of $9 million on the transaction in the group financial statements. As at 31 October 2005, Ryder had nointention of selling the subsidiary which was material to the group. The directors of Ryder have stated that therewere no significant events which have occurred since 31 October 2005 which could have resulted in a reductionin the value of Krup. The carrying value of the net assets and purchased goodwill of Krup at 31 October 2005were $20 million and $12 million respectively. Krup had made a loss of $2 million in the period 1 November2005 to 10 December 2005. (5 marks)(iii) Ryder acquired a wholly owned subsidiary, Metalic, a public limited company, on 21 January 2004. Theconsideration payable in respect of the acquisition of Metalic was 2 million ordinary shares of $1 of Ryder plusa further 300,000 ordinary shares if the profit of Metalic exceeded $6 million for the year ended 31 October2005. The profit for the year of Metalic was $7 million and the ordinary shares were issued on 12 November2005. The annual profits of Metalic had averaged $7 million over the last few years and, therefore, Ryder hadincluded an estimate of the contingent consideration in the cost of the acquisition at 21 January 2004. The fairvalue used for the ordinary shares of Ryder at this date including the contingent consideration was $10 per share.The fair value of the ordinary shares on 12 November 2005 was $11 per share. Ryder also made a one for fourbonus issue on 13 November 2005 which was applicable to the contingent shares issued. The directors areunsure of the impact of the above on earnings per share and the accounting for the acquisition. (7 marks)(iv) The company acquired a property on 1 November 2004 which it intended to sell. The property was obtainedas a result of a default on a loan agreement by a third party and was valued at $20 million on that date foraccounting purposes which exactly offset the defaulted loan. The property is in a state of disrepair and Ryderintends to complete the repairs before it sells the property. The repairs were completed on 30 November 2005.The property was sold after costs for $27 million on 9 December 2005. The property was classified as ‘held forsale’ at the year end under IFRS5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’ but shown atthe net sale proceeds of $27 million. Property is depreciated at 5% per annum on the straight-line basis and nodepreciation has been charged in the year. (5 marks)(v) The company granted share appreciation rights (SARs) to its employees on 1 November 2003 based on tenmillion shares. The SARs provide employees at the date the rights are exercised with the right to receive cashequal to the appreciation in the company’s share price since the grant date. The rights vested on 31 October2005 and payment was made on schedule on 1 December 2005. The fair value of the SARs per share at31 October 2004 was $6, at 31 October 2005 was $8 and at 1 December 2005 was $9. The company hasrecognised a liability for the SARs as at 31 October 2004 based upon IFRS2 ‘Share-based Payment’ but theliability was stated at the same amount at 31 October 2005. (5 marks)Required:Discuss the accounting treatment of the above events in the financial statements of the Ryder Group for the yearended 31 October 2005, taking into account the implications of events occurring after the balance sheet date.(The mark allocations are set out after each paragraph above.)(25 marks)

更多“(b) You are the audit manager of Johnston Co, a private company. The draft consolidated financial statements forthe year ended 31 March 2006 show profit before taxation of $10·5 million (2005 – $9·4 million) and totalassets of $55·2 million (2005 – $50·7 ”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    3 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Albreda Co, a limited liability company, and its subsidiaries. The

    group mainly operates a chain of national restaurants and provides vending and other catering services to corporate

    clients. All restaurants offer ‘eat-in’, ‘take-away’ and ‘home delivery’ services. The draft consolidated financial

    statements for the year ended 30 September 2005 show revenue of $42·2 million (2004 – $41·8 million), profit

    before taxation of $1·8 million (2004 – $2·2 million) and total assets of $30·7 million (2004 – $23·4 million).

    The following issues arising during the final audit have been noted on a schedule of points for your attention:

    (a) In September 2005 the management board announced plans to cease offering ‘home delivery’ services from the

    end of the month. These sales amounted to $0·6 million for the year to 30 September 2005 (2004 – $0·8

    million). A provision of $0·2 million has been made as at 30 September 2005 for the compensation of redundant

    employees (mainly drivers). Delivery vehicles have been classified as non-current assets held for sale as at 30

    September 2005 and measured at fair value less costs to sell, $0·8 million (carrying amount,

    $0·5 million). (8 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Albreda Co for the year ended

    30 September 2005.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:

    3 ALBREDA CO

    (a) Cessation of ‘home delivery’ service
    (i) Matters
    ■ $0·6 million represents 1·4% of reported revenue (prior year 1·9%) and is therefore material.
    Tutorial note: However, it is clearly not of such significance that it should raise any doubts whatsoever regarding
    the going concern assumption. (On the contrary, as revenue from this service has declined since last year.)
    ■ The home delivery service is not a component of Albreda and its cessation does not classify as a discontinued
    operation (IFRS 5 ‘Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’).
    ? It is not a cash-generating unit because home delivery revenues are not independent of other revenues
    generated by the restaurant kitchens.
    ? 1·4% of revenue is not a ‘major line of business’.
    ? Home delivery does not cover a separate geographical area (but many areas around the numerous
    restaurants).
    ■ The redundancy provision of $0·2 million represents 11·1% of profit before tax (10% before allowing for the
    provision) and is therefore material. However, it represents only 0·6% of total assets and is therefore immaterial
    to the balance sheet.
    ■ As the provision is a liability it should have been tested primarily for understatement (completeness).
    ■ The delivery vehicles should be classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally
    through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. For this to be the case the following IFRS 5 criteria
    must be met:
    ? the vehicles must be available for immediate sale in their present condition; and
    ? their sale must be highly probable.
    Tutorial note: Highly probable = management commitment to a plan + initiation of plan to locate buyer(s) +
    active marketing + completion expected in a year.
    ■ However, even if the classification as held for sale is appropriate the measurement basis is incorrect.
    ■ Non-current assets classified as held for sale should be carried at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less
    costs to sell.
    ■ It is incorrect that the vehicles are being measured at fair value less costs to sell which is $0·3 million in excess
    of the carrying amount. This amounts to a revaluation. Wherever the credit entry is (equity or income statement)
    it should be reversed. $0·3 million represents just less than 1% of assets (16·7% of profit if the credit is to the
    income statement).
    ■ Comparison of fair value less costs to sell against carrying amount should have been made on an item by item
    basis (and not on their totals).
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Copy of board minute documenting management’s decision to cease home deliveries (and any press
    releases/internal memoranda to staff).
    ■ An analysis of revenue (e.g. extracted from management accounts) showing the amount attributed to home delivery
    sales.
    ■ Redundancy terms for drivers as set out in their contracts of employment.
    ■ A ‘proof in total’ for the reasonableness/completeness of the redundancy provision (e.g. number of drivers × sum
    of years employed × payment per year of service).
    ■ A schedule of depreciated cost of delivery vehicles extracted from the non-current asset register.
    ■ Checking of fair values on a sample basis to second hand market prices (as published/advertised in used vehicle
    guides).
    ■ After-date net sale proceeds from sale of vehicles and comparison of proceeds against estimated fair values.
    ■ Physical inspection of condition of unsold vehicles.
    ■ Separate disclosure of the held for sale assets on the face of the balance sheet or in the notes.
    ■ Assets classified as held for sale (and other disposals) shown in the reconciliation of carrying amount at the
    beginning and end of the period.
    ■ Additional descriptions in the notes of:
    ? the non-current assets; and
    ? the facts and circumstances leading to the sale/disposal (i.e. cessation of home delivery service).

  • 第2题:

    (c) During the year Albreda paid $0·1 million (2004 – $0·3 million) in fines and penalties relating to breaches of

    health and safety regulations. These amounts have not been separately disclosed but included in cost of sales.

    (5 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Albreda Co for the year ended

    30 September 2005.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (c) Fines and penalties
    (i) Matters
    ■ $0·1 million represents 5·6% of profit before tax and is therefore material. However, profit has fallen, and
    compared with prior year profit it is less than 5%. So ‘borderline’ material in quantitative terms.
    ■ Prior year amount was three times as much and represented 13·6% of profit before tax.
    ■ Even though the payments may be regarded as material ‘by nature’ separate disclosure may not be necessary if,
    for example, there are no external shareholders.
    ■ Treatment (inclusion in cost of sales) should be consistent with prior year (‘The Framework’/IAS 1 ‘Presentation of
    Financial Statements’).
    ■ The reason for the fall in expense. For example, whether due to an improvement in meeting health and safety
    regulations and/or incomplete recording of liabilities (understatement).
    ■ The reason(s) for the breaches. For example, Albreda may have had difficulty implementing new guidelines in
    response to stricter regulations.
    ■ Whether expenditure has been adjusted for in the income tax computation (as disallowed for tax purposes).
    ■ Management’s attitude to health and safety issues (e.g. if it regards breaches as an acceptable operational practice
    or cheaper than compliance).
    ■ Any references to health and safety issues in other information in documents containing audited financial
    statements that might conflict with Albreda incurring these costs.
    ■ Any cost savings resulting from breaches of health and safety regulations would result in Albreda possessing
    proceeds of its own crime which may be a money laundering offence.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A schedule of amounts paid totalling $0·1 million with larger amounts being agreed to the cash book/bank
    statements.
    ■ Review/comparison of current year schedule against prior year for any apparent omissions.
    ■ Review of after-date cash book payments and correspondence with relevant health and safety regulators (e.g. local
    authorities) for liabilities incurred before 30 September 2005.
    ■ Notes in the prior year financial statements confirming consistency, or otherwise, of the lack of separate disclosure.
    ■ A ‘signed off’ review of ‘other information’ (i.e. directors’ report, chairman’s statement, etc).
    ■ Written management representation that there are no fines/penalties other than those which have been reflected in
    the financial statements.

  • 第3题:

    (c) In October 2004, Volcan commenced the development of a site in a valley of ‘outstanding natural beauty’ on

    which to build a retail ‘megastore’ and warehouse in late 2005. Local government planning permission for the

    development, which was received in April 2005, requires that three 100-year-old trees within the valley be

    preserved and the surrounding valley be restored in 2006. Additions to property, plant and equipment during

    the year include $4·4 million for the estimated cost of site restoration. This estimate includes a provision of

    $0·4 million for the relocation of the 100-year-old trees.

    In March 2005 the trees were chopped down to make way for a car park. A fine of $20,000 per tree was paid

    to the local government in May 2005. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Volcan for the year ended

    31 March 2005.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (c) Site restoration
    (i) Matters
    ■ The provision for site restoration represents nearly 2·5% of total assets and is therefore material if it is not
    warranted.
    ■ The estimated cost of restoring the site is a cost directly attributable to the initial measurement of the tangible fixed
    asset to the extent that it is recognised as a provision under IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and
    Contingent Assets’ (IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’).
    ■ A provision should not be recognised for site restoration unless it meets the definition of a liability, i.e:
    – a present obligation;
    – arising from past events;
    – the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits.
    ■ The provision is overstated by nearly $0·34m since Volcan is not obliged to relocate the trees and de facto has
    only an obligation of $60,000 as at 31 March 2005 (being the penalty for having felled them). When considered
    in isolation, this overstatement is immaterial (representing only 0·2% of total assets and 3·6% of PBT).
    ■ It seems that even if there are local government regulations calling for site restoration there is no obligation unless
    the penalties for non-compliance are prohibitive (unlike the fines for the trees).
    ■ It is unlikely that commencement of site development has given rise to a constructive obligation, since past actions
    (disregarding the preservation of the trees) must dispel any expectation that Volcan will honour any pledge to
    restore the valley.
    ■ Whether commencing development of the site, and destroying the trees, conflicts with any statement of socioenvironmental
    responsibility in the annual report.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A copy of the planning application and permission granted setting out the penalties for non-compliance.
    ■ Payment of $60,000 to local government in May 2005 agreed to the bank statement.
    ■ The present value calculation of the future cash expenditure making up the $4·0m provision.
    Tutorial note: Evidence supporting the calculation of $0·4m is irrelevant as there is no liability to be provided for.
    ■ Agreement that the pre-tax discount rate used reflects current market assessments of the time value of money (as
    for (a)).
    ■ Asset inspection at the site as at 31 March 2005.
    ■ Any contracts entered into which might confirm or dispute management’s intentions to restore the site. For
    example, whether plant hire (bulldozers, etc) covers only the period over which the warehouse will be constructed
    – or whether it extends to the period in which the valley would be ‘made good’.

  • 第4题:

    3 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Keffler Co, a private limited company engaged in the manufacture of

    plastic products. The draft financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2006 show revenue of $47·4 million

    (2005 – $43·9 million), profit before taxation of $2 million (2005 – $2·4 million) and total assets of $33·8 million

    (2005 – $25·7 million).

    The following issues arising during the final audit have been noted on a schedule of points for your attention:

    (a) In April 2005, Keffler bought the right to use a landfill site for a period of 15 years for $1·1 million. Keffler

    expects that the amount of waste that it will need to dump will increase annually and that the site will be

    completely filled after just ten years. Keffler has charged the following amounts to the income statement for the

    year to 31 March 2006:

    – $20,000 licence amortisation calculated on a sum-of-digits basis to increase the charge over the useful life

    of the site; and

    – $100,000 annual provision for restoring the land in 15 years’ time. (9 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Keffler Co for the year ended

    31 March 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    3 KEFFLER CO
    Tutorial note: None of the issues have any bearing on revenue. Therefore any materiality calculations assessed on revenue are
    inappropriate and will not be awarded marks.
    (a) Landfill site
    (i) Matters
    ■ $1·1m cost of the right represents 3·3% of total assets and is therefore material.
    ■ The right should be amortised over its useful life, that is just 10 years, rather than the 15-year period for which
    the right has been granted.
    Tutorial note: Recalculation on the stated basis (see audit evidence) shows that a 10-year amortisation has been
    correctly used.
    ■ The amortisation charge represents 1% of profit before tax (PBT) and is not material.
    ■ The amortisation method used should reflect the pattern in which the future economic benefits of the right are
    expected to be consumed by Keffler. If that pattern cannot be determined reliably, the straight-line method must
    be used (IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’).
    ■ Using an increasing sum-of-digits will ‘end-load’ the amortisation charge (i.e. least charge in the first year, highest
    charge in the last year). However, according to IAS 38 there is rarely, if ever, persuasive evidence to support an
    amortisation method that results in accumulated amortisation lower than that under the straight-line method.
    Tutorial note: Over the first half of the asset’s life, depreciation will be lower than under the straight-line basis
    (and higher over the second half of the asset’s life).
    ■ On a straight line basis the annual amortisation charge would be $0·11m, an increase of $90,000. Although this
    difference is just below materiality (4·5% PBT) the cumulative effect (of undercharging amortisation) will become
    material.
    ■ Also, when account is taken of the understatement of cost (see below), the undercharging of amortisation will be
    material.
    ■ The sum-of-digits method might be suitable as an approximation to the unit-of-production method if Keffler has
    evidence to show that use of the landfill site will increase annually.
    ■ However, in the absence of such evidence, the audit opinion should be qualified ‘except for’ disagreement with the
    amortisation method (resulting in intangible asset overstatement/amortisation expense understatement).
    ■ The annual restoration provision represents 5% of PBT and 0·3% of total assets. Although this is only borderline
    material (in terms of profit), there will be a cumulative impact.
    ■ Annual provisioning is contrary to IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets’.
    ■ The estimate of the future restoration cost is (presumably) $1·5m (i.e. $0·1 × 15). The present value of this
    amount should have been provided in full in the current year and included in the cost of the right.
    ■ Thus the amortisation being charged on the cost of the right (including the restoration cost) is currently understated
    (on any basis).
    Tutorial note: A 15-year discount factor at 10% (say) is 0·239. $1·5m × 0·239 is approximately $0·36m. The
    resulting present value (of the future cost) would be added to the cost of the right. Amortisation over 10 years
    on a straight-line basis would then be increased by $36,000, increasing the difference between amortisation
    charged and that which should be charged. The lower the discount rate, the greater the understatement of
    amortisation expense.
    Total amount expensed ($120k) is less than what should have been expensed (say $146k amortisation + $36k
    unwinding of discount). However, this is not material.
    ■ Whether Keffler will wait until the right is about to expire before restoring the land or might restore earlier (if the
    site is completely filled in 10 years).
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Written agreement for purchase of right and contractual terms therein (e.g. to make restoration in 15 years’ time).
    ■ Cash book/bank statement entries in April 2005 for $1·1m payment.
    ■ Physical inspection of the landfill site to confirm Keffler’s use of it.
    ■ Annual dump budget/projection over next 10 years and comparison with sum-of-digits proportions.
    ■ Amount actually dumped in the year (per dump records) compared with budget and as a percentage/proportion of
    the total available.
    ■ Recalculation of current year’s amortisation based on sum-of-digits. That is, $1·1m ÷ 55 = $20,000.
    Tutorial note: The sum-of-digits from 1 to 10 may be calculated long-hand or using the formula n(n+1)/2 i.e.
    (10 × 11)/2 = 55.
    ■ The basis of the calculation of the estimated restoration costs and principal assumptions made.
    ■ If estimated by a quantity surveyor/other expert then a copy of the expert’s report.
    ■ Written management representation confirming the planned timing of the restoration in 15 years (or sooner).

  • 第5题:

    (c) In April 2006, Keffler was banned by the local government from emptying waste water into a river because the

    water did not meet minimum standards of cleanliness. Keffler has made a provision of $0·9 million for the

    technological upgrading of its water purifying process and included $45,000 for the penalties imposed in ‘other

    provisions’. (5 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Keffler Co for the year ended

    31 March 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (c) Ban on emptying waste water
    (i) Matter
    ■ $0·9m provision for upgrading the process represents 45% PBT and is very material. This provision is also
    material to the balance sheet (2·7% of total assets).
    ■ The provision for penalties is immaterial (2·2% PBT and 0·1% total assets).
    ■ The ban is an adjusting post balance sheet event in respect of the penalties (IAS 10). It provides evidence that at
    the balance sheet date Keffler was in contravention of local government standards. Therefore it is correct (in
    accordance with IAS 37) that a provision has been made for the penalties. As the matter is not material inclusion
    in ‘other provisions’ is appropriate.
    ■ However, even if Keffler has a legal obligation to meet minimum standards, there is no obligation for upgrading the
    purifying process at 31 March 2006 and the $0·9m provision should be written back.
    ■ If the provision for upgrading is not written back the audit opinion should be qualified ‘except for’ (disagreement).
    ■ Keffler does not even have a contingent liability for upgrading the process because there is no present obligation to
    do so. The obligation is to stop emptying unclean water into the river. Nor is there a possible obligation whose
    existence will be confirmed by an uncertain future event not wholly within Keffler’s control.
    Tutorial note: Consider that Keffler has alternatives wholly within its control. For example, it could ignore the ban
    and incur fines, or relocate/close this particular plant/operation or perhaps dispose of the water by alternative
    means.
    ■ The need for a technological upgrade may be an indicator of impairment. Management should have carried out
    an impairment test on the carrying value of the water purifying process and recognised any impairment loss in the
    profit for the year to 31 March 2006.
    ■ Management’s intention to upgrade the process is more appropriate to an environmental responsibility report (if
    any).
    ■ Whether there is any other information in documents containing financial statements.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Penalty notices of fines received to confirm amounts and period/dates covered.
    ■ After-date payment of fines agreed to the cash book.
    ■ A copy of the ban and any supporting report on the local government’s findings.
    ■ Minutes of board meetings at which the ban was discussed confirming management’s intentions (e.g. to upgrade
    the process).
    Tutorial note: This may be disclosed in the directors’ report and/or as a non-adjusting post balance sheet event.
    ■ Any tenders received/costings for upgrading.
    Tutorial note: This will be relevant if, for example, capital commitment authorised (by the board) but not
    contracted for at the year end are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
    ■ Physical inspection of the emptying point at the river to confirm that Keffler is not still emptying waste water into
    it (unless the upgrading has taken place).
    Tutorial note: Thereby incurring further penalties.

  • 第6题:

    (b) Seymour offers health-related information services through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Aragon Co. Goodwill of

    $1·8 million recognised on the purchase of Aragon in October 2004 is not amortised but included at cost in the

    consolidated balance sheet. At 30 September 2006 Seymour’s investment in Aragon is shown at cost,

    $4·5 million, in its separate financial statements.

    Aragon’s draft financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2006 show a loss before taxation of

    $0·6 million (2005 – $0·5 million loss) and total assets of $4·9 million (2005 – $5·7 million). The notes to

    Aragon’s financial statements disclose that they have been prepared on a going concern basis that assumes that

    Seymour will continue to provide financial support. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Seymour Co for the year ended

    30 September 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (b) Goodwill
    (i) Matters
    ■ Cost of goodwill, $1·8 million, represents 3·4% consolidated total assets and is therefore material.
    Tutorial note: Any assessments of materiality of goodwill against amounts in Aragon’s financial statements are
    meaningless since goodwill only exists in the consolidated financial statements of Seymour.
    ■ It is correct that the goodwill is not being amortised (IFRS 3 Business Combinations). However, it should be tested
    at least annually for impairment, by management.
    ■ Aragon has incurred losses amounting to $1·1 million since it was acquired (two years ago). The write-off of this
    amount against goodwill in the consolidated financial statements would be material (being 61% cost of goodwill,
    8·3% PBT and 2·1% total assets).
    ■ The cost of the investment ($4·5 million) in Seymour’s separate financial statements will also be material and
    should be tested for impairment.
    ■ The fair value of net assets acquired was only $2·7 million ($4·5 million less $1·8 million). Therefore the fair
    value less costs to sell of Aragon on other than a going concern basis will be less than the carrying amount of the
    investment (i.e. the investment is impaired by at least the amount of goodwill recognised on acquisition).
    ■ In assessing recoverable amount, value in use (rather than fair value less costs to sell) is only relevant if the going
    concern assumption is appropriate for Aragon.
    ■ Supporting Aragon financially may result in Seymour being exposed to actual and/or contingent liabilities that
    should be provided for/disclosed in Seymour’s financial statements in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions,
    Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Carrying values of cost of investment and goodwill arising on acquisition to prior year audit working papers and
    financial statements.
    ■ A copy of Aragon’s draft financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2006 showing loss for year.
    ■ Management’s impairment test of Seymour’s investment in Aragon and of the goodwill arising on consolidation at
    30 September 2006. That is a comparison of the present value of the future cash flows expected to be generated
    by Aragon (a cash-generating unit) compared with the cost of the investment (in Seymour’s separate financial
    statements).
    ■ Results of any impairment tests on Aragon’s assets extracted from Aragon’s working paper files.
    ■ Analytical procedures on future cash flows to confirm their reasonableness (e.g. by comparison with cash flows for
    the last two years).
    ■ Bank report for audit purposes for any guarantees supporting Aragon’s loan facilities.
    ■ A copy of Seymour’s ‘comfort letter’ confirming continuing financial support of Aragon for the foreseeable future.

  • 第7题:

    3 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Lamont Co. The company’s principal activity is wholesaling frozen

    fish. The draft consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007 show revenue of $67·0 million

    (2006 – $62·3 million), profit before taxation of $11·9 million (2006 – $14·2 million) and total assets of

    $48·0 million (2006 – $36·4 million).

    The following issues arising during the final audit have been noted on a schedule of points for your attention:

    (a) In early 2007 a chemical leakage from refrigeration units owned by Lamont caused contamination of some of its

    property. Lamont has incurred $0·3 million in clean up costs, $0·6 million in modernisation of the units to

    prevent future leakage and a $30,000 fine to a regulatory agency. Apart from the fine, which has been expensed,

    these costs have been capitalised as improvements. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Lamont Co for the year ended

    31 March 2007.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    3 LAMONT CO
    (a) Chemical leakage
    (i) Matters
    ■ $30,000 fine is very immaterial (just 1/4% profit before tax). This is revenue expenditure and it is correct that it
    has been expensed to the income statement.
    ■ $0·3 million represents 0·6% total assets and 2·5% profit before tax and is not material on its own. $0·6 million
    represents 1·2% total assets and 5% profit before tax and is therefore material to the financial statements.
    ■ The $0·3 million clean-up costs should not have been capitalised as the condition of the property is not improved
    as compared with its condition before the leakage occurred. Although not material in isolation this amount should
    be adjusted for and expensed, thereby reducing the aggregate of uncorrected misstatements.
    ■ It may be correct that $0·6 million incurred in modernising the refrigeration units should be capitalised as a major
    overhaul (IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment). However, any parts scrapped as a result of the modernisation
    should be treated as disposals (i.e. written off to the income statement).
    ■ The carrying amount of the refrigeration units at 31 March 2007, including the $0·6 million for modernisation,
    should not exceed recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell). If it does,
    an allowance for the impairment loss arising must be recognised in accordance with IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A breakdown/analysis of costs incurred on the clean-up and modernisation amounting to $0·3 million and
    $0·6 million respectively.
    ■ Agreement of largest amounts to invoices from suppliers/consultants/sub-contractors, etc and settlement thereof
    traced from the cash book to the bank statement.
    ■ Physical inspection of the refrigeration units to confirm their modernisation and that they are in working order. (Do
    they contain frozen fish?)
    ■ Sample of components selected from the non-current asset register traced to the refrigeration units and inspected
    to ensure continuing existence.
    ■ $30,000 penalty notice from the regulatory agency and corresponding cash book payment/payment per the bank
    statement.
    ■ Written management representation that there are no further penalties that should be provided for or disclosed other
    than the $30,000 that has been accounted for.

  • 第8题:

    (b) You are the audit manager of Petrie Co, a private company, that retails kitchen utensils. The draft financial

    statements for the year ended 31 March 2007 show revenue $42·2 million (2006 – $41·8 million), profit before

    taxation of $1·8 million (2006 – $2·2 million) and total assets of $30·7 million (2006 – $23·4 million).

    You are currently reviewing two matters that have been left for your attention on Petrie’s audit working paper file

    for the year ended 31 March 2007:

    (i) Petrie’s management board decided to revalue properties for the year ended 31 March 2007 that had

    previously all been measured at depreciated cost. At the balance sheet date three properties had been

    revalued by a total of $1·7 million. Another nine properties have since been revalued by $5·4 million. The

    remaining three properties are expected to be revalued later in 2007. (5 marks)

    Required:

    Identify and comment on the implications of these two matters for your auditor’s report on the financial

    statements of Petrie Co for the year ended 31 March 2007.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the matters above.


    正确答案:
    (b) Implications for auditor’s report
    (i) Selective revaluation of premises
    The revaluations are clearly material to the balance sheet as $1·7 million and $5·4 million represent 5·5% and 17·6%
    of total assets, respectively (and 23·1% in total). As the effects of the revaluation on line items in the financial statements
    are clearly identified (e.g. revalued amount, depreciation, surplus in statement of changes in equity) the matter is not
    pervasive.
    The valuations of the nine properties after the year end provide additional evidence of conditions existing at the year end
    and are therefore adjusting events per IAS 10 Events After the Balance Sheet Date.
    Tutorial note: It is ‘now’ still less than three months after the year end so these valuations can reasonably be expected
    to reflect year end values.
    However, IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment does not permit the selective revaluation of assets thus the whole class
    of premises would need to have been revalued for the year to 31 March 2007 to change the measurement basis for this
    reporting period.
    The revaluation exercise is incomplete. Unless the remaining three properties are revalued before the auditor’s report on
    the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2007 is signed off:
    (1) the $7·1 revaluation made so far must be reversed to show all premises at depreciated cost as in previous years;
    OR
    (2) the auditor’s report would be qualified ‘except for’ disagreement regarding non-compliance with IAS 16.
    When it is appropriate to adopt the revaluation model (e.g. next year) the change in accounting policy (from a cost model
    to a revaluation model) should be accounted for in accordance with IAS 16 (i.e. as a revaluation).
    Tutorial note: IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors does not apply to the initial
    application of a policy to revalue assets in accordance with IAS 16.
    Assuming the revaluation is written back, before giving an unmodified opinion, the auditor should consider why the three
    properties were not revalued. In particular if there are any indicators of impairment (e.g. physical dilapidation) there
    should be sufficient evidence on the working paper file to show that the carrying amount of these properties is not
    materially greater than their recoverable amount (i.e. the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell).
    If there is insufficient evidence to confirm that the three properties are not impaired (e.g. if the auditor was prevented
    from inspecting the properties) the auditor’s report would be qualified ‘except for’ on grounds of limitation on scope.
    If there is evidence of material impairment but management fail to write down the carrying amount to recoverable
    amount the auditor’s report would be qualified ‘except for’ disagreement regarding non-compliance with IAS 36
    Impairment of Assets.

  • 第9题:

    1 Your client, Island Co, is a manufacturer of machinery used in the coal extraction industry. You are currently planning

    the audit of the financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2007. The draft financial statements show

    revenue of $125 million (2006 – $103 million), profit before tax of $5·6 million (2006 – $5·1 million) and total

    assets of $95 million (2006 – $90 million). Your firm was appointed as auditor to Island Co for the first time in June

    2007.

    Island Co designs, constructs and installs machinery for five key customers. Payment is due in three instalments: 50%

    is due when the order is confirmed (stage one), 25% on delivery of the machinery (stage two), and 25% on successful

    installation in the customer’s coal mine (stage three). Generally it takes six months from the order being finalised until

    the final installation.

    At 30 November, there is an amount outstanding of $2·85 million from Jacks Mine Co. The amount is a disputed

    stage three payment. Jacks Mine Co is refusing to pay until the machinery, which was installed in August 2007, is

    running at 100% efficiency.

    One customer, Sawyer Co, communicated in November 2007, via its lawyers with Island Co, claiming damages for

    injuries suffered by a drilling machine operator whose arm was severely injured when a machine malfunctioned. Kate

    Shannon, the chief executive officer of Island Co, has told you that the claim is being ignored as it is generally known

    that Sawyer Co has a poor health and safety record, and thus the accident was their fault. Two orders which were

    placed by Sawyer Co in October 2007 have been cancelled.

    Work in progress is valued at $8·5 million at 30 November 2007. A physical inventory count was held on

    17 November 2007. The chief engineer estimated the stage of completion of each machine at that date. One of the

    major components included in the coal extracting machinery is now being sourced from overseas. The new supplier,

    Locke Co, is located in Spain and invoices Island Co in euros. There is a trade payable of $1·5 million owing to Locke

    Co recorded within current liabilities.

    All machines are supplied carrying a one year warranty. A warranty provision is recognised on the balance sheet at

    $2·5 million (2006 – $2·4 million). Kate Shannon estimates the cost of repairing defective machinery reported by

    customers, and this estimate forms the basis of the provision.

    Kate Shannon owns 60% of the shares in Island Co. She also owns 55% of Pacific Co, which leases a head office to

    Island Co. Kate is considering selling some of her shares in Island Co in late January 2008, and would like the audit

    to be finished by that time.

    Required:

    (a) Using the information provided, identify and explain the principal audit risks, and any other matters to be

    considered when planning the final audit for Island Co for the year ended 30 November 2007.

    Note: your answer should be presented in the format of briefing notes to be used at a planning meeting.

    Requirement (a) includes 2 professional marks. (13 marks)


    正确答案:
    1 ISLAND CO
    (a) Briefing Notes
    Subject: Principal Audit Risks – Island Co
    Revenue Recognition – timing
    Island Co raises sales invoices in three stages. There is potential for breach of IAS 18 Revenue, which states that revenue
    should only be recognised once the seller has the right to receive it, in other words the seller has performed its contractual
    obligations. This right does not necessarily correspond to amounts falling due for payment in accordance with an invoice
    schedule agreed with a customer as part of a contract. Island Co appears to receive payment from its customers in advance
    of performing any obligation, as the stage one invoice is raised when an order is confirmed i.e. before any work has actually
    taken place. This creates the potential for revenue to be recognised too early, in advance of any performance of contractual
    obligation. When a payment is received in advance of performance, a liability should be recognised equal to the amount
    received, representing the obligation under the contract. Therefore a significant risk is that revenue is overstated and liabilities
    understated.
    Tutorial note: Equivalent guidance is also provided in IAS 11 Construction Contracts and credit will be awarded where
    candidates discuss revenue recognition under IAS 11 as Island Co is providing a single substantial asset for a customer
    under the terms of a contract.
    Disputed receivable
    The amount owed from Jacks Mine Co is highly material as it represents 50·9% of profit before tax, 2·3% of revenue, and
    3% of total assets. The risk is that the receivable is overstated if no impairment of the disputed receivable is recognised.
    Legal claim
    The claim should be investigated seriously by Island Co. The chief executive officer’s (CEO) opinion that the claim will not
    result in any financial consequence for Island Co is na?ve and flippant. Damages could be awarded against Island Co if it is
    found that the machinery is faulty. The recurring high level of warranty provision implies that machinery faults are fairly
    common and therefore the accident could be the result of a defective machine being supplied to Sawyer Co. The risk is that
    no provision is created for the potential damages under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, if the
    likelihood of paying damages is considered probable. Alternatively, if the likelihood of damages being paid to Sawyer Co is
    considered a possibility then a disclosure note should be made in the financial statements describing the nature and possible
    financial effect of the contingent liability. As discussed below, the CEO, Kate Shannon, has an incentive not to make a
    provision or disclose a contingent liability due to the planned share sale post year end.
    A further risk is that any legal fees associated with the claim have not been accrued within the financial statements. As the
    claim has arisen during the year, the expense must be included in this year’s income statement, even if the claim is still ongoing
    at the year end.
    The fact that the legal claim is effectively being ignored may cast doubts on the overall integrity of senior management, and
    on the integrity of the financial statements. Management representations should be approached with a degree of professional
    scepticism during the audit.
    Sawyer Co has cancelled two orders. If the amounts are still outstanding at the year end then it is highly likely that Sawyer
    Co will not pay the invoiced amounts, and thus receivables are overstated. If the stage one payments have already been made,
    then Sawyer Co may claim a refund, in which case a provision should be made to repay the amount, or a contingent liability
    disclosed in a note to the financial statements.
    Sawyer Co is one of only five major customers, and losing this customer could have future going concern implications for
    Island Co if a new source of revenue cannot be found to replace the lost income stream from Sawyer Co. If the legal claim
    becomes public knowledge, and if Island Co is found to have supplied faulty machinery, then it will be difficult to attract new
    customers.
    A case of this nature could bring bad publicity to Island Co, a potential going concern issue if it results in any of the five key
    customers terminating orders with Island Co. The auditors should plan to extend the going concern work programme to
    incorporate the issues noted above.
    Inventories
    Work in progress is material to the financial statements, representing 8·9% of total assets. The inventory count was held two
    weeks prior to the year end. There is an inherent risk that the valuation has not been correctly rolled forward to a year end
    position.
    The key risk is the estimation of the stage of completion of work in progress. This is subjective, and knowledge appears to
    be confined to the chief engineer. Inventory could be overvalued if the machines are assessed to be more complete than they
    actually are at the year end. Absorption of labour costs and overheads into each machine is a complex calculation and must
    be done consistently with previous years.
    It will also be important that consumable inventories not yet utilised on a machine, e.g. screws, nuts and bolts, are correctly
    valued and included as inventories of raw materials within current assets.
    Overseas supplier
    As the supplier is new, controls may not yet have been established over the recording of foreign currency transactions.
    Inherent risk is high as the trade payable should be retranslated using the year end exchange rate per IAS 21 The Effects of
    Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates. If the retranslation is not performed at the year end, the trade payable could be
    significantly over or under valued, depending on the movement of the dollar to euro exchange rate between the purchase date
    and the year end. The components should remain at historic cost within inventory valuation and should not be retranslated
    at the year end.
    Warranty provision
    The warranty provision is material at 2·6% of total assets (2006 – 2·7%). The provision has increased by only $100,000,
    an increase of 4·2%, compared to a revenue increase of 21·4%. This could indicate an underprovision as the percentage
    change in revenue would be expected to be in line with the percentage change in the warranty provision, unless significant
    improvements had been made to the quality of machines installed for customers during the year. This appears unlikely given
    the legal claim by Sawyer Co, and the machines installed at Jacks Mine Co operating inefficiently. The basis of the estimate
    could be understated to avoid charging the increase in the provision as an expense through the income statement. This is of
    special concern given that it is the CEO and majority shareholder who estimates the warranty provision.
    Majority shareholder
    Kate Shannon exerts control over Island Co via a majority shareholding, and by holding the position of CEO. This greatly
    increases the inherent risk that the financial statements could be deliberately misstated, i.e. overvaluation of assets,
    undervaluation of liabilities, and thus overstatement of profits. The risk is severe at this year end as Kate Shannon is hoping
    to sell some Island Co shares post year end. As the price that she receives for these shares will be to a large extent influenced
    by the balance sheet position of the company at 30 November 2007, she has a definite interest in manipulating the financial
    statements for her own personal benefit. For example:
    – Not recognising a provision or contingent liability for the legal claim from Sawyer Co
    – Not providing for the potentially irrecoverable receivable from Jacks Mines Co
    – Not increasing the warranty provision
    – Recognising revenue earlier than permitted by IAS 18 Revenue.
    Related party transactions
    Kate Shannon controls Island Co and also controls Pacific Co. Transactions between the two companies should be disclosed
    per IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures. There is risk that not all transactions have been disclosed, or that a transaction has
    been disclosed at an inappropriate value. Details of the lease contract between the two companies should be disclosed within
    a note to the financial statements, in particular, any amounts owed from Island Co to Pacific Co at 30 November 2007 should
    be disclosed.
    Other issues
    – Kate Shannon wants the audit to be completed as soon as possible, which brings forward the deadline for completion
    of the audit. The audit team may not have time to complete all necessary procedures, or there may not be time for
    adequate reviews to be carried out on the work performed. Detection risk, and thus audit risk is increased, and the
    overall quality of the audit could be jeopardised.
    – This is especially important given that this is the first year audit and therefore the audit team will be working with a
    steep learning curve. Audit procedures may take longer than originally planned, yet there is little time to extend
    procedures where necessary.
    – Kate Shannon may also exert considerable influence on the members of the audit team to ensure that the financial
    statements show the best possible position of Island Co in view of her share sale. It is crucial that the audit team
    members adhere strictly to ethical guidelines and that independence is beyond question.
    – Due to the seriousness of the matters noted above, a final matter to be considered at the planning stage is that a second
    partner review (Engagement Quality Control Review) should be considered for the audit this year end. A suitable
    independent reviewer should be indentified, and time planned and budgeted for at the end of the assignment.
    Conclusion
    From the range of issues discussed in these briefing notes, it can be seen that the audit of Island Co will be a relatively high
    risk engagement.

  • 第10题:

    You are an audit manager responsible for providing hot reviews on selected audit clients within your firm of Chartered

    Certified Accountants. You are currently reviewing the audit working papers for Pulp Co, a long standing audit client,

    for the year ended 31 January 2008. The draft statement of financial position (balance sheet) of Pulp Co shows total

    assets of $12 million (2007 – $11·5 million).The audit senior has made the following comment in a summary of

    issues for your review:

    ‘Pulp Co’s statement of financial position (balance sheet) shows a receivable classified as a current asset with a value

    of $25,000. The only audit evidence we have requested and obtained is a management representation stating the

    following:

    (1) that the amount is owed to Pulp Co from Jarvis Co,

    (2) that Jarvis Co is controlled by Pulp Co’s chairman, Peter Sheffield, and

    (3) that the balance is likely to be received six months after Pulp Co’s year end.

    The receivable was also outstanding at the last year end when an identical management representation was provided,

    and our working papers noted that because the balance was immaterial no further work was considered necessary.

    No disclosure has been made in the financial statements regarding the balance. Jarvis Co is not audited by our firm

    and we have verified that Pulp Co does not own any shares in Jarvis Co.’

    Required:

    (b) In relation to the receivable recognised on the statement of financial position (balance sheet) of Pulp Co as

    at 31 January 2008:

    (i) Comment on the matters you should consider. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) (i) Matters to consider
    Materiality
    The receivable represents only 0·2% (25,000/12 million x 100) of total assets so is immaterial in monetary terms.
    However, the details of the transaction could make it material by nature.
    The amount is outstanding from a company under the control of Pulp Co’s chairman. Readers of the financial statements
    would be interested to know the details of this transaction, which currently is not disclosed. Elements of the transaction
    could be subject to bias, specifically the repayment terms, which appear to be beyond normal commercial credit terms.
    Paul Sheffield may have used his influence over the two companies to ‘engineer’ the transaction. Disclosure is necessary
    due to the nature of the transaction, the monetary value is irrelevant.
    A further matter to consider is whether this is a one-off transaction, or indicative of further transactions between the two
    companies.
    Relevant accounting standard
    The definitions in IAS 24 must be carefully considered to establish whether this actually constitutes a related party
    transaction. The standard specifically states that two entities are not necessarily related parties just because they have
    a director or other member of key management in common. The audit senior states that Jarvis Co is controlled by Peter
    Sheffield, who is also the chairman of Pulp Co. It seems that Peter Sheffield is in a position of control/significant influence
    over the two companies (though this would have to be clarified through further audit procedures), and thus the two
    companies are likely to be perceived as related.
    IAS 24 requires full disclosure of the following in respect of related party transactions:
    – the nature of the related party relationship,
    – the amount of the transaction,
    – the amount of any balances outstanding including terms and conditions, details of security offered, and the nature
    of consideration to be provided in settlement,
    – any allowances for receivables and associated expense.
    There is currently a breach of IAS 24 as no disclosure has been made in the notes to the financial statements. If not
    amended, the audit opinion on the financial statements should be qualified with an ‘except for’ disagreement. In
    addition, if practicable, the auditor’s report should include the information that would have been included in the financial
    statements had the requirements of IAS 24 been adhered to.
    Valuation and classification of the receivable
    A receivable should only be recognised if it will give rise to future economic benefit, i.e. a future cash inflow. It appears
    that the receivable is long outstanding – if the amount is unlikely to be recovered then it should be written off as a bad
    debt and the associated expense recognised. It is possible that assets and profits are overstated.
    Although a representation has been received indicating that the amount will be paid to Pulp Co, the auditor should be
    sceptical of this claim given that the same representation was given last year, and the amount was not subsequently
    recovered. The $25,000 could be recoverable in the long term, in which case the receivable should be reclassified as
    a non-current asset. The amount advanced to Jarvis Co could effectively be an investment rather than a short term
    receivable. Correct classification on the statement of financial position (balance sheet) is crucial for the financial
    statements to properly show the liquidity position of the company at the year end.
    Tutorial note: Digressions into management imposing a limitation in scope by withholding evidence are irrelevant in this
    case, as the scenario states that the only evidence that the auditors have asked for is a management representation.
    There is no indication in the scenario that the auditors have asked for, and been refused any evidence.

  • 第11题:

    You are the audit supervisor of Maple & Co and are currently planning the audit of an existing client, Sycamore Science Co (Sycamore), whose year end was 30 April 2015. Sycamore is a pharmaceutical company, which manufactures and supplies a wide range of medical supplies. The draft financial statements show revenue of $35·6 million and profit before tax of $5·9 million.

    Sycamore’s previous finance director left the company in December 2014 after it was discovered that he had been claiming fraudulent expenses from the company for a significant period of time. A new finance director was appointed in January 2015 who was previously a financial controller of a bank, and she has expressed surprise that Maple & Co had not uncovered the fraud during last year’s audit.

    During the year Sycamore has spent $1·8 million on developing several new products. These projects are at different stages of development and the draft financial statements show the full amount of $1·8 million within intangible assets. In order to fund this development, $2·0 million was borrowed from the bank and is due for repayment over a ten-year period. The bank has attached minimum profit targets as part of the loan covenants.

    The new finance director has informed the audit partner that since the year end there has been an increased number of sales returns and that in the month of May over $0·5 million of goods sold in April were returned.

    Maple & Co attended the year-end inventory count at Sycamore’s warehouse. The auditor present raised concerns that during the count there were movements of goods in and out the warehouse and this process did not seem well controlled.

    During the year, a review of plant and equipment in the factory was undertaken and surplus plant was sold, resulting in a profit on disposal of $210,000.

    Required:

    (a) State Maples & Co’s responsibilities in relation to the prevention and detection of fraud and error. (4 marks)

    (b) Describe SIX audit risks, and explain the auditor’s response to each risk, in planning the audit of Sycamore Science Co. (12 marks)

    (c) Sycamore’s new finance director has read about review engagements and is interested in the possibility of Maple & Co undertaking these in the future. However, she is unsure how these engagements differ from an external audit and how much assurance would be gained from this type of engagement.

    Required:

    (i) Explain the purpose of review engagements and how these differ from external audits; and (2 marks)

    (ii) Describe the level of assurance provided by external audits and review engagements. (2 marks)


    正确答案:

    (a) Fraud responsibility

    Maple & Co must conduct an audit in accordance with ISA 240 The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud in an Audit of Financial Statements and are responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that the financial statements taken as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.

    In order to fulfil this responsibility, Maple & Co is required to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud.

    They need to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses. In addition, Maple & Co must respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit.

    When obtaining reasonable assurance, Maple & Co is responsible for maintaining professional scepticism throughout the audit, considering the potential for management override of controls and recognising the fact that audit procedures which are effective in detecting error may not be effective in detecting fraud.

    To ensure that the whole engagement team is aware of the risks and responsibilities for fraud and error, ISAs require that a discussion is held within the team. For members not present at the meeting, Sycamore’s audit engagement partner should determine which matters are to be communicated to them.

    (b) Audit risks and auditors’ responses

    (c) (i) Review engagements

    Review engagements are often undertaken as an alternative to an audit, and involve a practitioner reviewing financial data, such as six-monthly figures. This would involve the practitioner undertaking procedures to state whether anything has come to their attention which causes the practitioner to believe that the financial data is not in accordance with the financial reporting framework.

    A review engagement differs to an external audit in that the procedures undertaken are not nearly as comprehensive as those in an audit, with procedures such as analytical review and enquiry used extensively. In addition, the practitioner does not need to comply with ISAs as these only relate to external audits.

    (ii) Levels of assurance

    The level of assurance provided by audit and review engagements is as follows:

    External audit – A high but not absolute level of assurance is provided, this is known as reasonable assurance. This provides comfort that the financial statements present fairly in all material respects (or are true and fair) and are free of material misstatements.

    Review engagements – where an opinion is being provided, the practitioner gathers sufficient evidence to be satisfied that the subject matter is plausible; in this case negative assurance is given whereby the practitioner confirms that nothing has come to their attention which indicates that the subject matter contains material misstatements.

  • 第12题:

    You are the audit manager of Chestnut & Co and are reviewing the key issues identified in the files of two audit clients.

    Palm Industries Co (Palm)

    Palm’s year end was 31 March 2015 and the draft financial statements show revenue of $28·2 million, receivables of $5·6 million and profit before tax of $4·8 million. The fieldwork stage for this audit has been completed.

    A customer of Palm owed an amount of $350,000 at the year end. Testing of receivables in April highlighted that no amounts had been paid to Palm from this customer as they were disputing the quality of certain goods received from Palm. The finance director is confident the issue will be resolved and no allowance for receivables was made with regards to this balance.

    Ash Trading Co (Ash)

    Ash is a new client of Chestnut & Co, its year end was 31 January 2015 and the firm was only appointed auditors in February 2015, as the previous auditors were suddenly unable to undertake the audit. The fieldwork stage for this audit is currently ongoing.

    The inventory count at Ash’s warehouse was undertaken on 31 January 2015 and was overseen by the company’s internal audit department. Neither Chestnut & Co nor the previous auditors attended the count. Detailed inventory records were maintained but it was not possible to undertake another full inventory count subsequent to the year end.

    The draft financial statements show a profit before tax of $2·4 million, revenue of $10·1 million and inventory of $510,000.

    Required:

    For each of the two issues:

    (i) Discuss the issue, including an assessment of whether it is material;

    (ii) Recommend ONE procedure the audit team should undertake to try to resolve the issue; and

    (iii) Describe the impact on the audit report if the issue remains UNRESOLVED.

    Notes:

    1 The total marks will be split equally between each of the two issues.

    2 Audit report extracts are NOT required.


    正确答案:

    Audit reports

    Palm Industries Co (Palm)

    (i) A customer of Palm’s owing $350,000 at the year end has not made any post year-end payments as they are disputing the quality of goods received. No allowance for receivables has been made against this balance. As the balance is being disputed, there is a risk of incorrect valuation as some or all of the receivable balance is overstated, as it may not be paid.

    This $350,000 receivables balance represents 1·2% (0·35/28·2m) of revenue, 6·3% (0·35/5·6m) of receivables and 7·3% (0·35/4·8m) of profit before tax; hence this is a material issue.

    (ii) A procedure to adopt includes:

    – Review whether any payments have subsequently been made by this customer since the audit fieldwork was completed.

    – Discuss with management whether the issue of quality of goods sold to the customer has been resolved, or whether it is still in dispute.

    – Review the latest customer correspondence with regards to an assessment of the likelihood of the customer making payment.

    (iii) If management refuses to provide against this receivable, the audit report will need to be modified. As receivables are overstated and the error is material but not pervasive a qualified opinion would be necessary.

    A basis for qualified opinion paragraph would be needed and would include an explanation of the material misstatement in relation to the valuation of receivables and the effect on the financial statements. The opinion paragraph would be qualified ‘except for’.

    Ash Trading Co (Ash)

    (i) Chestnut & Co was only appointed as auditors subsequent to Ash’s year end and hence did not attend the year-end inventory count. Therefore, they have not been able to gather sufficient and appropriate audit evidence with regards to the completeness and existence of inventory.

    Inventory is a material amount as it represents 21·3% (0·51/2·4m) of profit before tax and 5% (0·51/10·1m) of revenue; hence this is a material issue.

    (ii) A procedure to adopt includes:

    – Review the internal audit reports of the inventory count to identify the level of adjustments to the records to assess the reasonableness of relying on the inventory records.

    – Undertake a sample check of inventory in the warehouse and compare to the inventory records and then from inventory records to the warehouse, to assess the reasonableness of the inventory records maintained by Ash.

    (iii) The auditors will need to modify the audit report as they are unable to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence in relation to inventory which is a material but not pervasive balance. Therefore a qualified opinion will be required.

    A basis for qualified opinion paragraph will be required to explain the limitation in relation to the lack of evidence over inventory. The opinion paragraph will be qualified ‘except for’.

  • 第13题:

    (b) Historically, all owned premises have been measured at cost depreciated over 10 to 50 years. The management

    board has decided to revalue these premises for the year ended 30 September 2005. At the balance sheet date

    two properties had been revalued by a total of $1·7 million. Another 15 properties have since been revalued by

    $5·4 million and there remain a further three properties which are expected to be revalued during 2006. A

    revaluation surplus of $7·1 million has been credited to equity. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Albreda Co for the year ended

    30 September 2005.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (b) Revaluation of owned premises
    (i) Matters
    ■ The revaluations are clearly material as $1·7 million, $5·4 million and $7·1 million represent 5·5% , 17·6% and
    23·1% of total assets, respectively.
    ■ The change in accounting policy, from a cost model to a revaluation model, should be accounted for in accordance
    with IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ (i.e. as a revaluation).
    Tutorial note: IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors’ does not apply to the initial
    application of a policy to revalue assets in accordance with IAS 16.
    ■ The basis on which the valuations have been carried out, for example, market-based fair value (IAS 16).
    ■ Independence, qualifications and expertise of valuer(s).
    ■ IAS 16 does not permit the selective revaluation of assets thus the whole class of premises should have been
    revalued.
    ■ The valuations of properties after the year end are adjusting events (i.e. providing additional evidence of conditions
    existing at the year end) per IAS 10 ‘Events After the Balance Sheet Date’.
    Tutorial note: It is ‘now’ still less than three months after the year end so these valuations can reasonably be
    expected to reflect year-end values.
    ■ If $5·4 million is a net amount of surpluses and deficits it should be grossed up so that the credit to equity reflects
    the sum of the surpluses with any deficits being expensed through profit and loss (IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’).
    ■ The revaluation exercise is incomplete. If the revaluations on the remaining three properties are expected to be
    material and cannot be reasonably estimated for inclusion in the financial statements for the year ended
    30 September 2005 perhaps the change in policy should be deferred for a year.
    ■ Depreciation for the year should have been calculated on cost as usual to establish carrying amount before
    revaluation.
    ■ Any premises held under finance leases should be similarly revalued.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A schedule of depreciated cost of owned premises extracted from the non-current asset register.
    ■ Calculation of difference between valuation and depreciated cost by property. Separate summation of surpluses
    and deficits.
    ■ Copy of valuation certificate for each property.
    ■ Physical inspection of properties with largest surpluses (including the two valued before the year end) to confirm
    condition.
    ■ Extracts from local property guides/magazines indicating a range of values of similarly styled/sized properties.
    ■ Separate presentation of the revaluation surpluses (gross) in:
    – the statement of changes in equity; and
    – reconciliation of carrying amount at the beginning and end of the period.
    ■ IAS 16 disclosures in the notes to the financial statements including:
    – the effective date of revaluation;
    – whether an independent valuer was involved;
    – the methods and significant assumptions applied in estimating fair values; and
    – the carrying amount that would have been recognised under the cost model.

  • 第14题:

    3 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Volcan, a long-established limited liability company. Volcan operates

    a national supermarket chain of 23 stores, five of which are in the capital city, Urvina. All the stores are managed in

    the same way with purchases being made through Volcan’s central buying department and product pricing, marketing,

    advertising and human resources policies being decided centrally. The draft financial statements for the year ended

    31 March 2005 show revenue of $303 million (2004 – $282 million), profit before taxation of $9·5 million (2004

    – $7·3 million) and total assets of $178 million (2004 – $173 million).

    The following issues arising during the final audit have been noted on a schedule of points for your attention:

    (a) On 1 May 2005, Volcan announced its intention to downsize one of the stores in Urvina from a supermarket to

    a ‘City Metro’ in response to a significant decline in the demand for supermarket-style. shopping in the capital.

    The store will be closed throughout June, re-opening on 1 July 2005. Goodwill of $5·5 million was recognised

    three years ago when this store, together with two others, was bought from a national competitor. It is Volcan’s

    policy to write off goodwill over five years. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Volcan for the year ended

    31 March 2005.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    3 VOLCAN
    (a) Store impairment
    (i) Matters
    ■ Materiality
    ? The cost of goodwill represents 3·1% of total assets and is therefore material.
    ? However, after three years the carrying amount of goodwill ($2·2m) represents only 1·2% of total assets –
    and is therefore immaterial in the context of the balance sheet.
    ? The annual amortisation charge ($1·1m) represents 11·6% profit before tax (PBT) and is therefore also
    material (to the income statement).
    ? The impact of writing off the whole of the carrying amount would be material to PBT (23%).
    Tutorial note: The temporary closure of the supermarket does not constitute a discontinued operation under IFRS 5
    ‘Non-Current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations’.
    ■ Under IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ Volcan should no longer be writing goodwill off over five years but
    subjecting it to an annual impairment test.
    ■ The announcement is after the balance sheet date and is therefore a non-adjusting event (IAS 10 ‘Events After the
    Balance Sheet Date’) insofar as no provision for restructuring (for example) can be made.
    ■ However, the event provides evidence of a possible impairment of the cash-generating unit which is this store and,
    in particular, the value of goodwill assigned to it.
    ■ If the carrying amount of goodwill ($2·2m) can be allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis to this and the
    other two stores (purchased at the same time) Volcan’s management should have applied an impairment test to
    the goodwill of the downsized store (this is likely to show impairment).
    ■ If more than 22% of goodwill is attributable to the City Metro store – then its write-off would be material to PBT
    (22% × $2·2m ÷ $9·5m = 5%).
    ■ If the carrying amount of goodwill cannot be so allocated; the impairment test should be applied to the
    cash-generating unit that is the three stores (this may not necessarily show impairment).
    ■ Management should have considered whether the other four stores in Urvina (and elsewhere) are similarly
    impaired.
    ■ Going concern is unlikely to be an issue unless all the supermarkets are located in cities facing a downward trend
    in demand.
    Tutorial note: Marks will be awarded for stating the rules for recognition of an impairment loss for a cash-generating
    unit. However, as it is expected that the majority of candidates will not deal with this matter, the rules of IAS 36 are
    not reproduced here.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Board minutes approving the store’s ‘facelift’ and documenting the need to address the fall in demand for it as a
    supermarket.
    ■ Recomputation of the carrying amount of goodwill (2/5 × $5·5m = $2·2m).
    ■ A schedule identifying all the assets that relate to the store under review and the carrying amounts thereof agreed
    to the underlying accounting records (e.g. non-current asset register).
    ■ Recalculation of value in use and/or fair value less costs to sell of the cash-generating unit (i.e. the store that is to
    become the City Metro, or the three stores bought together) as at 31 March 2005.
    Tutorial note: If just one of these amounts exceeds carrying amount there will be no impairment loss. Also, as
    there is a plan NOT to sell the store it is most likely that value in use should be used.
    ■ Agreement of cash flow projections (e.g. to approved budgets/forecast revenues and costs for a maximum of five
    years, unless a longer period can be justified).
    ■ Written management representation relating to the assumptions used in the preparation of financial budgets.
    ■ Agreement that the pre-tax discount rate used reflects current market assessments of the time value of money (and
    the risks specific to the store) and is reasonable. For example, by comparison with Volcan’s weighted average cost
    of capital.
    ■ Inspection of the store (if this month it should be closed for refurbishment).
    ■ Revenue budgets and cash flow projections for:
    – the two stores purchased at the same time;
    – the other stores in Urvina; and
    – the stores elsewhere.
    Also actual after-date sales by store compared with budget.

  • 第15题:

    (b) You are an audit manager with specific responsibility for reviewing other information in documents containing

    audited financial statements before your firm’s auditor’s report is signed. The financial statements of Hegas, a

    privately-owned civil engineering company, show total assets of $120 million, revenue of $261 million, and profit

    before tax of $9·2 million for the year ended 31 March 2005. Your review of the Annual Report has revealed

    the following:

    (i) The statement of changes in equity includes $4·5 million under a separate heading of ‘miscellaneous item’

    which is described as ‘other difference not recognized in income’. There is no further reference to this

    amount or ‘other difference’ elsewhere in the financial statements. However, the Management Report, which

    is required by statute, is not audited. It discloses that ‘changes in shareholders’ equity not recognized in

    income includes $4·5 million arising on the revaluation of investment properties’.

    The notes to the financial statements state that the company has implemented IAS 40 ‘Investment Property’

    for the first time in the year to 31 March 2005 and also that ‘the adoption of this standard did not have a

    significant impact on Hegas’s financial position or its results of operations during 2005’.

    (ii) The chairman’s statement asserts ‘Hegas has now achieved a position as one of the world’s largest

    generators of hydro-electricity, with a dedicated commitment to accountable ethical professionalism’. Audit

    working papers show that 14% of revenue was derived from hydro-electricity (2004: 12%). Publicly

    available information shows that there are seven international suppliers of hydro-electricity in Africa alone,

    which are all at least three times the size of Hegas in terms of both annual turnover and population supplied.

    Required:

    Identify and comment on the implications of the above matters for the auditor’s report on the financial

    statements of Hegas for the year ended 31 March 2005. (10 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Implications for the auditor’s report
    (i) Management Report
    ■ $4·5 million represents 3·75% of total assets, 1·7% of revenue and 48·9% profit before tax. As this is material
    by any criteria (exceeding all of 2% of total assets, 1/2% revenue and 5% PBT), the specific disclosure requirements
    of IASs need to be met (IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’).
    ■ The Management Report discloses the amount and the reason for a material change in equity whereas the financial
    statements do not show the reason for the change and suggest that it is immaterial. As the increase in equity
    attributable to this adjustment is nearly half as much as that attributable to PBT there is a material inconsistency
    between the Management Report and the audited financial statements.
    ■ Amendment to the Management Report is not required.
    Tutorial note: Marks will be awarded for arguing, alternatively, that the Management Report disclosure needs to
    be amended to clarify that the revaluation arises from the first time implementation.
    ■ Amendment to the financial statements is required because the disclosure is:
    – incorrect – as, on first adoption of IAS 40, the fair value adjustment should be against the opening balance
    of retained earnings; and
    – inadequate – because it is being ‘supplemented’ by additional disclosure in a document which is not within
    the scope of the audit of financial statements.
    ■ Whilst it is true that the adoption of IAS 40 did not have a significant impact on results of operations, Hegas’s
    financial position has increased by nearly 4% in respect of the revaluation (to fair value) of just one asset category
    (investment properties). As this is significant, the statement in the notes should be redrafted.
    ■ If the financial statements are not amended, the auditor’s report should be qualified ‘except for’ on grounds of
    disagreement (non-compliance with IAS 40) as the matter is material but not pervasive. Additional disclosure
    should also be given (e.g. that the ‘other difference’ is a fair value adjustment).
    ■ However, it is likely that when faced with the prospect of a qualified auditor’s report Hegas’s management will
    rectify the financial statements so that an unmodified auditor’s report can be issued.
    Tutorial note: Marks will be awarded for other relevant points e.g. citing IAS 8 ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in
    Accounting Estimates and Errors’.
    (ii) Chairman’s statement
    Tutorial note: Hegas is privately-owned therefore IAS 14 ‘Segment Reporting’ does not apply and the proportion of
    revenue attributable to hydro-electricity will not be required to be disclosed in the financial statements. However, credit
    will be awarded for discussing the implications for the auditor’s report if it is regarded as a material inconsistency on
    the assumption that segment revenue (or similar) is reported in the financial statements.
    ■ The assertion in the chairman’s statement, which does not fall within the scope of the audit of the financial
    statements, claims two things, namely that the company:
    (1) is ‘one of the world’s largest generators of hydro-electricity’; and
    (2) has ‘a dedicated commitment to accountable ethical professionalism’.
    ■ To the extent that this information does not relate to matters disclosed in the financial statements it may give rise
    to a material misstatement of fact. In particular, the first statement presents a misleading impression of the
    company’s size. In misleading a user of the financial statements with this statement, the second statement is not
    true (as it is not ethical or professional to mislead the reader and potentially undermine the credibility of the
    financial statements).
    ■ The first statement is a material misstatement of fact because, for example:
    – the company is privately-owned, and publicly-owned international/multi-nationals are larger;
    – the company’s main activity is civil engineering not electricity generation (only 14% of revenue is derived from
    HEP);
    – as the company ranks at best eighth against African companies alone it ranks much lower globally.
    ■ Hegas should be asked to reconsider the wording of the chairman’s statement (i.e. removing these assertions) and
    consult, as necessary, the company’s legal advisor.
    ■ If the statement is not changed there will be no grounds for qualification of the opinion on the audited financial
    statements. The audit firm should therefore take legal advice on how the matter should be reported.
    ■ However, an emphasis of matter paragraph may be used to report on matters other than those affecting the audited
    financial statements. For example, to explain the misstatement of fact if management refuses to make the
    amendment.
    Tutorial note: Marks will also be awarded for relevant comments about the chairman’s statement being perceived by
    many readers to be subject to audit and therefore that the unfounded statement might undermine the credibility of the
    financial statements. Shareholders tend to rely on the chairman’s statement, even though it is not regulated or audited,
    because modern financial statements are so complex.

  • 第16题:

    (b) A sale of industrial equipment to Deakin Co in May 2005 resulted in a loss on disposal of $0·3 million that has

    been separately disclosed on the face of the income statement. The equipment cost $1·2 million when it was

    purchased in April 1996 and was being depreciated on a straight-line basis over 20 years. (6 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Keffler Co for the year ended

    31 March 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (b) Sale of industrial equipment
    (i) Matters
    ■ The industrial equipment was in use for nine years (from April 1996) and would have had a carrying value of
    $660,000 at 31 March 2005 (11/20 × $1·2m – assuming nil residual value and a full year’s depreciation charge
    in the year of acquisition and none in the year of disposal). Disposal proceeds were therefore only $360,000.
    ■ The $0·3m loss represents 15% of PBT (for the year to 31 March 2006) and is therefore material. The equipment
    was material to the balance sheet at 31 March 2005 representing 2·6% of total assets ($0·66/$25·7 × 100).
    ■ Separate disclosure, of a material loss on disposal, on the face of the income statement is in accordance with
    IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’. However, in accordance with IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’,
    it should not be captioned in any way that might suggest that it is not part of normal operating activities (i.e. not
    ‘extraordinary’, ‘exceptional’, etc).
    Tutorial note: However, note that if there is a prior period error to be accounted for (see later), there would be
    no impact on the current period income statement requiring consideration of any disclosure.
    ■ The reason for the sale. For example, whether the equipment was:
    – surplus to operating requirements (i.e. not being replaced); or
    – being replaced with newer equipment (thereby contributing to the $8·1m increase (33·8 – 25·7) in total
    assets).
    ■ The reason for the loss on sale. For example, whether:
    – the sale was at an under-value (e.g. to a related party);
    – the equipment had a bad maintenance history (or was otherwise impaired);
    – the useful life of the equipment is less than 20 years;
    – there is any deferred consideration not yet recorded;
    – any non-cash disposal proceeds have been overlooked (e.g. if another asset was acquired in a part-exchange).
    ■ If the useful life was less than 20 years, tangible non-current assets may be materially overstated in respect of other
    items of equipment that are still in use and being depreciated on the same basis.
    ■ If the sale was to a related party then additional disclosure should be required in a note to the financial statements
    for the year to 31 March 2006 (IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’).
    Tutorial note: Since there are no specific pointers to a related party transaction (RPT), this point is not expanded
    on.
    ■ Whether the sale was identified in the prior year audit’s post balance sheet event review. If so:
    – the disclosure made in the prior year’s financial statements (IAS 10 ‘Events After the Balance Sheet Date’);
    – whether an impairment loss was recognised at 31 March 2005.
    ■ If not, and the equipment was impaired at 31 March 2005, a prior period error should be accounted for (IAS 8
    ‘Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors’). An impairment loss of $0·3m would have
    been material to prior year profit (12·5%).
    Tutorial note: Unless this was a RPT or the impairment arose after 31 March 2005 a prior period adjustment
    should be made.
    ■ Failure to account for a prior period error (if any) would result in modification of the audit opinion ‘except for’ noncompliance
    with IAS 8 (in the current year) and IAS 36 (in the prior period).
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ Carrying amount ($0·66m as above) agreed to the non-current asset register balances at 31 March 2005 and
    recalculation of the loss on disposal.
    ■ Cost and accumulated depreciation removed from the asset register in the year to 31 March 2006.
    ■ Receipt of proceeds per cash book agreed to bank statement.
    ■ Sales invoice transferring title to Deakin.
    ■ A review of maintenance expenses and records (e.g. to confirm reason for loss on sale).
    ■ Post balance sheet event review on prior year audit working papers file.
    ■ Management representation confirming that Deakin is not a related party (provided that there is no evidence to
    suggest otherwise).

  • 第17题:

    3 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Seymour Co. The company offers information, proprietary foods and

    medical innovations designed to improve the quality of life. (Proprietary foods are marketed under and protected by

    registered names.) The draft consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2006 show revenue

    of $74·4 million (2005 – $69·2 million), profit before taxation of $13·2 million (2005 – $15·8 million) and total

    assets of $53·3 million (2005 – $40·5 million).

    The following issues arising during the final audit have been noted on a schedule of points for your attention:

    (a) In 2001, Seymour had been awarded a 20-year patent on a new drug, Tournose, that was also approved for

    food use. The drug had been developed at a cost of $4 million which is being amortised over the life of the

    patent. The patent cost $11,600. In September 2006 a competitor announced the successful completion of

    preliminary trials on an alternative drug with the same beneficial properties as Tournose. The alternative drug is

    expected to be readily available in two years time. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Seymour Co for the year ended

    30 September 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:

     

    ■ A change in the estimated useful life should be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate in accordance
    with IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. For example, if the development
    costs have little, if any, useful life after the introduction of the alternative drug (‘worst case’ scenario), the carrying
    value ($3 million) should be written off over the current and remaining years, i.e. $1 million p.a. The increase in
    amortisation/decrease in carrying value ($800,000) is material to PBT (6%) and total assets (1·5%).
    ■ Similarly a change in the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits should be accounted for
    as a change in accounting estimate (IAS 8). For example, it may be that the useful life is still to 2020 but that
    the economic benefits may reduce significantly in two years time.
    ■ After adjusting the carrying amount to take account of the change in accounting estimate(s) management should
    have tested it for impairment and any impairment loss recognised in profit or loss.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ $3 million carrying amount of development costs brought forward agreed to prior year working papers and financial
    statements.
    ■ A copy of the press release announcing the competitor’s alternative drug.
    ■ Management’s projections of future cashflows from Tournose-related sales as evidence of the useful life of the
    development costs and pattern of consumption.
    ■ Reperformance of management’s impairment test on the development costs: Recalculation of management’s
    calculation of the carrying amount after revising estimates of useful life and/or consumption of benefits compared
    with management’s calculation of value in use.
    ■ Sensitivity analysis on management’s key assumptions (e.g. estimates of useful life, discount rate).
    ■ Written management representation on the key assumptions concerning the future that have a significant risk of
    causing material adjustment to the carrying amount of the development costs. (These assumptions should be
    disclosed in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.)

  • 第18题:

    (c) In November 2006 Seymour announced the recall and discontinuation of a range of petcare products. The

    product recall was prompted by the high level of customer returns due to claims of poor quality. For the year to

    30 September 2006, the product range represented $8·9 million of consolidated revenue (2005 – $9·6 million)

    and $1·3 million loss before tax (2005 – $0·4 million profit before tax). The results of the ‘petcare’ operations

    are disclosed separately on the face of the income statement. (6 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Seymour Co for the year ended

    30 September 2006.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:

     

    ■ The discontinuation of the product line after the balance sheet date provides additional evidence that, as at the
    balance sheet date, it was of poor quality. Therefore, as at the balance sheet date:
    – an allowance (‘provision’) may be required for credit notes for returns of products after the year end that were
    sold before the year end;
    – goods returned to inventory should be written down to net realisable value (may be nil);
    – any plant and equipment used exclusively in the production of the petcare range of products should be tested
    for impairment;
    – any material contingent liabilities arising from legal claims should be disclosed.
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A copy of Seymour’s announcement (external ‘press release’ and any internal memorandum).
    ■ Credit notes raised/refunds paid after the year end for faulty products returned.
    ■ Condition of products returned as inspected during physical attendance of inventory count.
    ■ Correspondence from customers claiming reimbursement/compensation for poor quality.
    ■ Direct confirmation from legal adviser (solicitor) regarding any claims for customers including estimates of possible
    payouts.

  • 第19题:

    (b) While the refrigeration units were undergoing modernisation Lamont outsourced all its cold storage requirements

    to Hogg Warehousing Services. At 31 March 2007 it was not possible to physically inspect Lamont’s inventory

    held by Hogg due to health and safety requirements preventing unauthorised access to cold storage areas.

    Lamont’s management has provided written representation that inventory held at 31 March 2007 was

    $10·1 million (2006 – $6·7 million). This amount has been agreed to a costing of Hogg’s monthly return of

    quantities held at 31 March 2007. (7 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the above issues:

    (i) comment on the matters that you should consider; and

    (ii) state the audit evidence that you should expect to find,

    in undertaking your review of the audit working papers and financial statements of Lamont Co for the year ended

    31 March 2007.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three issues.


    正确答案:
    (b) Outsourced cold storage
    (i) Matters
    ■ Inventory at 31 March 2007 represents 21% of total assets (10·1/48·0) and is therefore a very material item in the
    balance sheet.
    ■ The value of inventory has increased by 50% though revenue has increased by only 7·5%. Inventory may be
    overvalued if no allowance has been made for slow-moving/perished items in accordance with IAS 2 Inventories.
    ■ Inventory turnover has fallen to 6·6 times per annum (2006 – 9·3 times). This may indicate a build up of
    unsaleable items.
    Tutorial note: In the absence of cost of sales information, this is calculated on revenue. It may also be expressed
    as the number of days sales in inventory, having increased from 39 to 55 days.
    ■ Inability to inspect inventory may amount to a limitation in scope if the auditor cannot obtain sufficient audit
    evidence regarding quantity and its condition. This would result in an ‘except for’ opinion.
    ■ Although Hogg’s monthly return provides third party documentary evidence concerning the quantity of inventory it
    does not provide sufficient evidence with regard to its valuation. Inventory will need to be written down if, for
    example, it was contaminated by the leakage (before being moved to Hogg’s cold storage) or defrosted during
    transfer.
    ■ Lamont’s written representation does not provide sufficient evidence regarding the valuation of inventory as
    presumably Lamont’s management did not have access to physically inspect it either. If this is the case this may
    call into question the value of any other representations made by management.
    ■ Whether, since the balance sheet date, inventory has been moved back from Hogg’s cold storage to Lamont’s
    refrigeration units. If so, a physical inspection and roll-back of the most significant fish lines should have been
    undertaken.
    Tutorial note: Credit will be awarded for other relevant accounting issues. For example a candidate may question
    whether, for example, cold storage costs have been capitalised into the cost of inventory. Or whether inventory moves
    on a FIFO basis in deep storage (rather than LIFO).
    (ii) Audit evidence
    ■ A copy of the health and safety regulation preventing the auditor from gaining access to Hogg’s cold storage to
    inspect Lamont’s inventory.
    ■ Analysis of Hogg’s monthly returns and agreement of significant movements to purchase/sales invoices.
    ■ Analytical procedures such as month-on-month comparison of gross profit percentage and inventory turnover to
    identify any trend that may account for the increase in inventory valuation (e.g. if Lamont has purchased
    replacement inventory but spoiled items have not been written off).
    ■ Physical inspection of any inventory in Lamont’s refrigeration units after the balance sheet date to confirm its
    condition.
    ■ An aged-inventory analysis and recalculation of any allowance for slow-moving items.
    ■ A review of after-date sales invoices for large quantities of fish to confirm that fair value (less costs to sell) exceed
    carrying amount.
    ■ A review of after-date credit notes for any returns of contaminated/perished or otherwise substandard fish.

  • 第20题:

    (ii) On 1 July 2006 Petrie introduced a 10-year warranty on all sales of its entire range of stainless steel

    cookware. Sales of stainless steel cookware for the year ended 31 March 2007 totalled $18·2 million. The

    notes to the financial statements disclose the following:

    ‘Since 1 July 2006, the company’s stainless steel cookware is guaranteed to be free from defects in

    materials and workmanship under normal household use within a 10-year guarantee period. No provision

    has been recognised as the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability.’

    (4 marks)

    Your auditor’s report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2006 was unmodified.

    Required:

    Identify and comment on the implications of these two matters for your auditor’s report on the financial

    statements of Petrie Co for the year ended 31 March 2007.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the matters above.


    正确答案:
    (ii) 10-year guarantee
    $18·2 million stainless steel cookware sales amount to 43·1% of revenue and are therefore material. However, the
    guarantee was only introduced three months into the year, say in respect of $13·6 million (3/4 × 18·2 million) i.e.
    approximately 32% of revenue.
    The draft note disclosure could indicate that Petrie’s management believes that Petrie has a legal obligation in respect
    of the guarantee, that is not remote and likely to be material (otherwise no disclosure would have been required).
    A best estimate of the obligation amounting to 5% profit before tax (or more) is likely to be considered material, i.e.
    $90,000 (or more). Therefore, if it is probable that 0·66% of sales made under guarantee will be returned for refund,
    this would require a warranty provision that would be material.
    Tutorial note: The return of 2/3% of sales over a 10-year period may well be probable.
    Clearly there is a present obligation as a result of a past obligating event for sales made during the nine months to
    31 March 2007. Although the likelihood of outflow under the guarantee is likely to be insignificant (even remote) it is
    probable that some outflow will be needed to settle the class of such obligations.
    The note in the financial statements is disclosing this matter as a contingent liability. This term encompasses liabilities
    that do not meet the recognition criteria (e.g. of reliable measurement in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent
    Liabilities and Contingent Assets).
    However, it is extremely rare that no reliable estimate can be made (IAS 37) – the use of estimates being essential to
    the preparation of financial statements. Petrie’s management must make a best estimate of the cost of refunds/repairs
    under guarantee taking into account, for example:
    ■ the proportion of sales during the nine months to 31 March 2007 that have been returned under guarantee at the
    balance sheet date (and in the post balance sheet event period);
    ■ the average age of cookware showing a defect;
    ■ the expected cost of a replacement item (as a refund of replacement is more likely than a repair, say).
    If management do not make a provision for the best estimate of the obligation the audit opinion should be qualified
    ‘except for’ non-compliance with IAS 37 (no provision made). The disclosure made in the note to the financial
    statements, however detailed, is not a substitute for making the provision.
    Tutorial note: No marks will be awarded for suggesting that an emphasis of matter of paragraph would be appropriate
    (drawing attention to the matter more fully explained in the note).
    Management’s claim that the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability does not give rise to a limitation
    on scope on the audit. The auditor has sufficient evidence of the non-compliance with IAS 37 and disagrees with it.

  • 第21题:

    (b) You are the manager responsible for the audit of Poppy Co, a manufacturing company with a year ended

    31 October 2008. In the last year, several investment properties have been purchased to utilise surplus funds

    and to provide rental income. The properties have been revalued at the year end in accordance with IAS 40

    Investment Property, they are recognised on the statement of financial position at a fair value of $8 million, and

    the total assets of Poppy Co are $160 million at 31 October 2008. An external valuer has been used to provide

    the fair value for each property.

    Required:

    (i) Recommend the enquiries to be made in respect of the external valuer, before placing any reliance on their

    work, and explain the reason for the enquiries; (7 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) (i) Enquiries in respect of the external valuer
    Enquiries would need to be made for two main reasons, firstly to determine the competence, and secondly the objectivity
    of the valuer. ISA 620 Using the Work of an Expert contains guidance in this area.
    Competence
    Enquiries could include:
    – Is the valuer a member of a recognised professional body, for example a nationally or internationally recognised
    institute of registered surveyors?
    – Does the valuer possess any necessary licence to carry out valuations for companies?
    – How long has the valuer been a member of the recognised body, or how long has the valuer been licensed under
    that body?
    – How much experience does the valuer have in providing valuations of the particular type of investment properties
    held by Poppy Co?
    – Does the valuer have specific experience of evaluating properties for the purpose of including their fair value within
    the financial statements?
    – Is there any evidence of the reputation of the valuer, e.g. professional references, recommendations from other
    companies for which a valuation service has been provided?
    – How much experience, if any, does the valuer have with Poppy Co?
    Using the above enquiries, the auditor is trying to form. an opinion as to the relevance and reliability of the valuation
    provided. ISA 500 Audit Evidence requires that the auditor gathers evidence that is both sufficient and appropriate. The
    auditor needs to ensure that the fair values provided by the valuer for inclusion in the financial statements have been
    arrived at using appropriate knowledge and skill which should be evidenced by the valuer being a member of a
    professional body, and, if necessary, holding a licence under that body.
    It is important that the fair values have been arrived at using methods allowed under IAS 40 Investment Property. If any
    other valuation method has been used then the value recognised in the statement of financial position may not be in
    accordance with financial reporting standards. Thus it is important to understand whether the valuer has experience
    specifically in providing valuations that comply with IAS 40, and how many times the valuer has appraised properties
    similar to those owned by Poppy Co.
    In gauging the reliability of the fair value, the auditor may wish to consider how Poppy Co decided to appoint this
    particular valuer, e.g. on the basis of a recommendation or after receiving references from companies for which
    valuations had previously been provided.
    It will also be important to consider how familiar the valuer is with Poppy Co’s business and environment, as a way to
    assess the reliability and appropriateness of any assumptions used in the valuation technique.
    Objectivity
    Enquiries could include:
    – Does the valuer have any financial interest in Poppy Co, e.g. shares held directly or indirectly in the company?
    – Does the valuer have any personal relationship with any director or employee of Poppy Co?
    – Is the fee paid for the valuation service reasonable and a fair, market based price?
    With these enquiries, the auditor is gaining assurance that the valuer will perform. the valuation from an independent
    point of view. If the valuer had a financial interest in Poppy Co, there would be incentive to manipulate the valuation in
    a way best suited to the financial statements of the company. Equally if the valuer had a personal relationship with a
    senior member of staff at Poppy Co, the valuer may feel pressured to give a favourable opinion on the valuation of the
    properties.
    The level of fee paid is important. It should be commensurate with the market rate paid for this type of valuation. If the
    valuer was paid in excess of what might be considered a normal fee, it could indicate that the valuer was encouraged,
    or even bribed, to provide a favourable valuation.

  • 第22题:

    5 You are the manager responsible for the audit of Blod Co, a listed company, for the year ended 31 March 2008. Your

    firm was appointed as auditors of Blod Co in September 2007. The audit work has been completed, and you are

    reviewing the working papers in order to draft a report to those charged with governance. The statement of financial

    position (balance sheet) shows total assets of $78 million (2007 – $66 million). The main business activity of Blod

    Co is the manufacture of farm machinery.

    During the audit of property, plant and equipment it was discovered that controls over capital expenditure transactions

    had deteriorated during the year. Authorisation had not been gained for the purchase of office equipment with a cost

    of $225,000. No material errors in the financial statements were revealed by audit procedures performed on property,

    plant and equipment.

    An internally generated brand name has been included in the statement of financial position (balance sheet) at a fair

    value of $10 million. Audit working papers show that the matter was discussed with the financial controller, who

    stated that the $10 million represents the present value of future cash flows estimated to be generated by the brand

    name. The member of the audit team who completed the work programme on intangible assets has noted that this

    treatment appears to be in breach of IAS 38 Intangible Assets, and that the management refuses to derecognise the

    asset.

    Problems were experienced in the audit of inventories. Due to an oversight by the internal auditors of Blod Co, the

    external audit team did not receive a copy of inventory counting procedures prior to attending the count. This caused

    a delay at the beginning of the inventory count, when the audit team had to quickly familiarise themselves with the

    procedures. In addition, on the final audit, when the audit senior requested documentation to support the final

    inventory valuation, it took two weeks for the information to be received because the accountant who had prepared

    the schedules had mislaid them.

    Required:

    (a) (i) Identify the main purpose of including ‘findings from the audit’ (management letter points) in a report

    to those charged with governance. (2 marks)


    正确答案:
    5 Blod Co
    (a) (i) A report to those charged with governance is produced to communicate matters relating to the external audit to those
    who are ultimately responsible for the financial statements. ISA 260 Communication of Audit Matters With Those
    Charged With Governance requires the auditor to communicate many matters, including independence and other ethical
    issues, the audit approach and scope, the details of management representations, and the findings of the audit. The
    findings of the audit are commonly referred to as management letter points. By communicating these matters, the auditor
    is confident that there is written documentation outlining all significant matters raised during the audit process, and that
    such matters have been formally notified to the highest level of management of the client. For the management, the
    report should ensure that they fully understand the scope and results of the audit service which has been provided, and
    is likely to provide constructive comments to help them to fulfil their duties in relation to the financial statements and
    accounting systems and controls more effectively. The report should also include, where relevant, any actions that
    management has indicated they will take in relation to recommendations made by the auditors.

  • 第23题:

    You are an audit manager at Rockwell & Co, a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants. You are responsible for the audit of the Hopper Group, a listed audit client which supplies ingredients to the food and beverage industry worldwide.

    The audit work for the year ended 30 June 2015 is nearly complete, and you are reviewing the draft audit report which has been prepared by the audit senior. During the year the Hopper Group purchased a new subsidiary company, Seurat Sweeteners Co, which has expertise in the research and design of sugar alternatives. The draft financial statements of the Hopper Group for the year ended 30 June 2015 recognise profit before tax of $495 million (2014 – $462 million) and total assets of $4,617 million (2014: $4,751 million). An extract from the draft audit report is shown below:

    Basis of modified opinion (extract)

    In their calculation of goodwill on the acquisition of the new subsidiary, the directors have failed to recognise consideration which is contingent upon meeting certain development targets. The directors believe that it is unlikely that these targets will be met by the subsidiary company and, therefore, have not recorded the contingent consideration in the cost of the acquisition. They have disclosed this contingent liability fully in the notes to the financial statements. We do not feel that the directors’ treatment of the contingent consideration is correct and, therefore, do not believe that the criteria of the relevant standard have been met. If this is the case, it would be appropriate to adjust the goodwill balance in the statement of financial position.

    We believe that any required adjustment may materially affect the goodwill balance in the statement of financial position. Therefore, in our opinion, the financial statements do not give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Hopper Group and of the Hopper Group’s financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

    Emphasis of Matter Paragraph

    We draw attention to the note to the financial statements which describes the uncertainty relating to the contingent consideration described above. The note provides further information necessary to understand the potential implications of the contingency.

    Required:

    (a) Critically appraise the draft audit report of the Hopper Group for the year ended 30 June 2015, prepared by the audit senior.

    Note: You are NOT required to re-draft the extracts from the audit report. (10 marks)

    (b) The audit of the new subsidiary, Seurat Sweeteners Co, was performed by a different firm of auditors, Fish Associates. During your review of the communication from Fish Associates, you note that they were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence with regard to the breakdown of research expenses. The total of research costs expensed by Seurat Sweeteners Co during the year was $1·2 million. Fish Associates has issued a qualified audit opinion on the financial statements of Seurat Sweeteners Co due to this inability to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence.

    Required:

    Comment on the actions which Rockwell & Co should take as the auditor of the Hopper Group, and the implications for the auditor’s report on the Hopper Group financial statements. (6 marks)

    (c) Discuss the quality control procedures which should be carried out by Rockwell & Co prior to the audit report on the Hopper Group being issued. (4 marks)


    正确答案:

    (a) Critical appraisal of the draft audit report

    Type of opinion

    When an auditor issues an opinion expressing that the financial statements ‘do not give a true and fair view’, this represents an adverse opinion. The paragraph explaining the modification should, therefore, be titled ‘Basis of Adverse Opinion’ rather than simply ‘Basis of Modified Opinion’.

    An adverse opinion means that the auditor considers the misstatement to be material and pervasive to the financial statements of the Hopper Group. According to ISA 705 Modifications to Opinions in the Independent Auditor’s Report, pervasive matters are those which affect a substantial proportion of the financial statements or fundamentally affect the users’ understanding of the financial statements. It is unlikely that the failure to recognise contingent consideration is pervasive; the main effect would be to understate goodwill and liabilities. This would not be considered a substantial proportion of the financial statements, neither would it be fundamental to understanding the Hopper Group’s performance and position.

    However, there is also some uncertainty as to whether the matter is even material. If the matter is determined to be material but not pervasive, then a qualified opinion would be appropriate on the basis of a material misstatement. If the matter is not material, then no modification would be necessary to the audit opinion.

    Wording of opinion/report

    The auditor’s reference to ‘the acquisition of the new subsidiary’ is too vague; the Hopper Group may have purchased a number of subsidiaries which this phrase could relate to. It is important that the auditor provides adequate description of the event and in these circumstances it would be appropriate to name the subsidiary referred to.

    The auditor has not quantified the amount of the contingent element of the consideration. For the users to understand the potential implications of any necessary adjustments, they need to know how much the contingent consideration will be if it becomes payable. It is a requirement of ISA 705 that the auditor quantifies the financial effects of any misstatements, unless it is impracticable to do so.

    In addition to the above point, the auditor should provide more description of the financial effects of the misstatement, including full quantification of the effect of the required adjustment to the assets, liabilities, incomes, revenues and equity of the Hopper Group.

    The auditor should identify the note to the financial statements relevant to the contingent liability disclosure rather than just stating ‘in the note’. This will improve the understandability and usefulness of the contents of the audit report.

    The use of the term ‘we do not feel that the treatment is correct’ is too vague and not professional. While there may be some interpretation necessary when trying to apply financial reporting standards to unique circumstances, the expression used is ambiguous and may be interpreted as some form. of disclaimer by the auditor with regard to the correct accounting treatment. The auditor should clearly explain how the treatment applied in the financial statements has departed from the requirements of the relevant standard.

    Tutorial note: As an illustration to the above point, an appropriate wording would be: ‘Management has not recognised the acquisition-date fair value of contingent consideration as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquiree, which constitutes a departure from International Financial Reporting Standards.’

    The ambiguity is compounded by the use of the phrase ‘if this is the case, it would be appropriate to adjust the goodwill’. This once again suggests that the correct treatment is uncertain and perhaps open to interpretation.

    If the auditor wishes to refer to a specific accounting standard they should refer to its full title. Therefore instead of referring to ‘the relevant standard’ they should refer to International Financial Reporting Standard 3 Business Combinations.

    The opinion paragraph requires an appropriate heading. In this case the auditors have issued an adverse opinion and the paragraph should be headed ‘Adverse Opinion’.

    As with the basis paragraph, the opinion paragraph lacks authority; suggesting that the required adjustments ‘may’ materially affect the financial statements implies that there is a degree of uncertainty. This is not the case; the amount of the contingent consideration will be disclosed in the relevant purchase agreement, so the auditor should be able to determine whether the required adjustments are material or not. Regardless, the sentence discussing whether the balance is material or not is not required in the audit report as to warrant inclusion in the report the matter must be considered material. The disclosure of the nature and financial effect of the misstatement in the basis paragraph is sufficient.

    Finally, the emphasis of matter paragraph should not be included in the audit report. An emphasis of matter paragraph is only used to draw attention to an uncertainty/matter of fundamental importance which is correctly accounted for and disclosed in the financial statements. An emphasis of matter is not required in this case for the following reasons:

    – Emphasis of matter is only required to highlight matters which the auditor believes are fundamental to the users’ understanding of the business. An example may be where a contingent liability exists which is so significant it could lead to the closure of the reporting entity. That is not the case with the Hopper Group; the contingent liability does not appear to be fundamental.

    – Emphasis of matter is only used for matters where the auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate evidence that the matter is not materially misstated in the financial statements. If the financial statements are materially misstated, in this regard the matter would be fully disclosed by the auditor in the basis of qualified/adverse opinion paragraph and no emphasis of matter is necessary.

    (b) Communication from the component auditor

    The qualified opinion due to insufficient evidence may be a significant matter for the Hopper Group audit. While the possible adjustments relating to the current year may not be material to the Hopper Group, the inability to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence with regard to a material matter in Seurat Sweeteners Co’s financial statements may indicate a control deficiency which the auditor was not aware of at the planning stage and it could indicate potential problems with regard to the integrity of management, which could also indicate a potential fraud. It could also indicate an unwillingness of management to provide information, which could create problems for future audits, particularly if research and development costs increase in future years. If the group auditor suspects that any of these possibilities are true, they may need to reconsider their risk assessment and whether the audit procedures performed are still appropriate.

    If the detail provided in the communication from the component auditor is insufficient, the group auditor should first discuss the matter with the component auditor to see whether any further information can be provided. The group auditor can request further working papers from the component auditor if this is necessary. However, if Seurat Sweeteners has not been able to provide sufficient appropriate evidence, it is unlikely that this will be effective.

    If the discussions with the component auditor do not provide satisfactory responses to evaluate the potential impact on the Hopper Group, the group auditor may need to communicate with either the management of Seurat Sweeteners or the Hopper Group to obtain necessary clarification with regard to the matter.

    Following these procedures, the group auditor needs to determine whether they have sufficient appropriate evidence to draw reasonable conclusions on the Hopper Group’s financial statements. If they believe the lack of information presents a risk of material misstatement in the group financial statements, they can request that further audit procedures be performed, either by the component auditor or by themselves.

    Ultimately the group engagement partner has to evaluate the effect of the inability to obtain sufficient appropriate evidence on the audit opinion of the Hopper Group. The matter relates to research expenses totalling $1·2 million, which represents 0·2% of the profit for the year and 0·03% of the total assets of the Hopper Group. It is therefore not material to the Hopper Group’s financial statements. For this reason no modification to the audit report of the Hopper Group would be required as this does not represent a lack of sufficient appropriate evidence with regard to a matter which is material to the Group financial statements.

    Although this may not have an impact on the Hopper Group audit opinion, this may be something the group auditor wishes to bring to the attention of those charged with governance. This would be particularly likely if the group auditor believed that this could indicate some form. of fraud in Seurat Sweeteners Co, a serious deficiency in financial reporting controls or if this could create problems for accepting future audits due to management’s unwillingness to provide access to accounting records.

    (c) Quality control procedures prior to issuing the audit report

    ISA 220 Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements and ISQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform. Audits and Reviews of Historical Financial Information, and Other Assurance and Related Services Agreements require that an engagement quality control reviewer shall be appointed for audits of financial statements of listed entities. The audit engagement partner then discusses significant matters arising during the audit engagement with the engagement quality control reviewer.

    The engagement quality control reviewer and the engagement partner should discuss the failure to recognise the contingent consideration and its impact on the auditor’s report. The engagement quality control reviewer must review the financial statements and the proposed auditor’s report, in particular focusing on the conclusions reached in formulating the auditor’s report and consideration of whether the proposed auditor’s opinion is appropriate. The audit documentation relating to the acquisition of Seurat Sweeteners Co will be carefully reviewed, and the reviewer is likely to consider whether procedures performed in relation to these balances were appropriate.

    Given the listed status of the Hopper Group, any modification to the auditor’s report will be scrutinised, and the firm must be sure of any decision to modify the report, and the type of modification made. Once the engagement quality control reviewer has considered the necessity of a modification, they should consider whether a qualified or an adverse opinion is appropriate in the circumstances. This is an important issue, given that it requires judgement as to whether the matters would be material or pervasive to the financial statements.

    The engagement quality control reviewer should ensure that there is adequate documentation regarding the judgements used in forming the final audit opinion, and that all necessary matters have been brought to the attention of those charged with governance.

    The auditor’s report must not be signed and dated until the completion of the engagement quality control review.

    Tutorial note: In the case of the Hopper Group’s audit, the lack of evidence in respect of research costs is unlikely to be discussed unless the audit engagement partner believes that the matter could be significant, for example, if they suspected the lack of evidence is being used to cover up a financial statements fraud.