Since 1977 AUDITING THEORY AT.1806-The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Fraud, Error and Non-compliance MAY 2015 LECTURE NOTES Auditor's Responsibilities Relating to Fraud and Error Introduction The auditor is responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that the FSs taken as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. Hence, the auditor’s responsibility for the detection of fraud and error is essentially the same. Although fraud is a broad legal concept, the auditor is concerned with fraud that causes a material misstatement in the FSs. In addition, the auditor does not make legal determinations of whether fraud has actually occurred. Types of Fraud is In relation to audit of financial statements: a. Fraudulent financial reporting – Involves intentional misstatements, including omissions of amounts or disclosures in FSs, to deceive FS users, normally involves management. Examples are the following: Manipulation or falsification of financial records Misrepresentation or intentional omission of information in the FSs Intentional misapplication of accounting policies b. Misappropriation of assets (theft) - Involves the theft of an entity’s assets and is often perpetrated by employees in relatively small and immaterial amounts. However, it can also involve management and TCWG. Examples of this type of fraud are the following: Embezzling receipts Lapping of accounts receivable Entity funds sent to a personal bank account Inventory items sold personally by entity employees Goods or services paid for by the entity but not received Use of entity assets for personal use sh Th On the other hand, the auditor’s responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the FSs taken as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. The auditor is not responsible for discovering fraud, and is not and cannot be held responsible for the prevention of fraud. Unless the auditor has reason to believe the contrary, the auditor may accept records and documents as genuine. An audit rarely involves the authentication of documents. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m Fraud refers to an intentional act by one or more individuals among management, TCWG, employees, or third parties, involving the use of deception to obtain an unjust or illegal advantage. While, error pertains to unintentional misstatements or omissions in FSs, including the omission of an amount or disclosure. Differentiating fraud from error requires professional judgment. The risk of not fraud is higher than error because fraud may be concealed, especially if through collusion. environment and implement internal control policies and procedures to prevent and detect fraud. On the other hand, TCWG, through its oversight function, shall ensure the integrity of accounting and financial reporting systems and that appropriate controls are in place. As to perpetrator: a. Management fraud – refers to fraud involving one or more members of management or TCWG. b. Employee fraud – refers to fraud involving only employees of the entity. The risk of the auditor not detecting management fraud is greater than for employee fraud, because management may override otherwise effective internal controls. Responsibility of Management and Those Charged with Governance (TCWG) vs. that of the Auditor The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both TCWG of the entity and management. Management shall establish a control The auditor shall perform the procedures below following the risk-based audit process: maintaining an attitude of professional skepticism; exercising professional judgment; holding engagement team discussion (‘brainstorming’); performing RAP and related activities; identifying and assessing the ROMM due to fraud; responding to assessed ROMM due to fraud; evaluating the audit evidence and the results of audit; communicating misstatements resulting from fraud; obtaining management representations; considering withdrawing from engagement; and documenting the results of work. Discussion Among the Engagement Team This discussion shall place particular emphasis on how and where the entity’s FSs may be susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud, including how fraud might occur. The team shall set aside beliefs that management and TCWG are honest and have integrity. Performing RAP and Related Activities Management and Others within the Entity The auditor shall make inquiries of management, and others within the entity as appropriate, to determine whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud affecting the entity. The auditor shall make inquiries of internal audit to determine whether it has knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud affecting the entity, and to obtain its views about the risks of fraud. Those Charged with Governance (TCWG) The auditor shall obtain an understanding of how TCWG exercise oversight of management’s processes for identifying and responding to the risks of fraud in the entity and the internal control that management has established to mitigate these risks. TCWG of an entity have oversight responsibility for systems for monitoring risk, financial control and compliance with the law. The auditor shall make inquiries of TCWG to determine whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud affecting the entity. These inquiries are made in part to corroborate the responses to the inquiries of management. This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 1 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. Unusual or Unexpected Relationships Identified The auditor shall consider whether other information obtained by the auditor indicates ROMM due to fraud. Irrespective of the auditor’s assessment of the risks of management override of controls, the auditor shall design and perform audit procedures to: a. Test the journal entries and other adjustments made in the preparation of the FSs. b. Review accounting estimates for biases. c. For significant transactions that are outside the normal course of business for the entity, or appear to be unusual, the auditor shall evaluate business rationale (or the lack thereof) of the transactions. Evaluation of Fraud Risk Factors Evaluating Audit Evidence and Results of Audit Fraud risks factors refer to events or conditions that indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. The three conditions (the fraud triangle or characteristics) generally present when fraud occurs are: a) Attitudes or rationalizations – Those involved in the fraud are able to rationalize committing a fraudulent act. This relates to either a person committing the fraud, or to the entity’s control environment. b) Incentives or pressures – Management and employees have an incentive (e.g., benefit or enrichment) or are under pressure (e.g., threat of losing their job), which provides a reason to commit fraud. c) Opportunities – Circumstances making execution of fraud possible. These circumstances exist when a person is generally trusted, internal control is perceived to be easily overridden, or the individual knows about deficiencies in internal control. Based on the audit procedures performed and the audit evidence obtained, to evaluate whether the assessments of the ROMM at the assertion level remain appropriate. This evaluation is primarily a qualitative matter based on the auditor’s judgment. The auditor shall evaluate whether unusual or unexpected relationships that have been identified in performing analytical procedures, including those related to revenue accounts, may indicate ROMM due to fraud. Identifying and Assessing the ROMM Due to Fraud The auditor shall identify and assess the ROMM due to fraud at the FSs level, and at the assertion level for classes of transactions, account balances and disclosures. Risks of Fraud in Revenue Recognition The auditor shall, based on a presumption that there are risks of fraud in revenue recognition, evaluate which types of revenue, revenue transactions or assertions give rise to such risks. Otherwise, auditor shall document when this presumption is not applicable. For example, when revenue recognition is a single type of simple revenue transaction, e.g., leasehold revenue from a single unit rental property. Understanding the Entity’s Related Controls Th is The auditor shall treat assessed ROMM due to fraud as significant risks and accordingly, obtain an understanding of the entity’s related controls, including control activities. Responding to Assessed ROMM Due to Fraud Overall Responses Analytical Procedures Performed in the Overall Review of the Financial Statements The auditor shall evaluate whether analytical procedures that are performed when forming an overall conclusion as to whether the FSs as a whole are consistent with the auditor’s understanding of the entity and its environment indicate a previously unrecognized ROMM due to fraud. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m Other Information sh The auditor shall determine overall responses to address the assessed ROMM due to fraud at the FSs level. Audit Procedures Responsive to Assessed Risks of Material Misstatement Due to Fraud at the Assertion Level The auditor shall design and perform FAP whose nature, timing and extent are responsive to the assessed ROMM due to fraud at the assertion level. Audit Procedures Responsive to Risks Related to Management Override of Controls Management is in a unique position to perpetrate fraud because of management’s ability to manipulate accounting records and prepare fraudulent FSs by overriding controls that otherwise appears to be operating effectively. Due to the unpredictable way in which such override could occur, it is a ROMM due to fraud and thus a significant risk. Consideration of Identified Misstatements The auditor’s actions depend on whether the fraud that has been discovered or suspected is material or immaterial: If immaterial: o Refer to appropriate level of management (one level above the person involved) o Gain satisfaction no FSs effect If material or unable to evaluate whether material or immaterial: o Consider implications for audit, e.g., reliability of management representations o Investigate further, i.e., discuss with appropriate level of management (one level above the person involved) o Obtain evidence of fraud and its effects o Suggest client consult legal counsel Communication of Misstatements due to Fraud In the exceptional circumstances where the auditor has doubts about the integrity or honesty of management or TCWG, the auditor may consider it appropriate to obtain legal advice to assist in determining the appropriate course of action. Communication To Management The communication enables management to act on a timely basis. The communication is made even if the matter might be considered inconsequential (for example, a minor defalcation by an employee at a low level in the entity’s organization). The determination whom to communicate is a matter of professional judgment which normally is at least one level above the person involved. Communication With Those Charged With Governance The auditor’s communication with TCWG may be made orally or in writing. Due to the nature and sensitivity of fraud involving senior management, or fraud that results in a material misstatement in the FSs, the auditor reports such matters on a timely basis and may consider it necessary to also report such matters in writing. In some cases, the auditor may consider it appropriate to communicate with TCWG when the auditor becomes aware of fraud involving employees other than management that This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 2 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. does not result in a material misstatement. Similarly, TCWG may wish to be informed of such circumstances. Communications to Regulatory and Enforcement Authorities The auditor’s professional duty to maintain the confidentiality of client information may preclude reporting fraud to a party outside the client entity. However, the regulatory requirements, statute, the law or courts of law overrides this duty. For example, under a BSP requirement, the auditor of a financial institution has a statutory duty to report the occurrence of fraud to the BSP. Also, under an SEC requirement, the auditor has a duty to report material audit findings, such as those involving fraud or error. Communication of Misstatements due to Error Management Written Representations The auditor shall obtain written representations from management that: a. It acknowledges its responsibility for internal control to prevent and detect fraud; b. It has disclosed to the auditor: the results of its assessment of the risk that the FSs may be materially misstated due to fraud; its knowledge or suspicion of fraud involving: management; employees who have significant roles in internal control; or others where the fraud could have a material effect on the FSs; and its knowledge of any allegations of fraud, or suspected fraud, affecting the entity’s FSs communicated by employees, former employees, analysts, regulators or others. Auditor Unable to Continue the Engagement is Examples of these exceptional circumstances include: The entity does not take the appropriate action regarding fraud that the auditor considers necessary, even when the fraud is not material to the FSs; The auditor’s consideration of the ROMM due to fraud and the results of audit tests indicate a significant risk of material and pervasive fraud; or The auditor has significant concern about the competence or integrity of management or TCWG. Th Auditor’s Responsibility to Consider Laws and Regulations Introduction The auditor needs to consider the applicable laws and regulations to the entity in FSs audit because compliance and non-compliance with those laws and regulations affect the FSs in many ways. In addition, those laws and regulations to which an entity is subject constitute the legal and regulatory framework in which the entity operates. Nature and Definition of Non-compliance Non-compliance–Acts of omission or commission by the entity (intentional or unintentional), which are contrary to the prevailing laws or regulations. Such acts include transactions entered into by, or in the name of, the entity, or on its behalf, by TCWG, management or employees. However, non-compliance does not include personal misconduct (unrelated to the business activities of the entity) by TCWG, management or employees of the entity. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m The auditor should communicate to management (and to TCWG, where necessary) any identified material misstatements resulting from error. In addition, the auditor should communicate also to TCWG those uncorrected misstatements aggregated by the auditor during the audit that were deemed by management as immaterial to the FSs. d) Results of the audit procedures; e) Communications about fraud made to management, TCWG, regulators and others; and f) Reasons for that conclusion ROMM due to fraud related to revenue recognition is not applicable. sh If, as a result of circumstances, the auditor shall: a) Consider whether it is appropriate to withdraw from the engagement; and b) If the auditor withdraws: Discuss with the appropriate level of management and TCWG, including the reasons thereof; and Determine whether there is a professional or legal requirement to report to the person or persons or, in some cases, to regulatory authorities. Documentation The auditor’s documentation shall include the: a) Significant decisions reached during ‘brainstorming’ regarding the susceptibility of the entity’s FSs to material misstatement due to fraud; b) Identified and assessed ROMM due to fraud at the FSs level and at the assertion level. c) Responses to the assessed ROMM: the overall responses and the nature, timing and extent of FAP; Types of Laws and Regulations In relation to audit of FSs, there are two types: a. Direct effect–Amounts and disclosures, as a result of compliance, are reported on the FSs such as tax and pension laws and regulations b. Indirect effect–Relates primarily to operations of the entity but does not have a direct effect on an entity’s FSs. However non-compliance may result in fines, litigation or other consequences for the entity that may have a material effect on the FSs. Examples may include compliance with the terms of an operating license, regulatory solvency requirements, or environmental regulations. Responsibility for Compliance with Laws and Regulations Responsibility of Management for Compliance with Laws and Regulations Management, with the oversight of TCWG, is responsible for ensuring that the entity’s operations are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations. Responsibility of the Auditor The auditor is responsible for obtaining reasonable assurance that the FSs, taken as a whole, are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. The auditor shall identify ROMM of the FSs due to noncompliance with laws and regulations. However, the auditor is not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the auditor is entitled to assume the entity is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations affecting the client In the context of laws and regulations, the potential effects of inherent limitations on the auditor’s ability to detect material misstatements are greater because: Many laws and regulations, relating principally to the operating aspects of an entity, do not affect the FSs. Non-compliance may be concealed, management override of controls or intentional misrepresentations to the auditor. This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 3 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. Whether an act constitutes non-compliance is ultimately determined by a court of law. Ordinarily, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the FSs, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognize the non-compliance. The Auditor’s Consideration of Compliance with Laws and Regulations Obtaining an Understanding of the Legal and Regulatory Framework As part of obtaining an understanding of the entity and its environment, the auditor shall obtain a general understanding of: a) The legal and regulatory framework applicable to the entity and the industry or sector in which the entity operates; and b) How the entity is complying with that framework. Direct Effect Laws and Regulations Audit Procedures If the auditor suspects there may be non-compliance, the auditor shall discuss the matter with management and, where appropriate, TCWG. If management or, as appropriate, TCWG do not provide sufficient information that supports that the entity is in compliance with laws and regulations and, in the auditor’s judgment, the effect of the suspected non-compliance may be material to the FSs, the auditor shall consider the need to obtain legal advice. Evaluating the Implications of Non-Compliance The auditor shall evaluate the implications of noncompliance in relation to other aspects of the audit, including the auditor’s risk assessment and the reliability of written representations, and take appropriate action. In exceptional cases, the auditor may consider whether, unless prohibited by law or regulation, withdrawal from the engagement is necessary when management or TCWG do not take the necessary remedial action, even when the non-compliance is not material but the auditor may consider seeking legal advice. If withdrawal is prohibited, the auditor may consider alternative actions, including describing the non-compliance in an Other Matter(s) paragraph in the auditor’s report. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m The auditor shall obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding compliance with the provisions of those laws and regulations with direct effect on the material amounts and disclosures in the FSs. b) Further information to evaluate the possible effect on the FSs. Indirect Effect Laws and Regulations The auditor shall perform the following to identify noncompliance that may have a material effect on the FSs: a. Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, TCWG, as to whether the entity is in compliance with such laws and regulations; and b. Inspecting correspondence, if any, with the relevant licensing or regulatory authorities. Non-Compliance Brought to the Auditor’s Attention by Other Audit Procedures During the audit, the auditor shall remain alert to the possibility that other audit procedures applied may bring instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations to the auditor’s attention. Reporting of Identified or Suspected NonCompliance Reporting to Those Charged with Governance The auditor shall communicate to TCWG matters involving non-compliance with laws and regulations, unless those are clearly inconsequential and they are involved in management and already aware of it. If the auditor suspects that management or TCWG is involved in non-compliance, communicate the matter to the next higher level of authority at the entity, if it exists. Otherwise consider obtaining legal advice. Reporting in the Auditor’s Report Results No sufficient appropriate audit evidence obtained as precluded by management or TCWG No sufficient appropriate audit evidence obtained imposed by circumstances Contains material misstatement Written Representations Reporting to Regulatory and Enforcement Authorities The auditor shall request management and, where appropriate, TCWG to provide written representations that all known instances of non-compliance or suspected noncompliance with laws and regulations whose effects should be considered when preparing FSs have been disclosed. If the auditor has identified or suspects non-compliance with laws and regulations, determine whether the auditor has a responsibility to report the identified or suspected non-compliance to parties outside the entity. sh Th is Audit procedures applied to form an opinion on the FSs may bring instances of non-compliance or suspected noncompliance with laws and regulations to the auditor’s attention. For example, such audit procedures may include: reading minutes; inquiring of the entity’s management and in-house legal counsel or external legal counsel concerning litigation, claims and assessments; and performing substantive tests of details of classes of transactions, account balances or disclosures. No Identified or Suspected Non-compliance In the absence of identified or suspected non-compliance, the auditor is not required to perform audit procedures regarding the entity’s compliance with laws and regulations, other than those set out above. Audit Procedures When Non-Compliance Is Identified or Suspected The auditor shall obtain: a) An understanding of the nature of the act and the circumstances in which it has occurred; and Evaluate effect on audit report Qualified or Adverse Documentation The auditor shall document identified or suspected noncompliance with laws and regulations and the results of discussion with management and, where applicable, TCWG and other parties outside the entity. For example: copies of records or documents or minutes of discussions held with management, TCWG or parties outside the entity. www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ Qualified or Disclaimer The auditor’s professional duty to maintain the confidentiality of client information may preclude reporting identified or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations to a party outside the entity. This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 4 of 9 Opinion - done - AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. MULTIPLE CHOICE Fraud and Error Fraud vs. Error 1. What is the primary determinate in the difference between fraud and errors? a. The materiality of the misstatement. b. The intent to deceive. c. The level of management involved. d. The type of transaction effected. 2. The following are examples of error, except a. A mistake in gathering or processing data from which financial statements are prepared. b. An incorrect accounting estimate arising from oversight or misinterpretation of facts c. A mistake in the application of accounting principles relating to measurement, recognition, classification, presentation, or disclosure d. Misrepresentation in the financial statements of events, transaction or other significant information is Types of fraud 4. The two types of intentional misstatements that are relevant to the auditor’s consideration of fraud include, misstatements resulting from fraudulent financial reporting and misstatements resulting from misappropriation of assets. Fraudulent financial reporting least likely involve a. Deception such as manipulation, falsification (including forgery), or alteration of accounting records or supporting documents from which the financial statements are prepared b. Misrepresentation in, or intentional omission from, the financial statements of events, transaction or other significant information c. Intentional misapplication of accounting principles relating to measurement, recognition, classification, presentation, or disclosure d. Embezzling receipts, stealing physical assets or intellectual property , causing an entity to pay for goods and services not received, or using an entity’s assets for personal use. sh Th d. Theft of assets covered up by manipulation of accounting records Agreement between two or more persons to commit a criminal act 7. The most difficult type of misstatement to detect is fraud based on a. The overrecording of transactions. b. The nonrecording of transactions. c. Recorded transactions in subsidiaries or incorrect postings of recorded transactions. d. Related-party receivables. Responsibilities for fraud 8. Which statement(s) is(are) incorrect regarding the auditor’s responsibility to consider fraud and error in an audit of financial statements? a. The auditor is not and cannot be held responsible for the prevention of fraud and error being the primary responsibility of both the management and those charged with governance. b. When planning and performing audit procedures and evaluating and reporting the results thereof, the auditor should consider the risk of misstatements in the financial statements resulting from fraud. c. In planning the audit, the auditor should discuss with other members of the audit team the susceptibility of the entity to material statements in the financial statements resulting from fraud or error and exercise professional skepticism (the best method to detect fraud). d. The auditor should design audit programs that will provide reasonable assurance that material errors and fraud will be detected in the ordinary course of the examination. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m 3. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from error because a. The effect of fraudulent act is likely omitted in the accounting records b. Fraud is ordinarily accompanied by acts specifically designed to conceal its existence and auditors do not make legal determinations of whether fraud has actually occurred c. Fraud is always a result of connivance between or among employees d. The auditor is responsible to detect errors but not fraud c. 5. In comparing management fraud with employee fraud, the auditor’s risk of failing to discover the fraud is a. Greater for employee fraud because of the higher crime rate among blue collar workers b. Greater for management fraud because of management’s ability to override existing internal controls, which is always assumed in audit. c. Greater for employee fraud because of the larger number of employees in the organization d. Greater for management fraud because managers are inherently smarter than employees 6. Which of the following constitutes the fraud of larceny? a. Misappropriation of assets that have been entrusted to one’s care b. Theft of assets Engagement Team Discussion (‘Brainstorming’) 9. Brainstorming about the susceptibility of the entity’s financial statements to material misstatement due to fraud include the following advantages? a. Provides an opportunity for more experienced engagement team members to share their insights about how and where the FSs may be susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud and how entity’s assets could be misappropriated b. Enables the auditor to consider an appropriate response to such susceptibility and to determine which members of the engagement team will conduct certain audit procedures. c. Permits the auditor to determine how the results of audit procedures will be shared among the engagement team and how to deal with any allegations of fraud that may come to the auditor’s attention. d. All of the above. Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities 10. Sources of information gathered to assess fraud risks usually do not include: a. Analytical procedures. b. Inquiries of management and others within the entity. c. Communication among audit team members. d. Review of corporate charter and bylaws. 11. Categories of fraud risk factors (whose presence often has been observed in circumstances where frauds have occurred) in relation to misstatements arising from misappropriation of assets and fraudulent financial reporting are: opportunities; attitudes or rationalizations; and pressures or incentives. Which of This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 5 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. the following creates an opportunity for fraud to be committed in an organization? a. Management demands financial success or is aggressive in its application of accounting rules. b. Poor internal control. c. Commitments tied to debt covenants. d. Finding loopholes in the accounting rules to achieve earnings targets. Identifying and Assessing the ROMM due to fraud 12. Which of the following is an example of a common type of financial reporting fraud? a. Capitalizing major overhauls to operating equipment. b. Deferring service revenue until it is delivered to customers. c. Recording sales for inventory sold with the right to return, hence, fraud on revenue recognition is always presumed to exist in absence or conditions to the contrary. d. Excluding a contingent liability that has been settled. 14. As part of designing and performing procedures to address management override of controls, auditors must perform which of the following procedures? a. b. c. d. Examine all journal entries above materiality Yes No Yes No Review accounting estimates for biases Yes No No Yes is Evaluating the Audit Evidence and Results of Audit Circumstances that Indicate the Possibility of Fraud 15. The following are examples of circumstances that may indicate the possibility that the financial statements may contain a material misstatement resulting from fraud, except a. Transactions that are recorded in a complete or timely manner or are properly recorded as to amount, accounting period, classification, or entity policy. b. Unsupported or unauthorized balances or transactions. c. Last-minute adjustments that significantly affect financial results or unusual journal entries. d. Tips or complaints to the auditor about alleged fraud. sh Th c. d. The existence of a financial subsidiary. A consistent record of above average return on investment for all subsidiaries. Complex sales transactions and transfers of funds between affiliated companies. Use of separate bank accounts for payrolls by each subsidiary. Communicating Misstatements Resulting from Fraud 18. Communication of a misstatement resulting from fraud, or a suspected fraud, or error to the appropriate level of management on a timely basis is important because it enables management to take action as necessary. Ordinarily, the appropriate level of management is a. At least equal to level of persons who appear to be involved with misstatements or suspected fraud b. At least one level above persons who appear to be involved with the misstatement or suspected fraud c. The audit committee of the board of directors d. The head of internal audit department 19. Protection Transparency, Inc. is being audited by Messer and Bromely, LLP. During the assessment of fraud, Messer and Bromely discover that the controller has been creating fictional sales and posting them to the general ledger. Who should the auditors make aware of this issue? a. Protection Transparency's legal counsel. b. The law enforcement agency. c. The chairman of audit committee. d. The predecessor auditor. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m Responding to Assessed ROMM due to fraud 13. Which of the following is most likely to be an overall response to fraud risks identified in an audit? a. Supervise members of the audit team less closely and rely more upon judgment. b. Use less predictable audit procedures. c. Only use certified public accountants on the engagement. d. Place increased emphasis on the audit of objective transactions rather than subjective transactions. a. b. 16. The following are examples of circumstances that may indicate the possibility that the financial statements may contain a material misstatement resulting from fraud, except a. Missing documents. b. Documents that appear to have been altered. c. Unavailability of other than photocopied or electronically transmitted documents when documents in original form are expected to exist. d. Significant explained items on reconciliations. Management Representations 20. The auditor least likely obtains written representations from management that: a. It acknowledges its responsibility for the implementation and operations of accounting and internal control systems that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error b. It has disclosed to the auditor its knowledge of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity involving employees who have significant roles in internal control only. c. It has disclosed to the auditor its knowledge of any allegations of fraud, or suspected fraud affecting the entity’s financial statements communicated by employees, former employees, analysts, regulations or others d. It has disclosed to the auditor the results of its assessment of the risk that the financial statements may be materially misstated as a result of fraud Withdrawing from engagement 21. The auditor may encounter exceptional circumstances that bring into question the auditors ability to continue performing the audit, including where a. The entity does not take the remedial action regarding fraud that the auditor considers necessary in the circumstances, even when the fraud is not material to the financial statements b. The auditor’s consideration of the risk of material misstatement resulting from fraud and the results of audit tests indicate a significant risk of material and pervasive fraud c. The auditor has significant concern about the competence or integrity of management or those charged with governance that affect the auditor's ability to rely on management's representations. d. All of the above 17. Which of the following might be considered a "red flag" indicating possible fraud in a large manufacturing company with several subsidiaries? This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 6 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. Documentation 22. PSAs require auditors to document which of the following matters related to the auditor’s consideration of material misstatements due to fraud? a. Reasons supporting a conclusion that there is not a significant risk of material improper expense recognition. b. Procedures performed to obtain information necessary to identify and assess the risks of material fraud. c. Results of the internal auditor’s procedures performed to address the risk of management override of controls. d. Discussions with management regarding separation of duties. is Responsibility for Compliance with Laws and Regulations 24. Which of the following is incorrect about the auditor’s responsibility for evaluating noncompliance by the entity to laws and regulations? a. It is the responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity’s operations are conducted in accordance with laws and regulations, including compliance with laws and regulations that determine the form or content of the entity’s financial statements. This includes responsibility for the prevention and detection of non-compliance with laws and regulations. b. An audit cannot be expected to detect noncompliance with all laws and regulations. Detection of noncompliance, regardless of materiality, requires considerations of the implications for the integrity of management or employees c. Generally, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the more likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognize the possible non-compliance. This is because an illegal act by the client often relate to operating aspects rather than accounting aspects. d. In order to plan the audit, the auditor should obtain a general understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the entity and the industry and how the entity is complying with that framework. sh Th b. c. d. When the auditor becomes aware of information concerning a possible instance of noncompliance, the auditor shall obtain an understanding of the nature of the act and the circumstances in which it has occurred and evaluate the possible effect on the financial statements. If the auditor has identified or suspects noncompliance with laws and regulations, the auditor shall determine whether the auditor has a responsibility to report the identified or suspected noncompliance to parties outside the entity. The auditor shall document identified or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations but not the results of discussion with management, and where applicable, those charged with governance and other parties outside the entity. The auditor may withdraw from the engagement when the entity does not take the remedial action that the auditor considers necessary in the circumstances, even when the noncompliance is not material to the financial statements or affects auditor’s ability to rely on management representations. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations Nature, Definition and Types 23. Which statement is incorrect regarding the auditor’s consideration of laws and regulations in an audit of financial statements? a. Noncompliance refers to acts of omission or commission by the entity being audited which are contrary to prevailing laws and regulations b. Noncompliance includes transactions entered into by, or in the name of, the entity, or on its behalf, by TCWG, management or employees. c. Noncompliance includes personal misconduct of the entity’s management or employees though they are unrelated to the entity’s business activities d. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the auditor is entitled to assume the entity is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations affecting the client. a. The Auditor’s Consideration of Compliance with Laws and Regulations 25. Which of the following is incorrect about the auditor’s responsibility for evaluating noncompliance by the entity to laws and regulations? Indications of Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations 26. According to PSA 250 (Consideration of Laws and Regulations in an Audit of Financial Statements), the following are indications that noncompliance may have occurred, except a. Investigation by government departments or payment of fines or penalties b. Adverse media comment c. Authorized transactions or properly recorded transactions d. Purchasing at prices significantly above or below market price 27. Examples of the type of information that may come to the auditor's attention that may indicate that noncompliance with laws or regulations has occurred least likely include a. Payments for unspecified services or loans to consultants, related parties, employees or government employees. b. Purchasing at prices significantly above or below market price. c. Unauthorized transactions or improperly recorded transactions. d. Payments with proper exchange control documentation. Audit Procedures When Non-Compliance Is Identified or Suspected 28. When an auditor becomes aware of a possible illegal act by a client, the auditor should obtain an understanding of the nature of the act to a. Increase the assessed level of control risk. b. Recommend remedial actions to the audit committee. c. Evaluate the effect on the financial statements and may consider seeking legal advice especially when involving members of senior management, including members of the board of directors. d. Determine the reliability of management’s representations. 29. Which of the following statements is usually true? a. It is easier for the auditor to uncover fraud than errors. b. It is easier for the auditor to uncover indirecteffect illegal acts than fraud. c. The auditor’s responsibility for detecting directeffect illegal acts is similar to the responsibility to detect fraud. This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 7 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. d. The auditor’s responsibility for detecting indirecteffect illegal acts is similar to the responsibility to detect fraud. Reporting of Identified or Suspected Non-Compliance 30. Which of the following is the auditor least likely to do when aware of an illegal act? a. Discuss the matter with the client’s legal counsel. b. c. d. Obtain evidence about the potential effect of the illegal act on the financial statements. Contact the local law enforcement officials regarding potential criminal wrongdoing. Consider the impact of the illegal act on the relationship with the company’s management. - now do the DIY drill - DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) DRILL 1. Which of the following are most often involved in perpetrating fraud in financial statement reporting? a. The auditors and the attorneys. b. The audit committee members. c. The chief executive and chief financial officers. d. The accounts payable clerks. 3. Which of the following most accurately defines professional skepticism as it is used in auditing standards? a. It either assumes management is honest or slightly dishonest, but neither all the time. b. It neither assumes that management is dishonest nor assumes unquestioned honesty. c. It assumes management is honest most of the time. d. It assumes that management is dishonest in only rare instances. is 4. Brainstorming about the manner in which fraud may be committed should include all of the following except a. how management could perpetrate and conceal fraudulent financial reporting b. any unusual or unexplained changes in behavior or lifestyle of management or employees c. any fraud risk factors observed to be present in the engagement d. all of the above Th 8. How will the results of the auditor's assessment of fraud risk factors further affect the planned audit procedures? a. Audit procedures and fraud assessment do not relate. b. The assessment may require a re-audit of previous periods. c. By the assignment of qualified audit staff to risky areas of the engagement. d. Management will be called upon to assist in coordinating audit procedures. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m 2. Audits of financial statements are designed to obtain reasonable assurance of detecting material misstatements due to a. b. c. d. Errors Yes Yes Yes No Fraudulent financial Yes Yes No Yes reporting Misappropriation of Yes No Yes No assets Direct-effect illegal acts Yes No Yes No 7. Which of the following is least likely to be required on an audit in accordance with PSAs? a. Test appropriateness of journal entries and adjustment. b. Review accounting estimates for biases. c. Evaluate the business rationale for significant unusual transactions. d. Make a legal determination of whether fraud has occurred. sh 5. Which of the following best represents actions that may indicate fraud is pervasive throughout the company under audit? a. The company's management negotiates deals with vendors in such a manner as to pay lower prices. b. The company's management drives luxury vehicles and takes personal vacations to exotic places. c. The company's management takes an overly aggressive approach to revenue recognition. d. The company's management estimates bad debts using an aged accounts receivables ledger rather than as a percent of sales. 6. If the audit team discovers that fraud risk factors are present on an engagement, it should then: a. resign from the client and inform the audit committee and regulatory authorities. b. modify procedures to actively search for the existence of fraud. c. reduce the amount of evidence required and resort to management inquiry. d. turn the audit over to forensic accountants. 9. The following are examples of circumstances that may indicate the possibility that the financial statements may contain a material misstatement resulting from fraud, except a. Fewer responses to confirmations than anticipated or a greater number of responses than anticipated. b. Large numbers of debit entries and other adjustments made to accounts receivable records. c. Missing inventory or physical assets of significant magnitude. d. Unusual discrepancies between the entity's records and confirmation replies. 10. If an auditor believes a client may have committed illegal acts, which of the following actions should the auditor take? a. Consult with the client’s counsel and the auditor’s counsel to determine how the suspected illegal acts will be communicated to stockholders. b. Extend auditing procedures to determine whether the suspected illegal acts have a material effect on the financial statements. c. Make inquiries of the client’s management and obtain an understanding of the circumstances underlying the acts and of other evidence to determine the effects of the acts on the financial statements. d. Notify each member of the audit committee of the board of directors about the nature of the acts and request that they advise an approach to be taken by the auditor. 11. Which of the following is an auditor responsible for concerning the detection of illegal activities of an audit client? a. Assess the inherent risk of material misstatements due to illegal acts b. Monitor legal requirements and ensure that the client’s operating procedures are designed to meet these requirements, for the period under audit c. Ensure that the client appoints an audit committee This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ Page 8 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ AT.1806 EXCEL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. d. Ensure that the client’s internal auditors act in an ethical manner 12. An auditor who discovers that a client's employees paid small bribes to municipal officials most likely would withdraw from the engagement if a. The payments violated the client's policies regarding the prevention of illegal acts. b. The client receives financial assistance from a federal government agency. c. Documentation that is necessary to prove that the bribes were paid does not exist. d. Management fails to take the appropriate remedial action and reliance on management’s representation becomes doubtful. 13. If an illegal act is discovered during the audit of a publicly held company, the auditor should a. Notify the regulatory authorities. b. Determine who was responsible for the act. c. Modify the extent of auditing procedures. d. Report the act to high-level personnel within the client's organization. 15. Which of the following could indicate that the risk of fraud and other irregularities perpetrated by senior management is higher than normal? a. There are very few related party transactions. b. The auditor has not audited this client before. c. Management turnover is unusually high. d. The auditor discovers a GAAP departure during the audit. is 16. The following are examples of circumstances that may indicate the possibility that the financial statements may contain a material misstatement resulting from fraud, except a. Undue time pressures imposed by management to resolve complex or contentious issues. b. Complaints by management about the conduct of the audit or management intimidation of engagement team members, particularly in connection with the auditor’s critical assessment of 17. The following are examples of circumstances that may indicate the possibility that the financial statements may contain a material misstatement resulting from fraud, except a. Unwillingness by management to permit the auditor to meet privately with those charged with governance. b. Accounting policies that appear to be consistent with industry norms. c. Frequent changes in accounting estimates that do not appear to result from changed circumstances. d. Tolerance of violations of the entity’s Code of Conduct 18. Brainstorming about the manner in which fraud may be committed should include all of the following except a. Consider factors that might affect management motivation to misstate the financial statements b. Consider weaknesses in internal control that would allow a fraud to take place or management override of controls c. Consider the materiality of the individual account balances for substantive testing d. Consider factors that may enable an individual capable of committing a fraud to rationalize perpetrating it 19. In evaluating the effect of fraud upon the audit procedures the auditor should consider a. The type of fraud that may occur. b. The potential significance and likelihood of occurrence of fraud. c. The pervasiveness of fraud detected. d. All of the above. 20. Relative to internal controls, what is a primary risk of fraud in the client company? a. The risk that management overrides controls. b. The risk that management changes controls each year. c. The risk that management carefully enforces and monitors controls. d. The risk that the audit committee monitors controls. - end of AT.1806 - sh Th d. ar stu ed d y vi re aC s o ou urc rs e eH w er as o. co m 14. Which of the following is least likely to be included in an auditor's inquiry of management while obtaining information to identify the risks of material misstatement due to fraud? a. Are financial reporting operations controlled by and limited to one location? b. Does it have knowledge of fraud or suspect fraud? c. Does it have programs to mitigate fraud risks? d. Has it reported to the audit committee the nature of the company's internal control? c. audit evidence or in the resolution of potential disagreements with management. Usual delays by the entity in providing requested information An unwillingness to address identified weaknesses in internal control on a timely basis. https://www.coursehero.com/file/14402586/AT1806-Fraud-Error-and-Non-compliancepdf/ This study source was downloaded by 100000810187419 from CourseHero.com on 05-18-2022 02:37:43 GMT -05:00 Page 9 of 9 www.prtc.com.ph https://www.coursehero.com/file/20798398/The-Auditors-Responsibilities/ Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) AT.1806