Audit procedures to use – specific procedures should be spelled out for instruction during the audit.
Sample size – how many items should be tested for each audit procedure.
Items to select – determine which items in the population should be selected.
Timing – timing can vary from early in the accounting period to long after it has ended.
B. Persuasiveness of Audit Evidence
Audit evidence is any information used by the auditor to determine whether the information being audited is stated in accordance with established criteria. Two determinants of persuasiveness of evidence are:
Competence – the degree to which evidence can be considered trustworthy.
Sufficiency – amount of evidence is enough to form a reasonable opinion.
C. Competence Considerations
Relevance – must pertain to the audit objective being tested.
Independence – evidence from outside the client is a stronger form of evidence
Effectiveness of client internal controls – good internal controls can mean better information.
Auditor direct knowledge – auditor determinations are stronger that client comments.
Qualifications – individual is a qualified source.
Degree of objectivity – objective evidence is stronger than subjective evidence.
Timeliness – balance sheet account evidence is better when it is collected around the date of the financial statement. Income statement evidence should sample entire period.
Inspection or count by the auditor of a tangible asset.
Different from examining documentation is that the asset has inherent value.
B. Confirmations
Positive Confirmations
Negative Confirmations
Asks for response even if balance is correct.
Asks for a response only if balance is incorrect.
More reliable than negative confirmations.
Uncertainty associated with no response.
The receipt of a written or oral response from an independent third party. Auditor has client request that the third party respond directly to the auditor.
Confirmation of accounts receivable is normally required when practical
Prepared and used within client company. Does not go outside the client.
Document has been in hands of an outside party to the transaction.
More reliable than internal documents.
2. Document Vouching
Examination of documents that support a recorded transaction or amount.
The direction of testing must be from the recorded item to the supporting document.
Tests existence or occurrence
Recorded Item
Supporting
Document
3. Document Tracing
The primary test for unrecorded items and therefore tests the completeness assertion.
The direction of testing must be from the supporting document to the recorded item.
Supporting
Document
Recorded
Item
D. Analytical Procedures
Audits studies relationships among data. Unusual fluctuations occur when significant difference are not expected but do exist or when significant differences are expected but do not exist. Required during the planning and completion phases on all audits.
E. Inquiries of the Client
Auditor obtains information from the client in response to questions.
Although much evidence is obtained through inquiry, it can not be regarded as conclusive and may be biased in the client’s favor.
F. Reperformance
Reperformance involves rechecking a sample of the computations and transfers of information. Rechecking of computations consists of testing mathematical accuracy. Rechecking of transfers of information involves seeing if information is recorded consistently in the accounting records.
I don’t think this is what they meant by reperformance!
H. Observation
Auditor witnesses the physical activities of the client.
Differs from physical examination because physical examination counts assets, while observation focuses on client activities.
