Is competence a major factor in accepting an audit engagement with specialized industries

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AT-5908

CPA REVIEW SCHOOL OF THE PHILIPPINES

M a n i l a

AUDITING THEORY

AUDIT PLANNING

Related PSAs: PSA 300, 310, 320, 520 and 570

Appointment of the Independent Auditor

Early appointment of the independent auditor has many advantages to both the auditor and his

client. Early appointment enables the auditor to plan his work so that it may be done expeditiously

and to determine the extent to which it can be done before the balance sheet date.

Although early appointment is preferable, an independent auditor may accept an engagement near

or after the close of the fiscal year. In such instances, before accepting the engagement, he

should ascertain whether circumstances are likely to permit an adequate audit and expression of

an unqualified opinion and, if theywill not, he should discuss with the client the possible necessity

for a qualified opinion or disclaimer of opinion.

PSA 300 - Planning

The first standard of fieldwork (performance standards) states that:

”The work is to be adequately planned and assistants, if any, are to be properly supervised.”

The auditor should plan the audit work so that the audit will be performed in an effective manner.

“Planning” means developing a general strategy and a detailed approach for the expected nature,

timing and extent of the audit. The auditor plans to perform the audit in an efficient and timely

manner.

Importance of Adequate Planning

Adequate planning of the audit work helps to ensure that:

1) Appropriate attention is devoted to important areas of the audit;

2) Potential problems are identified; and

3) The work is completed expeditiously.

Planning also assists in proper:

1) Assignment of work to assistants; and

2) Coordination of work done by other auditors and experts.

Extent of Planning

The extent of planning will varyaccording to the following:

1) Size of the entity;

2) Complexity of the audit; and

3) Auditor’s experience with the entity and knowledge of the business.

The Overall Audit Plan

The auditor shoulddevelop and document an overall audit plan describing the expectedscope

and conduct of the audit.

While the record of the overall audit plan will need to be sufficiently detailed to guide the

development of the audit program, its precise form and content will vary depending on the

following:

1) Size of the entity;

2) Complexity of the audit; and

3) Specific methodology and technology used by the auditor.

Matters to be considered by the auditor in developing the overall audit plan include:

Knowledge of the Business

• General economic factors and industry conditions affecting theentity’s business.

• Important characteristics of the entity, its business, its financial performance and its reporting

requirements including changes since the date of the prior audit.

What factors would you consider before accepting the audit engagement?

Why is competence important in auditing?

What is auditor competency?

What are some of the factors that affect an audit?