a) Matters to consider when planning the audit
In planning the audit the auditor will need to consider the following:
1. Understanding the accounting and internal control systems
The auditor’s cumulative knowledge of the accounting and internal control
systems and the relative emphasis expected to be placed on tests of control and
substantive procedures.
2. Reviewing matters raised in the previous year’s audit, which may have continuing
relevance in the current year. This is done by reviewing previous year’s working
papers. The auditor will be able to identify areas noted as having weak controls or
specific accounting problems. Attention should be paid to such areas in the audit
plan.
3. Assessing the effects of any changes in legislation or accounting practice affecting
the financial statements of the company. The audit plan should include a review of
these changes and whether the client has complied.
4. The auditor should consult with management and staff of the organization about
current trading circumstances and any significant changes in the business carried
on and the management of the enterprise. E.g. changes in management might
weaken the internal control system.
5. Identify any significant changes in the clients accounting procedures such as
installation of a new computer information system. Changes to a computerized
system could result in weak controls.
6. Conditions requiring special attention such as the existence of related parties.
7. Consider any current or impending financial difficulties, which could face the
company. E.g. shortage of raw materials or failure to raise working capital.
8. The auditor should check the nature and timing of reports and other
communications with the client so that the audit plan accommodates such timings
e.g. he should consider the dates of the annual general meeting, stock taking, dates
when management reports are available.
9. Set materiality levels for audit purposes and in particular identify areas with
material transactions, which call for more audit work.
10.The assessment of internal audit department and level of reliance to be place on its
work. The auditor should also determine the number of audit staff required,
experience and special skills required and the timing of the audit visits.
b) Ways to control the audit
1. Scoping of the work and delegation
First I would determine the scope of the work to be carried out and our client’s
expectation. Basing on this I will identify the staff that I will require to carry
out the work. In doing this I will need to consider, the complexity of the
assignment and the level of experience required of the staff. I will delegate the
work to a team that has appropriate training and experience to carry out the
work
2. Direction
I would give appropriate instructions/directions to the staff I have delegated
the work to. This involves informing assistants of their responsibilities and the
objectives of the procedures they are to perform. This also involves informing
them of matters such as the nature of the entity’s business and possible accounting and auditing problems that may affect the nature, timing and extent
of audit procedures to be performed. I would summarise such instructions in
an audit programme.
3. Supervision of the work
I would supervise the work being carried out by the audit team. This will
include:
? Monitoring the progress of the audit to consider whether assistants have the
necessary skills and competence to carry out their assigned tasks;
? Establish whether assistants understand the audit instructions as
documented in the audit programme;
? Ensure that work is being carried out in accordance with the overall audit
plan and the audit program;
? To identify and address any significant accounting and auditing questions
raised during the audit;
? Resolve any differences of professional judgment between the audit team.
4. Review
Before submitting the work to the partner I will need to review the work done.
This is to ensure that:
? The work has been performed in accordance with the audit program
? The work performed and the results obtained have been adequately
documented.
? All significant audit matters have been resolved or are reflected in audit
conclusions.
? The objectives of the audit procedures have been achieved; and
? The conclusions expressed are consistent with the results of the work
performed and support the audit opinion.
? I would then submit the work done to the audit partner for review.
johnson mwenjera answered the question on August 4, 2018 at 12:26
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Required:
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Date posted: August 4, 2018. Answers (1)
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Sh.
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