3

PREPARATION
FOR AN

AUDIT

Question 1 Comment on the In cases where audit sample selection has been done on a random basis, no statistical process for selection of samples need to be followed. (4 Marks)(Intermediate-May 2000) Answer Selection of Audit Sample: Audit Sampling means the application of audit procedures to less than 100% of the items within an account balance or class of transactions to enable the auditor to obtain and evaluate audit evidence about some characteristics of the items selected in order to form or assist in forming a conclusion concerning the population. The audit sample collection on a random basis ensures that all items in the population have an equal chance of selection, for example, by use of random number tables. This method is considered appropriate, provided the population to be sampled consists of reasonably similar units and fall within a reasonable range. Thus, strictly speaking, in case of selection of an audit sample on the basis of random tables there is no need to follow any other statistical process for selection of sample. In fact, selection of an audit sample on random basis is the prerequisite for application of statistical techniques. However, certain methods such as Haphazard Sampling and Block Sampling may result in selection of a sample which is not free from bias. Therefore, whenever audit sample selection has been done on a random basis i.e. selection of a representative sample, no statistical process for selection of sample need to be followed Question 2

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Auditing

Write short note on Stratified Sampling? (Intermediate-Nov 2000) Answer

(4 Marks)

Stratified Sampling: Stratified Sampling is one of the methods of Random Sampling. This method involves dividing the whole population to be tested in a few groups called strata and taking a sample from each of them. Each stratum is treated as if it were a separate population and if proportionate items are selected from each of the stratum. The groups into which the whole population is divided is determined by the auditor on the basis of his judgement. e.g. entire expense vouchers may be divided into: (i) Vouchers above Rs.1,00,000 (ii) Vouchers between Rs.25,000 and Rs.1,00,000 (iii) Vouchers below Rs.25,000 The auditor can then decide to check all vouchers above Rs.1,00,000, 50% between 25,000 and Rs.1,00,000 and 25% of those below Rs.25,000. The reasoning behind the stratified sampling is that for a highly diversified population, weights should be allocated to reflect these differences. This is achieved by selecting different proportions from each strata. It can be seen that the stratified sampling is simply an extension of simple random sampling. Question 3 State General considerations in framing a system of Internal check. (8 Marks)(Intermediate-May 2001) Answer General Consideration in framing a System of Internal Check: Internal check is a part of the overall internal control system and operates as a built-in device as far as the organisation of the staff and job allocation aspects of the control system are concerned. A system of internal check in accounting implies organisation of system of book keeping and arrangement of staff duties in such a manner that no one person can completely carry through a transaction and record every aspect thereof. Some of the general considerations in framing a system of internal check are as under: (i) No single person should have an independent control over any important aspect of the business.

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(ii) The duties of members of the staff should be changed from time to time without any previous notice so that the same officer or subordinate does not, without a break, perform the same function for a considerable length of time. (iii) Every member of the staff should be encouraged to go on leave at least once in a year. (iv) Persons having physical custody of assets must permitted to have access to the books of account. not be

(v) To prevent loss or misappropriation of cash, mechanical devices, such as the automatic cash register, should be employed. (vi) Budgetary control would enable the management to review from time to time the progress of trading activities. (vii) The financial and administrative powers should be distributed very judiciously among different officers and the manner in which these are actually exercised should be reviewed periodically. (viii) Procedures should be laid down for periodical verification and testing of different sections of accounting records to ensure that they are accurate. (ix) Accounting procedures should be reviewed periodically, for, even well-designed and carefully installed procedures, in course of time, cease to be effective. Question 4 Write short notes on the following: (a) Audit Note-book (6 Marks) (b) Continuous Audit Advantages and disadvantages. (Intermediate-Nov 2001) Answer (a) Audit Note Book: An audit note book is usually a bound book in which a large variety of matters observed during the course of audit are recorded. Audit note books form part of audit working papers and for each year a fresh audit note book is maintained. In case an auditor classifies his working paper into permanent and current, then audit note book shall form part of the current file. (6 Marks)

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Auditing

It is in any case a part of the permanent record of the auditor available for reference later on, if required. The audit note book also provides a valuable help to the auditor in picking up the links of work when the concerned assistant is away or the work is stopped temporarily. It is also used for recording the various queries raised in the course of the work and their state of disposal. In respect of disposed queries, explanation obtained and evidence seen would be recorded in the said book, while queries remaining undisposed of would be noted for follow up. (b) Continuous Audit: A continuous audit is one in which the auditors staff is engaged continuously in checking the accounts of the client, during the whole year round or when for the purpose, the staff attends at quite frequent intervals say weekly basis during the financial period. A continuous audit is preferred for the following reasons: (i) It makes it possible for the management to exercise a stricter control over the accounts in as much as one is able to check sooner the causes of any errors of frauds uncovered by such an audit. (ii) The frequent attendance by the staff deters persons so inclined, from committing a fraud. (iii) The accounting staff of the client is motivated to keep the books of account up-to-date. (iv) The constant association of the auditor with the accounts and the affairs of the client provides him with an opportunity to obtain a more detailed knowledge of the clients affairs, one of the effects thereof is that he is able to discharge his duties more efficiently. There are certain drawbacks also in the continuous audit as under: (i) Due to the audit being carried out in several instalments, the audit staff may fail to keep track of things which they had not checked on their last or an earlier visit as a result whereof some of the transactions may escape audit scrutiny. The safeguard against such a position can be that on each visit, elaborate notes and check-lists should be prepared and audit should be completed up to a definite stage each time so as not to leave any loose ends.

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3.5

(ii) The books of account, after these have been checked, may be tampered by the clients staff. This is a more serious matter requiring appropriate safeguards and action on the part of the management. (iii) The audit may be uneconomic if the size of the concern is small since a great deal of time and effort would be wasted each time in preparing for the audit and in attending to the requirements of the audit party. Question 5 (a) What do you understand by the term "Government Audit"? (8 Marks) (b) Explain briefly the approaches to EDP auditing? (Intermediate-May 2002) Answer (a) Government Audit: Government audit is the objective, systematic, professional and independent examination of financial, administrative and other operations of a public entity made subsequently to their execution for the purpose of evaluating and verifying them. It also involves presentation of a report containing explanatory comments on audit findings, together with conclusions and recommendations for future actions by the responsible officials and in the case of examination of financial statements, expressing the apppropriate professional opinion regarding the fairness of the presentation. Government audit serves as a mechanism or process for public accounting of Government funds. It also provides public accounting of the operational management, programmes and policy aspects of public administration as well as accountability of the officials administering them. In India, the function of Government Audit is discharged by the independent statutory authority of the C&AG of India. The audit of government expenditure is one of the major components of the Government audit. Apart from this, audit of receipts, stores and stock and performance audit is also included. The nature of government audit is different vis a vis financial audit since it involves aspects of accountability and propriety. Initially, government auditing in India ~s elsewhere was primarily expenditure-oriented. (8 Marks)

3.6

Auditing

Gradually, audit of receipts-tax and non-tax was taken up. With the rapid growth of public enterprises, another major area of specialisation, i.e., commercial audit came into being. There are also 'a large number of non-commercial autonomous bodies financed by government in diverse fields of development and of academic study and scientific or social research which are also required to be audited from the viewpoint of public accountability. Audit is a necessary function to ensure accountability of the executive to Parliament, and within the executive of the spending agencies to the sanctioning or controlling authorities. The purposes or objectives of audit need to be tested at the touchstone of public accountability. The ComptrolIer and Auditor General (C & AG), in the discharge of his functions, watches that the various authorities act in regard to financial matters in accordance with the Constitution and the laws made by Parliament, and conform to the rules or orders made thereunder. (b) Approaches to EDP Auditing: Computerisation of accounts does not affect the basic objective of auditing. However, the auditor would need to modify his audit procedures, approach and technical capabilities so as to be able to form an opinion on the accounts processed in a computerised environment. The auditor must plan whether or not to use the computer. The two approaches are commonly calIed "auditing around the computer" and "auditing through the computer". Auditing around the computer: InitialIy the general approach was to examine the controls that existed' around the computer'. The concept was to compare the' input' with the 'output'. The trail was picked up from the 'input-output'. Auditors traced transactions to the black box and picked up the trail on the other side by examining printouts. The auditor by folIowing this approach is 'auditing around the computer'. In literal sense, the auditor did not care about the transformation of data which took place inside the computer. With further use of computers and complete loss of visible audit trail, the concept of using the computer as a tool for aiding the examination by the auditor emerged, Le. (i) issuance of confirmation requests; (ii) analysis and process of data; and (iii) examination of the computer programme for determining the

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3.7

reliability and accuracy of the data being processed. Auditing through the computer: Audit through the computer wherein there is complete loss of audit trail and thus the auditor has to test the system itself. Auditing through the computer requires that the auditor submits data to the computer from processing. The results are then analysed for the processing reliability and accuracy of the computer program. The auditor can use the computer to test: (a) the logic and controls existing within the system, and (b) the records produced by the system. Depending upon the complexity of the application system being audited, the approach may be fairly simple or require extensive technical competence on the part of the auditor. Technical and other developments that necessiated this approach include the emergence of on-line data entry. While auditing through the computer it is common to use computerassisted audit techniques. The primary advantage of this approach is that the auditor has increased power to effectively test a computer system. The range and capability of tests that can be performed increases and the auditor acquires greater confidence that data processing is correct. By examining the system's processing, the auditor also can assess the system's ability to cope with environment change. The primary disadvantages of the approach include costs involved and the need for extensive technical expertise when systems are complex. Howeyer, these disadvantages are really spurious if auditing through the computer is the only viable method of carrying out the audit. Question 6 The audit firm should implement quality control policies and procedures,Explain? (8 Marks)(PE-II Nov 2002) Answer SAP-17, Quality Control for Audit Work requires that the audit firm should implement quality control policies and procedures designed to ensure that all audits are conducted in accordance with Statements on Standard Auditing Practices (SAPs). Compliance with all SAPs would necessitate that the quality control policies to be

3.8

Auditing

adopted by a firm would incorporate that standards of professional requirements, technical competence, training, proficiency, etc. are observed at the firm level. SAP-17 suggests two fold approach to qualify control, first, at the firm level and secondly, at the individual audit level. At the firm level, the objectives of quality control policies to be adopted by an audit firm normally incorporates elements such as professional requirements, skills and competence, assignment, delegation, consultation, acceptance and retention of clients and monitoring of work performed by the junior levels. It is also quite necessary that the firms general quality control policies and procedures should be communicated to its personnel in a manner that provides reasonable assurance that the policies and procedures are understood and implemented. At the individual audit level, the auditor should carefully direct, supervise and review work delegated to assistants. The direction of work involves informing assistants of their responsibilities and the objectives of the procedures they are to perform. The audit programme is an important tool for the communication of audit directions. Regarding supervision, personnel carrying out supervisory responsibilities perform the following functions during the audit : (a) monitor the progress of the audit to consider whether; (i) assistants have the necessary skills and competence to carry out their assigned tasks; (ii) assistants understand the audit directions; and (iii) the work is being carried out in accordance with the overall audit plan and the audit programme. (b) become informed of and address significant accounting and auditing questions raised during by the audit, assessing their significance and modifying the overall audit plan and the audit programme as appropriate; and (c) resolve any difference of professional judgement between personnel and consider the level of consultation that is appropriate. Finally, the work performed by each assistant would required to be reviewed by a personnel of at least general competence to ascertain that the work has been carried out properly. Question 7

Preparation for an Audit

3.9

Define the purpose of a Letter of Engagement. Marks) (PE-II May 2003) Answer Letter of Engagement:

(8

The legal requirement to get the accounts audited so far extends only to companies, co-operative societies, and registered societies. In these cases, the respective law governs the appointment of auditors and their duties. In all other cases, it is a matter of contract. The client tells the auditor the nature of service he requires and the auditor, if he is agreeable to undertake the assignment, specifies his terms. He must sign an agreement, if he accepts the work in terms of the agreement subject to professional standards. Clients who are not statutorily required to get their accounts audited may require preparation of accounts for tax returns, checking of the sales tax -returns, etc. besides audit. In such cases, there may be a misunderstanding about the exact scope of the work; the auditor may think that he is merely required to prepare accounts while the client may think audit of accounts, is also covered. It is, therefore, of the greatest importance, both for the accountant and client, that each party should be clear about the nature of the engagement. It must be reduced in writing and should exactly specify the scope of the work. The audit engagement letter is sent by the auditor to his client which documents, the objective and scope of the audit, the extent of his responsibilities to the client and the form of report. The ICAI has issued an Auditing and Assurance Standard 26 on the subject. It is in the interest of both the auditor and the client to issue an engagement letter so that the possibility of misunderstanding is reduced to a great extent. Note: AAS 26, Terms of Audit Engagement, lays down the standards on agreeing the terms of the engagement with the client and the auditors response to a request by a client to change the terms of an engagement to one that provides a lower level of assurance. This Auditing and Assurance Standard becomes operative for all audits relating to accounting periods beginning on or after 1st April, 2003. Question 8 In performing an audit of financial statements, the auditor should have or obtain knowledge of the business. Explain in the light of SAP-20. (8 Marks)(PE-II May 2004)

3.10

Auditing

Answer Obtaining Knowledge of the business: Auditing and Assurance Standard (AAS 20), Knowledge of Business, requires that in performing an audit of financial statements, the auditor should have or obtain knowledge of the business, sufficient to enable the auditor to identify and understand the events, transactions and practices that, in the auditors judgement, may have a significant effect on the financial statements or on the examination or audit report. Such knowledge is used by the auditor in assessing inherent and control risks and in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit procedures. The auditor can obtain knowledge of the industry and the entity from a number of sources. For example, previous experience with the entity and its industry, discussion with people with the entity (for example, directors and senior operating personnel), discussion with internal audit personnel and review of internal audit reports, etc. Prior to accepting an engagement, the auditor would obtain a preliminary knowledge of the industry and of the nature of ownership, management and operations of the entity to be audited. Following acceptance of the engagement, further and more detailed information would be obtained. The auditor would obtain the required knowledge at the start of the engagement. As the audit progresses, that information would be assessed and updated and more information would be obtained. Obtaining the required knowledge of the business is a continuous and cumulative process of gathering and assessing the information and relating the resulting knowledge to audit evidences and information at all stages of audit. For example, although information is gathered at the planning stage, it is ordinarily refined and added to in later stages of the audit as the auditor and the member of his staff learn more about the business. Knowledge of the business is a frame of reference within which the auditor exercises professional judgement. Understanding the business and using this information appropriately assists the auditor in: Assessing risks and identifying problems. Planning and performing the audit effectively and efficiently. Evaluating audit evidence. Providing better service to the client. To make effective use of knowledge about the business, the auditor should consider how it affects the financial statements taken as a

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3.11

whole and whether the assertions in the financial statements are consistent with the auditors knowledge of the business. Question 9 Write short note on Audit Risk? (PE-II May 2004) Answer Audit Risk : Audit risk is the risk that an auditor may give an inappropriate opinion on financial information which is materially misstated. An auditor may give an unqualified opinion on financial statements without knowing that they are materially misstated. Such risk may exist at overall level, while verifying various transactions and balance sheet items. There are three components of audit risk: (i) Inherent risk: is a risk that material errors will occur. Inherent risk is the susceptibility of an account balance or class of transactions to misstatement that could be material, individually or when aggregated with misstatements in other balances or classes, assuming that there were no related internal controls. (ii) Control Risk: is the risk that the clients system internal control will not prevent or correct such errors. To assess control risk, the auditor should consider the adequacy of control design as well as test adherence to control procedure. (iii) Detection Risk: is the risk that an auditors procedures will not detect a misstatement that exists in an account balance or class of transactions that could be material, individually or when aggregated with misstatements in other balances or classes. The level of detection risk relates directly to the auditors procedures, Some detection risk would always be present. The inherent and control risks are functions of the entitys business and its environment and the nature of the account balances or classes of transactions, regardless of whether an audit is conducted. Even though inherent and control risks cannot be controlled by the auditor, the auditor can assess them and design his substantive procedures to produce on acceptable level of detection risk, thereby reducing audit risk to an acceptable low level. Question 10 Medical Council of India organised a three-day International Conference of Doctors in Delhi. You are asked to audit the accounts of the conference. Draft the audit programme for audit of receipt of (4 Marks)

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Auditing

participation fees from delegates to the conference. Mention any six points, peculiar to the situation, which you will like to include in your audit programme. (6 Marks)(PE-II May 2005)

Preparation for an Audit

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Answer Audit of Receipts of Participation Fees: The organization of three-day International Conference of Doctors in Delhi by Medical Council of India is a one-time event. Normally, in view of mega-size of the event, a special cell is made in the organization to handle the entire event. Since few people would be handling the event, the internal controls may not be that strong and, thus, more emphasis is required to be given on substantive procedure. Audit of receipt of participation fees should be under the following areas: (I) Internal Control System: (i) Examine the organization structure of special cell created for the International Conference, if any, and division of responsibilities amongst persons and control/custody over receipt books. (ii) Verify the internal control system for participation of unregistered delegates. (II) Rate of Participation Fees: (i) Verify with reference to resolution passed by the Organizing Committee/Medical Council of India. (ii) Also verify the rate from the literature/registration form circulated for promotion of conference. (III) Receipts of Participation Fees: (i) Verify counter foil of the receipts issued for individual registration. (ii) Ensure that receipts are issued for all the registration received in cash. (iii) Trace the receipts in Bank Statement or Cash Book as the case may be. (iv) Verify Bank Reconciliation Statement and list out dishonoured cheques. (v) Verify subsequent cheques. (IV) Overall Checking: (i) Verify the total receipts of participation fees shown in the financial statements with reference to total number of receipts issued to participants. recovery in respect of dishonoured restricting the

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Auditing

(ii) Cross check the total number of delegates with reference to the following: (a) Kits distributed to participants. (b) Bill of caterer for providing meals during conference. (c) Capacity of the Hall. (d) Participation Certificate if any issued. (V) Foreign Delegates: In case of foreign delegates if registration fees are higher ensure that they are registered at higher fees. (VI) Special Issues: (i) Take out list of absentees and in case of nil absentees, probe the issue further. (ii) If certain participants are exempted from payment of fees obtain the list along with proper authorization in this regard. Question 11 (a) Explain with reference to the relevant Auditing and Assurance Standard: Inherent Risk (5 Marks) (b) State the matters to be considered for acquiring knowledge of the business of the client by the auditor. (6 Marks)(PE-II May 2005) Answer (a) Inherent Risk: As per AAS 6 "Risk Assessments and Internal Control", inherent risk is the susceptibility of an account balance or class of transactions to misstatement that could be material either individually or, when aggregated with misstatements in other balances or classes, assuming that there were no related internal controls. While developing the overall audit plan, the auditor should assess inherent risk at the level of financial statements. In developing the audit programme, the auditor should relate such assessment to material account balances and classes of transactions to the classes of transaction at the level of assertions made in the financial statements. The auditor may assume the risk to be high, taking into account the various factors. If he assesses the inherent risk not to be high, he must document the reasons for such assessment.

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In order to assess inherent risk, the auditor has to use his professional judgment, having regard to his experience of previous audit engagements of the entity, controls established by the management, and any significant changes that might have taken place since his last assessment. Possibilities of inherent risk are due to the following factors: At the level of Financial Statements: (i) Integrity of Management (ii) Experience and knowledge of management, and changes in management during the period. (iii) Unusual pressure on management (iv) The nature of the entity's business (v) Economic and competitive factors affecting the industry, changes in technology, consumer demand, etc. At the level of Account Balances and class of transactions: (i) Quality of accounting system, i.e., financial statements susceptibility to misstatements. (ii) Complexity of transactions requiring the work of an expert. (iii) The degree of judgment involved in determining account balances. (iv) Susceptibility of assets to loss or misappropriation. (v) Transactions not subject to ordinary processing. (b) Acquiring knowledge of the business of the client: As per AAS 20 "Knowledge of business", the auditor should have or obtain sufficient knowledge of business to enable the auditor to identify and understand the events transactions and practices, that, in the auditor's judgment may have a significant effect on the financial statements or on the examination of the statements. Such knowledge is used by the auditor in assessing the audit risks and in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit procedures. Important matters to be considered in gaining knowledge of business are: (i) Government policies affecting the entity, tariffs and trade restrictions, fiscal, monetary, taxation, financial incentives. (ii) Interest rate and availability of finance. (iii) Market, competition, cyclical or seasonal activity. (iv) Changes in product technology.

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Auditing

(v) Key ratios and operation statistics both of the organization and the entity for last several years. (vi) Structure, management and ownership of the entity. (vii) (viii) Capital Structure, organizational structure. Management objectives, and strategic plans.

(ix) Board of directors. (x) Business restructuring - acquisition, mergers, etc. (xi) Key operating turnover, etc. (xii) personnel experience and reputation,

Management Information System.

(xiii) Product Range - marketing arrangements -location of production and marketing centers. (xiv) (xv) (xvi) (xvii) Effectiveness of internal control and Internal Audit. Sources of Funds, and their costs. Research and Development. Past audit reports/qualifications (4

Question 12 Write short note on Surprise Check. Marks)(PE-II May 2005) Answer Surprise Check: Surprise checks are a part of normal audit, and the results of such checks are therefore important to the auditor in deciding the scope of his audit and submission of his report. An element of surprise can significantly improve the audit effectiveness. Wherever practical, an element of surprise should be incorporated in the audit programme. The element of surprise in an audit may be both in regard to the time of audit, that is selection of date, when the auditor will visit the client's office for audit, and selection of the areas of audit. Surprise checks are mainly intended to ascertain whether the internal control system is working effectively, and whether all accounting and other records are kept up to date and as per the statutory regulations. Such checks and surprise visit can exercise good moral checks on the client's staff. Surprise checks also determines whether errors, or frauds exist, and if they exist, bring the matter promptly to the attention of the

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management so that corrective action can be taken at the earliest. Surprise checks are very effective in case of organizations having weak internal control system, very large, diversified and well spread out organizations, etc. Frequency and extent of surprise checks would depend on the extent to which the auditor feels necessary, depending upon system of internal control complications of transactions, importance of items like cash, investments, stock, etc. The results of surprise checks should be communicated to the management if internal control weakness, fraud, or error is found. The auditor should satisfy himself that adequate action is taken by the management on the matters communicated by him. Question 13 Briefly explain Management Representation? Marks) (PE-II Nov 2005) Answer Management Representation: AAS 11, Representations by Management, establishes standards on the use of management representations as audit evidence, the procedures to be applied in evaluating and documenting management representations, and the action to be taken if management refuses to provide appropriate representations. As per AAS 11, management representation constitutes audit evidence furnished by management to auditor in respect of any transaction entered into by the entity. Management Representation is of great use to the auditor when other sufficient appropriate audit evidence cannot reasonably be expected to exist. In certain instances such as where knowledge of facts is confined to management or where matter is principally of intention, a representation by management may be the only audit evidence which can reasonably be expected to be available for example intention of management to hold a specific investment for long term. However, it cannot be a substitute for other audit evidences expected to be available. (2

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Auditing

Question 14 Write short note on Permanent Audit File? Marks) (PE-II Nov 2005) Answer Permanent Audit File: In the case of recurring audits, some working paper files may be classified as permanent audit files. Normally, auditor may consider classifying such papers as permanent which are required in case of recurring audit assignments This file contains paper of continuing importance to succeeding audits. A permanent audit file normally includes : Information concerning the legal and organisational structure of the entity. In the case of a company, this includes the Memorandum and Articles of Association. In the case of a statutory corporation, this includes the Act and Regulations under which the corporation functions. Extracts or copies of important legal documents, agreements and minutes relevant to the audit. A record of the study and the evaluation of the internal controls related to the accounting system. This might be in the form of narrative descriptions, questionnaires or flow charts, or some combination thereof. Copies of audited financial statements for previous years. Analysis of significant ratios and trends. Copies of management letters issued by the auditor, if any. Record of communication with the retiring auditor, if any, before acceptance of the appointment as auditor. Notes regarding significant accounting policies. Significant audit observations of earlier years. Question 15 State briefly Audit Procedures and Audit Techniques? Marks) (PE-II May 2006) Answer As per AAS 1 on Basic Principles Governing an Audit states, the auditor should obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence through the performance of compliance and substantive procedures to enable him to draw reasonable conclusions therefrom on which to (8 (4

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base his opinion on the financial information. Therefore, audit procedures are broadly classified in two categories, viz., compliance procedures and substantive procedures. Compliance procedures are tests designed to obtain reasonable assurance that those internal controls on which audit reliance is to be placed are in effect. In obtaining audit evidence from compliance procedures, the auditor is concerned with assertions that the control exists, the control is operating effectively and the control has so operated throughout the period of intended reliance. So the auditor is concerned with the existence, effectiveness and continuity of the control system. Substantive procedures are tests designed to obtain evidence as to the completeness, accuracy and validity of the data produced by accounting system. They are of two types : (1) tests of details of transactions and balances. (2) analysis of significant ratios and trends including the resulting investigation of unusual fluctuations and items. Audit techniques on the other hand refers to collection and accumulation of audit evidence. Some of the techniques commonly adopted by the auditors are the following: Posting checking Casting checking Physical examination and count Confirmation Inquiry Year-end scrutiny Re-computation Tracing in subsequent periodBank Reconciliation The two terms, procedure and techniques, are often used interchangeably; in fact, however, a distinction does exist. Procedure may comprise a number of techniques and represents the broad frame of the manner of handling the audit work; techniques stand for the methods employed for carrying out the procedure. For example, procedure requires an examination of the documentary evidence. This job is performed by the procedure known as vouching which would involve techniques of inspection and checking computation of documentary evidence. Question16

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Auditing

Write short note on Audit Programme? (PE-II Nov 2006) Answer

(4 Marks)

Audit Programme: An audit programme is a detailed plan of applying the audit procedure in the given circumstances with instructions for the appropriate techniques to be adopted for accomplishing the audit objectives. It is framed keeping in view the nature, size and composition of the business, dependability of the internal control and the given scope of work. Audit programme provides sufficient details to serve as a set of instructions to the audit team and also helps to control the proper execution of the work. On the basis of experience while carrying out the audit work, the programme may be altered to take care of situations which were left out originally, but found relevant for the particular audit situation. Similarly, if any work originally provided for proves beyond doubt to be unnecessary or irrelevant, that may be dropped. There should be periodic review of the audit programme to assess whether the same continues to be adequate for obtaining requisite knowledge and evidence about the transactions.For the purpose of framing an audit programme the following points should be kept in view: Audit objective Audit procedure to be applied Extent of check Timing of check Allocation of work amongst the team members Special instructions based on past experience of the auditee