The Audit Process - Setting Terms for the Engagement

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CPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD) › The Audit Process - Setting Terms for the Engagement

Questions 1 - 6
1

At a minimum, an understanding with a client should include:

The specific audit procedures the auditor plans to perform

The objectives and limitations of the engagement, as well as the responsibilities of management and of the auditor

The assessed level of the risk of material misstatement

The auditor's opinion regarding whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement

Explanation

At a minimum, an understanding with a client should include the objectives and limitations of the engagement, as well as the responsibilities of management and of the auditor.

2

The engagement letter specifically mentions

The auditor’s responsibility

The responsibility of the AICPA

The responsibility of SEC

The responsibility of PCAOB

Explanation

Auditors' communication with predecessor auditor may be either oral or in written form. The preferred standard however is written.

3

Of the following examples, which would dictate the need for an Other-Matter paragraph?

Reference to required supplementary information

Going concern issue

Material justified change in an accounting principle

Special purpose framework

Explanation

If there is a piece of information critically important to the understanding of financial statements, the auditor will point it out through an Other-Matter paragraph.

4

An auditor's engagement letter would most likely include a statement regarding:

Management's responsibility to provide certain written representations to the auditor

Materialty matters that could modify the auditor's preliminary assessment of fraud risk

Internal control activities that would reduce the auditor's assessment of risk

Conditions under which the auditor may modify the preliminary judgement about materiality

Explanation

The auditor is required to establish an understanding with the client, and this understanding should be documented in the form of an engagement letter. The understanding should encompass management's responsibilities which include providing the auditor with a representation letter at the conclusion of the engagement.

5

Communication with predecessor auditor should include:

Information regarding appropriate fees

Disagreements with management related to accounting or auditing issues

Predecessors agreement with the change in auditors

An assessment of management performance

Explanation

In developing an audit plan, the engagement partner should identify the scope of the audit. Management is not involved in determining what opinion may be given by the auditors.

6

Auditors communication with predecessor auditor must be

Verbal

Written

either a or b

neither a or b

Explanation

Among the items communicated with predecessor auditors are any disagreements with management. The purpose of this communication is to disclose any attempt to circumvent the applications of GAAP.

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