3
Audit Chapter Reports
Review Questions
3-1
Auditor's reports are important to users of financial statements because
they inform users of the auditor's opinion as to whether or not the statements are
fairly stated or whether no conclusion can be made with regard to the fairness of
their presentation. Users especially look for any deviation from the wording of the
standard unqualified report and the reasons and implications of such deviations.
Having standard wording improves communications for the benefit of users of the
auditors report. When there are departures from the standard wording, users are
more likely to recognize and consider situations requiring a modification or
qualification to the auditors report or opinion.
3-2
The unqualified audit report consists of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Report title Auditing standards require that the report be titled and
that the title includes the word independent.
Audit report address The report is usually addressed to the company,
its stockholders, or the board of directors.
Introductory paragraph The first paragraph of the report does three
things: first, it makes the simple statement that the CPA firm has
done an audit. Second, it lists the financial statements that were
audited, including the balance sheet dates and the accou nting
periods for the income statement and statement of cash flows.
Third, it states that the statements are the responsibility of
management and that the auditor's responsibility is to express an
opinion on the statements based on an audit.
Scope paragraph. The scope paragraph is a factual statement about
what the auditor did in the audit. The remainder briefly describes
important aspects of an audit.
Opinion paragraph . The final paragraph in the standard report
states the auditor's conclusions based on the results of the audit.
Name of CPA firm. The name identifies the CPA firm or practitioner
who performed the audit.
Audit report date. The appropriate date for the report is the end of
fieldwork, when the auditor has gathered sufficient appropriate
evidence to support the opinion.
The same seven parts are found in a qualified report as in an unqualified
report. There are also often one or more additional paragraphs explaining reasons
for the qualifications.
3-1
3-3
The purposes of the scope paragraph in the auditor's report are to inform
the financial statement users that the audit was conducted in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards, in general terms what those standards
mean, and whether the audit provides a reasonable basis for an opinion.
The information in the scope paragraph includes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The auditor followed generally accepted auditing standards.
The audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the statements are free of material misstatement.
Discussion of the audit evidence accumulated.
Statement that the auditor believes the evidence accumulated was
appropriate for the circumstances to express the opinion presented.
3-4
The purpose of the opinion paragraph is to state the auditor's conclusions
based upon the results of the audit evidence. The most important information in
the opinion paragraph includes:
1.
2.
3.
The words "in our opinion" which indicate that the conclusions are
based on professional judgment.
A restatement of the financial statements that have been audite d
and the dates thereof or a reference to the introductory paragraph.
A statement about whether the financial statements were presented
fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
3-5
The auditor's report should be dated February 17, 2010, the date on which
the auditor concluded that he or she had sufficient appropriate evidence to support
the auditors opinion.
3-6
An unqualified report may be issued under the following five circumstances:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
All statements balance sheet, income statement, statement of
retained earnings, and statement of cash flowsare included in the
financial statements.
The three general standards have been followed in all respects on
the engagement.
Sufficient evidence has been accumulated and the auditor has
conducted the engagement in a manner that enables him or her to
conclude that the three standards of field work have been met.
The financial statements are presented in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. This also means that adequate
disclosures have been included in the footnotes and other parts of
the financial statements.
There are no circumstances requiring the addition of an explanatory
paragraph or modification of the wording of the report.
3-2
3-7
The introductory, scope and opinion paragraphs are modified to include
reference to managements report on internal control over financial reporting, and
the scope of the auditors work and opinion on internal control over financial
reporting. The introductory and opinion paragraphs also refer to the framework
used to evaluate internal control. Two additional paragraphs are added between
the scope and opinion paragraphs that define internal control and describe the
inherent limitations of internal control.
3-8
When adherence to generally accepted accounting principles would result
in misleading financial statements there should be a complete explanation in a
separate paragraph. The separate paragraph should fully explain the departure
and the reason why generally accepted accounting princ iples would have
resulted in misleading statements. The opinion should be unqualified, but it
should refer to the separate paragraph during the portion of the opinion in which
generally accepted accounting principles are mentioned.
3-9
An unqualified report with an explanatory paragraph or modified wording is
the same as a standard unqualified report except that the auditor believes it is
necessary to provide additional information about the audit or the financial
statements. For a qualified report, either there is a scope limitation (condition 1)
or a failure to follow generally accepted accounting principles (condition 2).
Under either condition, the auditor concludes that the overall financial statements
are fairly presented.
Two examples of an unqualif ied report with an explanatory paragraph
or modified wording are:
1.
2.
The entity changed from one generally accepted accounting principle
to another generally accepted accounting principle.
A shared report involving the use of other auditors.
3-10 When another CPA has performed part of the audit, the primary auditor
issues one of the following types of reports based on the circumstances.
1.
2.
3.
No reference is made to the other auditor. This will occur if the
other auditor audited an immaterial portion of the state ment, the
other auditor is known or closely supervised, or if the principal
auditor has thoroughly reviewed the other auditor's work.
Issue a shared opinion in which reference is made to the other
auditor. This type of report is issued when it is impractical to review
the work of the other auditor or when a portion of the financial
statements audited by the other CPA is material in relation to the
total.
The report may be qualified if the principal auditor is not willing to
assume any responsibility for the work of the other auditor. A
disclaimer may be issued if the segment audited by the other CPA
is highly material.
3-3
3-11 Even though the prior year statements have been restated to enhance
comparability, a separate explanatory paragraph is required to expl ain the
change in generally accepted accounting principles in the first year in which the
change took place.
3-12 Changes that affect the consistency of the financial statements may
involve any of the following:
a.
b.
c.
Change in accounting principle
Change in reporting entity
Corrections of errors involving accounting principles.
An example of a change that affects consistency would be a change in the
method of computing depreciation from straight line to an accelerated method. A
separate explanatory paragraph is required if the amounts are material.
Comparability refers to items such as changes in estimates, presentation,
and events rather than changes in accounting principles. For example, a change
in the estimated life of a depreciable asset will affect the comparability of the
statements. In that case, no explanatory paragraph for lack of consistency is
needed, but the information may require disclosure in the statements.
3-13 The three conditions requiring a departure from an unqualified opinion are:
1.
2.
3.
The scope of the audit has been restricted. One example is when
the client will not permit the auditor to confirm material receivables.
Another example is when the engagement is not agreed upon until
after the client's year-end when it may be impossible to physically
observe inventories.
The financial statements have not been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles. An example is when
the client insists upon using replacement costs for fixed assets.
The auditor is not independent. An example is when the auditor
owns stock in the client's business.
3-14 A qualified opinion states that there has been either a limitation on the
scope of the audit or a departure from GAAP in the financial statements, but that
the auditor believes that the overall financial statements are fairly presented. This
type of opinion may not be used if the auditor believes the exceptions being
reported upon are extremely material, in which case a disclaimer or adverse
opinion would be used.
An adverse opinion states that the auditor believes the overall financial
statements are so materially misstated or misleading that they do not present
fairly in accordance with GAAP the financial position, results of operations, or
cash flows.
3-4
3-14 (continued)
A disclaimer of opinion states that the auditor has been unable to satisfy
him or herself as to whether or not the overall financial statements are fairly
presented because of a significant limitation of the scope of the audit, or a
nonindependent relationship under the Code of Professional Conduct between
the auditor and the client.
Examples of situations that are appropriate for each type of opinion are as
follows:
OPINION TYPE
EXAMPLE SITUATION
Disclaimer
Material physical inventories not
observed and the inventory cannot be
verified through other procedures.
Lack of independence by the auditor.
Adverse
A highly material departure from GAAP.
Qualified
Inability to confirm the existence of an
asset which is material but not extremely
material in value.
3-15 The common definition of materiality as it applies to accounting and,
therefore, to audit reporting is:
A misstatement in the financial statements can be considered material if
knowledge of the misstatement would affect a decision of a reasonable
user of the statements.
Conditions that affect the auditor's determination of materiality include:
Potential users of the financial statements
Dollar amounts of the following items: net income before taxes,
total assets, current assets, current liabilities, and owners' equity
Nature of the potential misstatementscertain misstatements, such
as fraud, are likely to be more important to users of the financial
statements than other misstatements.
3-16 Materiality for lack of independence in audit reporting is eas iest to define.
If the auditor lacks independence as defined by the Code of Professional
Conduct, it is always considered highly material and therefore a disclaimer of
opinion is always necessary. That is, either the CPA is independent or not
independent. For failure to follow GAAP, there are three levels of materiality:
immaterial, material, and highly material.
3-5
3-17 The auditor's opinion may be qualified by scope limitations caused by
client restrictions or by limitations resulting from conditions beyond the client's
control. The former occurs when the client will not, for example, permit the
auditor to confirm material receivables or physically observe inventories. The
latter may occur when the engagement is not agreed upon until after the client's
year-end when it may not be possible to physically observe inventories or confirm
receivables.
A disclaimer of opinion is issued if the scope limitation is so material that
the auditor cannot determine if the overall financial statements are fairly
presented. If the scope limitation is caused by the client's restriction the auditor
should be aware that the reason for the restriction might be to deceive the
auditor. For this reason, a disclaimer is more likely for client restrictions than for
conditions beyond anyone's control.
W hen there is a scope restriction that results in the failure to verify
material, but not pervasive accounts, a qualified opinion may be issued. This is
more likely when the scope limitation is for conditions beyond the client's control
than for restrictions by the client.
3-18 A report with a scope and an opinion qualification is issued when the
auditor can neither perform procedures that he or she considers necessary nor
satisfy him or herself by using alternative procedures, usually du e to the
existence of conditions beyond the client's or the auditor's control, but the
amount involved in the financial statements is not highly material. An important
part of a scope and opinion qualification is that it results from not accumulating
sufficient audit evidence, either because of the client's request or because of
circumstances beyond anyone's control.
A report qualified as to opinion only results when the auditor has
accumulated sufficient appropriate evidence but has concluded that the fin ancial
statements are not correctly stated. The only circumstance in which an opinion
only qualification is appropriate is for material, but not highly material, departures
from GAAP.
3-19 The three alternative opinions that may be appropriate when the cl ient's
financial statements are not in accordance with GAAP are an unqualified opinion,
qualified as to opinion only and adverse opinion. Determining which is
appropriate depends entirely upon materiality. An unqualified opinion is
appropriate if the GAAP departure is immaterial (standard unqualified) or if the
auditor agrees with the client's departure from GAAP (unqualified with
explanatory paragraph). A qualified opinion is appropriate when the deviation
from GAAP is material but not highly material; the adverse opinion is appropriate
when the deviation is highly material.
3-20 The AICPA has such strict requirements on audit opinions when the
auditor is not independent because it is important that stockholders and other
third parties be absolutely assured that the auditor is unbiased throughout the
entire engagement. If users develop the attitude that auditors are not
independent of management, the value of the audit function will be greatly
reduced, if not eliminated.
3-6
3-21 When the auditor discovers more than one condition that requires a
departure from or a modification of a standard unqualified report, the report
should be modified for each condition. An exception is when one condition
neutralizes the other condition. An example would be when the audit or is not
independent and there is also a scope limitation. In this situation the lack of
independence overshadows the scope limitation. Accordingly, the scope
limitation should not be mentioned.
3-22 Given the global nature of the financial markets, inve stors, both in the U.S.
and abroad, are frequently making investments in companies that are located all
over the world. While many companies located outside the U . S. already prepare
financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS), financial statements of U.S.-based entities are based on U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, Differences in the basis of presentation
makes the analysis of U.S. and non-U.S.-based company financial statements
difficult. Similarly, differences exist in auditing standards issued across the globe,
so the adoption of International Statements on Auditing (ISAs) would mean
auditors from around the globe are conducting their audits using the same set of
standards. The embrace of IFRS and ISAs will help investors in their analysis of
audited financial statements prepared across the globe.
Multiple Choice Questions From CPA Examinations
3-23 a.
(2)
b.
(3)
c.
(3)
3-24 a.
(3)
b.
(4)
c.
(1)
3-25 a.
(2)
b.
(3)
c.
(3)
Discussion Questions and Problems
3-26 a.
b.
c.
d.
"Correctly stated" implies absolute accuracy, whereas the alternative
report states that no material misstatements exist.
The reference to generally accepted accounting principles specifies
rules that were followed in accounting for the transactions to date;
whereas "the true economic conditions" does not identify the specific
accounting procedures applied.
The opinion paragraph is not intended to be a certification or a
guarantee of the accuracy and correctness of the financial statements,
but rather is intended to be an expression of professional judgment
based upon a reasonable audit of the statements and underlying
records.
The name of the CPA firm rather than that of the individual practitioner
should appear on the accountant's report because it is the entire
firm that accepts responsibility for the report issued.
3-7
3-26 (continued)
e.
3-27 a.
"Our audit was performed to detect material misstatements in the
financial statements" is flawed because the purpose of the audit is
to determine whether financial statements are fairly stated, not to
specifically search for material errors and fraud. It also fails to
recognize the audit standards followed by the auditor.
"We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing
standa rds generally accepted in the United States of America"
identifies the auditor's responsibilities for conduct of the audit,
accumulation of evidence and reporting requirements. It is a much
broader statement than the alternative clause. It also implies tha t if
the auditor has conducted the audit in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards but does not uncover certain material
errors or fraud, the auditor is unlikely to have responsibility for
failing to do so.
Items that need not be included in the auditor's report are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
b.
That Optima is presenting comparative financial statements.
(Both years' statements will be referred to in the audit report.)
Specific description of the change in method of accounting
for long-term construction contracts need not be included in
the report since it is discussed in the footnotes. But, the
auditor's report must state that there is a change in accounting
principles and refer to the footnote.
The fact that normal receivable confirmation procedures were
not used should not be disclosed since the auditor was able
to satisfy him or herself through alternate audit procedures.
The lawsuit need not be discussed in the report since it has
been included in a footnote.
The following deficiencies are in Allison's report:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The audit report is neither addressed nor dated and it does
not contain a title. The audit report date should be the last
day of field work.
The balance sheet is as of a specific date, whereas the income
statement and the statement of retained earnings are for a
period of time. The scope paragraph should identify the period
of time (usually one year).
There are comparative statements, but the audit report
identifies and deals with only the current year's financial
statements. An opinion must also be included for the prior
period financial statements.
There is no separate introductory paragraph that states the
financial statements audited, dates, and the responsibilities
of management and the auditor.
3-8
3-27 (continued)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
There is no separate scope paragraph that describes what
an audit is. Two required sentences are completely omitted:
"An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the account ing
principles used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation."
The audit was made in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America rather
than generally accepted accounting standards.
The word material is excluded from the scope paragraph
(free of material misstatement).
An additional paragraph should be included which describes
the dividend restrictions and the refusal of the client to
present a statement of cash flows.
The opinion paragraph states that accounting principles were
consistent with those used in the prior year. The opinion
paragraph should make no reference to consistency.
The opinion paragraph excludes the required phrase, "in all
material respects."
The opinion paragraph includes the words "generally accepted
auditing standards" rather than the phrase " accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America."
A separate paragraph should be included stating that generally
accepted accounting principles were not consistently applied.
The opinion should be qualified rather than being unqualified.
Qualifications are caused by the:
(a)
failure to present a statement of cash flows.
(b)
failure to disclose the dividend restrictions.
3-28
(a)
CONDITION
1. Scope of
the audit
has been
restricted
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
Highly material
(c)
TYPE OF
REPORT
Disclaimer
3-9
COMMENTS
Because the client
refuses to allow the
auditor to expand the
scope of his audit, a
disclaimer of opinion is
appropriate rather than
a qualified as to scope
and opinion.
3-28 (continued)
(a)
CONDITION
2. Failure to
follow GAAP
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
(c)
TYPE OF
REPORT
COMMENTS
Highly material or
material. We need
additional
information
regarding the
auditor's
preliminary
judgment about
materiality
Adverse
(if highly
material)
3. Lack of
independence
Not applicable
Disclaimer
Lack of independence by
audit personnel on the
engagement mandates
a disclaimer for lack of
independence.
4 None
Not applicable
Unqualified
The company has made
a decision to follow a
different financing
method, which is
adequately disclosed.
There is no change of
accounting principle.
5. Scope of
the audit
has been
restricted
Highly material
Disclaimer
The auditor cannot issue
an unqualified opinion on
the income statement or
the statement of cash
flows because a
disclaimer of opinion is
necessary for the
beginning balance sheet.
The auditor may issue an
unqualified opinion on the
ending balance sheet and
a disclaimer of opinion on
the income statement,
statement of cash flows,
and the beginning
balance sheet.
6. Scope of
the audit
has been
restricted
Highly material
Unqualified
The auditor is able to
satisfy him or herself that
with the use of alternative
procedures, a qualified
opinion is not necessary.
or
Qualified
(if material)
3-10
The materiality of twenty
percent of net earnings
before taxes would be
sufficient for many
auditors to require an
adverse opinion. That
materiality question is a
matter of auditor
judgment.
3-29
(a)
CONDITION
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
(c)
TYPE OF
REPORT
(d) MODIFIED WORDING /
ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS
(& OTHER COMMENTS)
1. Scope of the
audit has been
restricted
Highly material
(6) Disclaimer
2. None
Not applicable
(1) Unqualified There is no indication
standard
questioning the ability of the
wording
business to continue operations.
The auditor does not
automatically add an explanatory
paragraph simply because there
is a risky business.
3. None
Immaterial
(1) Unqualified The amount is immaterial. The
standard
facts are adequately disclosed
wording
in the footnote.
4. Failure to
follow GAAP
Material
(4) Qualified
opinion only
except for
5. Substantial
doubt about
going concern
Material
(2) Unqualified There is a question about the
explanatory
ability of the company to
paragraph
continue as a going concern.
The auditor therefore must
issue an unqualified report with
an explanatory paragraph
following the opinion.
3-11
The client has restricted the
scope of the audit and the
auditor was not able to satisfy
him or herself by alternative
procedures. Because it was a
client restriction rather than a
condition beyond the clients
control causing the limitation,
and because the limitation is
highly material, a disclaimer is
appropriate. Introductory
paragraph is modified, second
paragraph is added describing
the scope restriction, scope
paragraph is omitted, and
opinion paragraph is a
disclaimer of opinion.
The standards require the use
of a qualified opinion for the
failure to include a statement of
cash flows. Third paragraph
must be added stating the
omission.
3-29 (continued)
(a)
CONDITION
6. Report
involving other
auditors
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
Material
(c)
TYPE OF
REPORT
(d) MODIFIED WORDING /
ADDITIONAL PARAGRAPHS
(& OTHER COMMENTS)
(3) Unqualified This is a shared audit report in
modified
which the auditor will identify
wording
the portion of work done by the
other auditor in the introductory
paragraph and still issue an
unqualified opinion. The
absolute dollar amounts of
assets and revenues or
percentages must be stated in
the introductory paragraph.
Introductory paragraph, scope
paragraph, and opinion
paragraph are all modified.
3-30
(a)
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
(c )
TYPE OF
REPORT
COMMENT
Highly material or
material, depending
upon the amount of
the loss and the
auditor's preliminary
judgment about
materiality
(7) Adverse (if
highly material)
or
(4) Qualified
opinion only
except for
(if material)
Disclosure of this information
is required in a footnote.
Failure to do so is a violation
of GAAP and is likely to result
in a qualified opinion, or it
could be so material that it
requires an adverse opinion.
2. Failure to
Immaterial
follow GAAP.
(1) Unqualified
standard
wording
The amount is immaterial.
3. Scope of the
audit has
been
restricted.
(6) Disclaimer
(if Qualified
scope highly
material)
or
(5) and
opinion
(if material)
Because the auditor was
unable to satisfy himself
about beginning inventories, it
would be necessary to issue
either a qualified or disclaimer
of opinion on the income
statement and statement of
cash flows as well as the
beginning balance sheet. The
use of a qualified or
disclaimer would depend
upon materiality. An
unqualified opinion could be
issued for the current period
balance sheet.
CONDITION
1. Failure to
follow GAAP.
Highly material or
material, depending
upon the auditors
preliminary judgment
about materiality.
3-12
3-30 (continued)
(a)
CONDITION
(b)
MATERIALITY
LEVEL
(c )
TYPE OF
REPORT
COMMENT
4. Scope of the
audit has
been
restricted.
Highly material
(6) Disclaimer
Failure of the client to allow
the auditor to inspect the
m inutes book would be a
m aterial client -imposed
restriction. Due to the
importance of the minutes
book, a disclaimer would
be necessary. The certified
copy of all resolutions and
actions would not be a
satisfactory alternative
procedure.
5. Scope of the
audit has
been
restricted.
Not applicable
(1) Unqualified
standard
wording
Because the auditor was
able to obtain alternative
evidence, no scope
qualification is necessary. If
there were such a
qualification, it would be a
qualified scope and opinion
or a disclaimer, depending
on materiality.
6. Failure to
follow GAAP.
Material
(4) Qualified
opinion only
except for
Retail Auto Parts has used
a replacement cost
inventory rather than lower
of cost or market. It is not
sufficiently material to
require an adverse opinion.
7. None
Not applicable
(1) Unqualified
standard
wording
The change of estimated life
is a change of condition and
not a change in accounting
principles. Therefore, an
unqualified opinion is
appropriate since there is
adequate disclosure.
3-13
3-31
ITEM
NO.
TYPE OF CHANGE
SHOULD
AUDITOR'S
REPORT BE
MODIFIED?
1
An error correction not involving an accounting
principle.
No
2
An accounting change involving a correction of an
error in principle, which is accounted for as a
correction of an error.
Yes
3
An accounting change involving a change in the
reporting entity, which is a special type of change in
accounting principles.
Yes
4
An accounting change involving both a change in
accounting principle and a change in accounting
estimate. Although the effect of the change in each
may be inseparable and the accounting for such a
change is the same as that for a change in estimate
only, an accounting principle is involved.
Yes
5
An accounting change involving a change from one
generally accepted accounting principle to another
generally accepted accounting principle.
Yes
6
An accounting change involving a change in an
accounting estimate.
No
7
Not an accounting change but rather a change in
classification.
No
8
An accounting change from one generally accepted
accounting principle to another generally accepted
accounting principle.
Yes
3-32 Deficiencies in the staff accountant's tentative report include the following:
1.
2.
3.
Report title must include the word independent.
The report should generally be addressed to the board of directors
or stockholders, not to the audit committee.
The introductory paragraph should state, "we have audited," not
"we have examined."
3-14
3-32 (continued)
4.
5.
6.
W hen the p rincipal auditor decides to make reference to the audit
of another auditor, the report should indicate clearly in the
introductory paragraph the division of responsibility regarding the
portions of the financial statements audited by each. Also, the
opinion paragraph should state that the opinion is based in part on
the reports of other auditors. Neither of these was done.
When the principal auditor decides to make reference to the audit
of the other auditor, the report should disclose the dollar amounts
or percentages of the portion of the financial statements audited by
the other auditor. This was not done.
The second paragraph is an inappropriately worded scope paragraph.
It should be stated as follows:
We conducted our audits in accordance with au diting
standards generally accepted in the United States of
America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes exami ning,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management,
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits and the
report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Although the introductory paragraph referred to an audit of the
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 200 9 and
2008 , an opinion was expressed only on the 200 9 f inancial
statements.
The statement of cash flows was not identified in the opinion
paragraph, and financial statements were not referred to in the
opinion paragraph as "consolidated."
The explanatory sentence for consistency should follow the opinion
paragraph, not precede it. Also, the second sentence in the third
paragraph should be omitted.
There is no inclusion of the phrase, "in all material respects" in the
opinion paragraph.
3-15
3-33 The table presented below describes the seven distinct parts of the
standard unqualified report and describes both similarities (part a.) and
differences (part of b.) between the standard audit report and the audit report on
the Les Meridian, Inc. financial statements.
Seven Distinct Parts of
Standard Audit Report
1.
Report title Auditing
standards require that
the report be titled and
that the title includes the
word independent.
a.
Description of
Similar Elements
in the Les Meridian
Auditors Report
b.
Different Elements
in Les Meridian
Auditors Report
The report is titled
Independent Auditors
Report.
2. Audit report address
The report is usually
addressed to the
company, its
stockholders, or the
board of directors.
The report is
addressed to the
Shareholders of Les
Meridian, Inc.
3. Introductory paragraph
The first paragraph of the
report does three things:
first, it makes the simple
statement that the CPA
firm has done an audit.
Second, it lists the
financial statements that
were audited, including
the balance sheet dates
and the accounting
periods for the income
statement and statement
of cash flows. Third, it
states that the
statements are the
responsibility of
management and that
the auditor's
responsibility is to
express an opinion on
the statements based on
an audit.
The report begins with
the statement that the
CPA firm has done an
audit.
The introductory paragraph lists the financial
statements audited,
including the time period
of those statements.
The second paragraph
states that
management is
responsible for the
preparation and fair
presentation of the
financial statements.
The third paragraph
describes the auditors
responsibility to
express an opinion the
financial statements.
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The introductory paragraph
also references the
summary of significant
accounting principles and
other explanatory reports
as being a part of the
scope of the audit. A
similar reference is not
included in the U.S.
standard audit report.
The discussion of managements responsibility for the
financial statements
contained in the second
paragraph is more
extensive than the
discussion in the standard
audit report. It specifically
notes that the financial
statements are prepared in
accordance with IFRS, and
it describes managements
responsibility for internal
control, application of
accounting principles, and
making estimates.
3-33 (continued)
Seven Distinct Parts of
Standard Audit Report
4. Scope paragraph. The
scope paragraph is a
factual statement about
what the auditor did in
the audit. The remainder
briefly describes
important aspects of an
audit.
a.
Description of
Similar Elements
in the Les Meridian
Auditors Report
b.
Different Elements
in Les Meridian
Auditors Report
The third paragraph
identifies the auditing
standards used to
conduct the audit,
similar to the standard
audit report.
The third paragraph notes
that the auditor conducted
the audit in accordance
with ISAs, rather than
U.S. GAAS.
Like the standard audit
report, the third
paragraph notes that
the auditor obtains
reasonable assurance
about whether the
financial statements
are free of material
misstatements.
The third paragraph notes
that the auditor is required
to comply with ethical
requirements.
The fourth paragraph
also contains
information related to
other elements in the
scope paragraph in the
standard audit report.
For example, the fourth
paragraph describes
the auditors evaluation
of accounting principles/
policies used, estimates
made, and the overall
presentation, similar to
the scope paragraph in
the standard audit report.
The fourth paragraph
contains more information
than the standard audit
report about the auditors
need to make judgments,
the auditors consideration
of risks and internal
control, and the fact that
the risk and control
assessments are not
sufficient to express an
opinion on internal
control. The fourth
paragraph also explicitly
notes that risks of
material misstatements
due to error or fraud are
considered.
The fifth paragraph
acknowledges that the
auditor believes the
evidence obtained
provides a sufficient
basis for the opinion,
similar to the last
sentence of the scope
paragraph of the
standard audit report.
3-17
3-33 (continued)
Seven Distinct Parts of
Standard Audit Report
a.
Description of
Similar Elements
in the Les Meridian
Auditors Report
5. Opinion paragraph. The
final paragraph in the
standard report states
the auditor's conclusions
based on the results of
the audit.
The last paragraph
includes the auditors
opinion about the
financial statements
and acknowledges the
accounting principles
used as the basis of
presentation.
6. Name of CPA firm. The
name identifies the CPA
firm or practitioner who
performed the audit.
The name of the CPA
is included.
7. Audit report date. The
appropriate date for the
report is the end of
fieldwork, when the
auditor has gathered
sufficient appropriate
evidence to support the
opinion.
b.
Different Elements
in Les Meridian
Auditors Report
The date that the audit
is completed is
provided below the
firms signature.
The wording associated
with the opinion notes that
the auditors opinion is
about the true and fair
view of the financial
statements, rather than
the financial statements
present fairly as stated
in the standard audit
report.
Internet Problem Solution: Research Annual Reports
3-1
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) makes available in
electronic form via the Internet most of the forms and reports it receives from
publicly traded companies through EDGAR. This problem explores information
available on the SECs Web site.
1.
The EDGAR Web site describes many SEC-required forms. Find
and describe the following SEC forms:
Answer:
Form 8-K - This is the form that must be filed whenever a
registrant encounters a significant event (e.g., a change in
control of ownership, disposition or acquisition of a significant
amount of assets, filing for bankruptcy, change in independent
auditors).
3-18
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
2.
Form 10-K - This is the annual report that most reporting
companies file with the Commission. It provides a
comprehensive overview of the registrant's business. The
report must be filed within 60-90 days after the end of the
company's fiscal year. This form is required by the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934.
Form 10-KSB - This is the annual report filed by reporting
"small business issuers." It provides a comprehensive overview
of the company's business, although its requirements call for
slightly less detailed information than required by Form 10 -K.
The report must be filed within 90 days after the end of the
company's fiscal year.
Search EDGAR for the 10-K filings of the three companies listed
below. Within the 10-K filings locate the independent auditor's
report and identify what type of opinion it is (e.g., unqualified,
qualified, disclaimer, adverse) and what type of explanatory
paragraph, if any, t he opinion contains (e.g., consistency, going
concern, emphasis). (Hint: You may be able to search the companys
10-K by using the Internet browser's "Find" command typically
located in the "Edit" menu.)
Answer:
American Airlines, Inc. (10-K filed 2-20-2008) - Unqualified audit
report with an explanatory paragraph due to a change in
accounting principle
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholder
American Airlines, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
American Airlines, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity
(deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2007. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These
consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility
of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits.
3-19
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
American Airlines, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also,
in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a
whole, present fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.
As discussed in Notes 9 and 10 to the consolidated financial
statements, in 2006 the Company changed its method of accounting
for share-based compensation as required by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share -Based Payment and
changed its method of accounting for retirement benefits as
required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158,
Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other
Postretirement Plans.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),
American Airlines, Inc.s internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal
ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our
report dated February 20, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 20, 2008
3-20
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
Ford Motor Company (10-K filed 2-27-2008) - Unqualified
combined audit report on the financial statements and
internal control over financial reporting with an explanatory
paragraph due to a change in accounting principle (Note:
the report is not in the standard 3 paragraph format)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ford Motor Company:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the
index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Ford Motor Company and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement
schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when
read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.
Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management
is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement
schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item
9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial
statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the
Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our
integrated audits. W e conducted our audits in accordance with the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whe ther the
financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether
effective internal control over financial reporting was mainta ined in
all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our
audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining
3-21
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing
the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of inte rnal control based on
the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on
the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The accompanying
sector balance sheets and the related sector statements of income
and of cash flows are presented for purposes of additional analysis
and are not a required part of the basic financial statements. Such
information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, are
fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole.
As discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the
Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax
positions in 2007. As discussed in Note 24, the Company changed
the manner in which it accounts for defined benefit pension and other
postretirement plans and, as discussed in Note 2, the Company
changed the timing of its annual goodwill and other intangible assets
impairment testing and its amortization method for special tools in
2006. As discussed in Note 28, the Company changed the manner in
which it accounts for conditional asset retirement obligations in 2005.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliabil ity
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of management and dire ctors of
the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the companys assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
3-22
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes
in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Detroit, Michigan
February 27, 2008
The Home Depot (10-K filed 4-3-2008) Combined Unqualified
audit report on the financial statements and internal control
over financial reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Home Depot, Inc.:
W e have audited The Home Depot Inc.'s internal control ov er
financial reporting as of February 3, 2008, based on criteria
established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The Home Depot Inc.'s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed
risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as
we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
3-23
Internet Problem 3-1 (continued)
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting
includes those p olicies and procedures that (1) pertain to the
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and
fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the
company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of management and di rectors of
the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding
prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company's assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes
in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or
procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, The Home Depot, Inc. maintained, in all material
respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
February 3, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
W e also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
Consolidate d Balance Sheets of The Home Depot, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of February 3, 2008 and January 28, 2007, and the
related Consolidated Statements of Earnings, Stockholders' Equity
and Comprehensive Income, and Cash Flows for each of the fiscal
years in the three-year period ended February 3, 2008, and our
report dated March 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion on
those consolidated financial statements.
KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 28, 2008
(Note: Internet problems address current issues using In ternet sources. Because
Internet sites are subject to change, Internet problems and solutions may change. Current
information on Internet problems is available at www.pearsonhighered.com/arens).
3-24