Subsequent Events and Related Issues Flashcards
On February 9, Brown, CPA, expressed an unmodified (unqualified) opinion on the financial statements of Web Co. On October 9, during a peer review of Brown’s practice, the reviewer informed Brown that engagement personnel failed to perform a search for subsequent events for the Web engagement. Brown should first
Request Web’s permission to perform substantive procedures that would provide a satisfactory basis for the opinion.
Inquire of Web whether there are persons currently relying, or likely to rely, on the financial statements.
Take no additional action because subsequent events have no effect on the financial statements that were reported on.
Assess the importance of the omitted procedures to Brown’s present ability to support the opinion.
Assess the importance of the omitted procedures to Brown’s present ability to support the opinion.
This answer is correct because the Professional Standards require that an auditor in such a situation first assess the importance of the omitted procedure to his/her present ability to support the previously expressed opinion.
Jones, CPA, examined the 20X5 financial statements of Ray Corp. and issued an unmodified opinion on March 10, 20X6. On April 2, 20X6, Jones became aware of a 20X5 transaction that may materially affect the 20X5 financial statements. This transaction would have been investigated had it come to Jones’ attention during the course of the examination. Jones should
Take no action because an auditor is not responsible for events subsequent to the issuance of the auditor’s report.
Contact Ray’s management and request their cooperation in investigating the matter.
Request that Ray’s management disclose the possible effects of the newly discovered transaction by adding an unaudited footnote to the 20X5 financial statements.
Contact all parties who might rely upon the financial statements and advise them that the financial statements are misleading.
Contact Ray’s management and request their cooperation in investigating the matter.
This answer is correct because the first step is to contact the firm’s management and request cooperation in investigation of the matter.
Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events?
Confirming a sample of material accounts receivable established after year-end.
Comparing the financial statements being reported on with those of the prior period.
Investigating personnel changes in the accounting department occurring after year-end.
Inquiring as to whether any unusual adjustments were made after year-end.
Inquiring as to whether any unusual adjustments were made after year-end.
The requirement is to identify a procedure that an auditor would perform to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events. Answer (d) is correct because an auditor will inquire of officers and other executives having responsibility for financial and accounting matters whether any unusual adjustments have been made during the period from the balance sheet date to the date of inquiry. See AU-C 560 for auditing procedures performed to identify subsequent events.
After issuing an auditor’s report, an auditor has no obligation to make continuing inquiries concerning audited financial statements unless
Information about a material transaction that occurred just after the auditor’s report was issued is deemed to be reliable.
A final resolution is made of a contingent liability that had been disclosed in the financial statements.
Information that existed at the report date and may affect the report comes to the auditor’s attention.
An event occurs just after the auditor’s report was issued that affects the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Information that existed at the report date and may affect the report comes to the auditor’s attention.
This answer is correct because when the auditor becomes aware of information that existed at the report date that might have affected the audit report had it been known, it should be investigated.
Before reissuing a report which was previously issued on the financial statements of a prior period, a predecessor auditor should
Review the successor auditor’s working papers.
Examine significant transactions or events since the date of previous issuance.
Obtain a signed engagement letter from the client.
Obtain a letter of representation from the successor auditor.
Obtain a letter of representation from the successor auditor.
This answer is correct because the professional standards state that a predecessor auditor should obtain a letter of representation from the successor auditor. The predecessor auditor should also read the current financial statements and compare them to the prior period statements.
The auditor’s report ordinarily should be dated as of the date on which the
Report is delivered to the client.
Auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence.
Fiscal period under audit ends.
Review of the working papers is completed.
Auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence.
This answer is correct because the audit report should not be dated earlier than the date on which the auditors have obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support their opinion on the financial statements—ordinarily the last day of fieldwork.
An auditor should be aware of subsequent events that provide evidence concerning conditions that did not exist at year-end but arose after year-end. These events may be important to the auditor because they may
Require adjustments to the financial statements as of the year-end.
Have been recorded based on preliminary accounting estimates.
Require disclosure to keep the financial statements from being misleading.
Have been recorded based on year-end tests for asset obsolescence.
Require disclosure to keep the financial statements from being misleading.
This answer is correct because these “type 2” subsequent events may require disclosure, but they do not result in adjustment of the financial statements.
Zero Corp. suffered a loss that would have a material effect on its financial statements on an uncollectible trade account receivable due to a customer’s bankruptcy. This occurred suddenly due to a natural disaster ten days after Zero’s balance sheet date, but one month before the issuance of the financial statements and the auditor’s report. Under these circumstances,
The
financial
statements
should be
adjusted
The event
requires financial
statement
disclosure, but
no adjustment
The auditor’s
report should
be modified
for a lack of
consistency Yes No No Yes No Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No
No
Yes
No
This Answer is Correct
The requirement is to determine proper accounting and auditing treatment of uncollectibility of an account receivable resulting from a customer’s bankruptcy due to a natural disaster occurring after a client’s balance sheet date. Answer (d) is correct because a customer’s major casualty loss after year-end will result in a financial statement note disclosure with no adjustment and no audit report modification due to consistency.
Which event that occurred after the end of the fiscal year under audit but prior to issuance of the auditor’s report would not require disclosure in the financial statements?
Sale of the bond or capital stock issue.
Loss of plant or inventories as a result of fire or flood.
A major drop in the quoted market price of the stock of the corporation.
Settlement of litigation when the event giving rise to the claim took place after the balance sheet date.
A major drop in the quoted market price of the stock of the corporation.
This answer is correct because a major drop in the quoted market price of the corporation’s stock would not have financial statement effects and accordingly, need not be disclosed as a subsequent event.
The predecessor auditor, who is satisfied after properly communicating with the successor auditor, has reissued a report because the audit client desires comparative financial statements. The predecessor auditor’s report should make
No reference to the report or the work of the successor auditor.
Reference to the work of the successor auditor in the scope and opinion paragraphs.
Reference to both the work and the report of the successor auditor only in the opinion paragraph.
Reference to the report of the successor auditor only in the scope paragraph.
No reference to the report or the work of the successor auditor.
This answer is correct because no reference to the work or the report of the successor auditor is to be made in this situation.
After an audit report is issued, an auditor discovers that an important audit procedure was not performed. Which of the following procedures is acceptable in this situation?
No further action is necessary if the audit report can still be supported.
Let the current report stand and correct material errors on the next audit report.
Immediately notify known users of the omitted audit procedure.
Require that the client notify financial statement users of the omitted procedures.
No further action is necessary if the audit report can still be supported.
This answer is correct because action is only required when the auditor finds that the audit report cannot be supported (or is unable to determine that it can be supported).
On March 1, Green, CPA, expressed an unmodified (unqualified) opinion on the financial statements of Ajax Co. On July 1, Green’s internal inspection program discovered that engagement personnel failed to observe Ajax’s physical inventory. Green believes that this omission impairs Green’s ability to support the unmodified opinion. If Ajax’s creditors are currently relying on Green’s opinion, Green should first
Request Ajax’s management to communicate to its creditors that Green’s opinion should not be relied on.
Reissue Green’s auditor’s report with an explanatory paragraph describing the departure from GAAS.
Undertake to apply the alternative procedures that would provide a satisfactory basis for Green’s opinion.
Advise Ajax’s board of directors to disclose this development in its next interim report.
Undertake to apply the alternative procedures that would provide a satisfactory basis for Green’s opinion.
This answer is correct because, after determining that the procedure should have been performed and is still considered important, the auditor should undertake to apply procedures that would provide a satisfactory basis for the opinion that was issued.
If, during an audit, the successor auditor becomes aware of information that may indicate that financial statements reported on by the predecessor auditor may require revision, the successor auditor should
Ask the client to arrange a meeting among the three parties to discuss the information and attempt to resolve the matter.
Notify the client and the predecessor auditor of the matter and ask them to attempt to resolve it.
Notify the predecessor auditor who may be required to revise the previously issued financial statements and auditor’s report.
Ask the predecessor auditor to arrange a meeting with the client to discuss and resolve the matter.
Ask the client to arrange a meeting among the three parties to discuss the information and attempt to resolve the matter.
This answer is correct because the auditor should not contact the predecessor auditor directly due to the confidential relationship with the client.
Which of the following circumstances most likely would require an auditor to apply an omitted procedure after the audit report issuance date?
The auditor’s report is unsupported as a result of the omitted procedure.
Generally accepted accounting principles are violated.
The client has requested that the procedure be performed.
The engagement letter requires the procedure to be performed.
The auditor’s report is unsupported as a result of the omitted procedure.
This answer is correct because when an auditor discovers (1) that the audit report is unsupported due to an omitted procedure and (2) believes it likely that users may be relying upon the statements, the auditor should attempt to perform that procedure.
After issuing an auditor’s report, an auditor becomes aware of facts that existed at the report date that would have affected the report had the auditor known of the facts at the time. What is the first thing the auditor should do?
Notify each member of the board of directors that the auditor’s report may not be associated with the financial statements from this point forward.
Issue revised financial statements and auditor’s report describing the reason for the revision in a note to the financial statements.
Determine whether there are persons currently relying on, or likely to rely on, the financial statements and whether those persons would attach importance to the information.
Notify regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the client that the auditor’s report should not be relied upon from this point forward.
Determine whether there are persons currently relying on, or likely to rely on, the financial statements and whether those persons would attach importance to the information.
This answer is correct because after determining that the facts are reliable, the auditor should consider (1) whether the audit report would have been affected by the information if that information had been available, and (2) whether individuals are likely to be relying upon those statements.
A major customer of an audit client suffers a fire just prior to completion of year-end fieldwork. The audit client believes that this event could have a significant direct effect on the financial statements. The auditor should
Advise management to disclose the event in notes to the financial statements.
Disclose the event in the auditor’s report.
Withhold submission of the auditor’s report until the extent of the direct effect on the financial statements is known.
Advise management to adjust the financial statements.
Advise management to disclose the event in notes to the financial statements.
This answer is correct because conditions which come into existence after year-end which may have a significant direct effect on the financial statements should be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.
Which of the following items would most likely require an adjustment to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, year 1?
Uninsured loss of inventories purchased in year 1 as a result of a flood in year 2.
Settlement of litigation in year 2 over an event that occurred in year 2.
Loss on an uncollectible trade receivable recorded in year 1 from a customer that declared bankruptcy in year 2.
Proceeds from a capital stock issuance in year 2 which was being approved by the board of directors in year 1.
Loss on an uncollectible trade receivable recorded in year 1 from a customer that declared bankruptcy in year 2.
This answer is correct because the loss on the trade receivable may be a “type 1” subsequent event requiring an adjustment if the company was in weak financial condition as of the end of year 1; note that while the question does not make clear the situation regarding the receivable, the other replies are much less likely to require adjustment under any circumstances
Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events?
Determine whether inventory ordered before the year-end was included in the physical count.
Inquire about payroll checks that were recorded before year-end but cashed after year-end.
Investigate changes in capital stock recorded after year-end.
Review tax returns prepared by management after year-end.
Investigate changes in capital stock recorded after year-end.
This answer is correct because auditors should make inquiries of officers and other executives having responsibility for financial and accounting matters, including inquiries on (1) matters including contingent liabilities existing at the date of the balance sheet, (2) whether there was any significant change in capital stock, long-term debt, or working capital, (3) current status of items in the financial statements, and (4) any unusual adjustments.
An auditor’s decision concerning whether or not to “dual date” the audit report is based upon the auditor’s willingness to
Extend auditing procedures.
Accept responsibility for subsequent events.
Permit inclusion of a footnote captioned: event (unaudited) subsequent to the date of the auditor’s report.
Assume responsibility for events subsequent to the issuance of the auditor’s report.
Extend auditing procedures.
This answer is correct. If the auditor becomes aware of a subsequent event that has occurred after the completion of fieldwork, but before the issuance of the report (which should be disclosed), the auditor may dual date the report. Additionally, the auditor may date the report as of the date of the subsequent event and extend the procedures for review of subsequent events to that date. Thus, the decision whether or not to dual date the report is based upon the auditor’s willingness to extend audit procedures.
After issuance of the auditor’s report, the auditor has no obligation to make any further inquiries with respect to audited financial statements covered by that report unless
A final resolution of a contingency that had resulted in a qualification of the auditor’s report is made.
A development occurs that may affect the client’s ability to continue as a going concern.
An investigation of the auditor’s practice by a peer review committee ensues.
New information is discovered concerning undisclosed related-party transactions of the previously audited period.
New information is discovered concerning undisclosed related-party transactions of the previously audited period.
This answer is correct because when an auditor becomes aware of information which relates to financial statements previously reported on by him/her and which existed at the date of the report, but which was not known to the auditor at the date of the report, inquiries are required if the additional information is of such a nature and from such a source that s/he would have investigated it had it come to his/her attention during the examination.
An auditor has previously expressed a qualified opinion on the financial statements of a prior period because of a departure from generally accepted accounting principles. The prior-period financial statements are restated in the current period to conform with generally accepted accounting principles. The auditor’s updated report on the prior-period financial statements should
Express an unmodified opinion concerning the restated financial statements.
Be accompanied by the original auditor’s report on the prior period.
Bear the same date as the original auditor’s report on the prior period.
Qualify the opinion concerning the restated financial statements because of a change in accounting principle.
Express an unmodified opinion concerning the restated financial statements.
This answer is correct because the auditor should indicate that the statements have been restated and should express an unmodified opinion with respect to the restated financial statements. An other-matter paragraph to the report should disclose (1) the date of the auditor’s previous report, (2) the type of opinion previously expressed, (3) the circumstances or events that caused the auditor to express a different opinion, and (4) that the updated opinion differs from the previous opinion.
Which of the following events occurring after the issuance of an auditor’s report most likely would cause the auditor to make further inquiries about the previously issued financial statements?
A lawsuit is resolved that is explained in a separate paragraph of the prior year’s auditor’s report.
New information is discovered concerning undisclosed related-party transactions of the prior year.
A technological development occurs that affects the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The entity sells a subsidiary that accounts for 35% of the entity’s consolidated sales.
New information is discovered concerning undisclosed related-party transactions of the prior year.
This answer is correct because such undisclosed related-party transactions might well result in restatement of the financial statements since the condition was in effect as of year-end, yet not disclosed.
This answer is correct because such undisclosed related-party transactions might well result in restatement of the financial statements since the condition was in effect as of year-end, yet not disclosed.
When the event occurs between the date of the auditor’s original report and the date of the reissuance of the report.
This answer is correct because when the subsequent event occurs between the date of the original report and the date of the reissuance of the report, the event may be labeled unaudited.
Which of the following material events occurring subsequent to the December 31, 20X5 balance sheet would not ordinarily result in an adjustment to the financial statements before they are issued on March 2, 20X6?
Write-off of a receivable from a debtor who had suffered from deteriorating financial condition for the past 6 years. The debtor filed for bankruptcy on January 23, 20X6.
Acquisition of a subsidiary on January 23, 20X6. Negotiations had begun in December of 20X5.
Settlement of extended litigation on January 23, 20X6, in excess of the recorded year-end liability.
A 3-for-5 reverse stock split consummated on January 23, 20X6.
Acquisition of a subsidiary on January 23, 20X6. Negotiations had begun in December of 20X5.
This answer is correct because the condition (acquisition of a subsidiary) did not arise until after year-end. Footnote disclosure of this transaction, however, is necessary.
