Question Tag: Interim and Final Audits

At the weekly meeting of an audit firm, it was reported that a new audit client (Salisa Limited) has just been won. An implementation team has been constituted with a manager as the head. At the meeting of the implementation team, the manager stated that there is a need for the team to work on the audit planning strategy; the contents of which will form the audit planning memorandum that will be presented to the audit committee. He stated further that a professional clearance has to be sent to the former auditor after which, a background check will be performed on the directors and other principal officers of the company. It is also believed that for proper risk assessment, there is a need to understand the business operations of the company. He stated further that the audit will be structured into both interim and final audits.

An experienced member of the team also mentioned the need for the auditor to adopt an attitude of professional skepticism. He emphasized that planning the audit will involve the whole engagement team to establish an understanding of the terms of the engagement as required by ISA 210, which will help establish an overall strategy for the audit. Developing the audit plan will include the nature, timing, and extent of planned risk assessment procedures, further audit procedures, and documentation of the overall audit strategy.

Required:

a. Explain professional skepticism. (2 Marks)

b. State how adequate planning can benefit the audit team. (3 Marks)

c. Explain and illustrate what the establishment of the overall audit strategy involves. (3 Marks)

d. Discuss the elements of interim and final audits.

(7 Marks)