Review And Compilation
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CPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD) › Review And Compilation
An accountant performs a compilation engagement for a nonissuer and is asked to omit the accountant’s report entirely because management wants to provide the financial statements to a lender “without extra pages.” Under which circumstance would the practitioner need to communicate specific findings?
The accountant should communicate directly with the lender to obtain permission to omit the compilation report
The accountant should communicate only after the lender rejects the financial statements, because timing does not matter in compilation engagements
The accountant should communicate to management that a report is required for a compilation unless the compilation is omitted under permitted circumstances, and should not allow submission that implies assurance
No communication is needed because management can decide whether to attach the accountant’s report
Explanation
This question tests the requirements under AR-C Section 80 for compilation engagements performed by accountants for nonissuer entities, specifically the necessity of issuing an accountant's compilation report. The key facts are that the accountant is engaged to perform a compilation, but management requests to omit the report when submitting financial statements to a third-party lender to avoid 'extra pages.' Choice A is correct because it aligns with SSARS guidance requiring the accountant to communicate the need for a report in a compilation engagement to clearly disclaim any assurance, unless permitted circumstances allow omission, and to prevent submissions that could imply assurance to users. Choice B is incorrect as direct communication with the lender without management's authorization violates confidentiality and professional standards under AR-C Section 60. Choice C is incorrect because the accountant cannot defer the decision solely to management, as SSARS mandates the report to properly reflect the non-assurance nature of the engagement; choice D is incorrect since communication must occur before submission, not reactively after rejection, to comply with timely professional responsibilities. A transferable framework for professional judgment in compilation engagements involves evaluating the client's intended use of financial statements and ensuring the engagement type—such as compilation versus preparation—aligns with reporting needs. Accountants should apply a decision rule to always include the required report or reclassify the engagement if omission is desired, thereby upholding the disclaimer of assurance and protecting third-party users.
An accountant is engaged to perform a compilation engagement for a nonissuer retailer on financial statements prepared using a special purpose framework. Management refuses to include substantially all disclosures because “the bank only wants the numbers,” and the omission is not intended to mislead. Which report modification is appropriate given the circumstances?
Add a separate paragraph stating that the accountant provides limited assurance based on inquiry and analytical procedures
Modify the compilation report to disclose the omission of substantially all disclosures and include the statement that the financial statements are not designed for those not informed about the omission
Issue an adverse opinion because omission of disclosures is a departure from the applicable financial reporting framework
Issue a standard compilation report with no modification because disclosures are never required in a compilation
Explanation
This question tests the reporting requirements under AR-C Section 80 for compilation engagements when substantially all disclosures are omitted. The key facts are the use of a special purpose framework and management's refusal to include disclosures, with no intent to mislead. Choice C is correct because AR-C 80 requires modifying the compilation report to disclose the omission and state that the financial statements are not designed for those uninformed about it, aligning with standards to prevent misunderstanding. Choice A is incorrect as compilations provide no assurance, so adding limited assurance violates AR-C 80; choice B is incorrect because omissions require disclosure in the report even in compilations. Choice D is incorrect because adverse opinions are not issued in compilations, which disclaim assurance entirely under SSARS. Practitioners should assess if omitted disclosures could mislead users and request inclusion if necessary, withdrawing if the statements are misleading. This framework promotes transparency in compilation reports by clearly communicating limitations to intended users.
A practitioner is engaged to perform a review of a nonissuer entity. The practitioner identifies that accounts receivable increased significantly, but management refuses to provide an aged trial balance or any support for collectability estimates. Which report modification is appropriate given the circumstances if the practitioner cannot obtain sufficient information to complete required procedures?
Issue an adverse conclusion due to a scope limitation
Issue a standard review report because confirmations are not required in a review
Issue a qualified conclusion due to a scope limitation, or withdraw if necessary
Issue a disclaimer of opinion under auditing standards
Explanation
This question tests scope limitations under AR-C Section 90 in review engagements. The key facts are the significant increase in accounts receivable without supporting information, preventing procedure completion. Choice A is correct because AR-C 90 requires a qualified conclusion or withdrawal for scope limitations that preclude sufficient evidence. Choice B is incorrect as adverse conclusions are for misstatements, not scope issues; choice C is incorrect because reviews require addressing such matters. Choice D is incorrect since disclaimers under auditing standards do not apply to reviews. Practitioners should evaluate the impact of limitations on the ability to form a conclusion and modify accordingly. This decision rule ensures reports reflect the reliability of limited assurance provided.
A practitioner is performing a review engagement of a nonissuer technology startup. Management refuses to provide a written management representation letter at the conclusion of the engagement, stating that verbal representations should be sufficient. Which report modification is appropriate given the circumstances?
Withdraw from the review engagement because the practitioner cannot complete the engagement without written representations
Issue the standard review report because written representations are not required in a review
Convert the engagement to an audit and request written representations as part of the audit
Issue a qualified conclusion due to a departure from the financial reporting framework
Explanation
This question tests the requirement for written representations under AR-C Section 90 in review engagements. The key facts are management's refusal to provide a written representation letter, which is essential for completing the engagement. Choice C is correct because AR-C 90 requires written representations, and inability to obtain them necessitates withdrawal to avoid issuing an incomplete report. Choice A is incorrect as written representations are mandatory in reviews; choice B is incorrect because the issue is a scope limitation, not a framework departure. Choice D is incorrect as converting to an audit requires client agreement and changes the engagement scope under professional standards. Practitioners should insist on written representations to confirm management's responsibilities and support limited assurance. This framework protects the practitioner from undue risk when evidence is insufficient.
A practitioner is performing a review for a nonissuer and identifies evidence that management may have overridden controls to accelerate revenue recognition. The practitioner believes the matter could be material and pervasive. What is the most appropriate action for the practitioner to take?
Immediately issue a disclaimer of opinion under auditing standards
Expand inquiries and other review procedures to address the risk of material misstatement due to fraud, and consider the effect on the review report if unresolved
Rely solely on the management representation letter because fraud considerations are outside the scope of a review
Discuss the matter only with the controller because communication to those charged with governance is prohibited in a review
Explanation
This question tests fraud considerations under AR-C Section 90 in review engagements. The key facts are indicators of material and pervasive revenue fraud. Choice A is correct because AR-C 90 requires expanding procedures and considering report modifications if unresolved, addressing risks to the conclusion. Choice B is incorrect as fraud is within review scope; choice C is incorrect because disclaimers are not automatic. Choice D is incorrect since communication to governance is required. Practitioners should scale procedures based on risk assessment and document findings. This rule enhances detection and response in limited assurance contexts.
An accountant is engaged to perform a compilation for a nonissuer and becomes aware that management intends to use the compiled financial statements to solicit outside investors, but the statements omit substantially all disclosures and the omission is not clearly described to prospective users. What is the most appropriate action for the accountant to take?
Modify the compilation report to include a paragraph providing limited assurance over the omitted disclosures
Proceed with the compilation and rely on management’s responsibility to communicate disclosure omissions to users
Issue a review report without performing additional procedures so investors receive some assurance
Request that management include disclosures or ensure the omission is not misleading; if management refuses and the statements would be misleading, consider withdrawing
Explanation
This question tests responsibilities under AR-C Section 80 when compiled statements may mislead external users. The key facts are the omission of disclosures without clear description to investors. Choice C is correct because AR-C 80 requires requesting corrections if statements are misleading, and withdrawal if refused, to avoid association with deceptive information. Choice A is incorrect as accountants cannot rely solely on management for external communications; choice B is incorrect because compilations provide no assurance. Choice D is incorrect since upgrading to review requires additional procedures. Practitioners should evaluate intended use and potential misleading effects before issuing reports. This framework protects users and the profession from misuse of compiled statements.
A practitioner is engaged to perform a review of a nonissuer not-for-profit’s financial statements. The practitioner identifies that contributions revenue increased 60% while cash receipts are flat; management explains that a large pledge was recorded but cannot provide donor documentation or board approval. Which report modification is appropriate given the circumstances if the practitioner cannot resolve the matter through additional procedures?
Issue a disclaimer of opinion because the practitioner could not obtain audit evidence
Issue an unmodified review report because the practitioner is not required to obtain evidence beyond management inquiry
Modify the review report to express a qualified conclusion or adverse conclusion due to a material misstatement
Issue a compilation report that disclaims assurance and does not mention the unresolved issue
Explanation
This question tests reporting modifications under AR-C Section 90 for review engagements with unresolved material misstatements. The key facts are the unexplained increase in contributions revenue without documentation, indicating a potential misstatement. Choice B is correct because AR-C 90 requires a qualified or adverse conclusion when material misstatements cannot be resolved, reflecting the impact on limited assurance. Choice A is incorrect as practitioners must address unresolved matters beyond inquiry; choice C is incorrect because downgrading to compilation does not resolve the issue. Choice D is incorrect since disclaimers are not standard in reviews but may apply in severe scope limitations under SSARS. Practitioners should assess the pervasiveness of misstatements to choose between qualified or adverse conclusions. This decision rule maintains the credibility of review reports by highlighting known issues.
An accountant is performing a compilation for a nonissuer and is asked to include projected financial information for the next year within the same financial statement package, without labeling it as prospective information. What is the most appropriate action for the accountant to take?
Refuse to include unlabeled prospective information in the historical financial statements; if preparing prospective information, perform and report under the appropriate prospective information standards
Upgrade the engagement to a review and provide negative assurance on the projections
Include the projections as presented because a compilation allows mixing historical and prospective information without additional reporting
Include the projections and add a paragraph stating the accountant does not guarantee results
Explanation
This question tests the inclusion of prospective information in compilation engagements under AR-C Section 80. The key facts are the request to include unlabeled projections in historical statements. Choice B is correct because AR-C 80 prohibits mixing without proper labeling, requiring separate standards like AT-C for prospective information to avoid confusion. Choice A is incorrect as mixing implies inappropriate assurance; choice C is incorrect because guarantees are irrelevant. Choice D is incorrect since reviews require specific procedures. Practitioners should segregate historical and prospective data to match appropriate reporting standards. This rule prevents user misunderstanding of information reliability.
An accountant is engaged to perform a compilation for a nonissuer and discovers that management has recorded revenue from fictitious sales. Management refuses to correct the financial statements. Which report modification is appropriate given the circumstances?
Issue a compilation report with an additional paragraph describing the known fraud and its effects
Issue a standard compilation report because compilations do not require consideration of fraud
Consider withdrawing from the engagement because the financial statements would be misleading, rather than issuing a report on materially misstated information
Issue an adverse opinion because the financial statements are materially misstated
Explanation
This question tests handling known misstatements in compilation engagements under AR-C Section 80. The key facts are the recording of fictitious revenue that management refuses to correct. Choice C is correct because AR-C 80 advises withdrawal if statements are materially misleading to avoid association with fraud. Choice A is incorrect as describing fraud implies assurance; choice B is incorrect because opinions are not issued in compilations. Choice D is incorrect since fraud consideration is required if aware. Practitioners should evaluate misstatement materiality and withdraw if corrections are refused. This rule safeguards professional reputation and user trust.
An accountant is performing a compilation engagement for a nonissuer and is asked by management to include a statement in the report that the accountant “reviewed and verified” the accuracy of inventory quantities. What is the most appropriate action for the accountant to take?
Change the compilation to a review and issue a review report without performing inquiry and analytical procedures
Include the statement because a compilation report can describe additional procedures without changing the level of assurance
Refuse to include the statement because it implies assurance; if additional services were performed, describe them in a separate engagement under appropriate standards
Include the statement and add that no assurance is provided, which eliminates any risk of misunderstanding
Explanation
This question tests the prohibition on implying assurance in compilation reports under AR-C Section 80. The key facts are management's request to include a statement implying verification, which exceeds compilation scope. Choice B is correct because AR-C 80 prohibits implying assurance in compilations, requiring separate engagements for additional procedures. Choice A is incorrect as such statements imply assurance, violating standards; choice C is incorrect because even with disclaimers, the implication risks misunderstanding. Choice D is incorrect since upgrading to review requires performing full procedures under AR-C 90. Practitioners should clearly delineate services to avoid user confusion about assurance levels. This framework ensures compliance with SSARS by matching report language to performed procedures.