The auditing guideline on ‘recording’ requires audit working papers to be sufficient complete and detailed so that an experienced auditor who has no previous connection...

      

The auditing guideline on ‘recording’ requires audit working papers to be sufficient complete and detailed so that an experienced auditor who has no previous connection with the audit is able to subsequently ascertain from working papers the work performed and to further support the conclusions reached thereon.

Required:
(a) State four benefits that the auditor will obtain from the working papers that meet the above requirements.
(b) Outline the contents of a typical:
(i) Current audit file;
(ii) Permanent audit file.

  

Answers


johnson
a) Benefits of working papers

- The reporting partner needs to satisfy himself that work delegated by him has been properly performed. This is only possible by reviewing
detailed working papers prepared by the audit staff who performed the work. This also aids in supervision and review of work done by audit assistants.
- Working papers provide details of problems encountered together with evidence of work performed and conclusions drawn there from in arriving at the conclusions reached. These details can also serve as a good reference point for future audits.
-Preparation of working papers encourages the auditor to adopt a methodical approach to his work.
- Working papers assist in the planning and performance of audits in future financial periods.
- If sued for negligence working papers act as evidence of work done.
-They are used for training of audit staff. Working papers contain audit programs and specimen schedules, which audit assistants, can refer to when conducting an audit.

Current Audit File (CAF):
This file will contain matters only relevant to the current year?s audit only. It will contain:
- A copy of the accounts being audited signed by the directors;
- A file index showing the contents of the file;
- A description of the internal control system inform of questionnaires, flowcharts or forms of documentation;
- Audit programmes showing the audit objectives and planned audit procedures for each of the areas to be audited;
- A schedule of each item in the balance sheet. Each schedule should show:
- Balance at the beginning of the year, changes during the year and balance at the end of the year.
- Details of work performed on each balance, results and the conclusions made
- A schedule for each item in the profit and loss account showing the audit work carried out, results obtained and the conclusion reached;
- Check list for compliance with statutory disclosure requirements and accounting standards;
- Record of queries raised during the audit and coming forward from previous audit.
- Schedule of important statistics e.g. output, net profit margin, gross profit margin, sales composition, liquidity ratios;
- A record or abstract from the minutes of:
- The company
- The directors
- Any internal committee of the company whose deliberations are important to the
auditor.
- The management letter setting out weaknesses in the internal control;
Letters of representation obtained from the client?s management.

ii) Permanent Audit File (PAF):

The permanent file usually contains documents and matters of continuing importance, which are required for more than one financial period. Information contained in a PAF include:
- Statutory material: governing the conduct of the audit e.g. for companies, the Companies Act (Cap 486). For a quoted company a copy of the Nairobi Stock Exchange regulations (NSE) is required.
- Rules and regulations of the enterprise. E.g. for a company, the Memorandum and Articles of Association. For a partnership, a partnership agreement.
- Copies of documents of continuing importance and relevance to the auditor.
-Letter of engagement and minutes of appointment of the auditor.
- Trade license.
- Debenture deeds.
- Lease agreements
- Guarantees and indemnities entered into.
? Addresses of the registered office and all other premises with a short description of the work carried on at each.
? An organisation chart showing: -
- Principal departments and subdivision thereof.
- Names of responsible officials showing lines of responsibility.
? A list of directors their shareholdings and service contracts;
? A list of company?s advisors, bankers, stockbrokers, solicitors, valuers.
johnson mwenjera answered the question on March 22, 2018 at 17:55


Next: You are the audit manager in charge of Car Alarms Ltd. Whose financial year ended on 31 March 1993. Due to the tight schedule...
Previous: Animals often lose energy to the environment. Briefly show how these animals lose energy from their bodies.

View More Accounting Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index


Exams With Marking Schemes

Related Questions