SINGAPORE

STANDARD
ON AUDITING

SSA 710

Comparative Information Corresponding

Figures and Comparative Financial Statements
This SSA 710 Comparative Information Corresponding Figures and
Comparative Financial Statements supersedes SSA 710
Comparatives in January 2010. Auditors are required to comply with
the auditing standards contained in this SSA in respect of audits of
financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December
2009.
The Companies (Amendment) Act 2014 gave rise to conforming
amendments in this SSA in June 2015. These amendments
(terminology changes) will be effective for reports dated on or after 1
July 2015.

SINGAPORE STANDARD ON AUDITING 710

COMPARATIVE INFORMATION CORRESPONDING
FIGURES AND COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2009)

CONTENTS
Paragraphs
Foreword
Introduction
Scope of this SSA

The Nature of Comparative Information

2-3

Effective Date

Objectives

Definitions

Requirements
Audit Procedures

7-9

Audit Reporting

10-19

Application and Other Explanatory Material

Audit Procedures

A1

Audit Reporting

A2-A11

Appendix: Illustrations of Auditors Reports

Singapore Standard on Auditing (SSA) 710, Comparative InformationCorresponding Figures and

Comparative Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with SSA 200, Overall Objectives
of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with Singapore Standards on
Auditing.

SINGAPORE
STANDARD
ON AUDITING

SSA 710

Foreword
i.

This Standard is based on International Standard on Auditing 710, with such amendments as
were considered appropriate for local adoption.

ii.

The major amendments are as follows:

Appendix: Illustrations of Auditors Reports
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT [Appropriate Addressee]
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company, which
comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and the
statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of
cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and
other explanatory information.
Managements Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such
internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing.
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation and fair presentation of
the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness
of the entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide
a basis for our qualified audit opinion.

Basis for Qualified Opinion

As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the
financial statements which constitutes a departure from International Financial Reporting
Standards. This is the result of a decision taken by management at the start of the preceding
financial year and caused us to qualify our audit opinion on the financial statements relating
to that year. Based on the straight-line method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for
the building and 20% for the equipment, the loss for the year should be increased by xxx in
20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant and equipment should be reduced by
accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, and the accumulated loss
should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion
paragraph, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, (or give a true
and fair view of) the financial position of ABC Company as of December 31, 20X1, and
(of) its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
[Form and content of this section of the auditors report will vary depending on the nature
of the auditors other reporting responsibilities.]
[Auditors signature]
[Date of the auditors report]
[Auditors address]
is replaced by:
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT
[Appropriate Addressee]
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company (the
Company), which comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December
20X1, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and
statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting
policies and other explanatory information.
Managements Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and
fair view in accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50
(the Act) and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for devising and
maintaining a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable
assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorised use or
disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are recorded as
necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair financial statements and to maintain
accountability of assets.

Auditors Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing.
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors
judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor
considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation of financial statements that
give a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness
of the entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide
a basis for our qualified audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the
financial statements which constitutes a departure from Singapore Financial Reporting
Standards. This is the result of a decision taken by management at the start of the preceding
financial year and caused us to qualify our audit opinion on the financial statements relating
to that year. Based on the straight-line method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for
the building and 20% for the equipment, the loss for the year should be increased by xxx in
20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant and equipment should be reduced by
accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, and the accumulated loss
should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion
paragraph, the financial statements are properly drawn up in accordance with the
provisions of the Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true
and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at (date) and the financial
performance, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company for the year ended on
that date.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the
Company have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
[Form and content of this section of the auditors report will vary depending on the
nature of the auditors other reporting responsibilities.]

_________________ (Firm)
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore
_____________ (Date)

Introduction
Scope of this SSA
1.

This Singapore Standard on Auditing (SSA) deals with the auditors responsibilities relating
to comparative information in an audit of financial statements. When the financial statements
of the prior period have been audited by a predecessor auditor or were not audited, the
requirements and guidance in SSA 5101 regarding opening balances also apply.

The Nature of Comparative Information

2.

The nature of the comparative information that is presented in an entitys financial statements
depends on the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework. There are two
different broad approaches to the auditors reporting responsibilities in respect of such
comparative information: corresponding figures and comparative financial statements. The
approach to be adopted is often specified by law or regulation but may also be specified in the
terms of engagement.

3.

The essential audit reporting differences between the approaches are:

(a)

For corresponding figures, the auditors opinion on the financial statements refers to
the current period only; whereas

(b)

For comparative financial statements, the auditors opinion refers to each period for
which financial statements are presented.

This SSA addresses separately the auditors reporting requirements for each approach.

Effective Date
4.

This SSA is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15
December 2009.

Objectives
5.

The objectives of the auditor are:

(a)

To obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about whether the comparative

information included in the financial statements has been presented, in all material
respects, in accordance with the requirements for comparative information in the
applicable financial reporting framework; and

(b)

To report in accordance with the auditors reporting responsibilities.

Definitions
6.

For purposes of the SSAs, the following terms have the meanings attributed below:
(a)

Comparative information The amounts and disclosures included in the financial

statements in respect of one or more prior periods in accordance with the applicable
financial reporting framework.

SSA 510, Initial Audit EngagementsOpening Balances.

(b)

Corresponding figures Comparative information where amounts and other

disclosures for the prior period are included as an integral part of the current period
financial statements, and are intended to be read only in relation to the amounts and
other disclosures relating to the current period (referred to as current period
figures ). The level of detail presented in the corresponding amounts and disclosures
is dictated primarily by its relevance to the current period figures.

(c)

Comparative financial statements Comparative information where amounts and

other disclosures for the prior period are included for comparison with the financial
statements of the current period but, if audited, are referred to in the audi tors
opinion. The level of information included in those comparative financial statements is
comparable with that of the financial statements of the current period.

For purposes of this SSA, references to prior period should be read as prior periods when
the comparative information includes amounts and disclosures for more than one period.

Requirements
Audit Procedures
7.

The auditor shall determine whether the financial statements include the comparative
information required by the applicable financial reporting framework and whether such
information is appropriately classified. For this purpose, the auditor shall evaluate whether:
(a)

The comparative information agrees with the amounts and other disclosures
presented in the prior period or, when appropriate, have been restated; and

(b)

The accounting policies reflected in the comparative information are consistent with
those applied in the current period or, if there have been changes in accounting
policies, whether those changes have been properly accounted for and adequately
presented and disclosed.

8.

If the auditor becomes aware of a possible material misstatement in the comparative

information while performing the current period audit, the auditor shall perform such
additional audit procedures as are necessary in the circumstances to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence to determine whether a material misstatement exists. If the
auditor had audited the prior periods financial statements, the auditor shall also follow the
relevant requirements of SSA 560.2 If the prior period financial statements are amended, the
auditor shall determine that the comparative information agrees with the amended financial
statements.

9.

As required by SSA 580, 3 the auditor shall request written representations for all periods
referred to in the auditors opinion. The auditor shall also obtain a specific written
representation regarding any restatement made to correct a material misstatement in prior
period financial statements that affect the comparative information. (Ref: Para. A1)

Audit Reporting
Corresponding Figures
10.

2
3

When corresponding figures are presented, the auditors opinion shall not refer to the
corresponding figures except in the circumstances described in paragraphs 11, 12, and 14.
(Ref: Para. A2)

SSA 560, Subsequent Events, paragraphs 14-17.

SSA 580, Written Representations, paragraph 14.

11.

12.

If the auditors report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion, a
disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion and the matter which gave rise to the
modification is unresolved, the auditor shall modify the auditors opinion on the current
periods financial statements. In the Basis for Modification paragraph in the auditors report,
the auditor shall either:
(a)

Refer to both the current periods figures and the corresponding figures in the
description of the matter giving rise to the modification when the effects or possible
effects of the matter on the current periods figures are material; or

(b)

In other cases, explain that the audit opinion has been modified because of the
effects or possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current
periods figures and the corresponding figures. (Ref: Para. A3-A5)

If the auditor obtains audit evidence that a material misstatement exists in the prior period
financial statements on which an unmodified opinion has been previously issued, and the
corresponding figures have not been properly restated or appropriate disclosures have not
been made, the auditor shall express a qualified opinion or an adverse opinion in the
auditors report on the current period financial statements, modified with respect to the
corresponding figures included therein. (Ref: Para. A6)

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor

13.

If the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor and the
auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from referring to the predecessor auditors
report on the corresponding figures and decides to do so, the auditor shall state in an Other
Matter paragraph in the auditors report:
(a)

That the financial statements of the prior period were audited by the predecessor
auditor;

(b)

The type of opinion expressed by the predecessor auditor and, if the opinion was
modified, the reasons therefore; and

(c)

The date of that report. (Ref: Para. A7)

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited

14.

If the prior period financial statements were not audited, the auditor shall state in an Other
Matter paragraph in the auditors report that the corresponding figures are unaudited. Such a
statement does not, however, relieve the auditor of the requirement to obtain sufficient
appropriate audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that
materially affect the current periods financial statements.4

Comparative Financial Statements

15.

When comparative financial statements are presented, the auditors opinion shall refer to
each period for which financial statements are presented and on which an audit opinion is
expressed. (Ref: Para. A8-A9)

16.

When reporting on prior period financial statements in connection with the current periods
audit, if the auditors opinion on such prior period financial statements differs from the
opinion the auditor previously expressed, the auditor shall disclose the substantive reasons
for the different opinion in an Other Matter paragraph in accordance with SSA 706.5 (Ref:
Para. A10)

4
5

SSA 510, paragraph 6.

SSA 706, Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditors Report, paragraph 8.

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor

17.

If the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor, in
addition to expressing an opinion on the current periods financial statements, the auditor
shall state in an Other Matter paragraph:
(a)

that the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor
auditor;

(b)

the type of opinion expressed by the predecessor auditor and, if the opinion was
modified, the reasons therefore; and

(c)

the date of that report,

unless the predecessor auditor s report on the prior period s financial statements is reissued
with the financial statements.

18.

If the auditor concludes that a material misstatement exists that affects the prior period
financial statements on which the predecessor auditor had previously reported without
modification, the auditor shall communicate the misstatement with the appropriate level of
management and, unless all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the
entity, 6 those charged with governance and request that the predecessor auditor be
informed. If the prior period financial statements are amended, and the predecessor auditor
agrees to issue a new auditors report on the amended financial statements of the prior
period, the auditor shall report only on the current period. (Ref: Para. A11)

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited

19.

If the prior period financial statements were not audited, the auditor shall state in an Other
Matter paragraph that the comparative financial statements are unaudited. Such a statement
does not, however, relieve the auditor of the requirement to obtain sufficient appropriate
audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that materially affect
the current periods financial statements.7
***

Application and Other Explanatory Material

Audit Procedures
Written Representations (Ref: Para. 9)
A1.

6
7

In the case of comparative financial statements, the written representations are requested
for all periods referred to in the auditors opinion because management needs to reaffirm that
the written representations it previously made with respect to the prior period remain
appropriate. In the case of corresponding figures, the written representations are
requested for the financial statements of the current period only because the auditors
opinion is on those financial statements, which include the corresponding figures.
However, the auditor requests a specific written representation regarding any restatement
made to correct a material misstatement in the prior period financial statements that affect
the comparative information.

SSA 260, Communication with Those Charged with Governance, paragraph 13.
SSA 510, paragraph 6.

Audit Reporting
Corresponding Figures
No Reference in Auditor s Opinion (Ref: Para. 10)

A2

The auditor s opinion does not refer to the corresponding figures because the auditor s
opinion is on the current period financial statements as a whole, including the
corresponding figures.

Modification in Auditor s Report on the Prior Period Unresolved (Ref: Para. 11)

A3

When the auditor s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified
opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion and the matter which gave rise to the
modified opinion is resolved and properly accounted for or disclosed in the financial
statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, the auditor s
opinion on the current period need not refer to the previous modification.

A4

When the auditor s opinion on the prior period, as previously expressed, was modified, the
unresolved matter that gave rise to the modification may not be relevant to the current period
figures. Nevertheless, a qualified opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion (as
applicable) may be required on the current period s financial statements because of the
effects or possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current and
corresponding figures.

A5

Illustrative examples of the auditor s report if the auditor s report on the prior period
included a modified opinion and the matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved are
contained in Illustrations 1 and 2 of the Appendix.

Misstatement in Prior Period Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 12)

A6

When the prior period financial statements that are misstated have not been amended and an
auditor s report has not been reissued, but the corresponding figures have been properly
restated or appropriate disclosures have been made in the current period fin ancial
statements, the auditor s report may include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph describing the
circumstances and referring to, where relevant, disclosures that fully describe the matter that
can be found in the financial statements (see SSA 706).

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor (Ref: Para. 13)
A7

An illustrative example of the auditors report if the prior period financial statements were
audited by a predecessor auditor and the auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from
referring to the predecessor auditors report on the corresponding figures is contained in
Illustration 3 of the Appendix.

Comparative Financial Statements

Reference in Auditor s Opinion (Ref: Para. 15)

A8

Because the auditor s report on comparative financial statements applies to the financial
statements for each of the periods presented, the auditor may express a qualified opinion or
an adverse opinion, disclaim an opinion, or include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph with
respect to one or more periods, while expressing a different auditor s opinion on the financial
statements of the other period.

A9

An illustrative example of the auditor s report if the auditor is required to report on both the
current and the prior period financial statements in connection with the current year s audit
and the prior period included a modified opinion and the matter giving rise to the modification
is unresolved, is contained in Illustration 4 of the Appendix.

10

Opinion on Prior Period Financial Statements Different from Previous Opinion (Ref: Para. 16)
A10

When reporting on the prior period financial statements in connection with the current period s
audit, the opinion expressed on the prior period financial statements may be different from the
opinion previously expressed if the auditor becomes aware of circumstances or events that
materially affect the financial statements of a prior period during the course of the audit of the
current period. In some jurisdictions, the auditor may have additional reporting responsibilities
designed to prevent future reliance on the auditor s previously issued report on the prior
period financial statements.

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor (Ref: Para. 18)
A11

The predecessor auditor may be unable or unwilling to reissue the auditors report on the prior
period financial statements. An Other Matter paragraph of the auditors report may indicate that
the predecessor auditor reported on the financial statements of the prior period before
amendment. In addition, if the auditor is engaged to audit and obtains sufficient appropriate
audit evidence to be satisfied as to the appropriateness of the amendment, the auditors report
may also include the following paragraph:
As part of our audit of the 20X2 financial statements, we also audited the
adjustments described in Note X that were applied to amend the 20X1 financial
statements. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been
properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any
procedures to the 20X1 financial statements of the company other than with
respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or
any other form of assurance on the 20X1 financial statements taken as a
whole.

11

Appendix
Illustrations of Auditors Reports
Illustration 1 - Corresponding Figures (Ref: Para. A5)
Report illustrative of the circumstances described in paragraph 11(a), as follows:

The auditors report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified
opinion.

The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.

The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current periods figures are
material and require a modification to the auditors opinion regarding the current
period figures.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

[Appropriate Addressee]
Report on the Financial Statements8
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which
comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 20X1, and the statement of
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then
ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management s9 Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in
accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act) and
Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for devising and maintaining a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against
loss from unauthorised use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are
recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair financial statements and to maintain
accountability of assets.9a
Auditor s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require
that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to
the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion

9
9a

The sub-title Report on the Financial Statements is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub -title Report on
Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements is not applicable.
Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework in the particular jurisdiction.
This wording is based on that found in SSA 700, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements.

12

on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. 10 An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our qualified audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the financial
statements which constitutes a departure from Singapore Financial Reporting Standards. This is the
result of a decision taken by management at the start of the preceding financial year and caused us to
qualify our audit opinion on the financial statements relating to that year. Based on the straight-line
method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for the building and 20% for the equipment, the loss
for the year should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant and equipment
should be reduced by accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, and the accumulated
loss should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion
paragraph, the financial statements are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Act
and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the financial position
of the Company as at _______ (date) and the financial performance, changes in equity and cash flows
of the Company for the year ended on that date.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company have
been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
[Form and content of this section of the auditor s report will vary depending on the nature of the
auditor s other reporting responsibilities.]

________________________ (Firm)
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore
____________________ (Date)

10

In circumstances when the auditor also has responsibility to express an opinion on the effectiveness of intern al control in
conjunction with the audit of the financial statements, this sentence would be worded as follows: In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a
true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

13

Illustration 2 - Corresponding Figures (Ref: Para. A5)

Report illustrative of the circumstances described in paragraph 11(b), as follows:

The auditors report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified
opinion.

The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.

The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current periods figures are
immaterial but require a modification to the auditors opinion because of the effects or
possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current periods
figures and the corresponding figures.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

[Appropriate Addressee]
11

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which
comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 20X1, and the statement of
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then
ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management s12 Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in
accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act) and
Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for devising and maintaining a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against
loss from unauthorised use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are
recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair financial statements and to maintain
accountability of assets.12a
Auditor s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require
that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to
the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. 13 An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
11

The sub-title Report on the Financial Statements is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title Report on
Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements is not applicable.
Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework in the particular jurisdiction .
12a
This wording is based on that found in SSA 700, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements.
13
In circumstances when the auditor also has responsibility to express an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control in
conjunction with the audit of the financial statements, this sentence would be worded as follows: In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a
true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

12

14

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our qualified audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
Because we were appointed auditors of the Company during 20X0, we were not able to observe the
counting of the physical inventories at the beginning of that period or satisfy ourselves concerning
those inventory quantities by alternative means. Since opening inventories affect the determination of
the results of operations, we were unable to determine whether adjustments to the results of
operations and opening retained earnings might be necessary for 20X0. Our audit opinion on the
financial statements for the period ended 31 December 20X0 was modified accordingly. Our opinion
on the current period s financial statements is also modified because of the possible effect of this
matter on the comparability of the current period s figures and the corresponding figures.

Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the possible effects on the corresponding figures of the matter described
in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statements are properly drawn up in
accordance with the provisions of the Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to
give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at (date) and the
financial performance, changes in equity and cash flows of the Company for the year ended on
that date.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company have
been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
[Form and content of this section of the auditor s report will vary depending on the nature of the
auditor s other reporting responsibilities.]

________________________ (Firm)
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore
____________________ (Date)

15

Illustration 3 - Corresponding Figures (Ref: Para. A7)

Report illustrative of the circumstances described in paragraph 13, as follows:

The prior periods financial statements were audited by a predecessor auditor.

The auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from referring to the predecessor
auditors report on the corresponding figures and decides to do so.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT

[Appropriate Addressee]
14

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which
comprise the statement of financial position as at 31 December 20X1, and the statement of
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then
ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management s15 Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in
accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act) and
Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for devising and maintaining a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against
loss from unauthorised use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are
recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair financial statements and to maintain
accountability of assets.15a
Auditor s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require
that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to
the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. 16 An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our audit opinion.

14

The sub-title Report on the Financial Statements is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub -title Report
on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements is not applicable.
15
Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework in the particular jurisdiction.
15a
This wording is based on that found in SSA 700, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements.
16
In circumstances when the auditor also has responsibility to express an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control in
conjunction with the audit of the financial statements, this sentence would be worded as follows: In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a
true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

16

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the
Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the financial
position of the Company as at (date) and the financial performance, changes in equity and cash
flows of the Company for the year ended on that date.
Other Matter
The financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 20X0, were audited by
another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on 31 March 20X1.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company have
been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
[Form and content of this section of the auditor s report will vary depending on the nature of the
auditor s other reporting responsibilities.]

________________________ (Firm)
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore
____________________ (Date)

17

Illustration 4 - Comparative Financial Statements: (Ref: Para. A9)

Report illustrative of the circumstances described in paragraph 15, as follows:

Auditor is required to report on both the current period financial statements and the
prior period financial statements in connection with the current years audit.

The auditors report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified
opinion.

The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.

The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current periods figures are
material to both the current period financial statements and prior period financial
statements and require a modification to the auditors opinion.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT [Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Financial Statements17
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which
comprise the statements of financial position as at 31 December 20X1 and 20X0, and the statements
of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for the years
then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management s18 Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in
accordance with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50 (the Act) and
Singapore Financial Reporting Standards, and for devising and maintaining a system of internal
accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against
loss from unauthorised use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are
recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true and fair financial statements and to maintain
accountability of assets.18a
Auditor s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require
that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors judgment,
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether
due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to
the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
19
opinion on the effectiveness of the entitys internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the
appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

17

The sub-title Report on the Financial Statements is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title Report on
Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements is not applicable.
18
Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework in the particular jurisdiction.
18a
This wording is based on that found in SSA 700, Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements.
19
In circumstances when the auditor also has responsibility to express an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control in
conjunction with the audit of the financial statements, this sentence would be worded as follows: In making those risk
assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entitys preparation of financial statements that give a
true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.

18

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our qualified audit opinion.
Basis for Qualified Opinion
As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the financial
statements, which constitutes a departure from Singapore Financial Reporting Standards. Based on
the straight-line method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for the building and 20% for the
equipment, the loss for the year should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant
and equipment should be reduced by accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0,
and the accumulated loss should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion
paragraph, the financial statements are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the
Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards so as to give a true and fair view of the financial
position of the Company as at (date) and the financial performance, changes in equity and cash
flows of the Company for the years ended on that date.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company have
been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
[Form and content of this section of the auditor s report will vary depending on the nature of the
auditor s other reporting responsibilities.]

________________________ (Firm)
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore
____________________ (Date)

19