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2 TYPES OF AUDIT 16 - 33
3. INTERNAL AUDIT 34 - 41
CH 1 -AUDITING CONCEPTS
AUDITING
The term audit has been derived from a Latin term audire which means to hear. Auditing is a
systematic examination of books and records of the business, in order to ascertain or verify and to
report upon the financial operations and the results thereof.
FEATURES OF AUDITING
OBJECTIVES OF AUDITING
The objectives of auditing may be classified into two parts:
1. The primary objective
2. The secondary or incidental objective.
Primary Objective As per Section 143 of the Companies Act,2013 , the primary objective of the
auditors is to report to the owners whether the financial statements (Balance Sheet & Profit & Loss A/c)
give true and fair view of the affairs of the company.
An auditor should keep in mind the possibility of the existence of frauds or errors in the accounts as
they may mis-state the financial statements.
SCOPE OF AUDITING
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However the terms of engagement cannot, restrict the scope of an audit in relation to matters which
are prescribed by legislation or by the auditing standard.
SA 200 Basic Principals Governing an Audit, describes the basic principles which should be complied
be complied by an auditor while conducting an audit. They are as follows:
(i) Integrity objectivity and independence: An auditor should be honest, sincere, impartial.
(ii) Confidentiality: The auditor should keep the information acquired confidential and should not
disclose the information without the prior permission of the client.
(iii) Skill and competence: He should be competent, skillful and should be updated with the latest
developments and change in laws.
(iv) Work performed by others: If the auditor delegates some work to others and uses work
performed by others , he continues to be responsible for expressing his opinion on the financial
information.
(v) Documentation: The auditor should document matters which are important in providing evidence
for carrying on audit.
(vi) Planning: The auditor should plan his work to conduct the audit in an effective, efficient and timely
manner.
(vii) Audit evidence: The auditor should obtain sufficient & appropriate evidences to form an opinion
on the financial information.
(viii) Accounting System and Internal Control: The management is responsible for maintaining an
adequate accounting system including various internal controls.
(ix) Audit conclusions and reporting: On the basis of the audit evidence, he should ascertain:
1. As whether accounting policies have been applied consistently;
2. Whether financial statements are prepared by following accounting standards and applicable laws;
3. There is adequate disclosure of material matters.
The auditors report should contain a clear written opinion on the financial information. TRUE AND
FAIR VIEW
TRUE AND FAIR VIEW
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The main object of audit is to find out whether the financial statements prepared by a company show
the true and fair view of the financial state of affairs of a company
INVESTIGATION
Investigation is an exercise which is carried out with a specific objective. Investigation exercise is
voluntary in nature and used extensively by Internal and management auditors.
Scope of investigation
Scope of investigation, is limited to the period or area to be covered by the investigator.
5. Documents Audit is not carried out of audited It may be conducted even though the
financial statements accounts have been audited
6. Extent of work It is normally conducted on test It is a thorough examination of books of
verification basis accounts
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MATERIALITY IN AUDITING
Materiality is a concept within auditing and accounting relating to the importance of an amount,
transaction which gives transparency or helps in locating any discrepancy.
According to SA 320 Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit, the auditor requires more
reliable evidence in support of material items.
The concept of materiality is fundamental to the process of accounting. The auditor has to ensure that
material items are properly and distinctly disclosed in the financial statements. Higher the materiality
level, lower the degree of risk and vice versa.
AUDITING STANDARD
Auditing standards refers to the code of best practices which is expected to be followed by an auditor
while conducting an audit which specifies a minimum level of performance.
Auditing standards will help in creation of uniformity in practice and therefore helps in comparison.
In India the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AASB) of the ICAI formulates the auditing
standards.
2. In the preparation of the auditing standards, the Board is assisted by study groups comprising of
members of the Institute.
3. On the basis of the work of the study groups, an Exposure Draft of the proposed auditing standard is
prepared by the Board and issued for comments of the members.
4. After taking into account the comments received, the draft of the proposed auditing standard is
finalized by the Board and submitted to the Council of the Institute.
5. The Council considers the final draft of the proposed auditing standard and, if necessary, modifies
the same in consultation with the Board.
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6. The auditing standard is then issued under the authority of the Council.
While formulating the auditing standards, the Board also takes into consideration the applicable laws,
customs, usages and business environment in the country.
International Auditing standards are issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards
Board (IAASB). IAASB is a body of International federation of accountants (IFAC). It is an independent
standard-setting body that serves the public interest by setting high-quality international standards for
auditing.
HARMONIZATION OF INDIAN AUDITING STANDARDS WITH INTERNATIONAL AUDITING
HARMONIZATION OF INDIAN STANDARDS WITH INTERNATIONAL AUDITING STANDARDS
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a founder member of the International
Federation of Accountants (IFAC). Members propagate the pronouncements of IAASB of the IFAC to
contribute towards global harmonization and acceptance of the Standards issued by the IAASB.
With effect from 1st April, 2008, all auditing and assurance standards (AAS) were renamed as
standards on Auditing (SAs)
SA 200: Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in
Accordance with Standards on Auditing
This Standard establishes the independent auditors overall responsibilities to conduct an audit of
financial statements in accordance with SAs.
Ethical Requirements Relating to an Audit of Financial Statements The auditor should apply the
following fundamental principles of professional ethics relevant when conducting an audit of financial
statements;
(a)Integrity; (b) Objectivity; (c) Professional competence and due care; (d) Confidentiality; and
(e)Professional behaviour
Professional Skepticism Professional skepticism includes being alert to, for example;
(a) Audit evidence that contradicts other audit evidence obtained;
(b) Information that brings into question the reliability of documents
(c) Conditions that may indicate possible fraud;
Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence and Audit Risk To obtain reasonable assurance, the
auditor shall obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to reduce audit risk. It includes-:
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(ii) Audit Risk It includes risks of material misstatement which may exists at financial
statement level and assertion level and detection of risk.
It also includes acceptance of change in the terms of audit engagement and additional considerations
involved in acceptance of engagement.
It gives out two essential principles ie period of maintaining working papers and assembly of audit
file by the auditor.
According to this standard, retention period for audit engagements should not be less than 10 years
from the date of auditors report
Auditor is responsible for maintaining an attitude of professional skepticism throughout the audit.
Auditor shall identify and assess risks of material misstatement due to fraud at financial statement level,
and at assertion level.
When the auditor identifies a misstatement resulting from fraud, or a suspected fraud, he should
communicate that information to management, those charged with governance.The auditor should also
obtain written representations from management.
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It is managements responsibility to ensure that entitys operations are conducted in accordance with
laws and regulations. Auditor is not responsible for preventing noncompliance but he is responsible for
obtaining reasonable assurance that the financial statements, are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or error.
Auditor should obtain written representations from management regarding disclosure of all known
actual or possible noncompliance with laws which can effect the financial statements.
Auditor should communicate about overall scope of audit; changes in significant accounting policies;
any risks involved, material uncertainities.
Auditors should communicate matters of governance interest on timely basis. Auditors communication
can be made oral or in written. In case of oral communication, auditor should document their oral
communications and response thereof
SA 265: Communicating Deficiencies in Internal Control to those Charged with Governance and
Management
This standard supplements the concept of Letter of weakness highlighting DEFICIENCY and
SIGNIFICANT DEFICIENCY in internal control.
Such deficiencies are identified while conducting an audit of financial statements and communicating it
to the management and those charged with governance.
SA describes the areas for which joint auditors are jointly and severally responsible which includes
-where work is not divided
-Single audit report is prepared
-Matters are communicated among the auditors
-Nature, time, extent of audit procedures
Each joint auditor is entitled to assume that the other joint auditors have carried out their part of the
audit work in accordance with generally accepted audit procedures.
This standard very specifically states that the majority opinion would not be binding upon the other joint
auditor(s). In case of any disagreement on any matter involved, joint auditor can give the separate
report.
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This Standard deals with the auditors responsibility to plan an audit of financial statements. It includes
establishing the overall audit strategy and audit plan to address various matters involved.
SA 315: Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement Through Understanding
the Entity and Its Environment-
The Standard deals with the auditors responsibility to obtain an understanding of the entity and its
environment which helps to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement at the financial
statement level and assertion level.
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It also encompasses such investigation as is necessary of identified fluctuations or relationship that are
inconsistent with other relevant information. The auditors choice of procedures, method and level of
application is a matter of professional judgement.
Capacity utilization
- Warehouse capacity
- Handling capacity
- Productive capacity
- Physical capacity
Legal restriction:
- Legal life of the product
- Contractual terms
- Labour laws
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SA 520 Analytical Procedures , deals with the auditors use of analytical procedures as substantive
procedures and as procedures near the end of the audit that assist the auditor when forming an overall
conclusion on the financial statements.
SA 540: Auditing Accounting Estimates, Including Fair Value Accounting Estimates, and
Related Disclosures
This Standard deals with the auditors responsibilities regarding accounting estimates. It expands on
how SA 315 and SA 330 and other SAs are to be applied in relation to accounting estimates. It also
includes requirements and guidance on misstatements of individual accounting estimates, and
indicators of possible management bias.
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(a) The auditor on the basis of the audit evidence obtained, concludes that the financial statements are
not free from material misstatement; or
(b) The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to conclude that the financial
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement.
SA 706: Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent
Auditors Report
This standard on Auditing deals with additional communication in the auditors report when the auditor
considers it necessary to: Draw users attention to a matter or matters presented or disclosed in the
financial statements that are of such importance that they are fundamental to users understanding of
the financial statements.
As per SA 720 the objective of the auditor is to respond when documents contains other information
that can hamper the credibility of those financial statements and the auditors report.
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Q1. Define the term Auditing. Also state the various features of auditing.
Ans. The term audit has been derived from a Latin term audire which means to hear. Auditing is a
systematic examination of books and records of the business, in order to ascertain or verify and to
report upon the financial operations and the results thereof.
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It gives out two essential principles ie period of maintaining working papers and assembly of audit
file by the auditor.
According to this standard, retention period for audit engagements should not be less than 10 years
from the date of auditors report
Q3. In the books of accounts of M/s ABC Ltd. huge differences are noticed between the control
accounts and subsidiary records. The Chief Accounts Officer informs that this is common due
to huge volume of business done by the company during the year. As a company auditor, how
would you deal with the situation?
Ans
The huge differences found between control accounts and subsidiary records in the books
of M/s ABC Ltd. indicate that there may be material misstatements requiring detailed examination by
the auditor to ascertain the cause. The contention of Chief Accounts Officer cannot be accepted simply
because the company has done huge volume of business. Such a phenomenon indicates that
recording of transactions is not being done properly or the accounting system in the company which
might have several branches spread over the country fails to capture all transactions in time. It would
also be interesting to see whether it is a recurring phenomenon or such reconciliation could not be done
at a subsequent date.
Having regard to all these circumstances, it appears from the facts of the case that these differences
indicate the possibility of some kind of material misstatements.
As per SA 240, The Auditors Responsibility to Consider Fraud and Error in an Audit of Financial
Statements when the auditor encounters circumstances that there is material misstatement, the auditor
should perform procedures to determine whether the financial statements are materially misstated. If as
a result of such examination the auditor comes across any material information involving fraud or gross
irregularity the same shall be reported by him appropriately.
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It states that each joint auditor is responsible only for the work allotted to him, whether or not he has
prepared a separate report on the work performed by him. The SA describes that joint auditor should
divide the work among themselves by MUTUAL DISCUSSION and such decision must be
communicated to the entity.
SA 299 describes the areas for which joint auditors are jointly and severally responsible which includes
-where work is not divided
-Single audit report is prepared
-Matters are communicated among the auditors
-Nature, time, extent of audit procedures
Each joint auditor is entitled to assume that the other joint auditors have carried out their part of the
audit work in accordance with generally accepted audit procedures.
This standard very specifically states that the majority opinion would not be binding upon the other joint
auditor(s). In case of any disagreement on any matter involved, joint auditor can give the separate
report.
Q6. A fraud was detected by a company during a regular investigation. The auditor was asked to
explain what procedure he had followed for detection of fraud. The investigator were asked to
see the audit working papers and found that there was no documentation of any planning
discussion, or any inquiries made of management with regard to the risk of fraud. No fraud risk
factors were identified and no specific audit procedures were applied to mitigate fraud risks.
Would this be the violation of auditing standard.
Ans. As per SA 240- the auditors responsibilities relating to fraud in an audit of financial statements ,
there should be audit planning and discussion of audit team to evaluate the susceptibility to fraudulent
financial misstatement. An auditor should make detailed enquiries of management and evaluate risk
based on fraud risk factors.
An auditor should identity fraud risk factors in designing his substantive procedure and to document
fraud risk factors, his response and additional procedure performed.
As per facts given in case, no fraud risk factors were identified and o specific audit procedures were
applied to mitigate fraud risks. Thus, there is violation of auditing standard SA 240.
Need and Objective of SA- 550: the need of auditing standard arises because related party transactions
may be motivated by other than business consideration, for example, profit sharing,or even fraud. The
purpose of this standard is to prescribe the procedures for identification and verification of related party
transactions and auditors responsibilities in this regard.
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Thus, no documentation evidencing the performance of analytical procedures at the planning stage is
violation of SA 520 Analytical Procedures
According to SA 320 Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit, the auditor requires more
reliable evidence in support of material items.
The concept of materiality is fundamental to the process of accounting. The auditor has to ensure that
material items are properly and distinctly disclosed in the financial statements. Higher the materiality
level, lower the degree of risk and vice versa
However the terms of engagement cannot, restrict the scope of an audit in relation to matters which
are prescribed by legislation or by the auditing standard
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Ch 2- Types of Audit
AUDIT OF COMPANIES UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT 2013
The Companies Act, 2013 is focused on transparency and disclosure. The various types of audits
prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 are:
Statutory Audit
Internal Audit
Secretarial Audit
Cost Audit
APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS
If CAG doesnot appoint auditor within 60 days , the Board of Directors shall appoint auditor
within the next 30 days and in case of failure of appointment by the Board of Directors with in
next 30 days, it shall inform the members of the company who shall appoint such auditor with in
60 days at an EGM, who shall hold office till the conclusion of first AGM.
Appointment of auditor (Section 139 (1) ): Every company whether it is public or private limited shall
have an auditor to audit its accounts. The appointment of auditor is mandatory in the Annual General
Meeting(AGM).
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Every company shall, at the first annual general meeting, appoint an individual or a firm as an auditor
who shall hold office from the conclusion of that meeting till the conclusion of its sixth annual general
meeting and thereafter till the conclusion of every sixth meeting.
Before the appointment of auditor is made, the written consent of the auditor to such appointment, and
a certificate from him or it that the appointment, if made, shall be in accordance with the conditions as
may be prescribed, shall be obtained from the auditor.
The company shall inform the auditor concerned of his or its appointment, and also file a notice of such
appointment with the Registrar within fifteen days of the meeting in which the auditor is appointed. As
per Rule 4 (2) of the Companies (Audit & Auditors ) Rules, 2014, such notice is required to be filed in
Form ADT- 1.
As per Section 139(2) Listed company or a company belonging to such class or classes of company
as may be prescribed, shall not appoint or re-appoint-
(a) An individual as an auditor for more than one term of 5 consecutive years , and
(b) An audit firm as an auditor for more than two terms of 5 consecutive years.
However, an individual auditor who has completed a term of 5 years shall not be eligible for re-
appointment as an auditor in the same company for 5 years from the completion of his term.
In case of an audit firm which has completed two terms of 5 years shall not be eligible for re-
appointment as auditor in the company for 5 years from the completion of such term.
It is further provided that as on the date of appointment no audit firm having a common partner or
partners to the other audit firm, whose tenure has expired in a company immediately preceding the
financial year, shall be appointed as auditor of the same company for a period of 5 years.
The other class of companies (specified companies) shall mean the following classes of
companies excluding one person companies and small companies as prescribed under Rule
5 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules.
(a) All unlisted companies having paid up share capital of Rs 10 crore or more
(b) All private limited companies having paid up share capital of Rs 20 crore or more
(c) All companies having public borrowings from financial institutions, banks or public deposits of
Rs 50 crore or more.
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A company that is required to constitute an Audit Committee under section 177, such committee and
where such committee is not required, the Board, shall take into consideration the qualifications and
experience of the individual or the firm proposed to be considered for appointment as auditor.
While considering the appointment, the Audit Committee or the Board, as the case may be, shall have
regard to any order or pending proceeding relating to professional matters of conduct against the
proposed auditor before the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or any competent authority or
any Court.
Where a company is required to constitute the Audit Committee, the committee shall recommend the
name of an individual or a firm as auditor to the Board for consideration and in other cases; the Board
shall consider and recommend an individual or a firm as auditor to the members in the annual general
meeting for appointment.
If the Board agrees with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, it shall further recommend the
appointment of an individual or a firm as auditor to the members in the annual general meeting.
If the Board disagrees with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, it shall refer back the
recommendation to the committee for reconsideration citing reasons for such disagreement.
If the Audit Committee, after considering the reasons given by the Board, decides not to reconsider its
original recommendation, the Board shall record reasons for its disagreement with the committee and
send its own recommendation for consideration of the members in the annual general meeting; and if
the Board agrees with the recommendations of the Audit Committee, it shall place the matter for
consideration by members in the annual general meeting.
The auditor so appointment shall be subject to ratification in every annual general meeting till the sixth
such meeting by way of passing of an ordinary resolution. If the appointment is not ratified by the
members of the company, the Board of Directors shall appoint another individual or firm as its auditor or
auditors after following the procedure laid down in this behalf under the Act.
The auditor appointed in the annual general meeting shall hold office from the conclusion of that
meeting till the conclusion of the sixth annual general meeting, with the meeting wherein such
appointment has been made being counted as the first meeting:
Remuneration of Auditors
According to section 142 of the Companies Act 2013, the remuneration of the auditor of a company
shall be fixed in its general meeting or in the manner as determined in the general meeting.
The remuneration of the first auditor appointed by the board may be fixed by the Board.
The remuneration shall be in addition to the fee payable to an auditor, include the expenses, if any,
incurred by the auditor in connection with the audit of the company and any facility extended to him but
does not include any remuneration paid to him for any other service rendered by him at the request of
the company.
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1. Every Auditor of a company shall have a right of access at all times to the books of account
and vouchers of the company, whether kept at the registered office of the company or at any
other place
3. He can acquire from the officers of the company such information and explanation as he may
consider necessary for the performance of his duties as auditor and amongst other matters
inquire into the following matters, namely:
(a) whether loans and advances made by the company on the basis of security have been properly
secured ;
(b) whether transactions of the company which are represented merely by book entries are prejudicial
to the interests of the company;
(c) whether loans and advances made by the company have been shown as deposits;
(d) whether personal expenses have been charged to revenue account;
(e) where it is stated in the books and documents of the company that any shares have been allotted
for cash
4. The auditor of a company which is a holding company shall also have the right of access to the
records of all its subsidiaries.
Duties of Auditors
-Section 143(2), 143(3) and 143(4) provides for the duties of auditors.
-The auditor shall make a report to the members of the company on the accounts examined by him and
on every financial statements which are to be laid before the company in general meeting.
The section 141 of the Companies Act 2013 deals with the eligibility, qualifications and disqualifications
of auditors.
The section 141 (1) and (2) of the 2013 Act, in addition, provides-
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A firm of Chartered Accountants or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) can be appointed as an auditor
of a company only if majority partners practising in India are qualified for appointment as an auditor of a
company.
Where a firm including a limited liability partnership is appointed as an auditor of a company, only the
partners who are chartered accountants shall be authorised to act and sign on behalf of the firm.
The Companies Act 2013 has also made addition in the list of disqualifications of auditors.
According to the section 141 (3) of the Companies Act 2013, the following persons shall not be eligible
for appointment as an auditor of a company:
(c) a person who is a partner, or who is in the employment, of an officer or employee of the company;
is indebted to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or a subsidiary of
such holding company in excess of Rs 5,00,000 or
has given a guarantee or provided any security in connection with the indebtedness of any third
person to the company, or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or a subsidiary of such
holding company in excess of Rs 1,00,000.
(e) a person or a firm who, whether directly or indirectly, has business relationship with the company,
or its subsidiary, or its holding or associate company or subsidiary of such holding company or
associate company.
(f) a person whose relative is a director or is in the employment of the company as a director or key
managerial personnel;
(g) a person who is in full time employment elsewhere or a person or a partner of a firm holding
appointment as its auditor, if such persons or partner is at the date of such appointment or
reappointment holding appointment as auditor of more than 20 companies;
(h) a person who has been convicted by a court of an offence involving fraud and a period of ten
years has not elapsed from the date of such conviction;
(i) any person whose subsidiary or associate company or any other form of entity, is engaged as on the
date of appointment in consulting and specialised services as provided in section 144.
A person who is appointed as an auditor of a company incurs any of the disqualifications mentioned
above after his appointment, he shall vacate his office as such auditor and such vacation shall be
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deemed to be a casual vacancy in the office of the auditor according to section 141(4) of the
Companies Act 2013.
1. (a) As per Section 139(8)(i) , any casual vacancy in the office of an auditor shall be filled by the
Board of Directors with in 30 days.
(b) If such casual vacancy is a result of resignation of the auditor, such appointment shall be
approved by the members of the company at general meeting convened within 3 months from
the recommendation of the Board.
And the person so appointed , in any of the situation, shall hold the office till the conclusion of
the next AGM.
2. As per Section 139(8)(ii), in the case of a government company, any casual vacancy in the
office of an auditor shall be filled by the CAG with in 30 days. If the CAG does not fill the
vacancy within the said period, the Board of Directors shall fill the vacancy within next 30 days.
(i) Under section 140 an auditor can be removed from his office before the expiry of his term only after
obtaining the approval of the Central Government and after passing a Special Resolution by the
Members. The outgoing auditor shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(ii) (a)As per Rule 7(1) of the Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules,2014, the application to the Central
Government for removal of the auditor shall me made in Form ADT-2 along with prescribed fees.
(b)The application shall be made to the Central Government within 30 days of the resolution
passed by the Board.
(c)The company shall hold the general meeting within 60 days of the receipt of approval of the
Central Government for passing the special resolution.
Under section 143 (12), if an auditor of a company in the course of the performance of his duties as
auditor, has reason to believe that an offence of fraud involving such amount as prescribed, has been
committed in the company by its officers or employees, the auditor shall report the matter to the Central
Government.
Provided that in case of a fraud involving lesser than the specified amount, the auditor shall report the
matter to the audit committee constituted under section 177 or to the Board in other cases within such
time and in such manner as may be prescribed.
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Provided further that the companies, whose auditors have reported frauds under this sub-section to the
audit committee or the Board but not reported to the Central Government, shall disclose the details
about such frauds in the Boards report in such manner as may be prescribed.
Applicability
Every report made by the auditor under section 143 of the Companies Act for the financial year
commencing on or after 1st April, 2014 will be made according to the Companies (Auditors Report)
Order, 2015. The order applies to every company except the companies which are excluded, including
a foreign company as defined in section 2(42) of the Companies Act, 2013.
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Penal Provisions
Section 147 provides for punishment for contravention of the provisions of sections 139 to146. These
penalty provisions are as under.
If a company contravenes any of the provisions of sections 139 to 146 it shall be liable to pay
minimum fine of Rs. 25,000 which may extend to Rs 5,00,000. Further, every officer who is in default
shall be punishable with imprisonment upto 1 year and minimum fine of Rs. 10,000 which may extend
to Rs 1,00,000 or with both.
If an auditor of a company contravenes any of the provisions of sections 139, 143 144 or 145, the
auditor shall be punishable with minimum fine of Rs. 25,000 which may extend to Rs.5,00,000.
If it is found that the auditor has contravened the provisions of sections 139, 143 144 or 145,
knowingly or willfully with the intention to deceive the company, its share holders, creditors or tax
authorities, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term upto one year and with a minimum fine
of Rs. 1,00,000 which may extend upto Rs. 25 lakh.
(b) pay for damages to the company, statutory bodies/authorities or to any other persons for loss
arising out of incorrect or misleading statements of particulars made in his audit report.
Where, in case of audit of a company being conducted by an audit firm, it is proved that the partners
of the audit firm have acted in a fraudulent manner or abetted or colluded in any fraud then they are
liable jointly and severally.
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BRANCH AUDIT
ISection 143(8) provides the provisions for branch audit of companies. These provisions are-
Where a company has a branch office, the accounts of that office shall be audited either by the
auditor appointed for the company (the companys auditor) or by any other person qualified for
appointment as an auditor of the company under this Act.
Where the branch office is situated in a country outside India, the accounts of the branch office shall
be audited either by the companys auditor or by an accountant or by any other person duly qualified to
act as an auditor of the accounts of the branch office in accordance with the laws of that country.
The branch auditor shall prepare a report on the accounts of the branch examined by him and send it
to the auditor of the company who shall deal with it in his report in such manner as he considers
necessary.
Duties and powers of the companys auditor with reference to the audit of the branch and the branch
auditorT
The duties and powers of the companys auditor with reference to the audit of the branch and
the branch auditor shall be same as the duties and powers of the auditors for the audit of the
company under sub section 1 to 4 of section 143.
The branch auditor shall submit his report to the companys auditor.
The provisions of sub-section (12) of section 143 read with rule 12 hereunder regarding
reporting of fraud by the auditor shall also extend to such branch auditor to the extent it relates
to the concerned branch.L
INTERNAL AUDIT
The provisions regarding internal audit of the company according to section 138 of the Companies Act,
2013 and the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are discussed below-
Qualifications for the internal auditor: The internal auditor shall either be a chartered accountant
whether engaged in practice or not or a cost accountant, or such other professional as may be decided
by the Board to conduct internal audit of the functions and activities of the company.
Report of the internal audit: The report of internal audit shall be submitted to the Board of the
company.
Companies required to appoint internal auditor: The following class of companies shall be required
to appoint an internal auditor or a firm of internal auditors, namely:-
(a) every listed company;
turnover of Rs 200 crore or more during the preceding financial year; at any point of time during the
preceding financial year; or
Outstanding deposits of Rs 25 crore or more at any point of time during the preceding financial
year;or
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.Outstanding loans or borrowings from banks or public financial institutions exceeding Rs 100 crore or
more during the preceeding financial year, and
outstanding loans or borrowings from banks or public financial institutions exceeding Rs 100 crore or
more at any point of time during the preceding financial year:
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
The provisions regarding secretarial audit of the company according to section 204 of the Companies
Act, 2013 and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
are discussed below-
(2) Company belonging to other class of companies: The other class of companies are
every public company having a paid-up share capital of Rs 50 crore or more; or
every public company having a turnover of Rs 250 crore or more.
Qualifications for the secretarial auditor: A Secretarial Audit has to be conducted by a Practising
Company Secretary in respect of the secretarial and other records of the company.
Report of the secretarial audit: A secretarial audit report shall be annexed with the Boards report of
the company. The Board of Directors, in their report made in terms of sub-section (3) of section 134,
shall explain in full any qualification or observation or other remarks made by the company secretary in
practice in his report under sub-section (1). The format of the Secretarial Audit Report shall be in Form
No.MR.3.
Other Provisions:
It shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities to the company secretary in
practice, for auditing the secretarial and related records of the company.
If a company or any officer of the company or the company secretary in practise, contravenes the
provisions of this section, shall be punishable with fine which shall not be less than Rs 1,00,000 but
which may extend to Rs 5,00,000.
COST AUDIT
Section 148 of the Companies Act provides that the Central Government may, by order, in respect of
such class of companies engaged in the production of such goods or providing such services as may
be prescribed, direct that particulars relating to the utilisation of material or labour or to other items of
cost as may be prescribed shall also be included in the books of account kept by that class of
companies:
Provided that the Central Government shall, before issuing such order in respect of any class of
companies regulated under a special Act, consult the regulatory body constituted or established under
such special Act.
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If the Central Government is of the opinion, that it is necessary to do so, it may, by order, direct that
the audit of cost records of class of companies, which are covered under sub-section (1) and which
have a net worth of such amount as may be prescribed or a turnover of such amount as may be
prescribed, shall be conducted in the manner specified in the order.
The audit shall be conducted by a Cost Accountant in practice who shall be appointed by the Board
on such remuneration as may be determined by the members in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that no person appointed under section 139 as an auditor of the company shall be appointed
for conducting the audit of cost records:
The auditor conducting the cost audit shall comply with the cost auditing standard.
An audit conducted under this section shall be in addition to the audit conducted under section 143.
The qualifications, disqualifications, rights, duties and obligations applicable to statutory auditors ,so
far as may be applicable, apply to a cost auditor appointed.
It shall be the duty of the company to give all assistance and facilities to the cost auditor for auditing the
cost records of the company.
The cost audit report shall be submitted by the cost accountant to the Board of Directors of the
company.
Within 30 days from the date of receipt of a copy of the cost audit report from the cost auditor, the
company shall furnish the cost audit report to the Central Government ,along with full information and
explanation on every reservation or qualification contained therein.
If, after considering the cost audit report and the information and explanation furnished by the
company , the Central Government is of the opinion that any further information or explanation is
necessary, it may call for such further information and explanation and the company shall furnish the
same within such time as may be specified by that Government.
JOINT AUDIT
Meaning of Joint Audit: when two or more auditors are appointed for the execution of same audit
assignment, it is termed as joint audit. Joint auditors are mainly appointed for audit assignment of public
enterprises and big companies.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has issued SA 299 on Responsibility of Joint
Auditors
Division of Work - Where joint auditors are appointed, they should, by mutual discussion, divide the
audit work among themselves in terms of audit of specified areas. If due to the nature of the business of
the entity under audit, such a division of work may not be possible the division of work may be with
reference to items of assets or liabilities or income or expenditure or with reference to periods of time.
The division of work among joint auditors as well as the areas of work to be covered by all of them
should be adequately documented and preferably communicated to the entity.
Coordination
Where, in the course of his work, a joint auditor comes across matters which are relevant to the
areas of responsibility of other joint auditors or which require disclosure or require discussion with, or
application of judgement by, other joint auditors, he should communicate the same to all the other joint
auditors in writing. This should be done by the submission of a report or note prior to the finalisation of
the audit.
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Reporting Responsibilities
Normally, the joint auditors are able to arrive at an agreed report. However, where the joint auditors are
in disagreement with regard to any matters to be covered by the report, each one of them should
express his own opinion through a separate report.
A joint auditor is not bound by the view of the majority of the joint auditors regarding matters to be
covered in the report and should express his opinion in a separate report in case of disagreement.
In respect of audit work divided among the joint auditors, each joint auditor is responsible only for the
work allocated to him, whether or not he has prepared as separate report on the work performed by
him.
On the other hand, all the joint auditors are jointly and severally responsible:
(a) In respect of the audit work which is not divided among the joint auditors and is carried out by all of
them;
(b) In respect of decisions taken by all the joint auditors concerning the nature, timing or extent of the
audit procedures to be performed by any of the joint auditors.
(c) In respect of matters which are brought to the notice of the joint auditors by any one of them and on
which there is an agreement among the joint auditors;
(d) For examining that the financial statements of the entity comply with the disclosure requirements of
the relevant statute; and
(e)For ensuring that the audit report complies with the requirements of the relevant statute.
The issues such as appropriateness of using test checks or sampling should be decided by each joint
auditor in relation to his own area of work. This responsibility is not shared by the other joint auditors.
In the case of audit of a large entity with several branches, including those required to be audited by
branch auditors, the branch audit reports/returns may be required to be scrutinised by different joint
auditors in accordance with the allocation of work. In such cases, it is the specific and separate
responsibility of each joint auditor to review the audit reports/returns of the divisions/branches allocated
to him and to ensure that they are properly incorporated into the accounts of the entity.
CAG AUDIT
CAG Audit is known as audit of public enterprises done by Comptroller and Auditor General of India. In
India, government audit is performed by an independent constitutional authority, i.e. Comptroller and
Audit General of India (C&AG), through the Indian Audit and Accounts Department. The Constitution of
India gives a special status to the C&AG and contains provisions to safeguard his independence.
Article 148 of the constitution provides that the C&AG shall be appointed by the President and can be
removed from the office only in a like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
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Article 151 of the Constitution requires that the audit reports of the C&AG relating to the accounts of the
Central/State Government should be submitted to the President/Governor of the State who shall cause
them to be laid before Parliament/State Legislative.
The Comptroller and Audit Generals (Duties, Power and Conditions of Services) Act, 1971, prescribes
that the C&AG shall hold office for a term of six years or upto the age of 65 years, which is earlier. He
can resign at any time through a resignation letter addressed to the President.
The organisations subject to the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India are:-
All the Union and State Government departments and offices including the Indian Railways and Posts
and Telecommunications.
About 1500 public commercial enterprises controlled by the Union and State governments, i.e.
government companies and corporations.
Around 400 non-commercial autonomous bodies and authorities owned or controlled by the Union or
the States.
Over 4400 authorities and bodies substantially financed from Union or State revenues
Nature of Audit
While fulfilling his Constitutional obligations, the Comptroller & Auditor General examines various
aspects of Government expenditure. The audit done by C&A G is broadly classified into Regularity
Audit and Performance Audit.
Audit to see that the expenditure incurred was in conformity with the laws, rules and regulations
framed to regulate the procedure for expending public money.
Audit to see that every item of expenditure was done with the approval of the competent authority in
the Government for expending the public money.
While conducting the audit of receipts of the Central and State Governments, the CAG satisfies himself
that the rules and procedures ensure that assessment, collection and allocation of revenue are done in
accordance with the law and there is no leakage of revenue which legally should come to Government.
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In regularity (financial) audit and in other types of audit when applicable, auditors analyze the financial
statements to establish whether acceptable accounting standards for financial reporting and disclosure
are complied with.
Performance Audit
Performance audit is done to see that Government programmes have achieved the desired objectives
at lowest cost and given the intended benefits.
(b) that the expenditure conforms to the authority which governs it; and
(c) That every re-appropriation has been made in accordance with the provisions made in this behalf
under rules framed by the competent authority.
It is also the duty of the PAC to examine the statement of accounts of autonomous and semi-
autonomous bodies, the audit of which is conducted by the CAG either under the directions of the
President or by a Statute of Parliament.
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The Committee on Public Undertakings exercises the same financial control on the public sector
undertakings as the Public Accounts Committee exercises over the functioning of the Government
Departments.
The functions of the Committee are:-
(c) To examine the efficiency of public undertakings and to see whether they are being managed in
accordance with sound business principles and prudent commercial practices.
The examination of public enterprises by the Committee takes the form of evaluation of performance of
the undertaking. It involves a thorough examination, including evaluation of the policies, programmes
and financial working of the undertaking.
The objective of the Financial Committees, in doing so, is not to focus only on the individual irregularity,
but on the defects in the system which led to such irregularity, and the need for correction of such
systems and procedures.
-He scrutinizes the notes which the Ministries submit to the Committees and helps the Committees to
check the correctness.
-The Financial Committees present their Report to the Parliament/ State Legislature with their
observations and recommendations.
-In respect of those cases in Audit Reports, which could not be discussed in detail by the Committees,
written answers are obtained from the Department / Ministry concerned and are sometimes
incorporated in the Reports presented to the Parliament / State Legislature.
2. Mrs. P is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. The directors of a limited
company say that she being a lady can not be appointed as an auditor of the company.
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4. A, a partner in the firm of M/s Rama & Co., Chartered Accountants, is the Secretary of C Ltd. Can A
or Rama & Co., be appointed as the Company Auditor?
3. Mr. A is not disqualified. He will be disqualified only if he owes an amount in excess of 1,000.
4. A, being an Officer of the Company is disqualified. Also, M/s Rama & Co., is not qualified to be
appointed as auditor as one of its partners is an employee of the Company.
5. A is not qualified to be appointed as auditor of B Ltd., because a person who is not qualified to be the
auditor of a company would also not be qualified to be auditor of such companys subsidiary, or holding
company.
In the instant case, Mr. Abhishek is the relative of a Director of the company, therefore he
should not accept the appointment as an auditor of that company.
Q3. X, Y and Z together are forming a new company. They wish to include the following clause in the
Articles of Association of the company. The first auditors of the company will be M/s RS & Co,
Chartered Accountants who will hold office for five years. They seek your advice in the matter.
Ans .The above clause will not be valid. As per section139 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 the
first auditors can be appointed only by a resolution of the board of directors within 30
days from the date of registration of the company, or by the shareholders who shall within
90 days at an extra ordinary general Meeting appoint the first auditors if the board fails
to do so. Moreover, the first auditors can hold office only until the conclusion of the first
annual general meeting (provided they are not removed by the shareholders earlier at a
general meeting by passing special resolution).
Q4. Discuss the provision relating to rotation of auditors under the Companies Act, 2013.
Ans
Rotation of auditors by the company
As per Section 139(2) Listed company or a company belonging to such class or classes of company
as may be prescribed, shall not appoint or re-appoint-
(c) An individual as an auditor for more than one term of 5 consecutive years , and
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(d) An audit firm as an auditor for more than two terms of 5 consecutive years.
However, an individual auditor who has completed a term of 5 years shall not be eligible for re-
appointment as an auditor in the same company for 5 years from the completion of his term.
In case of an audit firm which has completed two terms of 5 years shall not be eligible for re-
appointment as auditor in the company for 5 years from the completion of such term.
It is further provided that as on the date of appointment no audit firm having a common partner or
partners to the other audit firm, whose tenure has expired in a company immediately preceding the
financial year, shall be appointed as auditor of the same company for a period of 5 years.
The other class of companies (specified companies) shall mean the following classes of
companies excluding one person companies and small companies as prescribed under Rule
5 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules.
(e) All unlisted companies having paid up share capital of Rs 10 crore or more
(f) All private limited companies having paid up share capital of Rs 20 crore or more
(g) All companies having public borrowings from financial institutions, banks or public deposits of
Rs 50 crore or more.
Q5. Mr. Raja, a practicing chartered accountant, holds 35 company audits including 15 public
companies, 7 other companies out of which 5 are private companies having paid capital exceeding One
hundred crores rupees and 2 are small companies and the rest are auditof branches of companies. Has
Mr. Raj violated any provisions of the companies Act, 2013 or is he guilty of professional misconduct?
Ans
Audits which are taken for counting as per Section 141 (3) (g) read along with Section 143 (8) of the
Companies Act, 2013:
Public companies 15
Private Companies (> one hundred crore rupees, 5
excluding small companies)
The audits are within the ceiling limit (i.e. 20 excluding small companies, branches etc.)
prescribed by the Act. Therefore there is no violation of the act.
Q6. Mr. X, who was appointed as the first auditors, of the company, was removed without the prior
approval of the Central Government before the expiry of their term, by calling an EGM.
Ans
As per section 140 (1) which says that, the auditor appointed may be removed before the expiry of his
term only by a special resolution of the company, after obtaining the prior approval of the Central
Government in that behalf in the prescribed manner.
So in the instant case, the company has to obtain Central Government approval for removal of X before
the expiry of his term.
Q7 .Due to the resignation of the existing auditor(s) the board of directors of X Ltd appointed
Mr. Om as the auditor. Is it valid?
Ans
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The resignation of the existing auditor(s) would give rise to a casual vacancy. As per section 139(8),
casual vacancy can be filled by the Board of Directors, provided such vacancy has not been caused by
the resignation of the auditor.
The appointment shall be approved by the company at a general meeting convened within3 months of
the recommendation of the Board and he/she shall hold the office till the conclusion of the next annual
general meeting.
So in the given case the above procedure has to be followed by X Ltd.
Q8 .AB Ltd. does not send to its auditors the notice of an extraordinary general meeting on the plea that
accounts are not being discussed at the aforesaid meeting.
Ans
This is not correct since the requirements of section 146 of Companies Act, 2013 provides that all
notices of, and other communications relating to, any general meeting shall be forwarded to the
auditors of the company, and the auditor shall, unless otherwise exempted by the company, attend
either by himself or through his authorized representative, who shall also be qualified to be an auditor,
any general meeting and shall have right to be heard at such meeting on any part of the business which
concerns him as the auditor.
So this section applies to all general meetings held during the period when the auditor holds his office.
Q9. A company has a branch office which recorded a turnover of Rs. 1, 20,000 in the financial year
2014-15. No audit of the branch has been carried out. The statutory auditor of the company has made
no reference of the above branch in his report. The total turnover of the company is Rs. 10 crores for
the year 2014-15. Comment on the issue.
Ans
As per section 143(8) of the Companies Act, 2013 if a company has a branch office, the accounts of
that office shall be audited either by the auditor appointed for the company under this Act or by any
other person qualified for appointment as an auditor of the company under this Act and appointed as
such under section 139, or where the branch office is situated in a country outside India, the accounts
of the branch office shall be audited either by the company's auditor or by an accountant or by any
other person duly qualified to act as an auditor of the accounts of the branch office in accordance with
the laws of that country.
Therefore, the company has to get its branch audited. In case no branch audit has been carried out,
companys auditor is required to mention this fact in the audit report and deal appropriately.
Q10. What are the services which cannot be rendered by a statutory auditor of a company
under section 144 of the Companies Act, 2013?
Ans
An Auditor cannot render to a company the following services under section 144 of the Companies Act,
2013:-
- Accounting & Book-keeping
- Internal Audit
- Financial Information System
- Actuarial Services
- Investment Advisory Services
- Investment Banking Services
- Outsourced Financial Services
- Management Services and
- Any other kind of services as may be prescribed.
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Ch 3 - INTERNAL AUDIT.
PROPRIETY AUDIT
The Propriety Audit means the verification of following main aspects to find out whether:
(i) Proper recording has been done in appropriate books of accounts.
(ii) The assets have not been misused and have been properly safeguarded.
(iii) The business funds have been utilized properly.
(iv) The concern is providing the expected results.
COMPLIANCE AUDIT
EFFICIENCY AUDIT
Efficiency indicates how well an organization uses its resources to produce goods and services. It
focuses on resources (inputs), goods and services (outputs), and the rate (productivity) at which inputs
are used to produce or deliver the outputs.
Inputs are the resources (e.g., human , financial, equipment, material ) used to produce outputs.
Outputs are goods and services produced . Outputs are defined in terms of quantity and quality.
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Productivity is the ratio of amount of acceptable goods and services produced to the amount of
resources (inputs) used to produce them.
Efficiency is a relative concept and is measured by comparing achieved productivity with a desired
norm, target, or standard.
Efficiency audit refers to comparing actual performance with plans and investigating the reasons for
variations to take remedial action.
INTERNAL AUDIT
Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add
value and improve an organisations operations. It helps an organization to improve the effectiveness of
risk management, control and governance processes.
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1. The Scope and objectives for the audit is required to be established and then
communicated to the management.
2. Review of documents is done with the help of Flow charts and narratives.
3. Identify the key risks facing the business activities.
4. Identify the control procedures to control the above risks.
5. Report problems or any deviations identified.
6. Follow-up on reported findings at appropriate interval of time.
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2. Review Controls
An internal auditor determines how a companys controls techniques operate by reading
previous audit reports or working papers. An auditor applies Generally Accepted Auditing
Standards (GAAS) to detect procedures, tools and methods that build controls.
3. Test Controls
An internal auditor tests a business organizations controls, policies, guidelines to ensure that
such controls are designed adequately and are operating effectively and efficiently.
4. Account Details
An internal auditor performs tests of account details to ensure that financial statements of a
business entity are not materially misstated.
Terms of reference
The overall status and work of internal audit should be formalized in terms of reference , which is
known as audit charter, and approved by the board, normally through the audit committee.
Internal audits terms of reference or charter should provide clarity about its:
Strategy and objectives;
Role and responsibilities within the organisation;
Scope of work;
Accountability to the audit committee;
Reporting lines for line management purposes;
Accessibility to the board and the audit committee; and
Access to all information, people and records across the organisation.
The terms of reference should make it clear that internal audit should not be put in a position where it
has to review its own work.
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Statutory Auditor and Internal Auditor both are independent entity. A statutory Auditor of a company
cannot be the internal auditor of the same company. In certain cases, statutory auditor refers the report
of internal auditor and he expresses his opinion based on the report of internal auditor. Similarly in
certain cases, internal auditor also refers the report of statutory auditors. The relationship between
statutory auditor and internal auditor may be summed up as given below:
1. Comment on the Internal Audit System in place: the statutory auditor evaluate and comment
upon the effectiveness and suitability of internal audit system laid down by the management.
2. Evaluation of the actual work of internal auditor: Actual work of the internal auditor should be
evaluated as statutory auditor has to make use of the work of internal auditor and for this he need to
have faith in the work of internal auditor.
3. Relying on the work of internal auditor: Statutory auditor has to decide that up to what extent he
can rely upon the work of the internal auditor.If he feels that internal auditor has properly done his work
he can reduce the extent of his checking.
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(c)The internal auditor is often considered one of the "four pillars" of corporate governance, the other
pillars are the Board of Directors, management, and the external auditor.
(d)Internal auditor helps the Audit Committee and Board of Directors to perform its responsibilities
effectively by reporting critical internal control problems and providing suggestions and coordinating
with the external auditor and management to ensure that Committee receives effective information.
(a)Through evaluation and recommendations, of internal control system, internal auditor should
examine and contribute towards its effectiveness.
(b)It adds value to an organizations internal control system by bringing a systematic, disciplined
approach to the evaluation of risk management efforts which helps the internal auditor to focus towards
the improvement of internal control structure.
(b)Under the COSO Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework, risks fall under strategic,
operational, financial reporting, and legal/regulatory categories. Management performs risk assessment
activities as part of the ordinary course of business. Examples include: strategic planning, marketing
planning, capital planning, budgeting, hedging, incentive payout structure, and credit/lending practices.
(c)Internal auditors may evaluate each of the activities, or the processes used by management to report
and monitor the risks identified.
I
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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The system of Propriety Audit is applied in respect to Government companies, Government Department
because public money and public interest are involved therein.
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Or
What is the scope of internal audit?
Ans
It is defined as the examination and evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of organizations
system of internal control and the quality of actual performance.
Internal audit involves five areas of operations
1. Reliability and Integrity of Financial and Operating information:
Internal auditors should review the reliability and integrity of financial and operating information
2. Economical and Efficient use of Resources:
Internal auditor should ensure the economic and efficient use of resources available.
3. Compliance with Laws, Policies, Plans, Procedures, Regulations:
Internal auditor should ensure the compliance of policies, plans, procedures, law and
regulations which have a significant impact on operations and should determine whether the
organization has complied it.
4. Accomplishment of Established Goals for Operations:
Internal auditor should ascertain whether actual results are consistent with the established
objectives and goals.
5. Safeguarding of Assets
Internal auditor should verify the existence of assets and should review means of safeguarding
assets.
(c)The internal auditor is often considered one of the "four pillars" of corporate governance, the other
pillars are the Board of Directors, management, and the external auditor.
(d)Internal auditor helps the Audit Committee and Board of Directors to perform its responsibilities
effectively by reporting critical internal control problems and providing suggestions and coordinating
with the external auditor and management to ensure that Committee receives effective information.
1. The Scope and objectives for the audit is required to be established and then
communicated to the management.
2. Review of documents is done. Flow charts and narratives can be created for this.
3. Identify the key risks facing the business activities.
4. Identify the control procedures to control the above risks.
5. Report problems or any deviations identified.
6. Follow-up on reported findings at appropriate interval of time.
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Ch 4 - INTERNAL CONTROL
INTRODUCTION
Internal control is broadly defined as a process, designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the achievement of objectives in the following categories:
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It helps in compliance with prescribed policies and procedures. It assures that adequate
documentation is created and retained.
5. Protection of Employees
Internal controls protect employees:
a) by segregating duties and responsibilities
b) by providing checks and balances
6. Benefits of Internal Control to the Auditor
It promote a situation where the financial statements present a true and fair view which may
help the statutory auditor.
LIMITATIONS O
Judgment - If the judgements are given out of undue influence or pressure, then it can be biased and
unreliable which will hamper the effectiveness of controls
Breakdowns - Well designed internal controls can break down if employees misunderstand
instructions or simply make mistakes.
Management Override - High level personnel may be able to override prescribed policies or
procedures for personal gains or advantages.
Collusion Individuals can alter financial data or other management information in a manner that
cannot be identified by control systems.
INTERNAL CHECK
-Internal check is best regarded as indicating checks on the day-to-day transactions which operate
continuously as a part of the routine system.
- Internal check is a continuous process and is part of the day-to-day routine.
-Internal check is a part of internal control system.
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Cost involvement Cost of internal check is the part cost of internal audit is additional
of the system cost cost to the system.
Time of checking checking is done when the work work is checked after it is done.
is being done
(I) Preventive Controls techniques are designed to discourage errors or irregularities from occurring.
Examples of preventive controls techniques are:
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1. Segregation of Duties: Duties are segregated among different people to reduce the risk of error or
inappropriate action.
3. Security of Assets (Preventive and Detective): Access to equipment, inventories, securities, cash
and other assets is restricted; assets are periodically counted and compared to amounts shown on
control records.
(II) Detective Controls techniques are designed to find errors or irregularities after they have occurred.
Examples of detective controls techniques are:
2. Reconciliations: An employee relates different sets of data to one another, identifies an differences,
and takes corrective action, when necessary.
3. Physical Inventories
4. Internal Audits
(1) Narrative record : It is a complete description of the system as found in operation by the auditor.
(2) Check list : A check list is a series of instructions and/or answer. The complete check list is studied
by the principle/manager/senior to ascertain existence of internal control and evaluate its
implementation and efficiency.
(3) Questionnaire : It is a comprehensive series of questions related to internal control. This is the
most widely used from for collecting information about the existence, operation and efficiency of internal
control in an organization. The questionnaire form provides an orderly means of disclosing defects in
control system.
(4) Flow chart : Flow chart is a graphical presentation of each part of the companys system of internal
control. A flow chart is considered to be the most concise way of recording the auditors review of the
system. It minimizes the amount of narrative explanation.
AUDIT TESTING
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-An audit test is a procedure performed by either an external or internal auditor in order to assess the
accuracy of financial statement.
-The two common categories of audit tests are substantive tests and tests of internal controls.
A substantive audit test is a direct test that validates a financial statement balance
Internal control tests are focused on key controls that are designed to prevent and detect
material misstatements.
1. Such a comparison gives an overall view of the industry as a whole to its members
2. It helps in knowing strengths or weaknesses of the firm.
3. It develops cost consciousness among members of the industry.
4. It helps Government in effecting price regulation.
5. It helps to improve the quality of products manufactured and to reduce the cost of production.
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other units.
AUDIT IN DEPTH
-Audit in depth means checking a transaction extensively from origin to end.
- It is an audit technique which is used to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control system in an
organisation.
- It is used in investigation exercises where the objective is detailed examination of transactions or
records.
- In this technique all aspects relating to the transaction are checked
-It is also called vertical vouching as against horizontal vouching.
For example, a purchase of goods may commence when a pre-determined re-order level has been
reached. The ensuing stages may be summarized as given below:
1.Authorization of Purchase requisition: Check whether the requisitions are pre-printed, pre-
numbered and authorized by competent official.
2. Issue of Request for quotation: Check whether request for quotation have been issued or not
3. Issue of Purchase order: Check whether purchase order have been issued from the competent
authority.
4. Receipt of goods and entry of goods in store ledger: check whether the goods receipt is as per
specification given in the purchase order and have been properly recorded in store ledger or not.
5. Approval of payment of Supplier Invoice: Check whether the amount has been approved by the
competent authority.
6. Payment of supplier invoice: Check whether the supplier bill have been paid correctly.
7. Accounting of Transaction: Check whether correct expenses code have been debited while
preparing accounts while complying the applicable accounting standard .
Ans. Internal control is broadly defined as a process, designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the achievement of objectives in the following categories:
- Detective controls: they are designed to detect errors or irregularities that may have occurred
- Corrective controls: They are designed to correct errors or irregularities that have been
detected.
- Preventive Controls: They are designed to keep errors or irregularities from occuing in the first
place.
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Ans. There are two types of techniques used in internal control system Preventive internal control
techniques and Detective internal control techniques controls. Both types of internal control
techniques are essential to an effective internal control system.
(I) Preventive Controls techniques are designed to discourage errors or irregularities from occurring.
Examples of preventive controls techniques are:
1. Segregation of Duties: Duties are segregated among different people to reduce the risk of error or
inappropriate action.
3. Security of Assets (Preventive and Detective): Access to equipment, inventories, securities, cash
and other assets is restricted; assets are periodically counted and compared to amounts shown on
control records.
(II) Detective Controls techniques are designed to find errors or irregularities after they have occurred.
Examples of detective controls techniques are:
2. Reconciliations: An employee relates different sets of data to one another, identifies an differences,
and takes corrective action, when necessary.
3. Physical Inventories
4. Internal Audits
Ans. It is the responsibility of the management for the maintenance of internal control system rather
than of the auditor. Because, internal control is the process designed, implemented and maintained by
those charged with governance, management to provide reasonable assurance about the achievement
of the entitys objectives.
Q4. When auditor uses more professional judgment, the degree of inherent risk is lower.
Comment.
Ans. The auditor uses his professional judgment to assess inherent risk by evaluating different factor
relating to the organization. on this basis, he tries to ensure lower level of inherent risk. Thus, it is
correct to say that when auditor uses more professional judgment, the degree of inherent risk is lower.
Q5. In a medium size trading organisation, the accountant was given additional responsibility of
making recoveries from receivables. On one occasion, an insurance claim of Rs.75,000 was
received. He credited the same to the account of a debtor and misappropriated the cash which
he had recovered from the said receivable. Pinpoint the weaknesses in the internal control
which led to this situation.
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Ans. Following points can be mentioned in support of weakness of internal control which lead to
misappropriation of cash:
Breakdowns - Well designed internal controls can break down if employees misunderstand
instructions or simply make mistakes.
Management Override - High level personnel may be able to override prescribed policies or
procedures for personal gains or advantages.
Collusion Individuals can alter financial data or other management information in a manner that
cannot be identified by control systems.
Q6. Explain ratio/trend analysis as a tool of inter- firm and intra-firm comparison.
Ans. Ratio analysis is a process of determining and interpreting relationships between the items of
financial statements to provide a meaningful understanding of the performance and financial position of
an enterprise. Ratio analysis is an accounting tool to present accounting variables in a simple, concise,
intelligible and understandable form.
A firm would like to compare its performance with that of other firms and of industry in general. The
comparison is called inter-firm comparison. If the performance of different units belonging to the same
firm is to be compared, it is called intra-firm comparison. Such comparison is almost impossible without
accounting ratios. Even the progress of a firm from year to year cannot be measured without the help of
financial ratios. The accounting language simplified through ratios is the best tool to compare the firms
and divisions of the firm.
Q7. Director (finance) of KK Ltd informed their newly appointed statutory auditor that they have
sound internal control system implemented by a renowned professional firm and he is satisfied
with its effectiveness and functioning. Therefore, the statutory auditor should concentrate on
verifying only the routine books and financial statements. As an auditor, how would you react to
this situation.
Ans. The objective of an audit of financial statement is to enable an auditor to determine the true and
fair view of the financial position and operating results and to express an opinion thereon.
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The scope of audit will be determined having regard to the terms of engagement,requirement of
relevant statute and pronouncement of the Institute. The terms of engagement, however cannot restrict
the scope of an audit in relation to matters that are prescribed by the legislation or by the
pronouncement of the Institute.
The report of the auditor is based on his examination of financial statements and the underlying
documents and evidences. It is for the auditor to decide, based on his evaluation of the internal control
as to its existence and effectiveness. The nature, timing and extent of audit procedures are based on
such evaluation.
In the instant case, management has no right to guide and place any restriction on the work of the
auditor as it would amount to restriction on the scope of the audit. The auditor should ask the
management not to impose such restriction on his scope of the audit, that impairs his ability to examine
and express an opinion and if the management doesnot agrees, he should issue a qualified opinion or
disclaimer, as appropriate.
Considering the above points, it can be said that contention of finance director that statutory auditor
should concentrate on verifying only the routine books and financial statements is incorrect and not
acceptable.
Ans. -Audit in depth means checking a transaction extensively from origin to end.
- It is an audit technique which is used to evaluate the effectiveness of internal control system in an
organisation.
- It is used in investigation exercises where the objective is detailed examination of transactions or
records.
- In this technique all aspects relating to the transaction are checked
-It is also called vertical vouching as against horizontal vouching.
For example, a purchase of goods may commence when a pre-determined re-order level has been
reached. The ensuing stages may be summarized as given below:
1.Authorization of Purchase requisition: Check whether the requisitions are pre-printed, pre-
numbered and authorized by competent official.
2. Issue of Request for quotation: Check whether request for quotation have been issued or not
3. Issue of Purchase order: Check whether purchase order have been issued from the competent
authority.
4. Receipt of goods and entry of goods in store ledger: check whether the goods receipt is as per
specification given in the purchase order and have been properly recorded in store ledger or not.
5. Approval of payment of Supplier Invoice: Check whether the amount has been approved by the
competent authority.
6. Payment of supplier invoice: Check whether the supplier bill have been paid correctly.
7. Accounting of Transaction: Check whether correct expenses code have been debited while
preparing accounts while complying the applicable accounting standard .
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Question 1
What is Internal Control Review (ICR) and how different it is to Internal Audit?
Answer
Internal Control Review is an overall assessment of the internal control system and its adequacy of each
business area in an organization to address the relevant risks. Through control review, an organization's
resources are directed, monitored, and measured in an effective manner. It plays an important role in
protecting the organization's tangible and intangible resources.
Whereas, Internal audit as defined by the Institute of Internal Auditors is "an activity that provides
independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an
organizations operations. It helps an organization to fulfil its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined
approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance
processes".
Question 2
Explain the term segregation of duties in context of purchase control review.
Answer
To ensure proper separation of duties, assign related buying functions to different people.
If segregation of duties does not exist in purchases operations, this may result into unauthorized or
unnecessary purchases, improper charges to department budgets, purchase of goods at excessive costs,
use of goods for personal purposes.
Question 3
What are the objectives of review of management information system of an organisation?
Answer
The following are the objectives of review of management information system of an organisation:
1. To determine whether review procedures are necessary to achieve stated objectives.
2. To determine whether MIS policies or practices, processes, objectives, and internal controls are adequate.
3. To evaluate whether MIS applications provide users with timely, accurate, consistent, complete, and
relevant information.
4. To assess the types and level of risk associated with MIS and the quality of controls over those risks.
5. To determine whether MIS applications and enhancements to existing systems adequately support
corporate goals.
6. To determine whether MIS is being developed in compliance with an approved corporate MIS policy or
practice statement.
7. To determine whether management is committed to providing the resources needed to develop the
required MIS.
8. To determine if officers are operating according to established guidelines.
9. To evaluate the scope and adequacy of audit activities.
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10. To initiate corrective action when policies or practices, processes, objectives, or internal controls are
deficient.
11. To determine if any additional work is needed to fulfill the examination strategy of the institution.
Question 4
Explain the internal control review points for reviewing the marketing function of an organisation?
Answer
The following are the review points for reviewing the marketing function of an organisation:
Question 5
What are the points to be considered while reviewing the quality management system of a manufacturing
organisation?
Answer
The following points are to be considered while reviewing the quality management system of a manufacturing
organisation:
1. Whether formal documented instructions / procedures are available for quality tests
2. Whether sufficient quantities of each production run are tested to check the quality
3. Whether Quality assurance procedures are integrated into the production process.
4. Whether defect rates, customer returns and complaints due to poor quality are monitored.
5. Whether measuring equipment and devices are checked on a periodic basis i.e. quarterly, half yearly.
Question 6
What are the points to be considered while carrying out the internal control review of recruitment function?
Answer
Organizations recruitment and selection process shapes part of companys reputation. Reviewing human
resources employment function involves a review of the way applicants are received. A review should reveal
how knowledgeable the engaged employment specialists are concerning organizational structure, positions
within each department, and fair employment practices in recruiting and hiring candidates.
Question 7
Explain the main points to be considered in reviewing the decision making process of management.
Answer
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Question 8
What are the internal control aspects in relation to Bank Reconciliation Statement?
Answer
The following are the internal control aspects in relation to Bank Reconciliation Statement :
1. Receipt of Bank Statement : Decision regarding handling over/receipt of bank Statements.
2. Frequency of Reconciliation : How frequently reconciliation should be performed.
3. Authorisation : The person responsible for carrying out the bank reconciliation should not be concerned
with handling cash and cheques received or with arrangements for disbursements.
4 Attention points : Special attention to be given for long standing unpresented cheques, stop payment
notices, examination of the sequence of cheque numbers and compilation of cheque details with details
recorded in the cash book.
Question 9
Explain the points to be considered while carrying out the internal control review of an organisation over the
selection of transporter.
Answer
The following points are to be considered while carrying out the internal control review of an organisation
over the selection of transporter:
1. Check the system of sending enquiry and receiving quotations.
2. Check the control over sending enquiry and receiving, how record keeping, etc.
3. Check whether basis of taking decision is recorded properly or not.
4. Check whether date of approval, name of approving authority is mentioned on the approval document or
not.
5. Check whether the contract is entered into with the selected transporter. Check the terms and conditions
of transporter agreement.
Question 10
Prepare a small questionnaire enlisting the important things to be reviewed in case of hiring by the HR
department of an organisation.
Answer
The following important things to be reviewed in case of hiring by the HR department of an Organization
Question Yes No N/A Comments
1. Do job descriptions exist?
2. Are job descriptions up to date?
3. Are forms and acceptable documentation
reviewed annually?
4. Are job openings offered to current employees?
5. Are applicant references checked?
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Question 11
What is management information system (MIS)? List down the points to be considered while evaluating the
MIS.
Answer
MIS is an information system which provides information to the management so that management may take
timely decisions. MIS is concerned with processing data into information which is then communicated to the
various departments in an organisation for appropriate decision making.
Question 12.
In the course of audit of Growth Ltd you want to review the internal control in the area of sales return.
Mention the aspects which are to be specifically looked into to ascertain its soudness.
Answer
Review of Sales Return
1. Is the system relating to sale returns prescribe limits at various levels to accept return of goods?
2. Are sale return analyzed with reference to the reason & necessary actions taken ?
3. Are the returned goods inspected before acceptance?
4. Is an inward return note prepared against each sale return, indicating the quantity and specifications of the
goods received back?
5. Are appropriate entries made in the books of account promptly?
6. Check whether the excise paid is reversed for the returned goods or not.
Question 13
As internal auditor of the company, how will you review the internal control of the following:
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Question 14.
What are the objectives of the review of selling and distribution function.
Answer
Selling and distribution function are one of the most important function for an organisation. The survival of an
organisation largely depends on the effectiveness of selling and distribution function.
Review of sales and distribution function is very important from internal control point of view and it requires a
detailed understanding of company business.
Question 15.
How you will review the internal control of process of taking insurance during transit.
Answer.
1. Check whether the process of taking insurance for transit vehicle exists or not.
2. Check the coverage of insurance policy i.e. it covers full inventory value or just material price.
3. Check who takes the insurance transporter or the client
4. Check whether proper insurance value is declared for insurance coverage.
5. Check whether the insurance policy is made available to all concerned.
6. Check whether any cost benefit analysis has been done for the insurance premium paid and claim
launched.
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Question 16
Write a short note on review of working environment, safety and security.
Answer
1. Whether separate areas are identified for inventory storage and handling,vaults, toxic materials
2. Whether entry and exit points for sensitive areas have appropriate security controls such as security
personnel, gate passes, cameras and lighting, perimeter fencing.
3. Whether smoke detection and fire-fighting equipment are functional and provide adequate protection.
4. Whether the workers use self protective devices at the work place.
5. Whether equipment and evacuation procedures are tested on a regular basis .
6. Whether security incidents i.e. accidents/theft etc are formally reported and tracked.
Question 17.
What are the objectives of review of Manufacturing Operations.
Answer
1. Whether the organization have any manufacturing process management system.
2. Whether the policies and procedures for production are well defined & well documented.
3. Whether the organisation have a quality management system in place.
4. Whether the organization is following six sigma.
5. Whether the organisation have a written maintenance policy.
6. Whether security policies are documented or not
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AUDIT PLAN
An audit plan lays out the strategies to be followed to conduct an audit. It includes the nature, timing
and extent of audit procedures to be followed. It is a step-by-step approach that enables auditors to
focus on important areas under review.
For high standard of performance, it is important that the auditor should prepare adequately for his
work.
Planning ahead for an audit work will help the auditor to ensure that:
- The audit objective is established and achieved;
- The audit is properly controlled and directed
-The work is completed economically
Audit plan relates to preparations made by the auditor for one specific audit engagement of
one client for one year.
(c) Analytical review of available management accounts and other management information that
relate to the accounts
This will help in establishing valuable ratios that will guide the auditor. For eg, the calculation of the
gross profit percentage compared with that of the previous year will help the auditor to assess sales
and cost of sales.
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The auditor may not carry out a hundred percent testing or verification of the clients transactions or
segments of the business. Where rotational testing or verification is adopted, it will be necessary for the
auditor to determine which aspect of the business should be selected for testing.
AUDIT PROGRAMME
An audit programme is a set of instructions which are to be followed for proper execution of audit. After
the development of audit plan a detailed written audit programme containing the various steps and
procedures is required. The audit programme contains the measures that are used to determine what,
and how much evidence must be collected and evaluated.
It is documented in the audit working papers, which are the official records that contains the planning
and execution of the audit agreement.
Sample audit programme for auditing the receipt of fees from the students of a government
college
1.Check names entered in the Students Fee Register for each term, with the respective class registers
2.Check fees received by comparing counterfoils of receipts granted with entries in the cash book
3.Ascertain that fees paid in advance have been carried forward and the arrears that are irrecoverable
have been written off.
4.check free studentship and concessions granted
5.Confirm that fines for late payment or absence, etc., have been collected.
6.To check Bank Reconciliation statement with receipts.
7.Check the reminder system SMS alert, e-mails, call log book, to proper collection of fee.
8.Check the authentication of system and software used by the concern in this regard.
VOUCHING
Vouching means examining the entries with the documents. It is an act of examining documentary
evidence in order to ascertain the accuracy and authenticity of entries in the books of accounts.
It is the acid test of audit. It tests the truth of the transaction recorded in the books of accounts. The
auditor should be satisfied that books are properly maintained and supported by all the evidence and
are correctly recorded.
Objectives of Vouching
1) To ensure that all the transactions are properly recorded in the books of accounts
2) To see the proper evidence supports all the entries of the transactions
3) To make sure that fraudulent transactions are not recorded in the books of accounts
4) To see that all transactions relating to business are recorded in the books of accounts
5) To see that all transactions are properly authenticated by a responsible person.
VOUCHER
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Any documentary evidence supporting the entries in the records is termed as a voucher. Any
document, which supports the entries in the books of accounts and establishes the arithmetical
accuracy, is called a voucher.
For eg- a bill, an invoice, salaries & wages sheets, bank pass book, memorandum & articles of
association, trust deed, prospectus, minute book etc.
VERIFICATION
Verification is a process by which an auditor satisfies himself about the accuracy of the assets and
liabilities appearing in the Balance Sheet by inspection of the documentary evidence available.
Verification means confirmation of the assets and liabilities appearing in the Balance Sheet.
2. Possession: The auditor has to verify that the assets are in the possession of the company on the
date of balance sheet.
3. Ownership: The auditor should confirm that the asset is legally owned by the company.
4. Charge or lien: The auditor has to verify whether the asset is subject to any charge or lien.
5. Record: The auditor should confirm that all the assets and liabilities are recorded in the books of
account.
6. Audit report: Under CARO the auditor has to report whether the management has conducted
physical verification of fixed assets and stock and the difference, if any, between the physical inventory
and the inventory as per the book.
7. Event after balance sheet date: The auditor should find out whether any event after the date of
balance sheet has affected any items of assets and liabilities.
SCOPE OF VERIFICATION
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OBJECTS OF VERIFICATION
ADVANTAGES OF VERIFICATION
TECHNIQUES OF VERIFICATION:
1. Inspection: It means physical inspection of the assets i.e. physical inventory, inspection of shares
certificates, documents etc.
2. Observation: The auditor may observe or witness the inspection of assets done by others.
3. Confirmation: It means obtaining written evidence from outside parties regarding existence of
assets.
VERIFICATION OF ASSETS
verification means the physical examination of certain class of assets and confirmation regarding
certain transactions.
Verification through physical examination and confirmation proves whether a particular asset actually
exists without having any charge on the date of the Balance Sheet.
Verification is made on the basis of vouching. So, verification is a part of vouching. Even though they
have some differences which are as follows:
Particulars Vouching Verification
Meaning Verification is the act of checking vouching is the act of checking the records
title, possession and valuation of with the help of evidential documents.
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assets
Nature Verification is specially related to the vouching is related to all the accounting
assets and liabilities documents
Person Generally, assistant staff or auditor auditor himself performs the work of
performs the work of vouching verification
Time Vouching is made at the beginning of verification is made at the end of auditing or
auditing at the time of checking balance sheet.
DOCUMENTATION
Documentation refers to the working papers prepared or obtained by the auditor and
retained by him, in connection with the performance of the audit.
-The form and content of audit documentation should be designed to meet the circumstances of the
particular audit.
-The information contained in audit documentation constitutes the principal record of the work that the
auditors have performed in accordance with standards.
The factors that determine the form and content of documentation for a particular engagement are:
(a) The nature of the engagement.
(b) The nature of the business activity of the client.
(c) The status of the client.
(d) Reporting format.
(e) Relevant legislations applicable to the client.
(f) Records maintained by the client.
(h) Quality of audit assistants engaged
WORKING PAPERS
Working papers are the property of the auditor. The auditor may, at his discretion, make portions of or
extracts from his working papers available to his client.
General guidelines for the preparation of working papers are :
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1. Clarity and Understanding Working papers should be clear and understandable. The working
papers should be able to provie the information related to the purpose, the nature and scope of the
work done.
2. Completeness and Accuracy Working papers should be complete, accurate, and support
observations, testing, conclusions, and recommendations.
3. Pertinence Information available in working papers should reflect the important matters which are
necessary to support the working of the auditor
5. Legibility and Neatness Working papers should be legible and as neatly prepared. Crowding and
writing between lines should be avoided.
7. Initial and Date Put initials and date on every working paper
8. Summary of conclusions Summarize the results of work performed.
SAMPLING
Audit sampling is testing of less than 100% of the items with in the population to obtain and evaluate
evidence about some characteristic of that population, in order to form a conclusion concerning the
population.
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This method uses sampling without replacement in once an item has been selected for testing it is
removed from the population & is not subject to re selection.
4) (a) The risk of under reliance and the risk of incorrect rejection affect audit efficiency.
(b)Whereas, the risk of over reliance and the risk of incorrect acceptance affect audit
effectiveness.
5) Sampling size is affected by the level of sampling risk the auditor is willing to accept from the
result of the sample.
TOLERABLE ERROR
-Tolerable error is the maximum error in the population that the auditor would be willing to
accept.
-Tolerable error is considered during the planning stage and, for substantive procedures, is
related to the auditors judgement about materiality.
-The smaller the tolerable error, the greater the sample size will need to be.
- In substantive procedures, the tolerable error is the maximum monetary error in an account balance or
class of transactions, so that the auditor is able to conclude, with reasonable
assurance, that the financial statements are not materially misstated.
EXPECTED ERROR
If the auditor expects error to be present in the population, such that, actual error in the population is
not greater than the planned tolerable error.
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In determining the expected error in the population, the auditor would consider such matters as error
levels identified in previous audits, changes in the entitys procedures, and evidences available from
other procedures.
Carrying out detailed check of each and every transaction of a large business shall be time consuming
for the auditor. In auditing the accounts of a business, every single copy is not usually checked by the
auditor; what is usually done in practice is that a representative number of entries of each class are
selected and checked and if they are found correct, the remaining entries are taken to be correct. This
is known as Test Checking
2. Exception Principle : Test checking adopts the principle of exception in control. If certain aspects of
internal control do not create suspicion, there is no need to verify all these transactions exhaustively.
3. Scientific assessment of risk : The auditor assesses the risk of material misstatements
in the Financial Statements in a scientific manner by drawing suitable samples and studying the same
in detail.
4. Saving in time : As fewer transactions are verified, time is saved to a great extent.
AUDITORS LIABILITY
If any errors are found in the accounts the auditor cannot take the shield against the fact that he
conducted test check. The auditor should very carefully select the items for test check and ensure on
the whole that the accounts show a true and fair view.
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Q1.What is the meaning of audit plan? State the reasons why audit plan is prepared?
Ans
- An audit plan is a step-by-step, methodical approach that enables auditors to focus on
important areas under review.
-For high standard of performance, it is important that the auditor should prepare adequately for his
work.
Planning ahead for an audit work will help the auditor to ensure that:
- The audit objective is established and achieved;
- The audit is properly controlled and adequately directed at all stages;
-The work is completed economically
Audit plan relates to preparations made by the auditor for one specific audit engagement of
one client for one year.
3.On other hand, verification process encompasses the inquiry into the ownership/ title, existence,
valuation, completeness and presentation of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet.
4.Verification usually deals with the final balance in the Final Accounts ie the balance
sheet and profit and loss account.
Generally the factors that determine the form and content of documentation for a
particular engagement are:
(a) The nature of the engagement.
(b) The nature of the business activity of the client.
(c) The status of the client.
(d) Reporting format.
(e) Relevant legislations applicable to the client.
(f) Records maintained by the client.
(g) Internal controls in operation.
(h) Quality of audit assistants engaged in the particular assignment and the need to
direct and supervise their work.
Q4. What is test checking in audit? What are the advantages of test checking?
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Ans
Test checking is an accepted auditing procedure wherein only a part of its transactions is checked to
form an opinion instead of checking the transactions. The advantages of test
checking include:
1. Audit objective : The auditor is required to form an opinion on the financial statements.Hence,
proper and careful test checking serves the audit objective in obtaining reasonable audit assurance.
2. Expertise : Application of test check principles involves the application of mind and intelligent
judgement. It enables the auditors to use his expertise effectively.
3. Exception Principle : Test checking adopts the principle of exception in control. If certain aspects of
internal control do not create suspicion, there is no need to verify all these transactions exhaustively.
4. Scientific assessment of risk : The auditor assesses the risk of material misstatements
in the Financial Statements in a scientific manner by drawing suitable samples and studying the same
in detail.
5. Saving in time : As fewer transactions are verified, time is saved to a great extent.
2. Completeness and Accuracy Working papers should be complete, accurate, and support
observations, testing, conclusions, and recommendations.
3. Pertinence Information available in working papers should reflect the important matters which are
necessary to support the working of the auditor
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5. Legibility and Neatness Working papers should be legible and as neatly prepared. Crowding and
writing between lines should be avoided.
7. Initial and Date Put initials and date on every working paper
Q7.Audit Working Papers are of great need to auditors in discharge of their duties. In what whey is it
helpful to them. Discuss
Ans
Audit working papers are the documents which record all audit evidence obtained during financial
statement auditing, internal management auditing, information system auditing and investigation. They
are used to support the audit work done in order to provide assurance that the audit was performed in
accordance with the relevant auditing standards.
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