Topic: Audit of Prospective Financial Information

Tijara Nigeria Limited has a credit facility of N6 million with Godiya Bank. The facility was due to expire on December 31, 2021. The overdraft in the recently audited statement of financial position as at September 30, 2021 is N5.5 million. The directors of Tijara have started negotiations with their bankers for a renewal of the facility and to increase the amount to N9 million. To support this request, the bank has asked Tijara to provide a business plan for the coming twelve months consisting of a cash flow forecast supported by a forecast income statement and statement of financial position.

The management of Tijara has produced a cash flow forecast for the period October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, and, at the request of the bank, has asked an auditor to examine and report on it.

The Audit Manager, who has recently completed Tijara’s audit, has been asked to make a preliminary examination of the cash flow forecast and supporting materials. The manager has made the following observations:

1. The cash flows from sales are based on the assumption of an overall increase in sales of 24% compared to the previous financial year. Analysis shows that this is based on an increase in selling price of 5% and an increase in the volume of sales of 18%. Just over a quarter of all Tijara sales are made to foreign customers.
2. The cost of sales in the recently audited comprehensive income to September 30, 2021, was 80% of sales revenue, giving a gross profit of 20%. In the forecast income statement for the year to September 30, 2022, the cost of sales has fallen to 72%, giving a gross profit of 28%. Manufacturing costs are made up of equal proportions of materials, labor, and production overheads.
3. The trade receivables collection period used in the cash flow forecast to September 30, 2022, is 61 days. In the year to September 30, 2021, this period averaged 93 days. Management has stated that it is its intention to inform all customers of a new standard 60-day credit period. In addition, an early settlement discount of 1% will apply to customers who settle their accounts within 30 days of the statement. Conversely, the credit period for trade payables has been extended from an average of 45 days in the current year to 90 days in the forecast.
4. The cash flow forecast showed that the maximum credit required during the period would rise to nearly N9 million in August 2022.

Required:

a. Describe the general approach to the assurance work an auditor should consider before accepting the engagement of a reporting accountant on Prospective Financial Information (PFI) under ISAE 3400: The Examination of Prospective Financial Information. (8 Marks)

b. Detail the procedures applicable to the cash flow forecast of Tijara for the year to September 30, 2022. (7 Marks)

c. Prepare a summarized presentation of what the reporting accountant should consider in forming an opinion on prospective financial information (PFI). (5 Marks)