The inherent risk for Eng Tech should be assessed as high. The industry in which Eng Tech operates is characterized by rapid technological advancements and intense competition. Eng Tech’s products are slightly behind the market leaders, increasing the risk of obsolescence and declining market share. Although the company's performance this year places it in the second quartile in terms of profitability and financial position, the overall industry dynamics and Eng Tech’s historical performance indicate a higher susceptibility to financial misstatements, particularly in areas related to inventory valuation, revenue recognition, and technological obsolescence.
2) Effect on Detection Risk:
Due to the high inherent risk, the detection risk must be set lower. This means that the auditors will need to perform more extensive and rigorous audit procedures to reduce the risk of not detecting material misstatements. This includes detailed testing of high-risk areas, such as inventory and revenue recognition, and ensuring thorough review and corroboration of management’s estimates and assumptions. Enhanced scrutiny and more extensive substantive testing will be required to ensure the audit’s effectiveness.
Situation B: Aulia Services
1) Inherent Risk Assessment:
The inherent risk for Aulia Services is also high. The high ownership concentration, with Aulia and his daughter owning 57% of the share capital, coupled with Mrs. Aulia's dominant role in decision-making, significantly increases the risk of financial statement manipulation. The board of directors' lack of independence and tendency to rubber-stamp decisions further exacerbates this risk. These governance issues create an environment where management override of controls is more likely, and related party transactions may not be properly disclosed or monitored.
2) Effect on Detection Risk:
Given the high inherent risk, detection risk must be set lower. Auditors will need to implement stringent audit procedures to mitigate the risk of undetected material misstatements. This includes increased attention to related party transactions, rigorous testing of significant management estimates, and enhanced procedures to verify the authenticity and accuracy of financial reporting. The auditors should also consider involving forensic specialists if there are indications of fraudulent activities or severe governance issues.
Situation C: Cempaka Stores
1) Inherent Risk Assessment:
Inherent risk for Cempaka Stores should be considered high. The recent appointment of a new finance director and financial controller introduces a risk of disruption and potential weaknesses in internal controls. Additionally, the chairman’s reputation for aggressive business tactics and a strong focus on meeting earnings forecasts may pressure management to engage in earnings management practices, especially in light of the slower sales experienced in the previous year. These factors increase the likelihood of material misstatements in financial reporting.
2) Effect on Detection Risk:
To address the high inherent risk, detection risk must be reduced. Auditors will need to perform more detailed and extensive audit procedures, particularly focusing on areas susceptible to management bias such as revenue recognition, provisions, and estimates. The audit team should also scrutinize any changes in accounting policies or estimates made by the new financial leadership. Increased professional skepticism and thorough verification of management’s assertions will be essential in mitigating the detection risk.
Situation D: Prominence Finance Limited
1) Inherent Risk Assessment:
The inherent risk for Prominence Finance Limited is high. The ongoing disagreements with the CEO and controller over accounting issues, particularly related to the provision for doubtful debts and the value of collateral, suggest a persistent risk of material misstatements. The need for significant adjustments in prior audits indicates that management's estimates and judgments may be overly optimistic or not adequately supported by objective evidence.
2) Effect on Detection Risk:
Due to the high inherent risk, detection risk must be set lower. This requires auditors to perform extensive and meticulous audit procedures, with a strong focus on the areas of disagreement such as provisions for doubtful debts and collateral valuation. Auditors should increase their use of external confirmations, perform independent valuations, and apply heightened professional skepticism. Detailed substantive testing and corroboration of management’s assertions with independent evidence will be crucial in reducing the overall audit risk. Question 2
16/8/19 Issue: Revaluation of Land & Buildings
● Impact on Audit Plan: further work on non-current assets.
● Auditor should assess the materiality of the revaluation (on non-current assets and net profit) ● Auditor should reference AASB 116 to ensure the revaluation is appropriate ● Consider use of expert to perform independent valuations
17/10/19 Issue: Takeover of a Major Customer
● Impact on Audit Plan: intercompany transactions (Shakespeare Traders will
consolidate the new company) ● Ensure all intercompany balances eliminate at year-end ● Any large/unusual transactions around balance-sheet date should be carefully reviewed to ensure cut-off is appropriate
15/12/19 Issue: Bonus Scheme
● Impact on Audit Plan: potential for profit manipulation
● Ensure sales cut-off is correct, provisions & liabilities are not understated and accounting policies have been consistently applied.
16/02/20 Issue: New Factory
● Impact on Audit Plan: construction-in-progress account
● Costs for new factory at year-end must be properly accumulated and recorded ● Auditor may visit construction site & obtain estimate of percentage of completion ● Consider use of an expert depending on materiality of new factory
17/05/21 Issue: Loan to Subsidiary
● Impact on Audit Plan: proper disclosure of loans to subsidiaries
● Discuss the loan with management & assess its collectability, careful consideration is required to ensure the amount is actually a loan rather than a payment to support the subsidiaries operations Question 3
Accounting Classification Sources Brief Procedurs
Evidence
Bank Statements High reliance Third Party Verify statements
directly with the bank to ensure they match the client’s records. High reliance due to the independence of the bank.
Vendor Invoices Medium reliance External Source Cross-check invoices
with goods received notes and payments made. Medium reliance as they come from third parties but may still be manipulated by the client.
Internal Financial Low reliance Auditee/Client Review and compare
report internal reports prepared by the client's employees. Low reliance as they are susceptible to bias and manipulation without external validation.
Confirmations of High reliance Third Party Send confirmations
Receivables directly to customers to verify amounts owed. High reliance due to independent confirmation from the customer.
inventory Count Medium reliance Mixed (Client & Observe physical
Sheets Auditor) inventory counts and compare with inventory records. Medium reliance as the auditor participates, but initial data is prepared by the client.