Wereya 1
Wereya 1
Wereya 1
(D) Computation
This consists of studying significant ratios, trends and other statistics and
investigating unusual or unexpected fluctuations and items and expected
fluctuations which fail to occur. Various types of ratios changes and trends
analyses have become recognized in recent years as important audit tools.
Whether the data meet the test of logic, reasonableness and normality is just as
significant as whether they are documentary evidence.
1. Physical Evidence
Evidence that the auditors can actually see is referred to as physical evidence.
As an example, the best evidence of the existence of certain assets is the auditors
examination of the assets themselves. The existence of property and equipment,
such as automobiles, building, office equipment, and factory machinery, may be
conclusively established by physical examination. Similarly, evidence about the
existence of cash may be obtained by counting, and the client s inventory may be
observed as it is counted by client personnel. The auditors also can determine
whether an internal control activity is being performed by observing the
employees performing the activity.
3. Documentary Evidence
5. Data Interrelationships
Throughout an audit the auditors ask a great many questions of the officers and
employees of the clients organization. These questions cover an endless range of
topics the location of records and documents, the reasons underlying an unusual
accounting procedure, the probabilities of collecting a long past-due account
receivable.
The answers that the auditors receive to these questions constitute another type
of evidence. Generally, oral client representations are not sufficient by
themselves, but may be useful in disclosing situations that require investigation
or in corroborating other forms of evidence. For example, after making a careful
analysis of all past due accounts receivable, an auditor will normally discuss with
the credit manager the prospects of collecting specific accounts. If the opinion of
the credit manager are in accordance with the estimates of uncollectible accounts
that have been made independently by the auditor, this oral evidence will
constitute support for the conclusions reached. In repeat audits of a business, the
auditor will be in a better position to evaluate the opinions of the credit manager
based on the managers estimates in prior years.
Auditors also obtain written representations from client. At the conclusion of the
audit, the CPAs obtain from the client a written representations letter
summarizing the most important oral representations made by management
during he engagement. Many specific items are included in this representation
letter. For example, management usually represents that all liabilities known to
exist are reflected in the financial statements.
7. Accounting Records