REASONABLE ASSURANCE|Fundamentals of Auditing| Lessons Fr... http://www.zainbooks.com/books/acounting-and-Finance/fundamental... Share | Powered by Translate Search H OM E T op i c s Li st C onta c t Us RMSS - Risk Management <Previous Lesson Enterprise Risk Intelligence Risk / Events / Compliance Lesson#5 Fundamentals of Auditing Next Lesson> REASONABLE ASSURANCE www.rmss.com.au PG Diploma in Risk Mgmt. Online material backed by Textbooks E-Library,Student Care.Enrol Now! www.utsglobal.edu.in Standard Chartered Bank Get Home Loan Decision in 5 Days* Simple & Fast Home Loans. Apply Now MortgageLoans-StandardCharter; REASONABLE ASSURANCE What is reasonable assurance? It means a conclusion that the financial statements are not materially misstated. An auditor cannot obtain absolute assurance because of limitations described in paragraph below. Reasonable assurance through audit evidence Audit evidence: • For internal control • For transactions & accounts balances Full time MBA at ITM Business Schools Admissions Open for 2012. Apply Now • For financial statements Factors affecting reasonable assurance ITM.edu/PGDM Working Capital Finance PNJ Legal offers various finance options. Call +91-8447702090 lclimitfunding.blogspot.com i) Inherent limitation of an audit, i.e. failure of audit procedures to detect material misstatements in financial statements because of: a) The use of testing (application of procedures on samples). b) The inherent limitations of accounting and internal control system. c) Persuasive nature of audit evidence rather than conclusive (Persuasive: one leading to an opinion; one which causes to believe; Conclusive: final, convincing). ii) Exercise of judgment by the auditor in gathering of evidence and drawing of conclusion. iii) Existence of other limitations like related parties etc. Inherent Limitations of Accounting and Internal Control • Management over rides • Collusion with employees • Collusion with third party • Unaffordable cost of internal control • Human error Accordingly, because of the factors described above an audit is not a guarantee that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, because absolute assurance is not attainable. Further, an audit opinion does not assure the future viability of the entity nor the efficiency or effectiveness with which management has conducted the affairs of the entity AUDIT RISK AND MATERIALITY Entities pursue strategies to achieve their objectives, and depending on the nature of their operations and industry, the regulatory environment in which they operate, and their size and complexity, they face a variety of business risk. Management is responsible for identifying such risks and responding to them. However, not all risks relate to the preparation of the financial statements. The auditor is ultimately concerned only with risks that may affect the financial statements. The auditor obtains and evaluates audit evidence to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements give a true and fair view or are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. The concept to reasonable assurance acknowledges that there is a risk the audit opinion is inappropriate. The risk that the auditor expresses an inappropriate audit opinion when the financial statements are materially misstated is known as “audit risk”. Audit Risk The risk that the auditor expresses inappropriate audit opinion when the financial statements are materially misstated. The concept of reasonable assurance acknowledges that there is a risk the audit opinion is in appropriate. page 14 Materiality Risk of material misstatement levels: • Overall Financial Statement level 1 of 2 Next Lesson Previous Lesson Lesson Plan Topics Home Go to Top 13-01-2012 15:30 REASONABLE ASSURANCE|Fundamentals of Auditing| Lessons Fr... http://www.zainbooks.com/books/acounting-and-Finance/fundamental... • Often relates to entity’s control environment • Also relates to declining economic conditions • Transactions, account balances, & disclosures level Auditor is not responsible for detection of misstatements that are not material. The auditor should plan and perform the audit to reduce audit risk to an acceptably low level that is consistent with the objective of an audit Responsibility for the Financial Statements: Responsibilities for preparing and presenting the financial statements are that of management. Auditor’s responsibility is to express an opinion thereon. This responsibility includes: • Designing, implementing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; • Selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and • Making accounting estimates. <Previous Lesson Home Fundamentals of Auditing Lesson Plan Topics Next Lesson> Go to Top Next Lesson Previous Lesson Lesson Plan Topics Home Go to Top 2 of 2 13-01-2012 15:30