Standards on Auditing-Part 6

IPCC Paper 6, Auditing & Assurance, Volume 2

CA. Anurag Singal

Learning Objectives

SA-570

SA-580

SA-610

SA-600

SA-620

SA-570 (Revised)
Going Concern

Scope of this SA

Deals with the auditors responsibility in the audit

of financial statements w.r.t.

Managements use of the Going Concern

assumption in the preparation and presentation of
financial statements.

Overall Objectives of the SA

To obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the appropriateness of
managements use of the going concern assumption

To conclude, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material

uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast
significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a going concern

To determine the implications for the auditors report

Going Concern Assumption

An entity is viewed as continuing in business for the foreseeable
future.

General purpose financial statements are prepared on a going

concern basis, unless management either intends to liquidate
the entity or to cease operations
When the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate,
assets and liabilities are recorded on the basis that the entity will
be able to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the
normal course of business.

Responsibilities of Management
The financial reporting framework may require the management to make
an assessment of the entitys ability to continue as a going concern and
prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis

Managements responsibility includes a responsibility to assess the

entitys ability to continue as a going concern even if the financial
reporting framework does not include an explicit requirement to do so.

Making a judgment, at a particular point in time, about inherently uncertain

future outcomes of events or conditions.

Responsibilities of the Auditor

The auditors responsibility is to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the
appropriateness of managements use of the going concern assumption

To conclude whether there is a material uncertainty about the entitys ability to continue as
a going concern

The potential effects of inherent limitations on the auditors ability to detect material
misstatements are greater for future events or conditions that may cause an entity to cease
to continue as a going concern.

The absence of any reference to going concern uncertainty in an auditors report cannot be
viewed as a guarantee as to the entitys ability to continue as a going concern.
8

Risk Assessment Procedures and

Related Activities

The auditor shall consider whether there are events or conditions that may
cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a going concern.

He will check whether management has already performed a preliminary

assessment of the entitys ability to continue as a going concern

The auditor shall remain alert throughout the audit for audit evidence of
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to
continue as a going concern.

Financial Indicators
Net liability or
net current
liability position.

Inability to
comply with the
terms of loan
agreements.

Adverse key
financial ratios.

Change from
credit to cashon-delivery
transactions with
suppliers.

Arrears or
discontinuance
of dividends.

Inability to pay
creditors on due
dates.

10

Operating Indicators
Management intentions
to liquidate the entity or
to cease operations.

Loss of key
management without
replacement.

Loss of a major market,

key customer(s),
franchise, license, or
principal supplier(s).

Shortages of important
supplies.

Emergence of a highly
successful competitor.
11

Others

Non-compliance with
capital or other
statutory
requirements.

Uninsured or
underinsured
catastrophes when
they occur.

Pending legal or
regulatory
proceedings against
the entity that may, if
successful, result in
claims that the entity
is unlikely to be able
to satisfy.

Changes in law or
regulation or
government policy
expected to
adversely affect the
entity.

12

Evaluating Managements Assessment

The entitys ability to continue as a going concern.

the auditor shall cover the same period as that used by management to
make its assessment as required by the applicable financial reporting
framework

Period covered is less than 12 months from the date of the financial
statements as defined in SA 560, the auditor shall request management
to extend its assessment period to at least 12 months.

the auditor shall consider whether managements assessment includes all

relevant information of which the auditor is aware as a result of the audit.

13

Additional Audit Procedures When

Events or Conditions Are Identified
When events may cast significant doubt on the entitys ability to continue as a
going concern,

The auditor shall obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to determine

whether or not a material uncertainty exists through performing additional
audit procedures, including consideration of mitigating factors.

Requesting management to make its assessment.

Evaluating managements plans for future actions in relation to its going concern
assessment

14

Audit Conclusions and Reporting

In the auditors judgment, a material uncertainty exists
related to events or conditions that, individually or
collectively, may cast significant doubt on the entitys
ability to continue as a going concern.
A material uncertainty exists when the magnitude of its
potential impact and likelihood of occurrence is such that,
in the auditors judgment, appropriate disclosure of the
nature and implications of the uncertainty is necessary

15

Communication with Those Charged

with Governance
Governance events or
conditions identified that
may cast significant doubt
on the entitys ability to
continue as a going
concern.

Whether the events or

conditions constitute a
material uncertainty?

Whether the use of the

going concern assumption
is appropriate in the
preparation and
presentation of the
financial statements?

The adequacy of related

disclosures in the financial
statements.

Significant Delay in the Approval of

Financial Statements

Auditor shall inquire as to the reasons for the delay.

When the auditor believes that the delay could be

related to events or conditions relating to the going
concern assessment, the auditor shall perform those
additional audit procedures necessary

Question
List the
indications upon
which the Auditor
should assess
the
appropriateness
of going concern
assumption.

Financial Indicators
Net liability or
net current
liability position.

Inability to
comply with the
terms of loan
agreements.

Adverse key
financial ratios.

Change from
credit to cashon-delivery
transactions with
suppliers.

Arrears or
discontinuance
of dividends.

Inability to pay
creditors on due
dates.

19

Operating Indicators
Management intentions
to liquidate the entity or
to cease operations.

Loss of key
management without
replacement.

Loss of a major market,

key customer(s),
franchise, license, or
principal supplier(s).

Shortages of important
supplies.

Emergence of a highly
successful competitor.

20

Others

Non-compliance with
capital or other
statutory
requirements.

Uninsured or
underinsured
catastrophes when
they occur.

Pending legal or
regulatory
proceedings against
the entity that may, if
successful, result in
claims that the entity
is unlikely to be able
to satisfy.

Changes in law or
regulation or
government policy
expected to
adversely affect the
entity.

21

Question
It is now an accepted fact that an
auditor cannot take the Going
concern assumption for granted.
The problem has become acute in
view of ever growing sickness in
our industries.

You are required to prepare a

checklist designed to test the
assumption that a particular client
organization is in fact a going
concern

Answer-1
Checklist: If the answers to
the following questions are
Yes, then the going concern
assumption may not be
appropriate, subject to other
findings of the auditor.

1. Capital structure and

financial aspects:

a. Does the concern have a

high Debt Equity Ratio?

b. Is the concern heavily or

increasingly dependent upon
short-term finance?

c. Is the company utilizing the

borrowing facility to the
maximum or whether there is
any scope for further
borrowing?

d. Are leasing arrangements

preferred to capital
expenditure?

Answer-2
2.Operational Aspects:

c. Is the concern
substantially dependent
upon a few
products/patents/
production methods which
may suddenly become
obsolete?

a. Are there substantial

investments in R & D
projects, which have not
yielded any commercially
exploitable products?

b. Has there been any

cancellation of capital
projects for lack of funds?

d. Is the business of the

concern dependent upon
the growth of a handful of
customers?

e. Are there substantial

loans from directors, in case
of small concerns? If such
loans rank pari passu with
other unsecured creditors,
has the current ratio
deteriorated?

f. Are there defaults in

making statutory payments
like taxes, ESI, PF etc.?

Answer-3

3.Working capital
aspects:

a. Is there a gradual
and significant decline
in current ratio, i.e.
current assets Current
liabilities?

b. Are purchases
being deferred,
thereby reducing
stocks to dangerously
low levels?

c. Is there a marked
slow down in the
collection of sundry
Debtors?

d. Is there any inability

to take advantage of
cash discounts from
creditors?

e. Is there any
increase in the time
taken to pay creditors?

Answer-4
4.Profit and Loss
Account Aspects:

a. Does the
concern incur
substantial cash
losses?

b. Is there a steady
decline in the rate
of profitability?

c. Is there a growth
beyond limits such
that the company is
over trading?

SA-580 (Revised)
Written Representations

Scope of this SA
Deals with the auditors responsibility to
obtain written representations from
management

and, where appropriate, those charged with

governance.

Overall Objectives of the Auditor

To obtain written representations from management and, where
appropriate, those charged with governance that they believe that they have
fulfilled their responsibility for the preparation of the financial statements

the completeness of the information provided to the auditor

To respond appropriately to written representations provided by

management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance

Written Representations
A written statement by management provided to
the auditor to confirm certain matters or to
support other audit evidence.
Written representations in this context do not
include financial statements, the assertions
therein, or supporting books and records.

30

Written Representations as Audit

Evidence
Necessary information that the auditor requires in connection with the audit of the entitys
financial statements

Written representations are audit evidence.

They do not provide sufficient appropriate audit evidence on their own about any of the
matters with which they deal.

The fact that management has provided reliable written representations does not affect the
nature or extent of other audit evidence that the auditor obtains about the fulfillment of
managements responsibilities, or about specific assertions.

Management from Whom Written

Representations Requested

The auditor shall request written

representations from management with
appropriate responsibilities for the
financial statements and knowledge of
the matters concerned

32

Written Representations about Managements

Responsibilities
Preparation of the
Financial
Statements

Information
Provided and
Completeness of
Transactions

The auditor shall request

management to provide a
WR that it has fulfilled its
responsibility for the
preparation of the financial
statements in accordance
with the applicable FRF,

It has provided the auditor

with all relevant information
and access as agreed in
the terms of the audit
engagement

including where relevant

their fair presentation, as
set out in the terms of the
audit engagement

All transactions have been

recorded and are reflected
in the financial statements
33

Other Written Representations

In addition to
such required
representations,
the auditor
determines that
it is necessary
to obtain one or
more written
representations

to support other
audit evidence
relevant to the
financial
statements

or one or more
specific
assertions in the
financial
statements, the
auditor shall
request such
other written
representations.

34

Date of and Period(s) Covered by

Written Representations

The date of the written

representations shall be
as near as practicable to,
but not after, the date of
the auditors report on
the financial statements.

The written
representations shall be
for all financial
statements and period(s)
referred to in the
auditors report.

35

Form of Written Representations

The written
representations
shall be in the form
of a representation
letter addressed to
the auditor.

If law or regulation
requires
management to
make written public
statements about
its responsibilities,

the auditor
determines that
such statements
provide some or all
of the
representations

the relevant
matters covered by
such statements
need not be
included in the
representation
letter.

36

Doubt as to the Reliability of Written Representations

If the auditor has concerns about the competence, integrity, ethical

values or diligence of management, or about its commitment to or
enforcement of these, the auditor shall determine

Whether written representations are inconsistent with other audit

evidence, the auditor shall perform audit procedures to attempt to
resolve the matter

If the auditor concludes that the written representations are not

reliable, the auditor shall take appropriate actions, including
determining the possible effect on the opinion in the auditors report

37

Requested Written Representations

Not Provided
Discuss the matter with management

Re-evaluate the integrity of management and

evaluate the effect that this may have on the
reliability of representations

Take appropriate actions, including determining the

possible effect on the opinion in the auditors report

38

Effect on Auditors Report

The auditor shall disclaim an opinion on the financial
statements

The auditor concludes that there is sufficient doubt about the

integrity of management such

that the written representations required are not reliable OR

management does not provide the written representations

Audit Procedures on Written

Representations
WRITTEN REPRESENTATION
= AUDIT EVIDENCE ?

YES
Written Representation =
necessary audit evidence

Written Representation
sufficient appropriate evidence

Whether Written Representations

Reliable??

If Auditor has
concerns about
the INTEGRITY,
CONSISTENCY &
ETHICAL VALUE
of
management.

Then the
Auditor shall
make an
attempt to
RESOLVE it.

If not RESOLVED
,
the Auditor shall
take appropriate
actions including
determining the
POSSIBLE
EFFECT
on the opinion.

Question
Discuss the position of an
auditor in case he chooses
to rely upon the certificates
from the management in
respect of Closing Stock,
Cash in Hand etc.

List the circumstances

under which he will be
justified in accepting and
relying upon the certificates.

Answer-1

Role of management
representations:

a. Management representations
are generally given for certifying
the value of inventories, provision
for Liabilities, Disclosure of
contingent Liabilities, etc. These
are intended to impress upon the
Directors their responsibility for
accounts.

b. Mere Possession of such

certificates does not absolve the
auditor from carrying out a proper
audit. These certificates can only
act as second line of defense for
an auditor who has carried out his
work with reasonable care, skill
and diligence.

c. The auditor should not seek or

accept certificates from the
management when the subject
matter is such that it is capable of
direct verification by the auditor
himself.

Answer-2

Situations when
management certificates can
be justifiable:

a. The subject matter should

not be capable of direct
verification by the Auditor.

b. The matter relates to

items which are beyond the
competence of a
professionally qualified
Accountant.

c. There are proper records

and reliable internal checks
in the clients system that
can enable the directors to
prepare and issue the
certificates.

d. The certificate should be

prima facie in agreement
with the records maintained.

e. The certificate should be

put to common-sense tests
by the auditor.

Answer-3
In case of Third party
certificates e.g. Bankers,
Architects, Agents etc. the
following rules of reliance
may be taken into account:

c. The auditor himself is not

in a position to verify the
item because of its technical
nature or because it would
be too costly or cumbersome
for him to do so,

a. The party issuing the

certificate is reputable and
trustworthy,

b. The certificates relate to

an item which is normally
dealt with or held by such
party,

d. The certificate prima facie

is reliable and reasonable,
and

e. Reference to the third

party if available in the books
and documents of the client
as in possession of the
concerned goods, property
or securities belonging to the
clients

SA-600
Using the Work of Another
Auditor

Scope of this SA
When the principal auditor uses the
work of another auditor, the principal
auditor should determine how the
work of the other auditor will affect
the audit

Definition
Principal auditor

Other auditor

Component

The auditor with

responsibility for
reporting on the
financial information
of an entity
when that financial
information includes
the financial
information of one
or more
components audited
by another auditor.

An auditor, other
than the principal
auditor, with
responsibility for
reporting on the
financial information
of a component
which is included in
the financial
information audited
by the principal
auditor.

A division, branch,
subsidiary, joint
venture, associated
enterprises or other
entity
whose financial
information is
included in the
financial information
audited by the
principal auditor.

48

Applicability
This statement is applicable to material components w.r.t. Financial statement as a whole

It is not applicable to

(a) Joint auditor

(b) Predecessor auditor.

Considerations by Principal Auditor

When planning to use the work of another auditor, the principal auditor
should consider the professional competence of the other auditor

The principal auditor would inform the other auditor of matters such as areas
requiring special consideration, procedures for the identification of intercomponent transactions that may require disclosure and the time-table for
completion of audit

The principal auditor might discuss with the other auditor the audit procedures
applied or review a written summary of the other auditors procedures and
findings which may be in the form of a completed questionnaire or check-list
50

Considerations by Principal Auditor-2

He may also decide that supplemental tests of the records or the financial statements
of the component are necessary.

The principal auditor should document in his working papers the components
whose financial information was audited by other auditors;
Their significance to the financial information of the entity as a whole; the
names of the other auditors; and any conclusions reached that individual
components are not material.

The principal auditor should enquire about the limitations on his work

In case of foreign component, consider another auditors qualification and experience

51

Co-ordination Between Auditors

There should be
sufficient liaison

between the
principal auditor
and the other
auditor.

The principal
auditor may find it
necessary to issue
written
communication(s)
to the other
auditor.

52

Reporting Considerations

When the
principal
auditor
concludes that
the work of the
other auditor
cannot be used

the principal
auditor has not
been able to
perform
sufficient
additional
procedures
regarding the
financial
information of
the component
audited by the
other auditor

the principal
auditor should
express a
qualified
opinion or
disclaimer of
opinion
because there
is a limitation
on the scope of
audit.

If another
auditor issues
modified
auditor's report,
the principal
auditor should
consider
whether the
subject of the
modification is
of such nature
and
significance

53

Division of Responsibility

When the principal auditor has to

base his opinion on the financial
information of the entity as a
whole

relying upon the statements and

reports of the other auditors, his
report should state clearly the
division of responsibility

for the financial information of

the entity by indicating the extent
to which the financial information
of components audited by the
other auditors have been
included in the financial
information of the entity
54

Reporting

If work of another
auditor used in
preparation of FS.

Qualified opinion

Is not able to
perform sufficient
additional
procedures

Disclaimer of
opinion

Reporting

Question-1
Write short
notes on
coordination
between
principal
auditor and
other auditor.

Answer

There should be
sufficient liaison

between the
principal auditor
and the other
auditor.

The principal
auditor may find it
necessary to
issue written
communication(s)
to the other
auditor.

57

Question-2

Discuss the
reporting
considerations
of the principal
auditor under
SA 600.

Answer

When the
principal
auditor
concludes that
the work of the
other auditor
cannot be used

the principal
auditor has not
been able to
perform
sufficient
additional
procedures
regarding the
financial
information of
the component
audited by the
other auditor

the principal
auditor should
express a
qualified
opinion or
disclaimer of
opinion
because there
is a limitation
on the scope of
audit.

If another
auditor issues
modified
auditor's report,
the principal
auditor should
consider
whether the
subject of the
modification is
of such nature
and
significance

59

SA-610
Using The Work of Internal
Auditor

Scope of this SA

Deals with the external auditors responsibilities

Regarding the work of internal auditors when the

external auditor has determined, in accordance with
SA 315, that the internal audit function is likely to be
relevant

Relationship between the Internal Audit

Function and the External Auditor

The role and objectives of the internal

audit function are determined by
management and, where applicable,
TCWG.

Irrespective of the degree of autonomy

and objectivity of the internal audit
function, such function is not independent
of the entity as is required of the external
auditor when expressing an opinion on
financial statements.

62

Objectives of the external auditor

Where the entity has an internal audit function

a) Whether, and to what extent, to use specific work of the internal auditors; and

b) If so, whether such work is adequate for the purposes of the audit.

DEFINITION

Internal Audit Function

An appraisal activity established or provided as a service to the
entity.

Its functions include, amongst other things, examining, evaluating

and monitoring the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control.

65

Internal Auditors

Those individuals who perform the activities of the internal audit function.

Internal auditors may belong to an internal audit department or equivalent

function.

66

Determining whether and to what extent to use

the work of the Internal Auditors
Whether the work of the
internal auditors is likely
to be adequate for
purposes of the audit

A)The objectivity of the

internal audit function;

The planned effect of the

work of the internal
auditors on the nature,
timing or extent of the
external auditors
procedures.

The external auditor

shall evaluate:

B)The technical
competence of the
internal auditors;

C)Whether the work of

the internal auditors is
likely to be carried out
with due professional
care; and

D)Whether there is likely

to be effective
communication between
the internal auditors and
the external auditor.
67

Determining Whether and to What Extent to

Use the Work of the Internal Auditors-2

In determining
the planned
effect of the
work of the
internal
auditors on the
nature, timing
or extent of the
external
auditors
procedures, the
external auditor
shall consider:

The nature and

scope of
specific work
performed

The assessed
risks of material
misstatement
at the assertion
level for
particular
classes of
transactions,
account
balances, and
disclosures;
and

The degree of
subjectivity
involved in the
evaluation of
the audit
evidence
gathered

68

Using Specific Work of the Internal Auditors

The external auditor shall
evaluate and perform audit
procedures on that work to
determine its adequacy

The work was performed by

internal auditors having
adequate technical training
and proficiency;

The work was properly

supervised, reviewed and
documented;

Adequate audit evidence

has been obtained to enable
the internal auditors to draw
reasonable conclusions;

Conclusions reached are

appropriate in the
circumstances and any
reports prepared by the
internal auditors are
consistent with the results of
the work performed; and

Any exceptions or unusual

matters disclosed by the
internal auditors are properly
resolved.

69

Documentation

When the external

auditor uses specific
work of the internal
auditors,

the external auditor

shall document
conclusions regarding
the evaluation of the
adequacy of the work of
the internal auditors,

the audit procedures

performed by the
external auditor on that
work

70

Question

What aspects should be

considered in the evaluation of
internal Audit function?

Or You have been appointed as

auditor of a large industrial
company which has an
established internal audit
department. You are required to
state the main aspects you
would consider to find out the
effectiveness of the department.

Answer
Whether the work of the
internal auditors is likely
to be adequate for
purposes of the audit

A)The objectivity of the

internal audit function;

The planned effect of the

work of the internal
auditors on the nature,
timing or extent of the
external auditors
procedures.

The external auditor

shall evaluate:

B)The technical
competence of the
internal auditors;

C)Whether the work of

the internal auditors is
likely to be carried out
with due professional
care; and

D)Whether there is likely

to be effective
communication between
the internal auditors and
the external auditor.
72

SA-620
(REVISED)
USING THE WORK OF AN
AUDITORS EXPERT

Scope of this SA

Deals with the auditors responsibilities regarding the

use of an individual or organization's work

In a field of expertise other than accounting or

auditing, when that work is used to assist the auditor
in obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence

Applicability
Situations where the auditor uses
work of an individual or organization
possessing expertise in a field other
than accounting or auditing,
whose work in that field is used by
the entity to assist in preparing the
financial statements(a
managements expert)

75

The Auditors Responsibility for the

Audit Opinion
The auditor has sole responsibility for the audit opinion expressed, and that responsibility
is not reduced by the auditors use of the work of an auditors expert.

Nonetheless, if the auditor using the work of an auditors expert, having followed this
SA, concludes that the work of that expert is adequate for the auditors purposes,

the auditor may accept that experts findings or conclusions in the experts field as
appropriate audit evidence.

Objective of the Auditor

To determine whether to use the work

of an auditors expert and
If using the work of an auditors expert,
to determine whether that work is
adequate for the auditors purposes

DEFINITION

Auditors Expert
An individual or organisation possessing expertise in a field other than
accounting or auditing,

Experts work is used by the auditor to assist the auditor in obtaining

sufficient appropriate audit evidence.

An auditors expert may be either an auditors internal expert (who is a partner or

staff, including temporary staff, of the auditors firm or a network firm), or an
auditors external expert.

79

Managements Expert
An individual or organisation possessing expertise in a field other
than accounting or auditing,

whose work in that field is used by the entity to assist the entity in
preparing the financial statements.

80

Determining the Need for an Auditors

Expert

If expertise in a field
other than accounting or
auditing is necessary to
obtain sufficient
appropriate audit
evidence,

the auditor shall

determine whether to
use the work of an
auditors expert

81

Nature, Timing and Extent of Audit

Procedures

The nature of
the matter to
which that
experts work
relates;

The risks of
material
misstatement
in the matter

The
significance
of that
experts work

The auditors
knowledge of
and
experience
with previous
work
performed by
that expert;
and

Whether that
expert is
subject to the
auditors
firms quality
control
policies and
procedures.

82

The Competence, Capabilities and Objectivity

of the Auditors Expert
The auditor shall evaluate
whether the auditors expert
has the necessary
competence, capabilities and
objectivity for the auditors
purposes.

In the case of an auditors

external expert, the
evaluation of objectivity shall
include inquiry regarding
interests and relationships
that may create a threat to
that experts objectivity.

83

Obtaining an Understanding of the Field of Expertise

of the Auditors Expert

Determine the nature,

scope and objectives
of that experts work
for the auditors
purposes; and

Evaluate the
adequacy of that work
for the auditors
purposes.

84

Agreement with the Auditors Expert

The nature, scope and
objectives of that experts
work

The respective roles and

responsibilities of the
auditor and that expert

The nature, timing and

extent of communication
between the auditor and
that expert, including the
form of any report to be
provided by that expert

The need for the

auditors expert to
observe confidentiality
requirements.

85

Evaluating the Adequacy of the

Auditors Experts Work

The relevance
and
reasonableness
and their
consistency
with other audit
evidence

use of
significant
assumptions
and methods,
the relevance
and
reasonableness
of those
assumptions
and methods in
the
circumstance

work involves
the use of
source data that
is significant to
that experts
work, the
relevance,
completeness,
and accuracy of
that source
data.

Agree with that

expert on the
nature and
extent of further
work to be
performed by
that expert

Perform further
audit
procedures
appropriate to
the
circumstances.

86

Reference to the Auditors Expert in

the Auditors Report
If the auditor makes
reference to the work of an
auditors expert in the
auditors report

The auditor shall not refer to

the work of an auditors
expert in an auditors report
containing an unmodified
opinion unless required by
law or regulation to do so.

such reference is
relevant to an
understanding of a
modification to the
auditors opinion,

If such reference is
required by law or
regulation,

the auditor shall indicate

in the auditors report
that such reference does
not reduce the auditors
responsibility for that
opinion.

the auditor shall indicate

in the auditors report
that the reference does
not reduce the auditors
responsibility for the
audit opinion

Reporting
Reference to auditor's expert in audit report

if unmodified opinion

if modified opinion

- no reference reqd.
- But if reqd by law,he
should state that such
ref. does not reduces
auditor's responsibilities

- reference should be
given in audit report
indicating that such ref.
does not reduces
auditor's
responsibilities.

Question
Based upon a legal opinion of a leading advocate,
X ltd made a provision of Rs.5 Crores towards
income tax liability. The assessing authority has
worked out the liability at Rs.15 crores. It is
observed that the opinion of the advocate was
inconsistent with the legal position with regard to
certain revenue items.

Indicate the precise nature of auditors liability in

the above situation and support your views with
authority, if any.

Answer
a. The auditor can seek
audit evidence from an
expert, either
independently or in
conjunction with the
client.

b. Such audit evidence

may be in the form of
reports, opinions,
valuations and other
statements like legal
opinions concerning
interpretations of
agreements, statutes,
regulations,
notifications, etc.

c. Where the experts

opinion is inconsistent
with the provisions of
law, then the auditor
should deal with such
inconsistency suitably.
He may do it by
discussing the issue
with the Auditee client
or the concerned
expert.

d. However, the auditor

should ensure that the
experts is prima facie
dependable under the
circumstances before
relying upon the same.

Answer-2
a. The auditor should see
that the advocates opinion
is prima facie dependable.

b. The situation described

above clearly brings out the
inconsistency between the
opinion and the legal
provisions with regard to
certain items.

Such inconsistency could

have been detected and
corrected if

the auditor has sought

assurance as to the
appropriateness of the
source data, assumptions
involved therein and the
methods adopted by the
expert.

c. The auditor could have

detected the inconsistency
in legal opinions if he had
gone through the same
carefully.

This is evident having

regard to the wide difference
in the liability worked out by
the assessing authority.
(Rs 5 cr Vs Rs 15 cr)

d. Under the circumstances,

the auditor should have
rejected the opinion and
insisted upon making proper
provision.

The opinion is basically

erroneous.

Lesson Summary

SA-570

SA-580

SA-610

SA-600

SA-620

Thank You

93