2015 ACCA p7 study text BPP

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Study Text

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Paper P7
Advanced Audit and Assurance
(International)
Study Text for exams
up to June 2015

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Paper P7
Advanced Audit and Assurance (International)
This ACCA Study Text for Paper P7 Advanced
Audit and Assurance (International) has been
comprehensively reviewed by the ACCA examining
team. This review guarantees appropriate depth
and breadth of content and comprehensive syllabus
coverage.

Advanced Audit and Assurance (International)

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(INTERNATIONAL)

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ADVANCED AUDIT AND
ASSURANCE

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PAPER P7

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BPP Learning Media is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner – content. This means we
work closely with ACCA to ensure this Study Text contains the information you need to
pass your exam.
In this ACCA examination-team reviewed Study Text, we:


Highlight the most important elements in the syllabus and the key skills you need

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 Signpost how each chapter links to the syllabus and the study guide
 Provide lots of exam focus points demonstrating what is expected of you in the exam

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 Emphasise key points in regular fast forward summaries
 Test your knowledge in quick quizzes

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 Examine your understanding in our practice question bank
 Reference all the important topics in our full index

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BPP's Practice & Revision Kit and i-Pass products also support this paper.

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FOR EXAMS IN DECEMBER 2014 AND JUNE 2015

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All our rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in
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written permission of BPP Learning Media Ltd.

First edition 2007
Seventh edition June 2014

ISBN 9781 4727 1091 8
(Previous ISBN 9781 4453 9660 6)
e-text ISBN 9781 4453 6747 7

We are grateful to the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants for permission to reproduce past
examination questions. The suggested solutions in the
practice answer bank have been prepared by BPP
Learning Media Ltd, unless where otherwise stated.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

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A catalogue record for this book
is available from the British Library

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Published by

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BPP Learning Media Ltd
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www.bpp.com/learningmedia

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BPP Learning Media Ltd
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Your learning materials, published by BPP Learning
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traceable sustainable sources.

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Contents

Page

Introduction

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Helping you to pass .......................................................................................................................................................... v
Studying P7 .................................................................................................................................................................... vii
Syllabus and study guide............................................................................................................................................... xiii
The exam paper ........................................................................................................................................................... xxiii

Part A Regulatory environment
1

International regulatory environments for audit and assurance services .................................................................. 3

Part B Professional and ethical considerations

Code of ethics and conduct ................................................................................................................................... 33
Professional liability.............................................................................................................................................. 67

Part C Practice management
4
5

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2
3

Quality control....................................................................................................................................................... 97
Obtaining and accepting professional appointments ........................................................................................... 111

Part E Other assignments

Audit-related services and other assurance services............................................................................................ 349

Prospective financial information (PFI)................................................................................................................ 379
Forensic audits.................................................................................................................................................... 393
Social, environmental and public sector auditing ................................................................................................ 405
Internal audit and outsourcing............................................................................................................................. 431

Part F Reporting

Reporting............................................................................................................................................................. 449

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16

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Planning and risk assessment ............................................................................................................................. 135
Evidence.............................................................................................................................................................. 183
Evaluation and review (I) ..................................................................................................................................... 217
Evaluation and review (II) – matters relating to specific accounting issues.......................................................... 251
Evaluation and review (III) – matters relating to specific accounting issues......................................................... 277
Group audits and transnational audits ................................................................................................................. 315

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10
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Part D Audit of historical financial information

Part G Current issues and developments
Current issues ..................................................................................................................................................... 475

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18

List of articles by the examining team ....................................................................... 489

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Practice question and answer bank ........................................................................... 493
Index......................................................................................................................... 575

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Review form

Contents

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A note about copyright
Dear Customer
What does the little © mean and why does it matter?

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Your market-leading BPP books, course materials and e-learning materials do not write and update
themselves. People write them: on their own behalf or as employees of an organisation that invests in this
activity. Copyright law protects their livelihoods. It does so by creating rights over the use of the content.
Breach of copyright is a form of theft – as well as being a criminal offence in some jurisdictions, it is
potentially a serious breach of professional ethics.

With current technology, things might seem a bit hazy but, basically, without the express permission of

BPP Learning Media:
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Photocopying our materials is a breach of copyright

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Scanning, ripcasting or conversion of our digital materials into different file formats, uploading
them to Facebook or emailing them to your friends is a breach of copyright

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You can, of course, sell your books, in the form in which you have bought them – once you have finished
with them. (Is this fair to your fellow students? We update for a reason.) But the e-products are sold on a
single user licence basis: we do not supply ‘unlock’ codes to people who have bought them second-hand.

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And what about outside the UK? BPP Learning Media strives to make our materials available at prices
students can afford by local printing arrangements, pricing policies and partnerships which are clearly
listed on our website. A tiny minority ignore this and indulge in criminal activity by illegally photocopying
our material or supporting organisations that do. If they act illegally and unethically in one area, can you
really trust them?

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Helping you to pass – the BPP Learning Media Study
Text reviewed by the ACCA examining-team!

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BPP Learning Media – ACCA Approved
Learning Partner – content

As ACCA’s Approved Learning Partner – content, BPP Learning Media gives you the opportunity to use
study materials reviewed by the ACCA examination team. By incorporating the examination team’s
comments and suggestions regarding the depth and breadth of syllabus coverage, the BPP Learning
Media Study Text provides excellent, ACCA-approved support for your studies.

The PER alert

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Before you can qualify as an ACCA member, you not only have to pass all your exams but also fulfil a three
year practical experience requirement (PER). To help you to recognise areas of the syllabus that you
might be able to apply in the workplace to achieve different performance objectives, we have introduced
the ‘PER alert’ feature. You will find this feature throughout the Study Text to remind you that what you
are learning to pass your ACCA exams is equally useful to the fulfilment of the PER requirement.
Your achievement of the PER should now be recorded in your on-line My Experience record.

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Tackling studying

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Studying can be a daunting prospect, particularly when you have lots of other commitments. The different
features of the text, the purposes of which are explained fully on the Chapter features page, will help you
whilst studying and improve your chances of exam success.

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Developing exam awareness

Our Study Texts are completely focused on helping you pass your exam.
Our advice on Studying P7 outlines the content of the paper, the necessary skills you are expected to be
able to demonstrate and any brought forward knowledge you are expected to have.

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Exam focus points are included within the chapters to highlight when and how specific topics have been
examined, or how they might be examined in the future.

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Using the Syllabus and Study Guide

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You can find the Syllabus and Study Guide on page xiv to xxiii of this Study Text.

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Testing what you can do
Testing yourself helps you develop the skills you need to pass the exam and also confirms that you can
recall what you have learnt.

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We include Questions – lots of them – both within chapters and in the Practice Question Bank, as well as

Quick Quizzes at the end of each chapter to test your knowledge of the chapter content.

Introduction

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Chapter features
Each chapter contains a number of helpful features to guide you through each topic.
Topic list

Tells you what you will be studying in this chapter
and the relevant section numbers, together with
ACCA syllabus references.

Syllabus reference

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Topic list

Introduction

Puts the chapter content in the context of the
syllabus as a whole.

Study guide

Links the chapter content with ACCA guidance.

Exam guide

Highlights how examinable the chapter content is
likely to be and the ways in which it could be
examined.
What you are assumed to know from previous
studies/exams.

FAST FORWARD

Summarises the content of main chapter headings,
allowing you to preview and review each section
easily.

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Knowledge brought forward from earlier studies

Demonstrate how to apply key knowledge and
techniques.

Examples

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Definitions of important concepts that can often
earn you easy marks in exams.

Key terms

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Exam focus points

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Question

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Formula to learn

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Case Study

Tell you when and how specific topics have been
examined, or how they may be examined in the
future.
Formulae that are not given in the exam but which
have to be learnt.
This is a new feature that gives you a useful
indication of syllabus areas that closely relate to
performance objectives in your Practical
Experience Requirement (PER).

Essential practice of techniques covered in the
chapter.
Real world examples of theories and techniques.
A full list of the Fast Forwards included in the
chapter, providing an easy source of review.

Quick Quiz

A quick test of your knowledge of the main topics
in the chapter.

Practice Question Bank

Found at the back of the Study Text with more
comprehensive chapter questions. Cross
referenced for easy navigation.

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Chapter Roundup

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Introduction

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Studying P7

As the name suggests, this paper examines advanced audit and assurance topics. Paper P7 is one of the
professional level Options papers and as such candidates must consider carefully whether they have the
required competencies.

The P7 examination team

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The examination team expects you to demonstrate a highly professional approach to all questions – not
just presenting information in a professional manner, but also integrating knowledge and understanding
of topics from across the syllabus. The examination team is also very keen for students to demonstrate
evidence of wider reading and to demonstrate an understanding of current issues as they affect audit and
assurance. At the absolute minimum you should read Student Accountant. The examination team often
examines topics that it has written about in Student Accountant.

Syllabus update

The P7 syllabus has been updated for the December 2014 sitting onwards. The full syllabus and study
guide can be found in this Study Text on pages xiv to xxiii.

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1 What P7 is about

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The aim of the syllabus is to analyse, evaluate and conclude on the assurance engagement and other audit
and assurance issues in the context of best practice and current developments.

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The paper builds on the topics covered in Paper F8 Audit and Assurance but as an advanced paper it tests
much more than just your knowledge of ISAs and your ability to list standard audit procedures. You must
be able to apply your knowledge to more complex audit and assurance scenarios, identifying and
formulating the work required to meet the objectives of audit and non-audit assignments and to evaluate
the findings and results of work performed. Accounting knowledge examined in Paper P2 Corporate
Reporting is also assumed. Therefore, candidates studying for P7 should refer to the Accounting
Standards listed under P2.
(a)

Regulatory environment

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The syllabus is divided into SEVEN main sections:

(b)

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This section introduces the legal and regulatory environment including corporate governance
issues. It also examines the topics of money laundering and the consideration of laws and
regulations.
Professional and ethical considerations

(c)

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The details of the various ethical codes should be familiar to you from your earlier studies,
however the importance of this topic should not be underestimated. The examination team has
indicated that ethical and professional issues are likely to feature in every sitting. This section also
covers fraud and professional liability, both of which are topical issues.
Practice management

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This part of the syllabus covers quality control, tendering and professional appointments. It also
covers advertising, publicity, obtaining professional work and fees.

(d)

Audit of historical financial information

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This is the largest section of the syllabus looking in detail at the procedures involved in a range of
audit and assurance assignments. The examination team has indicated that evidence gathering is a
key part of the syllabus and is likely to feature at each sitting. Requirements are likely to focus on
specific assertions, balances or transactions.

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(e)

Other assignments
This section also covers a range of audit-related and assurance services. The examination team
has stressed the need for candidates to be able to tackle these types of scenario.

Introduction

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/>Reporting

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(f)

The detail of audit reports should be familiar to you from your earlier studies. At this level you will
be expected to apply this knowledge to more complex scenarios. The examination team has also
stressed the importance of the relationship between financial reporting and auditing. This will be
particularly important when forming an appropriate audit opinion. This section of the syllabus also
includes reports to management and other reports.
Current issues and developments

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(g)

Current issues and developments includes a wide range of topics including the IAASB clarity
project, professional, ethical and corporate governance, information technology, going concern,
transnational audits and social and environmental auditing. The examination team has indicated
that this is likely to be examined at each sitting, and that candidates are expected to have read
around the issues for themselves. You will need to be able to discuss current issues topics in the
context of a client scenario.

2 Skills you have to demonstrate

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2.1 Knowledge and application

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Even with exams you’ve previously taken, you'll remember that passing didn't only mean reproducing
knowledge. You also had to apply what you knew. At Professional level, the balance is tilted much more

towards application. You will need a sound basis of technical knowledge. The exams will detect whether
you have the necessary knowledge. However you won't pass if you just spend your time acquiring
knowledge. Developing application skills is vital.

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2.2 Skills

A thorough understanding of the relevant audit, assurance and financial reporting regulations that
fall within the syllabus



The ability to apply knowledge to specific client scenarios

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The ability to have an independent opinion, backed by reasoned argument



An appreciation of commercial factors which influence practice management



An appreciation of fast-moving developments in audit and assurance practices

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

The P7 examination team made very similar comments in a number of recent examiner’s reports which is
so important that we will quote it here:

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Failing to answer the specific question requirements
Not applying knowledge to question scenarios
Not explaining or developing points in enough detail
Lack of knowledge on certain syllabus areas
Illegible handwriting’

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
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


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‘Similar factors as detailed in previous examiner’s reports continue to contribute to the unsatisfactory pass
rate:

(Examiner’s Report, June 2011)

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‘As seen in previous sittings, what makes the difference between a pass and a fail script is
usually the level of application skills which have been demonstrated. Candidates who answer the
specific question requirement, and tailor their answers to the scenarios provided are likely to do
well.’

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Introduction

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3 How to pass
3.1 Study the whole syllabus

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Study the entire syllabus. Although Section B of the paper contains an optional element, the two questions
in Section A are compulsory and could cover a range of topics from across the syllabus. Question spotting
at this level is unwise and not recommended.

3.2 Focus on themes, not lists

There are quite a number of lists in the texts. This is inevitable because corporate governance guidance
quoted as best practice is often in list form. Lists are also sometimes the clearest way of presenting
information. However the examination team has stressed that passing the exam is not a matter of learning
and reproducing lists. Good answers will have to focus on the details in the scenario and bring out the
underlying themes that relate to the scenario. The points in them will have more depth than a series of
single-line bullet points.

3.3 Read around

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Read the financial press and relevant websites for real life examples – the examination team is specifically
looking for evidence of wider reading.

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3.4 Lots of question practice

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Read Student Accountant (the ACCA's student magazine) regularly – it often contains technical articles
written either by or on the recommendation of the examination team which can be invaluable for future
exams.

You can develop application skills by attempting questions in the Exam Question Bank and later on in the
BPP Learning Media Practice and Revision Kit.

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4 Answering questions

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Practise as many questions as you can under timed conditions – this is the best way of developing good
exam technique. Make use of the Question Bank at the back of this text. BPP’s Practice and Revision Kit
contains numerous exam standard questions (many of them taken from past exam papers) as well as
three mock exams for you to try.

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Section A questions will be the case study type of question – make sure you relate your answers to the
scenario rather than being generic. Answers that are simply regurgitated from texts are unlikely to score
highly.

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Present your answers in a professional manner – there are between four and six professional marks
available for setting answers out properly and for coherent, well structured arguments and
recommendations. You should be aiming to achieve all of these marks.
Consider the question requirement carefully so that you answer the actual question set.

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Answer plans will help you to focus on the requirements of the question and enable you to manage your
time effectively

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Answer the question that you are most comfortable with first – it will help to settle you down if you feel
you have answered the first question well.

Introduction

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4.1 Analysing question requirements

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/>It's particularly important to consider the question requirements carefully to make sure you understand
exactly what the question is asking, and whether each question part has to be answered in the context of
the scenario or is more general. You also need to be sure that you understand all the tasks that the
question is asking you to perform.
Remember that every word will be important. If for example you are asked to:





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'Explain the importance of identifying all risks that Company X is facing', then you would explain that:
Taking risks is bound up with strategic decision-making
Some risks may have serious consequences
Identifying all risks means they can be prioritised and managed efficiently and effectively

You would NOT identify all the risks that Company X would be facing.

4.2 Understanding the question verbs

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Verbs that are likely to be frequently used in this exam are listed below, together with their intellectual
levels and guidance on their meaning.
Intellectual level
Define

Give the meaning of

1

Explain

Make clear

1

Identify

Recognise or select

1

Describe

Give the key features

2

Distinguish

2
2

Compare and
contrast
Contrast

2

Analyse

Explore

Examine or discuss in a wide-ranging manner

Criticise

Present the weaknesses of/problems with the actions
taken or viewpoint expressed, supported by evidence
Determine the value of in the light of the arguments for
and against (critically evaluate means weighting the
answer towards criticisms/arguments against).
Present the arguments in favour or against, supported by
evidence
Advise the appropriate actions to pursue in terms the
recipient will understand

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3

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Examine by using arguments for and against

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Discuss

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3

3

Examine

Define two different terms, viewpoints or concepts on the
basis of the differences between them
Explain the similarities and differences between two
different terms, viewpoints or concepts
Explain the differences between two different terms,
viewpoints or concepts
Give reasons for the current situation or what has
happened
Determine the strengths/weaknesses/ importance/
significance/ability to contribute
Critically review in detail

Assess

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1

Evaluate/critically
evaluate
Construct the case
Recommend

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A lower level verb such as define will require a more descriptive answer. A higher level verb such as
evaluate will require a more applied, critical answer. The examination team has stressed that higherlevel requirements and verbs will be most significant in this paper, for example critically evaluating a
statement and arguing for or against a given idea or position. The examination team is looking to set
questions that provide evidence of student understanding.

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Introduction

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Certain verbs have given students particular problems.
Identify and explain

Although these verbs are both Level 1, the examination team sees them as requiring different
things. You have to go into more depth if you are asked to explain than if you are asked to identify.
An explanation means giving more detail about the problem or factor identified, normally meaning
that you have to indicate why it’s significant. If you were asked to:

(ii)

(b)

Identify the main problem with the same person acting as chief executive and chairman
– you would briefly say excessive power is exercised by one person.
Explain the main problem with the same person acting as chief executive and chairman
– you would say excessive power is exercised by one person and then go on to say it would
mean that the same person was running the board and the company. As the board is meant
to monitor the chief executive, it can’t do this effectively if the chief executive is running the
board. Also you may be asked to explain or describe something complex, abstract or
philosophical in nature.

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(i)

Evaluate

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Evaluate is a verb that the examination team uses frequently. Its meaning may be different from the

way that you have seen it used in other exams. The examination team expects to see arguments for
and against, or pros and cons for what you are asked to evaluate.
Thus for example if a question asked you to:

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‘Evaluate the contribution made by non-executive directors to good corporate governance in
companies’

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You would not only have to write about the factors that help non-executive directors make a
worthwhile contribution (independent viewpoint, experience of other industries). You would also
have to discuss the factors that limit or undermine the contribution non-executive directors make
(lack of time, putting pressure on board unity).

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4.3 Content of answers

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If the examination team asks you to critically evaluate, you will have to consider both viewpoints.
However you will concentrate on the view that you are asked to critically evaluate, as the mark
scheme will be weighted towards that view.

Well-judged, clear recommendations grounded in the scenario will always score well as markers for this
paper have a wide remit to reward good answers. You need to be selective. As we’ve said, lists of points
memorised from texts and reproduced without any thought won't score well.




Explaining why the factors you’re discussing are significant

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

Only including technical knowledge that is relevant to the scenario. For example, although the
SPAMSOAP mnemonic can be a useful memory aid, you shouldn’t quote it in full just because the
question requirements contain the word ‘control’
Only including scenario details that support the points you are making, for example quoting from
the scenario to explain why you’re making a particular recommendation
Tackling the problems highlighted in the scenario and the question requirements

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

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The examiner identified lack of application skills as a serious weakness in many student answers. What
constitutes good application will vary question by question but is likely to include:

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Important!

Taking a top-down strategic approach – remember that at Professional level you’re meant to be
adopting the viewpoint of a partner or finance director. Excessive detail about operations is not
important

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

Introduction

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5 Gaining professional marks

As P7 is a Professional level paper, 4 professional level marks will be awarded in a section A question.
These are marks allocated not for the content of an answer, but for the degree of professionalism with
which certain parts of the answer are presented.

Important!

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The examination team has stated that some marks may be available for presenting your answer in the
form of a letter, presentation, memo, report, briefing notes, management reporting, narrative or press
statement. You may also be able to obtain marks for the layout, logical flow and presentation of your
answer. You should also make sure that you provide the points required by the question.

Whatever the form of communication requested, you will not gain professional marks if you fail to follow
the basics of good communication. Keep an eye on your spelling and grammar. Also think carefully, am I
saying things that are appropriate in a business communication?

6 Brought forward knowledge

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The P7 syllabus assumes knowledge brought forward from F8 Audit and Assurance. It also assumes
knowledge from Paper F7 Financial Reporting and Paper P2 Corporate Reporting. It is very important to be
comfortable with your financial reporting studies because such aspects are likely to come up in scenariobased questions in Sections A and B of this paper.

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The P7 examination team has written a number of articles relevant to the P7 exam and it is highly
recommended that you read them. A list of these articles can be found after Chapter 18 of this study text.

xii

Introduction

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Syllabus and Study Guide
The P7 syllabus and study guide can be found below.

Syllabus

MAIN CAPABILITIES

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On successful completion of this paper candidates
should be able to:

Recognise the legal and regulatory environment and
its impact on audit and assurance practice

B

Demonstrate the ability to work effectively on an
assurance or other service engagement within a
professional and ethical framework

C

Assess and recommend appropriate quality control
policies and procedures in practice management
and recognise the auditor’s position in relation to
the acceptance and retention of professional
appointments

AA (F8)

AIM
To analyse, evaluate and conclude on the
assurance engagement and other audit and
assurance issues in the context of best practice
and current developments

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A

D Identify and formulate the work required to meet the
objectives of audit assignments and apply the
International Standards on Auditing
E

Identify and formulate the work required to meet the
objectives of non-audit assignments

Evaluate findings and the results of work performed
and draft suitable reports on assignments

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F

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AAA (P7)

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CR (P2)

G Understand the current issues and developments
relating to the provision of audit-related and
assurance service

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RELATIONAL DIAGRAM OF MAIN CAPABILITIES
Professional and ethical
considerations (B)

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Regulatory
environment (A)

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Practice management (C)

Audit of historical financial
information (D)

Other assignments (E)

Reporting (F)

Current issues and development (G)

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
Introduction

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RATIONALE
The Advanced Audit and Assurance syllabus is
essentially divided into seven areas.

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The syllabus starts with the legal and regulatory
environment including money laundering, and
professional and ethical considerations, including
the Code of Ethics and professional liability. This
then leads into procedures in practice
management, including quality control and the
acceptance and retention of professional
engagements.

The syllabus then covers the audit of financial
statements, including planning, evidence and
review. It then covers other assignments including
prospective financial information, and other
assurance assignments, as well as the reporting of
these assignments.

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l.b

The final section covers current issues and

developments relating to the provision of auditrelated and assurance services.

xiv

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.

Introduction

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2.

Money laundering

3.

Laws and regulations

B

Professional and Ethical Considerations

1.

Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

2.

Fraud and error

3.

Professional liability

C

Practice Management

1.

Quality control

2.

Advertising, publicity, obtaining professional
work and fees

3.

Tendering

4.

Professional appointments

D

Audit of historical financial information

1.

Planning, materiality and assessing the risk
of misstatement

2.

Evidence

3.

Evaluation and review

4.

Group audits

E

Other assignments

1.

Audit-related and assurance services

2.

Prospective financial information

3.

Forensic audits

4.

Internal audit

5.
6
F

Outsourcing
The audit of performance information in
public sector
Reporting

1.

Auditor’s reports

2.

Reports to those charged with governance
and management

3.

Other reports

G

Current Issues and Developments

log
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International regulatory frameworks for audit
and assurance services

l.b

1.

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Regulatory Environment

ea

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A

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DETAILED SYLLABUS

Professional and ethical

2.

Transnational audits

3.

The audit of social, environmental and
integrated reporting

4.

Other current issues

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Introduction

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xv


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APPROACH TO EXAMINING THE SYLLABUS
The examination is a three hour paper constructed
in two sections. Questions in both sections will be
largely discursive. However, candidates will be
expected, for example, to be able to assess
materiality and calculate relevant ratios where
appropriate.

40 marks

l.b

ate

Section B: Choice of 2 from 3
questions – 20 marks each

ria

Section A: 2 compulsory questions
Question 1
35 marks
Question 2
25 marks

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Section A questions will be based on ‘case study’
type questions. That is not to say that they will be
particularly long, rather that they will provide a
setting within a range of topics, issues and
requirements can be addressed. Different types of
question will be encountered in Section B and will
tend to be more focussed on specific topics, for
example ‘auditor’s reports’, ‘quality control’ and
topics of ISAs which are not examinable in Paper
F8, Audit and Assurance. (This does not preclude
these topics from appearing in Section A). Current
issues will be examined across a number of
questions.

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100 marks

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/>d)

Recognise when withdrawal from an
engagement is necessary.[2]

A

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

B

1.

International regulatory frameworks for
audit and assurance services

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL
CONSIDERATIONS

1.

Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants

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Study Guide

Explain the need for laws, regulations,
standards and other guidance relating to
audit, assurance and related services.[2]

a)

Explain the fundamental principles and the
conceptual framework approach.[1]

b)

b)

Outline and explain the need for the legal and
professional framework including:[2]

Identify, evaluate and respond to threats to
compliance with the fundamental principles.[3]

Public oversight to an audit and
assurance practice

Discuss and evaluate the effectiveness of
available safeguards.[3]

d)

ii)

The role of audit committees and
impact on audit and assurance practice

Recognise and advise on conflicts in the
application of fundamental principles.[3]

e)

Discuss the importance of professional
scepticism in planning and performing an
audit.[2]

f)

Assess whether an engagement has been
planned and performed with an attitude of
professional scepticism, and evaluate the
implications.[3]

a)

Define ‘money laundering’.[1]

b)

Explain how international efforts seek to
combat money laundering.[2]

c)

Explain the scope of criminal offences of
money laundering and how professional
accountants may be protected from criminal
and civil liability.[2]
Explain the need for ethical guidance in this
area.[2]

e)

Describe how accountants meet their
obligations to help prevent and detect money
laundering including record keeping and
reporting of suspicion to the appropriate

regulatory body.[2]

ym

Explain the importance of customer due
diligence (CDD).[2]

g)

Recognise potentially suspicious
transactions and assess their impact on
reporting duties.[2]

h)

Describe, with reasons, the basic elements of
an anti-money laundering program.[2]

as

tud

f)

Laws and regulations

a)

Compare and contrast the respective
responsibilities of management and auditors

concerning compliance with laws and
regulations in an audit of financial
statements.[2]

ea

cc

3.

Describe the auditors considerations of
compliance with laws and regulations and
plan audit procedures when possible
noncompliance is discovered.[2]

/fr
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p:/

c)

2.

Fraud and error

a)

Define and clearly distinguish between the
terms ‘error’, ‘irregularity’, ‘fraud’ and

‘misstatement’.[2]

ate

d)

ria

Money laundering

l.b

c)

i)

2.

b)

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a)

Discuss how and to whom non-compliance
should be reported.[2]

b)

Compare and contrast the respective
responsibilities of management and auditors
for fraud and error.[2]

c)

Describe the matters to be considered and
procedures to be carried out to investigate
actual and/or potential misstatements in a
given situation.[2]

d)

Explain how, why, when and to whom fraud
and error should be reported and the
circumstances in which an auditor should
withdraw from an engagement.[2]

e)

Discuss the current and possible future role of
auditors in preventing, detecting and reporting
error and fraud.[2]

3.

Professional liability

a)

Recognise circumstances in which
professional accountants may have legal
liability.[2]

b)

Describe the factors to determine whether or
not an auditor is negligent in given
situations.[2]

c)

Explain the other criteria for legal liability to be
recognised (including ‘due professional care’
and ‘proximity’) and apply them to given
situations.[2]

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Introduction

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xvii


/>Compare and contrast liability to client with
liability to third parties.[3]

e)

Evaluate the practicability and effectiveness
of ways in which liability may be restricted.[3]

f)

Discuss liability limitation agreements.[2]

g)

Discuss and appraise the principal causes of
audit failure and other factors that contribute
to the ‘expectation gap’ (eg responsibilities
for fraud and error).[3]

Recognise and explain the matters to be
considered when a firm is invited to submit a
proposal or fee quote for an audit or other
professional engagement.[2]

c)

Identify the information to be included in a
proposal.[2]

4.

Professional appointments

a)

Recommend ways in which the expectation
gap might be bridged.[2]

C

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

i)

Client acceptance

1.

Quality control

ii)

Engagement acceptance

a)

Explain the principles and purpose of quality
control of audit and other assurance
engagements.[1]

iii)

Establish whether the preconditions for
an audit are present

iv)

Agreeing the terms of engagement

c)

Select and justify quality control procedures
that are applicable to a given audit
engagement.[3]

Recognise the key issues that underlie the
agreement of the scope and terms of an
engagement with a client.[2]

D

AUDIT OF HISTORICAL FINANCIAL
INFORMATION

1.

Planning, materiality and assessing the risk
of misstatement

ate

Assess whether an engagement has been
planned and performed in accordance with
professional standards and whether reports
issued are appropriate in the

circumstances.[3]

b)

l.b

Describe the elements of a system of quality
control relevant to a given firm.[2]

ria

b)

log
sp
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h)

Explain the matters to be considered and the
procedures that an audit firm/professional
accountant should carry out before accepting a
specified new client/engagement including:[3]

d)

a)

Define materiality and performance materiality
and demonstrate how it should be applied in

financial reporting and auditing.[2]

b)

Identify and explain business risks for a given
assignment.[3]

Advertising, publicity, obtaining
professional work and fees

a)

Recognise situations in which specified
advertisements are acceptable.[2]

c)

Identify and explain audit risks for a given
assignment.[3]

b)

Discuss the restrictions on practice
descriptions, the use of the ACCA logo and
the names of practising firms.[2]

d)

Identify and explain risks of material
misstatement for a given assignment.[3]

c)

Discuss the extent to which reference to fees
may be made in promotional material.[2]

e)

Discuss and demonstrate the use of analytical
procedures in the planning of an assignment.[3]

d)

Outline the determinants of fee-setting and
justify the bases on which fees and
commissions may and may not be charged
for services.[3]

f)

Explain how the result of planning procedures
determines the relevant audit strategy.[2]

g)

Explain the planning procedures specific to an
initial audit engagement.[2]

h)

Identify additional information that may be
required in order to effectively plan an
assignment.[2]

i)

Recognise matters that are not relevant to the
planning of an assignment.[2]

2.

Evidence

a)

Identify and describe audit procedures to
obtain sufficient audit evidence from identified
sources.[2]

cc

as

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ym

2.

Discuss the ethical and other professional

problems, for example, lowballing, involved
in establishing and negotiating fees for a
specified assignment.[3]

ea

e)

Tendering

a)

Discuss the reasons why entities change
their auditors/professional accountants.[2]

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3.

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xviii

b)

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d)

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.

Introduction

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Identify and evaluate the audit evidence
expected to be available to:
i)

ii)

xviii) Financial instruments
xix) Investment properties

Support the financial statement
assertions and accounting treatments
(including fair values)

xx) Share-based payment transactions
xxi) Business combinations

xxii) Assets held for sale and discontinued
operations

Support disclosures made in the
notes to the financial statements [3]

log

sp
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b)

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/>
c)

Apply analytical procedures to financial and
non-financial data.[2]

xxiii) Events after the end of the reporting
period

d)

Explain the specific audit problems and
procedures concerning related parties and
related party transactions.[2]

xxiv) The effects of foreign exchange rates

f)

Evaluate the use of written management
representations to support other audit
evidence.[2]

g)

Recognise when it is justifiable to place
reliance on the work of an expert (e.g. a
surveyor employed by the audit client).[2]

Explain the use of analytical procedures in
evaluation and review.[3]

c)

Explain how the auditor’s responsibilities for
corresponding figures, comparative financial
statements, and ‘other information’, are
discharged.[3]

d)

Apply the further considerations and audit
procedures relevant to initial engagements.[2]

e)

Assess the appropriateness and sufficiency
of the work of internal auditors and the
extent to which reliance can be placed on it.

f)

Specify audit procedures designed to identify
subsequent events that may require
adjustment to, or disclosure in, the financial
statements of a given entity.[2]

g)

Identify and explain indicators that the going
concern basis may be in doubt and recognize
mitigating factors.[2]

h)

Recommend audit procedures, or evaluate the
evidence that might be expected to be available
and assess the appropriateness of the going
concern basis in given situations.[3]

i)

Assess the adequacy of disclosures in financial
statements relating to going concern and
explain the implications for the auditor’s report
with regard to the going concern basis.[3]

Revenue recognition

4.

Group audits

Employee benefits

a)

Recognise the specific matters to be
considered before accepting appointment as
principal auditor to a group in a given
situation.[3]

b)

Explain the responsibilities of the component
auditor before accepting appointment, and the
procedures to be performed in a group
situation.[2]

[2]

Evaluation and review

a)

Evaluate the matters (eg materiality, risk,
relevant accounting standards, audit
evidence) relating to:[3]

ym

3.

Inventory and construction contracts

ii)

Standard costing systems

iii)

Statement of cash flows

iv)

Changes in accounting policy

v)

Taxation (including deferred tax)

vi)

Segmental reporting

as

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i)

vii) Non-current assets

viii) Fair value
x)

ea

xi)

Leases

cc

ix)

xii) Government grants
xiii) Related parties

/fr
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xiv) Earnings per share
xv) Impairment
xvi) Provisions, contingent liabilities and
contingent assets

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Discuss the courses of action available to an
auditor if an inconsistency or misstatement of
fact exists in relation to other information such

as contained in the integrated report.[2]

ate

h)

b)

l.b

Recognise circumstances that may indicate
the existence of unidentified related parties
and select appropriate audit procedures.[2]

ria

e)

xxv) Borrowing costs

xvii) Intangible assets

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
Introduction

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xix


/>

e)

Recognise the audit problems and describe
audit procedures specific to a business
combination, including goodwill, accounting
policies, inter-company trading, the
classification of investments, equity
accounting for associates, changes in group
structure, and accounting for a foreign
subsidiary.[3]
Identify and explain the audit risks, and
necessary audit procedures relevant to the
consolidation process.[3]

g)

Identify and describe the matters to be
considered and the procedures to be
performed at the planning stage, when a
principal auditor considers the use of the
work of component auditors.[3]

h)

Consider how the principal auditor should
evaluate the audit work performed by a
component auditor.[2]

Prospective financial information

a)

Define ‘prospective financial information’ (PFI)
and distinguish between a ‘forecast’, a
‘projection’, a ‘hypothetical illustration’ and a
‘target’.[1]

b)

Explain the principles of useful PFI.[1]

c)

Identify and describe the matters to be
considered before accepting a specified
engagement to report on PFI.[2]

d)

Discuss the level of assurance that the auditor
may provide and explain the other factors to be
considered in determining the nature, timing
and extent of examination procedures.[1]

e)

Describe examination procedures to verify
forecasts and projections.[2]

f)

Compare the content of a report on an
examination of PFI with reports made in
providing audit-related services.[2]

1.

Audit-related and assurance services

a)

Describe the nature of audit-related services,
the circumstances in which they might be
required and the comparative levels of
assurance provided by professional
accountants and distinguish between:[2]
Audit-related services and an audit of
historical financial statements
An attestation engagement and a direct
reporting engagement [2]

ea

ii)

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E

i)

Plan review engagements, for example: [2]

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c)

Forensic audits
Define the terms ‘forensic accounting’,
‘forensic investigation’ and ‘forensic audit’.[1]

b)

Describe the major applications of forensic
auditing (eg fraud, negligence, insurance
claims) and analyse the role of the forensic
auditor as an expert witness.[2]

c)

Apply the fundamental ethical principles to
professional accountants engaged in forensic
audit assignments.[2]

d)

Plan a forensic audit engagement.[2]

e)

Select investigative procedures and evaluate
evidence appropriate to determining the loss in
a given situation.[3]

i)

A review of interim financial information

4.

Internal audit

ii)

A ‘due diligence’ assignment (when
acquiring a company, business or other
assets)

a)

Evaluate the potential impact of an internal
audit department on the planning and
performance of the external audit.[2]

Explain the importance of enquiry and

analytical procedures in review engagements
and apply these procedures.[2]

b)

Explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of
outsourcing internal audit.[2]

/fr
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b)

xx

2.

Explain the implications for the auditor’s
report on the financial statements of an entity
where the opinion on a component is qualified 3.
or otherwise modified in a given situation.[2]
a)
OTHER ASSIGNMENTS

cc

i)

Describe the level of assurance (reasonable,
high, moderate, limited, negative) for an

engagement depending on the subject matter
evaluated, the criteria used, the procedures
applied and the quality and quantity of
evidence obtained.[3]

ate

f)

e)

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Justify the situations where a joint audit
would be appropriate.[2]

Describe the main categories of assurance
services that audit firms can provide and
assess the benefits of providing these services
to management and external users.[3]

log
sp
o t.

d)

d)

l.b

Identify and explain the matters specific to
planning an audit of group financial
statements including assessment of group
and component materiality, the impact of
non-coterminous year ends within a group,
and changes in group structure.[2]

ria

c)

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.

Introduction

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/>c)

Consider the ethical implications of the
external auditor providing an internal audit
service to a client.[2]

5.

Outsourcing

a)

b)

Reports to those charged with governance
and management

a)

Critically assess the quality of a report to those
charged with governance and management. [3]

Explain the different approaches to
outsourcing’ and compare with
‘insourcing’.[2]

b)

Advise on the content of reports to those
charged with governance and management in
a given situation.[3]

Discuss and conclude on the advantages and
disadvantages of outsourcing finance and
accounting functions.[3]

3.

Other reports

a)

Analyse the form and content of the
professional accountant’s report for an
assurance engagement as compared with an
auditor’s report.[2]

b

Discuss the content of a report on examination
of prospective financial information.[2]

c)

Discuss the effectiveness of the ‘negative
assurance’ form of reporting and evaluate
situations in which it may be appropriate to
express a reservation or deny a conclusion.[3]

G

CURRENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS

The audit of performance information in
public sector

a)

Describe the audit of performance
information and differentiate from
performance auditing. [2]

b)

Plan the audit of performance information,
and describe examination procedures to be
used in the audit of performance information.
[3]

Discuss the existence, measurability and
relevance of reported performance
information. [3]

Discuss the relative merits and the
consequences of different standpoints taken in
current debates and express opinions
supported by reasoned arguments.

1.

Professional and ethical

ate

c)

log
sp
o t.

6.

l.b

Recognise and evaluate the impact of
outsourced functions on the conduct of an
audit.[3]

ria

c)

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2.

Discuss the form and content of a report on
the audit of performance information [2]

a)

Discuss the relative advantages of an ethical
framework and a rulebook.[2]

e)

Discuss the content of an audit conclusion
on an integrated report of performance
against predetermined objectives [3]

b)

Identify and assess relevant emerging ethical
issues and evaluate the safeguards available.[3]

c)

Discuss IFAC developments.[2]

F

REPORTING

2.

Transnational audits

1.

Auditor’s reports

a)

a)

Critically appraise the form and content of an
auditor’s report in a given situation.[3]

Define ‘transnational audits’ and explain the
role of the Transnational Audit Committee

(TAC) of IFAC.[1]

b)

Recognise and evaluate the factors to be
taken into account when forming an audit
opinion in a given situation and justify audit
opinions that are consistent with the results
of audit procedures.[3]

b)

c)

Assess whether or not a proposed audit
opinion is appropriate.[3]

Discuss how transnational audits may differ
from other audits of historical financial
information (eg in terms of applicable financial
reporting and auditing standards, listing
requirements and corporate governance
requirements). [2]

3.

The audit of social , environmental and
integrated reporting

a)

Plan an engagement to provide assurance on
integrated reporting (performance measures
and sustainability indicators).[2]

b)

Describe the difficulties in measuring and
reporting on economic, environmental and
social performance and give examples of
performance measures and sustainability
indicators.[2]

ea

cc

as

tud

ym

d)

Advise on the actions which may be taken by
the auditor in the event that a modified audit
report is issued.[3]

/fr

e

d)

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e)

Recognise when the use of an emphasis of
matter paragraph and other matter paragraph
would be appropriate.[3]

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
Introduction

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xxi


e)

Discuss the form and content of an
independent verification statement of an
integrated report [2]

4.

Other current issues

a)

Explain current developments in auditing
standards including the need for new and
revised standards and evaluate their impact
on the conduct of audits. [3]

b)

Discuss other current legal, ethical, other
professional and practical matters that affect
accountants, auditors, their employers and
the profession. [3]

log
sp
o t.

Describe substantive procedures to detect
potential misstatements in respect of socioenvironmental matters.[2]

l.b

d)

ria

Explain the auditor’s main considerations in
respect of social and environmental matters
and how they impact on entities and their

financial statements (eg impairment of
assets, provisions and contingent
liabilities).[2]

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cc

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c)

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xxii

© ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.

Introduction

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The exam paper
Format of the paper

Number of
marks

Section B:

Two compulsory questions:
Question one
Question two
Choice of two from three questions (20 marks each)

Time allowed: 3 hours

Guidance

35
25
40

100

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o t.

Section A:

l.b

Section A will consist of two compulsory ‘case study’ style questions. These will include detailed
information including, for example, extracts from financial statements and audit working papers. The
questions will include a range of requirements covering different syllabus areas.

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e

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cc

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ate

ria

Section B questions will tend to be more focused towards specific topic areas, such as ethical issues and
auditor’s reports. Short scenarios will be provided as a basis for these questions.

Introduction

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xxiii


Analysis of past papers

co
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/>The table below provides details of when each element of the syllabus has been examined and the question number and
section in which each element appeared. Further details can be found in the Exam Focus Points in the relevant chapters.
Covered
in Ch

D
13

J
13

D

12

J
12

D
11

J
11

D
10

1

International
regulatory
frameworks for
audit and
assurance
services

1

Money laundering

3(a)

3(b)

1(c)
4

1(b)
2(a)

4(a)

3

Professional
liability

4(a)

Practice
Management

Tendering

5

Professional
appointments

2
(b)

3

(a)

2
(a)
4
(b)

3(b)
,4

4
(b)

2(d)

1
4
(a)

(b)

3(a)

4

45
(b)

4
(a)

(a)
5
(b)

4
(b)
4
(c)

5
(b)

5
(c)

5
(c)

3
(c)

4
(b)

2
(b)
2
(c)
3

(a)

5

5
(a)

2
(b)

1

4

5(b)

(b)

PP

4
(b)

2
(a)
2
(c)

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xxiv

D
07

4
(a)

/fr
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ea

cc

5

5(a)

tud

Advertising,
publicity,
obtaining
professional work
and fees

2(a)

as

5

1(b)
,
3(b)
,4

ym

Fraud and error

1(a),
3(b)

ate

Codes of ethics
for professional
accountants

Quality control

J
08

5
(b)

l.b

Laws and
regulations

3

4

D
08

2
(c)

Professional and
ethical
considerations
2

J
09

2(d)

ria

1

D
09

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Regulatory
environment

J
10

Introduction

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1
(c)

1
(c)

3, 5
(b)