Auditing Hw Solutions

Chapter 1 SOLUTIONS FOR EXERCISES AND PROBLEMS 1. 47 visit, Attestation, and self-assurance Services Students whitethorn encounter some difficulty with this duplicate question beca practise the excisional Committee on Assurance Services (SCAS) listed m both things that heretofore puzzle been argueed attestation divine serve ups (long before assurance services were invented). As a essence, we recollect that this question is a good vehicle for discussing the considerable overlap between attestation and assurance services. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Real estate demand studies Assurance serviceB all toldot for awards show Assurance service Utility estimates applications Assurance service Newspaper circulation canvass Assurance service Third-party reimbursement maximization Assurance service Annual m unmatchedtary report to shareholders studyed account service Rental property operations review Assurance service Examination of monetary forecasts and projections Attesta tion service Customer satis concomitantion surveys Assurance service Compliance with contractual requirements Attestation service Benchmarking/best practices Assurance serviceE evaluation of investment centering policies Assurance service Information bodys security reviews Assurance service productiveness statistics Assurance service ? ? Internal canvass strategic review Assurance service Financial statements submitted to a intrust bring officer visit service 1. 48 Controller as size upor When Hughes confederation hired the certified exoteric accountant, she or he can no longer be considered independent with respect to the annual size uped accounted account and, as a result, can no longer perform an independent visit of the fiscal statements.It is true that the in-house certified public accountant can perform all procedural analyses that would be required of an independent audit however, it is extremely unlikely that the CPA could inspire the confidence of users of pecu niary statements outside the federation. Because she or he is no longer independent of the political party, the CPA can non modify the perception of electric potential conflict of interest that creates demand for the independent audit. As a matter of ethics rules, this CPA would be prohibited from signing the standard unqualified attest sagacity.Moreover, if Hughes were a public connection, under Sarbanes-Oxley, it would be restricted from hiring one of its tenders into a senior be position for a full year under Section 206 of the practice of right. 1. 49 ASB Assertions PCAOB Assertion Corresponding ASB assertion Nature of assertion Existence or accompaniment Existence Occurrence Balance proceedings Disclosures Rights and Obligations Rights and Obligations Balances Disclosures Completeness Completeness Trans activitys Balances Disclosures Cutoff valuation and Allocation Accuracy Transactions Transactions Disclosures Valuation Balances DisclosuresPresentation and Disclosu re Classification Transactions Disclosures Understand major power Disclosures 1. 51 Auditor as Guarantor. slit Starkin awaits to be uninformed on the fol funkying points Inform your neighbor that Dodge management is primarily trusty for preparing the pecuniary statements and deciding upon the appropriate accounting principles. The listeners did not prep ar the Dodge Corporation monetary statement. An unqualified opinion does not mean that an investment is safe. Rather, it besides means that the monetary statements ar free of sensible misstatement.Tell your neighbor that the financial statements atomic subjugate 18 a historical record of the business performance. The value of Loots investment depends on future events, including the mevery factors that affect commercialize sets. Thus, the financial statements are just one piece of education that should be analyzed. Tell Loot that the unqualified opinion means only that the statements conform to the appropriate reporting frame make up (e. g. , GAAP) and that the financial statements are free of material misstatement. 1. 52 Identification of Audits and Auditors The responses to this matching type of question are ambiguous.The interlock simulations are real examples of external, inside, and governmental audit emplacements. You might point out to students that the distinctions among compliance, economy and efficiency, and program results audits are not always clear. The solution is shown in the following matrix form, showing some engagement numbers in two or three cells. The required inscription follows. lineament of Audit Engagement Financial Statement Auditor Independent CPA Internal auditor Governmental (GAO) auditor IRS auditor Bank inspector 5 7 2, 10 6, 8 4, 8 1, 3 1, 3, 9 Compliance economic system and Efficiency Program ResultsType of Audit 1. Proprietary schools training put downs Advertising agency financial statements Dept. of Defense launch vehicle Municipal services Tax shelters Test pilot reporting Bank solvency Economy and efficiency or program results Financial statement Economy and efficiency or program results Economy and efficiency Compliance Compliance Compliance Type of Auditor Governmental (GAO) auditors Independent CPAs Governmental (GAO) auditors Internal auditors IRS auditors Internal auditors Bank examiners 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.Materials inspection by manufacturer States reporting chemical use data Sports analyzable forecast Compliance or Economy and Efficiency Program goal Internal auditors 9. Governmental (GAO) auditors Independent CPAs 10. Financial statement 1. 53 Financial Assertions and Audit Objectives The objectives for the audit of Spillanes securities investments at December 31 are to obtain separate just about the assertions implicit in the financial endueation, specifically 1. Existence. dumbfound examine that the securities are bona fide and held by Spillane or a responsible custodian. Occurrence.Obtain evidence that the loan transaction and securities purchase transactions actually took place during the year under audit. 2. Completeness. Obtain evidence that all the securities purchase transactions were recorded. 3. Rights. Obtain evidence that Spillane owned the securities. Obligation. Obtain evidence that $500,000 is the amount actually owed on the loan. 4. Valuation. Obtain evidence of the price and market value of the securities held at December 31. Decide whether any write-downs to market are required by the appropriate reporting framework. 5. Presentation and disclosure.Obtain evidence of the perpetrate nature of the assets, which should mean they should be in a non original compartmentalization like the loan. Obtain evidence that restrictions on the use of the assets are disc neglectd to the full and agree with the loan documents. Chapter 2 2. 54 liberty a. independency in fact relates to the auditors state of mind and reflects an unbiased and impartial perspective with respect to the finan cial statements and late(prenominal) breeding they audit. Independence in attendance relates to others (particularly financial statement users) perceptions of the auditors independence.The two customary types of relationships that compromise auditors independence are financial relationships (owning shares of stock or having an outstanding loan to or from a lymph gland) and managerial relationships (acting in a decision- devising capacity on behalf of a lymph node or providing advice on systems or reading that allow be audited). (1) Although auditors might until now be independent in fact with respect to the audit of the client, the large revenues resulting from these services create a financial interest that many users would find to be troubling.For example, consider the possibility that clients might use the revenues from these services as a bargaining tool with auditors if an issue arises during the audit engagement. Currently, no prohibitions exist on the extent of con sulting services or revenues other than the prohibition of certain types of services and the required approval of nonaudit services by the clients audit committee. This would clearly pose a compromise to auditors independence and would not be permitted under current guidelines.The issues in this side are (1) the fact that the auditor is directly involved with the engagement and (2) the executive-level position occupied by his or her spouse with a client. This introduces a similar issue to (2) but would be less likely to compromise the auditors independence. The major differences in this scenario are (1) the auditor is not directly involved with the engagement, (2) the level of position held by the auditors relative is not at the executive level, and (3) the relationship between the auditor and other individual is not as close.Professional standards would likely not conclude that this situation would compromise the auditors independence. This re yields a direct financial interest in a client. The issue is whether the fact that the staff process is not a part of the engagement team compromises her independence. Professional guidelines would not conclude that this situation compromises the independence of the staff member, but many fasts take for adopted the practice of not permitting any of their professional staff to hold financial interests in their audit clients. . c. (2) (3) (4) 2. 57 Performance Principle Evidence a. Sufficiency refers to the amount of evidence, which is the number of transactions or components of an account balance of class of transactions examined by the audit team. As it relates to evidence, the term appropriate refers to the quality of evidence. Appropriateness is affected by the learning the evidence shows to the audit team (relevance) as well as the extent to which the audit team can trust the evidence (reliability).relevancy refers to the nature of instruction provided by the audit evidence (the assertion or assertions support ed by the evidence). Reliability refers to the extent of trust the audit team can place in the evidence. Relevance and reliability both affect the appropriateness of audit evidence as the relevance and reliability of evidence increases, the appropriateness of evidence increases. b. c. The five basic sources of evidence (from most reliable to least reliable) follow. The solution provides one example, but other possible answers would as well as be acceptable. 1) (2) (3) (4) (5) The auditors direct, personal know conductge, such(prenominal) as physical notification of inventory counts. External documentary evidence, such as halts returned directly to auditors from one of the clients banks. External-internal documentary evidence, such as a vendors invoice received by auditors from the client. Internal documentary evidence, such as an invoice prepared by the client for the sale of products or services to one of its customers. Verbal evidence, such as client responses to auditors inqu iries about potential litigation. d.As the entitys internal dominance is more impelling, auditors would assess unhorse levels of the risk of material misstatement. This would support them to permit a higher level of signal detection risk, which means that they could receive less sufficient and less appropriate evidence. In contrast, as the entitys internal check off is less effective, auditors would assess higher levels of the risk of material misstatement. This would require auditors to control detection risk to lower levels, which means that they would be required to gather more sufficient and more appropriate evidence. . 61 Responsibilities and Performance Principles a. While auditors typically cannot warp the susceptibility of accounts to misstatements or the effectiveness of the entitys internal control (both of which comprise the risk of material misstatement), this risk commands to be considered in order to determine the nature, timing, and extent of satisfying test s. This statement is correct if internal control is less effective, auditors are required to gather more sufficient and more appropriate evidence.However, in addition to the number of transactions and reliability of evidence, auditors should also consider the relevance of the evidence they gather and the extent to which that evidence supports the assertions of interest. Auditors are not required to provide absolute assurance as to the fairness of the financial statements, which is what is world suggested in this statement. It is true that a great deal of time and effort is necessary in an audit engagement, but auditors are required only to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the ability to detect material misstatements.This statement relates to the concept of materiality and is appropriate. However, it is important to note that the consideration of materiality in an audit is highly complex and requires an extremely high level of professional judgment. While physical inspec tion of the stock certificates provides more reliable evidence than positivist the certificates held with the custodian, it may not be necessary for auditors to conduct such an inspection. In many cases, a less reliable but distillery effective procedure such as confirmation with the custodian would be appropriate. . c. d. e. 2. 64 Fundamental Principles (Comprehensive) a. This situation is related to the competence and capabilities element of the responsibilities principle. In this case, auditors can accept this engagement assuming that they take appropriate measures to obtain the knowledge necessary to perform the audit and understand important issues affecting this client. It is important to note that the existence of industry-specific accounting issues leave alone require auditors to obtain the knowledge necessary to complete the engagement.This situation is related to the reporting principle, which addresses the conformity of the financial statements with GAAP. If the clien t elects to treat these leases as direct leases in violation of GAAP, auditors should issue either a qualified or adverse opinion, depending upon the materiality of the departure from GAAP. This situation is related to the performance principle, which indicates that the audit should be the right way planned. In this case, auditors should evaluate whether the clients deadline will allow an audit to be properly planned and conducted according to generally accredited auditing standards.The fact that this would be an initial audit makes this possibility even more questionable than usual. This situation is related to the performance principle, which requires auditors to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence. Given the low level of control risk, auditors would then proceed to perform the necessary auditing procedures, which provide the basis for their opinion on the clients financial statements. In this case, confirming a smaller number of customer accounts would be appropriate. This situation is related to the responsibilities principle, which requires auditors to be independent.In this particular case, the fact that the husband of one of the partner is an officer of the future client would likely result in the firm declining this particular engagement because of a need of independence. This situation is related to the reporting principle. Auditors should insist upon disclosure of the potential litigation and, if the client refuses, issue either a qualified opinion or adverse opinion, depending upon the materiality of the omission of the disclosures. In addition, the auditors report should provide development regarding the omitted disclosures.This situation is related to the performance principle, which requires auditors to assess the risk of material misstatement, which includes obtaining an understanding of the entity and its internal control. Once this understanding has been obtained, auditors would then proceed to perform the necessary substantive audit procedures. This situation is related to the performance principle, which requires proper planning and supervision. An important element of supervision is critical review of work performed by persons at several(a) levels within the firm.Because the supervisors review of the work performed by the assistant indicates that the work supports the opinion on the financial statements, no foster actions are necessary. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Chapter 24 (Module C) C. 62 Liability to Clients a. b. Clients may bring conform to against auditors for either check of contract or tort actions. To bring suit against auditors, clients must ordinarily award (1) (2) (3) (4) They suffered an economic loss. Auditors did not perform in accordance with the terms of the contract (for breach of contract).Auditors failed to exercise the appropriate level of professional charge (for tort actions). The breach of contract or bankruptcy to exercise the appropriate level of professional care caused the lo ss. c. Auditors falsifyings against sound actions brought by their clients include (1) (2) (3) Auditors exercised the appropriate level of professional care (tort) or performed the engagement in accordance with terms of the contract (breach of contract). The clients economic loss was caused by a factor other than auditors failure to exercise appropriate levels of professional care or breach of contract.Actions on the part of the client were, in part, responsible for the loss. d. The potential basis for profound action in each of these cases is as follows Brown troupe Because the delay in completing the audit resulted in additional cost of financing, Browns legal action would be base on doubting doubting Thomass inability to complete the audit on a timely basis. Green Stores Green Stores legal action would be based on Thomass failure to identify the embezzlement organisation during its audits of Green Stores financial statements.Green Stores would likely seek convalescence of th e $2 million in losses. Fuchsia, Inc Fuchsias legal action would be based on any additional costs associated with changing auditors and any costs associated with delays in providing audited financial statements to its lenders as a result of the need to change auditors. e. Note to instructor Depending upon the assumptions made by students, they may arrive at distinct conclusions with respect to Thomass liability to its clients in some of these scenarios.The key is that they considered the germane(predicate) facts and potential defenses that may either increase or decrease the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome to Thomas. Brown Company It appears that Brown Companys most viable action for recovery will be alleging that it informed Thomas of the need to have the audit completed by a certain date and that failure to do so would constitute a breach of contract. thither is no evidence that a substandard audit has been conducted or that Thomas did not exercise the appropriate level of professional care. In this case, the following are important considerations ?Was a deadline or other date explicitly communicated by Brown Company to Thomas or otherwise identified in the engagement letter? If no such date was communicated, or any deadline known by Thomas, it would not appear that Brown Company has a viable suit for breach of contract. Regardless of the response to the preceding point, did Brown Companys actions result in delays or otherwise affect Thomass ability to complete the engagement on a timely ? basis? If so, this might serve as a defense for Thomas in the form of causative negligence on the part of Brown Company.Green Stores Green Stores would most likely bring suit for tort liability, alleging that an audit conducted under generally accepted auditing standards would have revealed the existence of the embezzlement scheme and prevented the $2 million loss. In this case, the following are important considerations ? Were Thomass audits conducted in accordanc e with generally accepted auditing standards? If so, Thomas would likely use the defense that it exercised appropriate levels of care during the engagement and emphasize that a GAAS audit cannot be relied upon to detect all instances of fraud.Regardless of the response to in the preceding point, could Green Stores have interpreted actions (through strengthening internal controls or other) to create an environment that would have made the creation and execution of this embezzlement scheme more difficult? Certainly, if Thomas had communicated internal control deficiencies to Green Stores in previous audits related to the treasurers role or controls surrounding this function, it would appear that Thomas could assert contributory negligence as a defense. ? Fuchsia, Inc. This may appear to be a frivolous suit, but that would not prevent Fuchsia from alleging that Thomass actions resulted in the losses described in the scenario. Although it is difficult to comprehend how Fuchsias decision to change auditors would result in liability to Thomas, Thomas would appear to have a well-knit defense that its actions were, in fact, done to exercise appropriate levels of professional care by demonstrating how Fuchsias accounting treatment at peace(p) from generally accepted accounting principles. C. 65 Auditors Liability for Fraud a.Auditors will be liable for fraud to all third-party users of financial statements under common law or statutory law. Fraud is a misrepresentation of fact that an individual knows to be false. Constructive fraud (sometimes referred to as gross negligence) is the failure to provide any care in fulfilling a duty owed to others. The capital difference between these two levels of professional care is actual knowledge on the part of auditors, which is present under fraud but not under plastic fraud. Auditors will be liable for constructive fraud to all third-party users under common law and the Securities Act of 1933.To be held liable under the Secu rities Exchange Act of 1934, scienter (or intent to deceive, manipulate, or defraud) must be shown. Although scienter may be present in situations representing constructive fraud, this will not always be the case. b. c. Clearly, auditors should be liable in cases for which they intend to deceive. Although intention is not present under constructive fraud, the level of performance and wishing of care is so great that it seems appropriate to hold auditors liable for such fraud. C. 69Common Law Liability Exposure a. Yes, Smith will be liable to the bank. The elements necessary to establish an action for liability for fraud under common law are clearly present. There was a material misstatement in the financial statements, intent and knowledge of the misstatements (scienter), actual reliance by the bank on the materially misstated financial statements, and economic damages resulting from that reliance. If action is based upon fraud, there is no requirement that the bank establish privi ty of contract with Smith.If the action by the bank is based on ordinary negligence, the bank may still be in position to bring suit, depending upon the extent to which Smith was aware that his work would be used by the bank and the jurisdiction in which this case occurred. Based on the facts presented, it is difficult to determine whether the bank is a primary beneficiary. However, because Smith was aware that the financial statements would be used to obtain a loan, the bank would appear to be at least a foreseen third party and could prevail under the restatement of torts doctrine. . No, Smith will not be liable to the lessor because the lessor was a party to the secret written agreement. As such, the lessor cannot asseverate reliance on the financial statements and cannot recover uncollected rents. Even if the lessor were damaged indirectly, his own fraudulent actions led to his loss, and the equitable principle of unclean hands (contributory negligence) precludes him from obta ining relief. c. C. 71 Smith was not independent with respect to the audit of Juniper.The lack of independence is elevated by Junipers threat to sue Smith in the event the loan was not obtained. Common Law Liability to Third Parties a. Because these parties provided loans to Madeoff and are nonshareholder third parties, they would pursue litigation against Allen based on common law rather than statutory law. Because number one Trust and Bank was specifically known to Allen by name (in fact, First Trust and Bank was explicitly identified by name in the engagement letter), it would be class as a primary beneficiary.Allen was aware that the purpose of the audit examination was to enable Madeoff to obtain financing. Because of this knowledge, as well as the fact that Madeoff had previous business relationships with MoonTrust, MoonTrust would likely be classified as a foreseen third party. The classification of Alice Lay is somewhat debatable. On one hand, any third party could potent ially provide funding to Madeoff utilise this rationale, one might classify Alice Lay as a foreseeable third party.However, because it is not common practice for entities to obtain financing from customers and Alice Lay had never entered into a loan agreement of this nature in the prehistoric, a justification could be made that she does not meet the classification as a foreseeable third party. c. The failure of Allens audit to comply with generally accepted auditing standards represents ordinary negligence, assuming that Allens audit did not demonstrate a lack of minimum care or Allen did not possess actual knowledge of the material misstatements. For ordinary negligence, the following represents these parties abilities to prevail against Allen ?As a primary beneficiary who relied upon the audited financial statements and Allens report on the financial statements, First Trust and Bank would likely be able to bring suit and prevail against Allen. Although MoonTrusts classification as a foreseen third party suggests that it would be able to prevail against Allen in certain jurisdictions, the fact that MoonTrust did not rely b. ? on the audited financial statements and Allens report on the financial statements would make it unlikely that MoonTrust could bring suit against Allen.If MoonTrust did bring suit against Allen and Allen could prove that the loan decision was made earlier to receipt of the audited financial statements and auditors report, Allen could attempt to successfully assert the causation defense. ? Given Alice Lays very remote and queer relationship to Madeoff as a provider of capital, it is unlikely that Alice would have an appropriate level of standing to bring suit against Allen. However, if Alice could demonstrate that she was a foreseeable third party and could meet the other criteria for bringing suit under common law, she could potentially prevail against Allen. . C. 80 If Allen had been aware of the material misstatements, this situatio n would be classified as fraud. two First Trust and Bank and Alice Lay would be highly likely to prevail against Allen because auditors are liable to all third-party users (regardless of their relationship and classification) for acts of gross negligence or fraud. MoonTrust would still have the burden of demonstrating that it relied on the materially misstated financial statements and Allens report in bringing suit against Allen. Independence and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 a.One of the important concepts politics auditors independence is that auditors should not be in a position of serving as advocates for their clients. Testifying in court on behalf of the clients damage claim is perilously close to serving as an advocate, although many auditors will claim that litigation support services (in general) are appropriate and do not botch independence. Although the litigation consulting itself may not bollix independence, independence is likely afflicted by the unpaid consultin g fee of $265,000.AICPA expositions and rulings hold that past due fees may impair auditors independence in certain situations. b. Violations of generally accepted auditing standards are based on the failure of auditors to exercise the appropriate level of professional care (third general standard). This violation is based on Wards (and, therefore, AOWs) not insisting upon disclosure of the appeal of the Civic case, improper deferral of losses on new product start-up costs, and inappropriate accrual of sales revenue.Ward and AOW appear to have violated department 10(b) by being actively involved in using a scheme or artifice to defraud, namely managements issuing the materially misstated financial statements with full knowledge of the auditors. Ward, and hence AOW, acted with scienter, which is required by section 10(b). In addition, by willfully enabling the 10-K to be filed with the SEC, Ward seemingly violated section 32 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by knowingly do m aterially misstated statements to be filed (the financial statements and the auditors opinion).Chapter 23 (Module B) B. 45 SEC Independence Rules In these solutions, the following responses do not try to contemplate all exception conditions cited in the text related to the SEC independence rule exceptions. The solution focuses on the primary conditions. a. b. Yes. A member of the engagement team cannot hold a direct financial interest. Yes. No other partner in the Santa Fe office (cover persons) can own direct financial interest in CCC. Yes. agile family members of covered persons in the firm cannot hold direct financial interest in CCC. Yes.The son (presumed a dependent) is also an immediate family member. No. According rigorously to the definition, the father is a close family member (not an immediate family member), so the financial interest in CCC does not impair independence. Yes. Controlling interests in audit clients when held by close family members of covered persons in th e firm impair independence. c. d. e. f. g. B. 48 Yes. Independence is impair when close family members of a covered person in the firm (Javier) holds a job with a client in an accounting or financial reporting role.Independence, Integrity and Objectivity Cases The following interpretation is relevant for responses a, b, c, d, e, and f. rendering one hundred one-6 In general, when the present management of a client commences or expresses an intention to commence legal actions against its public accounting firm, the public accounting firm and the client management may be placed in adversary positions in which the managements willingness to make complete disclosures and the auditors objectivity may be affected by self-interest.Independence may be impaired whenever the auditors and the client or its management are in positions of material adverse interest by reason of actual or threaten litigation. Various situations are sometimes difficult to generalize, and the following responses are guidelines expressed in AICPA Ethics Interpretations (Effect of Litigation). a. Independence would be impaired An expressed intention by the client to begin litigation alleging deficiencies in audit work is considered to impair independence if the public accounting firm concluded that there is a strong possibility that such a claim will actually be filed.Independence would be impaired The commencement of litigation alleging deficiencies in audit work impairs independence. Independence would be impaired The commencement of litigation by the public accounting firm alleging management fraud or deceit would definitely impair independence. Independence could be impaired The claim under subrogation by the damages company would not necessarily affect auditors independence on its client. In this case, the client and members of management are not the plaintiffs. However, this situation would have to be carefully evaluated by the CPA firm.If members of Contrary management are going to t estify on behalf of the insurance companys interest and thus act in an adversary relation to the public accounting firm, independence would likely be impaired. b. c. d. e. Independence would not be impaired Litigation not related to the audit work, whether threatened or actual, for an amount that is not material to the audit form or to the financial statements of the client would not usually be considered to affect the CPA-client relationship in such a way as to impair independence. . Independence would not necessarily be impaired The class action lawsuit against both public accounting firm and company in itself would not alter fundamental relationships between the management and directors and the public accounting firm and therefore would not be considered to have an adverse bear upon on the auditors independence.These situations should be examined carefully, however, because the potential for adverse interests may exist if cross-claims alleging that the covered member is responsi ble for any deficiencies or if the covered member alleges fraud or deceit by the present management as a defense are filed against the covered member. g. Interpretation 101-15 Independence is impaired. The CPAs financial interest in Dove Corp. (as an investor) is sufficiently large to allow Lisa to potentially set the actions of Dove.Because Dove has a significant ownership interest in Tate Company, the CPAs independence would be considered impaired for the audit of Tate Company. Simply stated, the CPAs ability to influence Dove Corp. could permit Lisa to exercise a degree of control over Tate Company that would place the CPA in a capacity equivalent to that of a member of management. Interpretation 101-15 Independence is impaired. promotes financial interest in Hydra is sufficiently large enough (12 percent) for it to exert influence. Because queens audit client, Howard, owns 46 percent of Hydra, Queens can clearly exert influence over Hydra.Because Howards financial position wil l be dependent in part on the financial performance of Hydra, Queens cannot possibly be independent in its audit of Howard because of its ownership in Hydra. Interpretation 101-2 (1) Assuming that the First National Bank is a profit-seeking enterprise, the independence of the auditors is not impaired by the association of the two individuals who served both as members of the auditing firm and as directors for the client during the period examined as long as they have ended all ties with the bank and are not involved in the audit.The auditors services may consist of advice and technical services, but the former control must not make management decisions or take positions that might impair objectivity. The independence of the auditing firm would be compromised by any partner making a decision on loan approvals and the minimum balance checking account policy but normally not by the former controllers performing a computer feasibility study.If the former controllers participation in the feasibility study was objective and advisory, and if the former controllers advice was subject to effective client review and decision, the firms independence has not been compromised. It is desirable, however, that the former controller could not participate in the audit of the First National Banks financial statements. h. h. (2) i. Rule 101 The word sense by the CPA of the unsecured interest-bearing notes in payment of unpaid fees would not be construed as discrediting the CPAs independence in relation to Cather because the notes are merely a substitution for an open account payable.The rule of professional conduct that prohibits a CPA from having any financial interest in a client does not extend to the liability for the CPAs fee. Under SEC rules, however, a definite ar black marketment for paying the notes must be stated by the client. However, the acceptance of two shares of common stock (or prior commitment to accept stock) would be a violation of Rule 101. Any direct financ ial interest such as common stock holdings are construed as discrediting the CPAs independence. Rule 101 The Code of Ethics does not apply to Debra.Shes neither a CPA nor a member of AICPA. However, the ruling does apply to independence of a firm if an employee accepts more than a token gift. Independence is impaired because an AICPA member cannot permit employees to break rules that she or he is obligated to observe. k. l. Rule 101. 4. A Ruling 52 (ET 191. 104) Independence is considered impaired. At the time a member issues a report on financial statements, the client should not be indebted for more than one years fees. In the Groaner case, the debt would be for last year and the current year audit fees.Groaner will have to pay the fees for last year when the current year report is ready (or else get a non-independent disclaimer). The past due fees take on characteristics of a loan within the meaning of Rule 101, and collection may depend on the nature of the auditors report on th e financial statements. Rule 102Integrity and Objectivity The CPA has violated the rule. The CPA (1) lacked integrity, (2) knowingly misrepresented facts by omitting the gain in the current-year tax return, and (3) subordinated CPA judgment to another (the client).The proper action is to file an revise return for last year and request a rejoin and then file a correct return for this year. m. n. Rule 102Integrity and Objectivity Both CPAs probably violated Rule 102. Lestrade has a conflict of interest in owning another business that provides services to her employer and (apparently) not disclosing the business to Bakers board of directors. The prepaid put downs classification is wrong. Lestrade has falsified an entry in the accounts and in the financial statements (a violation of Rule 501). Both CPAs have fooled the external auditors by lying about the related-party loan and the repayment erms. B. 58 Conflict of Clients sakes. This situation raises a typical Whos the client? ques tion. Unfortunately, the relevant relationships are Williams individual engagements with Jack and Bill because Williams would have essentially the same problem if Oneway Corporation were not a client. The situation is unfortunate because Williams is in a no-win situation. If he keeps Bill informed, he might save the Oneway engagement and Bills friendship, but he will suffer the guilt of having engaged in industrial espionage and might face an ethics complaint for having ignored the rule of accountants confidentiality.If Jon keeps quiet, he might lose the engagement and a significant portion of his personal income at least temporarily. If Williams believes rules are the most important element of ethical behavior and the consequences of action or inaction must fall where they may, he will refuse Bills request with an eloquent and sympathetic explanation of the professional reasons for not discussing other clients business affairs.A sharp outcome for this approach depends upon Bills u nderstanding the difficult situation he has created for Williams. If Williams believes in weighing the good and evil consequences of ethics-related choices, he will need to decide which net outcome is most desirable Bills well-being (and his own income) or Jacks and Jills well-being, whatever it may be. B. 61 Ethics Case a. Sally violated Rule 501.According to interpretation 501-7, a member who fails to comply with applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations regarding the timely filing of his or her personal tax returns or tax returns of the members firm, or the timely remittance of all payroll and other taxes collected on behalf of others may be considered to have committed an act discreditable to the profession in violation of rule 501. Sally could receive any of the penalties available to the AICPA and the state board including admonishment, suspension, or expulsion. A discussion of the penalties should ensue.Opinions may range from the least punitive penalty because Sally has now resolved her legal difficulties to the most severe penalties because the publicity regarding a member of the profession portrays a disconfirming image of the profession and will send a message to the public regarding professional conduct of other members. That is, some students will want to make an example of Sallys behavior. b. c. Engagement Planning 3. 48 General Audit Procedures and Financial Statement Assertions PCAOB Assertions Existence or occurrence Completeness Raises questions that may be relevant to all assertions but may not produce actual evidence. Because it is performed on recorded amounts, it works best for existence or occurrence, valuation and allocation, rights and obligations, and presentation and disclosure. When utilize to source documents, it might work for the completeness assertion. Existence or occurrence, valuation Existence or occurrence, valuation Existence or occurrence Rights (ownership) Valuation (sometimes) Completeness (sometimes) Al l assertions however, responses typically yield more assertions that in turn are subject to audit with corroborating evidence.ASB Assertions Existence, occurrence Completeness Existence Occurrence Valuation and allocation Rights and obligations Completeness Accuracy Classification Existence, valuation Existence, valuation Existence Rights (ownership) Valuation (sometimes) Completeness (sometimes). All assertions however, responses typically yield more assertions that in turn are subject to audit with corroborating evidence Existence, valuation Valuation Existence Occurrence Valuation Completeness Audit Procedures 1a. Inspection of records or documents (vouching) 1b.Inspection of records or documents (tracing) 1c. Inspection of records or documents (scanning) 2. Inspection of tangible assets 3. Observation 4. Confirmation 5. Inquiry 6. Re reckoning 7. Reperformance 8. analytic procedures Existence, valuation Valuation Existence or occurrence Valuation Completeness 3. 50 Confirmation Procedure a. Audit confirmation, a procedure widely used in auditing, refers to direct correspondence by the auditor with independent parties. It can produce evidence of existence and ownership and sometimes of valuation and cutoff.Auditors typically limit their use of confirmation to balances about which outside parties could be expected to provide teaching. The two main characteristics a confirmation should possess are (1) The party supplying the information requested must be knowledgeable and independent (i. e. , must have knowledge of information of interest to the auditors and must be outside the scope of influence of the organization being audited). (2) The auditors must obtain the information directly from the informed party.In addition, the auditors must maintain control (at all times) over the mailing and receipt of confirmation requests. To be considered competent evidence, the client cannot have an opportunity to handle confirmation requests at any point in the process. b. 3. 52 Audit Documentation a. (1) Audit authentication is the auditors record of the procedures performed and conclusions reached in the audit. The functions of audit documentation are to aid the CPA in the conduct of the audit work and to provide support for the auditors opinion and compliance with auditing standards.Audit documentation can be classified in two categories (1) permanent files (which contain information that is relevant to ongoing client relationships) and (2) current files (which relate to just one year of the client relationship). The documentation (usually in the form of either electronic files or hard copy work papers) should contain detailed support for the decisions regarding planning and performing the audit, procedures performed, evidence obtained, and conclusions reached. (2) b.The factors that affect the auditors judgment of the type and content of the audit documentation for a particular engagement include (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) The nature of the auditors report. The nature of the clients business. The nature of the financial statements, schedules, or other information on which the auditors are reporting and the materiality of the items include therein. The nature and condition of the clients records and internal controls. The needs for supervision and review of work performed by assistants. c.Evidence that should be included in audit documentation to support auditors compliance with generally accepted auditing standards includes (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) The financial statements or other information on which the auditors are reporting were in agreement or reconcile with the clients records. The clients system of internal control was reviewed and evaluated to determine the nature, timing, and extent of audit procedures. The audit procedures performed in obtaining audit evidence for evaluation. How exceptions and unusual matters disclosed by audit procedures were resolved or treated.The auditors conclusions on significant aspects of the en gagement with appropriate commentaries. d. The audit team should perform an adequate examination at minimum cost and effort, and the prior years plans will aid in doing this. Those audit plans ordinarily contain information useful in the current examination (such as descriptions of the unique features of a clients operations or records, a formalized sequence of audit steps in synthetic order, and approximate time requirements to perform various phases of the work. ) The audit team should ecide whether to use the old plan or prepare a new one. 3. 54 herald and Successor Auditors Wells & Ratley (W&R) needs to initiate communications with both predecessor auditors. The situation is unusual, but W&R needs to obtain complete information from all predecessors involved since the last audit (2007 financial statements). Both Canby & Co. and Albrecht & Hubbard (A&H) are predecessors. (If Canby & Co. had completed the 2007 audit and W&R had been hired to perform the 2008 audit, then Canby & Co. would be the only predecessor.A&H would be history. ) Inquiry of only one of the predecessors would not result in complete information because the circumstances surrounding each auditor change may be different. The two predecessors, having served at different times and for different lengths of time, may have different knowledge about Allpurpose Loan Company and its president. If the company is public and subject to SEC reporting requirements, forms 8-K for both changes should have also been filed. Management Fraud and Audit Risk 4. 46 Analytical Procedures and Interest Expense a.The audit estimate of interest expense for these notes is about $24,400. Notes Payable Balances Balance Rate Time $150,000 10. 0% $200,000 10. 0% $225,000 10. 0% $285,000 10. 0% $375,000 10. 0% $375,000 9. 5% $430,000 9. 5% $290,000 9. 5% $210,000 9. 5% $172,000 9. 5% $95,000 9. 5% 1 month Auditors Interest Calculation Interest 1 month 1 2 months 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 month 1 1 $752 12 months $1,250 2 $3,334 $1,875 $2,375 $3,125 $2,969 $3,404 $2,296 $1,663 $1,362 Date Jan 1 Feb 1 Apr 1 May 1 Jun 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1Weighted Average $250,583 9. 75% 12 $24,405 $24,432 careful on Average Balance and Average Rate b. The type of analytical procedure is study of the relationships of current-year account balances with relevant nonfinancial information. While the interest rate may not seem to be an item of nonfinancial information, it is not a direct entry or element in the clients financial statements. Three of the other four types of analytical procedures do not describe the estimate (because it does not compare to prior periods, to budget, or to industry information).However, a case might be made that the estimate is an evaluation of a relationship of current-year account balances (notes payable) to other current-year balances (related interest expense) for conformity with a predictable image (interest rate relation) based on the companys bring forth. c. The recorded interest expense appears to be too small. The company may have forgotten or miscalculated the closing interest expense accrual. (In fact, this amount was qualify because the missing amount is approximately the $750 of the accrual for the December interest. ) d.The recorded interest expense is about right. nearly differences in timing and calculation might explain the small difference, but it is not material enough to warrant further work. e. The recorded interest expense appears to be too large. Maybe the company has other debt on which interest is being paid, but the debt is not recorded in the accounts. (In fact this amount was specified in terms of an extra $100,000 being borrowed in July at 9. 5% interest, not recorded, but paid back by August 1 before the next recorded borrowing. This would account for about $800 additional interest $100,000 x 9. % x 1/12 = $792. ) Could be that Weyman found he could borrow the companys cas h for himself, earn interest, and then pay back the principal ) Actually, this kind of maneuver could have been carried out in any month and not noticed by auditors who saw only the outgrowth-of-the-month balances. 4. 49 Analysis of Accounting Estimates The company has fudged the write-offs as being as small as possible, hoping to satisfy the auditors. interpreted one at a time, only the uncertainty about the deferred subscription costs is large enough to break the materiality threshold. But the set of problems cannot be taken one at a time.Here is a suggested low-high audit estimate Low Estimate High Estimate Write-off deferred subscription costs (1) $ 6,000,000 $12,000,000 Provide allowance for heavy(p) debts (2) $ 4,000,000 $ 4,000,000 Provide for expected warranty expense (3) $ 2,000,000 $ 6,000,000 Lower of cost or market inventory write-down (4) $ 5,600,000 $ 5,600,000 Loss on government contract refund (5) $ 1,000,000 $ 2,000,000 Total write-offs and losses $18,600,000 $29, 600,000 (1) The low estimate gives the benefit of doubt to the survival of the business, writing off half the deferred costs as if one-half might be written off over the next two years.The company seems to have taken the 50% probability ($6 million) and allocated half to each of the two years. (2) (3) The company seems ready to provide the allowance for all the doubtful accounts receivable. There is not frequently information for the audit team (such as a probability distribution). (4) It appears that the company plans to rebuild the inventory and recover as much as it can, namely the $4,400,000 that can be realized from selling the rebuilt parts, but the lower of cost or market was figured incorrectly.The company seems to have subtracted the selling price ($8 million) from the inventory cost ($10 million) to get the $2 million write-down. The correct calculation is Net tangible value Selling price proceeds $ 8,000,000 speak to to rebuild $(2,000,000) Cost to market and ship (20% x $8 million) $ (1,600,000) Ceiling (net realizable value) $ 4,400,000 Floor subtract normal profit (5% x $8 million) $ (400,000) Floor $ 4,000,000 Replacement cost is apparently $6 million for the modern part, so the market for lower of cost or market is NRV = $4,400,000, and the inventory write-down is $10,000,000 $4,400,000 = $5,600,000.Sale of the rebuilt parts will produce zero profit in subsequent period(s) Selling price $ 8,000,000 Cost of goods sold Inventory sold (written-down cost) 4,400,000 Rebuilding cost 2,000,000 $(6,400,000) Cost to market and ship ($1,600,000) Profit $ 0 (5) For a contingency such as this government contract dispute, GAAP suggests recognizing loss at the lower end of a range for loss, so a $1 million loss supply would satisfy GAAP. Recommended adjustment Managements suggestion of $11,000,000 cost/loss recognition is not sufficient.It leaves $7,600,000 income overdoment, even using the auditors low estimate of $18,600,000. Even mesh the low estim ate leaves $10,000,000 unrecognized (including the government contract contingency at $1 million instead of $2 million). The minimum adjustment, given the limited information available in this problem, follows. Adequate disclosures should be made about the $6 million deferred subscription costs remaining and the prospects for the business as well as about the warranty expense estimate because these are the items that leave uncertain assets and liabilities in the financial statements.Debit Credit Subscription expense $ 6,000,000 Bad debt expense $ 4,000,000 Warranty expense $ 2,000,000 Cost of goods sold $ 5,600,000 Government contract loss $ 1,000,000 Deferred subscription costs $ 6,000,000 Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,000,000 Estimated warranty liability $ 2,000,000 Inventory $ 5,600,000 Estimated liability on contract $ 1,000,000 4. 54 Audit Risk Model Evaluation of risk assessment conclusions with AR = IR x CR x DR as a model. 1.Paul is not justified in acting on a belief that IR = 0. He may have seen no adjustments proposed because (1) none were material or (2) Tordiks control system has functioned well in the past and prevented or detected and corrected material errors. If IR = 0, then AR = 0, and no further audit work need be done. Conservative auditing standards and practice do not permit this level of (non)work based on this little evidence and knowledge. 2. Hill is not justified in acting upon a belief that CR = 0.She may well know that Edwards internal accounting control is exceptionally good, but (1) her review did not cover the last month of Edwards fiscal year and (2) control activities are always subject to lapses. If CR = 0, then AR = 0, and no further audit work need be done. Conservative audit practice does not permit assessment of control risk at 0% to the exclusion of other audit procedures. 3. Insofar as audit effectiveness is concerned, Fields decision is within the spirit of audit standards. Even if IR = 1 and CR = 1, if DR = 0. 02 , the AR = 0. 02.This audit risk (AR) seems quite small. However, Fields decision may result in an inefficient audit. 4. This case was deliberately left ambiguous without quantifying the audit risks. Students will need to experiment with the model. One approach is to compare the current audit to a supposititious last years audit when everything was operating smoothly. Assume Last year Current year AR = IR (0. 50) + CR (0. 20) x DR (0. 20) = 0. 02 AR = IR (1. 0) + CR (1. 0) x DR (0. 25) = 0. 25 Features of the hypothetical comparison (1) Inherent risk is greater than last year. 2) Control risk is greater than last year. (3) The audit was less extensive, possibly resulting in more detection risk. (4) Audit risk appears to be very high. An alternative analysis is that Shad perceived higher congenital and control risk early, and he did not put any audit time into trying to assess the risks at less than 100%. He proceeded directly to performance of extensive substantive procedures and worked fewer total number of hours yet still performed a high-quality audit by keeping AR low by keeping DR low. 4. 6 Risk Assessment We gratefully recognize the assistance of Jeanie Folk in developing the following solution Recall that audit risk is the risk that the auditor will give an inappropriate opinion on financial statements (e. g. , giving an unqualified opinion on the financial statements that are misleading because of material misstatements that auditors failed to discover. The problem adds the perspective that the audit risk at the overall financial statement level is influenced by the risk of material misstatements, which may be indicated by a combination of factors related to management, the industry, and the company. . Decrease. Ordinarily, the fact that this is the first profitable year after a string of losses would cause concern. The auditor might suspect an overstatement of revenues or understatement of expenses. However, in this situation, the increase in reve nues (and net income) appears to be the result of additional federal and state funding for environmental purposes to TWDs customers, which are municipalities. Given that TWD has a limited number of customers, the year-end receivables (and even revenue) can be confirmed with those municipalities.As such, there would be no increase in audit risk. The decrease in audit risk would result from lessening the companys need to get through a difficult period, that is, the years of losses. 2. Increase. TWDs board of directors is controlled by its major stockholder who also acts as the companys CEO. That person may act in his or her best interests rather than in accordance with those of the minority shareholders and other financial statements.The potential for financial statement fraud would increase as a result. 3. Increase. The internal auditor reports to the Controller, who has responsibility for the companys accounting system and the dressing of its financial statements. The internal audi tor should report to the audit committee so that objectivity is maintained. Because the controller could steer the internal auditor away from problem areas, audit risk would be increased. 4. Increase. Turnover is a red flag that the department might have problems.Additionally, turnover resulted in the hiring of naif people (at least inexperienced with respect to TWD). 5. Decrease. Having an external party such as a bank loan officer involved in an ongoing review of the companys performance would enhance the companys system of internal controls. 6. No effect. The payment of employees on a weekly, biweekly, monthly, or other basis would have no effect on audit risk. 7. Decrease. Bond has audited TWD for five years.As a result, because Bond is familiar with the industry, the company, and its management team, Bond is in a position to identify information necessary to assess fraud risk factors, identify those risk factors, and assess fraud risk than the firm would be if it had little or no experience with this client. 8. Increase. Changing accounting practices increases inherent risk (the susceptibility of the accounts to misstatement). 9. Increase. TWD sold one-half of its controlling interest in UEL its remaining interest is significant.As such, TWD now has significant influence over but no longer controls the operations of UEL. With its lower influence and knowledge of UEL, TWD is not as able to assess the risk of fraudulent financial reporting by UEL. UELs results still impact TWDs financial statements (because the equity method would be used in cases of significant influence) and, as such, the audit risk relating to TWDs financials would accordingly increase. 10. Decrease. If the litigation were disclosed in prior years, either the potential loss was probable but could not be sanely estimated or it was reasonably possible.In either case, the amount of potential loss must have been material. Because the litigation was dropped by the state, there is less uncer tainty about the impact of this pending litigation on the companys financial position and results of operations. 11. Increase. Related-party transactions generally increase the risk of fraud, especially because the transactions were not antecedently disclosed. 12. Increase. In December, This barter transaction is not only unusual, but will also present problems in terms of the measurement of the revenue earned. As such, audit risk will increase. 13.No effect. Inherent risk is a component of risk of material misstatement. However, insurance coverage, or the lack thereof, has no impact on inherent risk, which is the risk that, in the absence of internal controls, material errors or frauds could enter the accounting system used to develop financial statements. Furthermore, having such coverage would lower the business risk for the company. 14. Increase. Recall that revenues must be matched with all costs incurred to earn that revenue. As such, the cost, if any, of the guarantees issued must be estimated and recorded in the current year.Given the lack of historical information and difficulties involved in estimating the potential cost of its guarantee (and even considering the difficulties involved of determining whether the municipality has any responsibility for actions that might impact the results of the state of affairs inspections) that may materially impact the current years financial statements, audit risk will increase. 15. Increase. Generally, public offerings are successful for companies with strong financial performance. As such, going public often creates motivation for making the company appear as strong as possible.Audit risk would increase as a result. 4. 61 Errors and Frauds Students can probably think of many examples for each of the cases. This solution does not purport to be exhaustive. a. Overstate an asset, understate another asset tick off cash receipts journal open past the year-end (cutoff date) and record additional cash receipts occurr ing after year-end, reducing accounts receivable. b. Overstate an asset, overstate stockholder equity Record appraised value of property, plant, and equipment with a corresponding credit to a capital account. c.Overstate an asset, overstate revenue (1) Hold the sales journal open past the year-end (cutoff date) and record too much sales revenue and cash or accounts receivable. (2) Record fictitious sales and accounts receivable. d. Overstate an asset, understate an expense (1) profit maintenance expense, making the asset amount higher than warranted and the expense amount lower. Subsequent depreciation would reverse this misstatement, but the first effect would be to overstate the asset and understate the expense. (2) Record an expenditure as a prepaid expense instead of a current expense. . Overstate a liability, overstate an expense Accrue too much liability for expenses not yet paid, such as wages, rent, interest, product warranties f. Understate an asset, overstate an expense ( 1) Calculate too much depreciation expense on assets. (2) Classify expenditures as curre