Audit Documentation and Developing Working Papers
Audit Documentation and Developing Working Papers
Audit Documentation and Developing Working Papers
and
Developing Working Papers
1
Session Overview
Purpose and Preparation of Working Papers.
2
Learning Objective
3
What is Working Paper?
Material that auditors prepare or obtain and
retain in connection with the performance of
the audit.
4
Standards
ISA 230 states:
“Preparing sufficient and appropriate audit
documentation on a timely basis helps to enhance the
quality of the audit and facilitates the effective review
and evaluation of the audit evidence obtained and
conclusions reached before the auditor’s report is
finalised. Documentation prepared at the time the work
is performed is likely to be more accurate than
documentation prepared subsequently”.
5
Purpose of Working Paper
6
Purpose of Working Papers
They constitute a permanent record of the
objectives and scope of the audit, as well as the
work performed during the audit.
They contain the back-up material in support of the
audit findings, conclusions, opinions, and
comments.
8
Helpful in making genuine audit report
Uses as evidence
9
Contents of Working Paper
10
Each Audit Working Paper must headed with
the following information:
The name of the client.
The period covered by the audit.
The subject matter.
The file reference.
The initials (signature) of the member of
staff who prepared the working paper, and
the date on which it was prepared.
11
Permanent file
This file contains documents which relate to matters
likely to affect the operations of the entity in future.
12
Contents of permanent file
Brief history of the client’s business
Engagement letters
New client questionnaire
The memorandum and articles
Other legal documents such as prospectus, leases, sales
agreement
Board minutes of continuing relevance
Previous years’ signed accounts, analytical review and
management letters
Accounting system notes (internal control and audit
instructions), previous years’ control questionnaire
Organization chart
13
Current file
This contains information of relevance to the current
years’ audit.
Financial statements
Accounts checklist
Management accounts details
Reconciliation of management and financial accounts
A summary of unadjusted errors
Report to partner including details of significant events
and errors
14
Contents of current file
Lead schedule including details of the figures to be
included in the accounts
Problems encountered and conclusions drawn
Audit programs
Risk assessments
Sampling plans
Analytical review
Details of substantive tests and tests of controls
15
Procedures for keeping/recording audit working papers
16
Characteristics of Working Paper
Several broad characteristics that working
papers should have:
Completeness and Accuracy.
Clarity and Conciseness.
Ease of Preparation.
Legibility and Neatness.
Relevance.
17
(Exercise- # 1)
18
Structure of Good Working Papers
19
A well structured Working paper should have the
following properties:
Audit Planning
Planning Document
Planning analysis
Materiality Calculations
Responsibility Matrix
Risk Assessment Documents including Fraud Risk
Assessment.
20
Contd.
Assessment on Other Areas (planning and work done)
Subsequent Events
Going Concern
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Related Parties
Internal Audit Function
Involvement of Specialists
Others, as required
Discussions
Correspondence (including emails)
Entity Management
Third Parties
Copy of requirement list submitted and status
21 Other correspondence
What Should Not be Included
Superseded drafts of working papers and financial
statements
Notes that reflect incomplete or preliminary thinking
Previous copies of documents corrected for errors
Duplicate documents
22
Summary
23
Working papers are a record of work that is
done on an audit.
24
Specific Audit Documentation requirements in ISAs
25
Thank You
26