Which of the following events requires adjustment to the financial statements for the year ended December 31 Year 1?

Q: Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurance of subsequent events?

Choice c” is correct. The auditor would most likely inquire of the entitys legal counsel concerning litigation, claims and assessments arising after year-end in order to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events.

IAS 10 Events After The Reporting Period contains requirements for when events after the end of the reporting period should be adjusted in the financial statements. Adjusting events are those providing evidence of conditions existing at the end of the reporting period, whereas non-adjusting events are indicative of conditions arising after the reporting period (the latter being disclosed where material).

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Which of the following events requires adjustment to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, Year 1?
Loss on an accounts receivable as the result of a customer suffering a deteriorating financial condition that led to bankruptcy filing in January Year 2.A loss is probable because an asset (a receivable) was impaired at the balance sheet date as a result of the bankruptcy filing in January Year 2. A loss is accrued if it can be reasonably estimated. A loss must be disclosed in the notes if it is probable and reasonably possible.
Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events?
Investigate changes in debt recorded after year end.The auditor should perform procedures with respect to material events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor’s report. Procedures that should be performed include inquiring of management and those charged with governance about whether (1) increases in capital or issuances of debt have occurred, e.g., an issue of new shares or bonds, or (2) an agreement about a merger or liquidation has been made (AU-C 560).
A CPA has received legal counsel’s letter in which no significant disagreements with the client’s assessments of contingent liabilities were noted. The resignation of the client’s legal counsel shortly after receipt of the letter should alert the auditor that
Undisclosed unasserted claims may have arisen.Legal counsel may be required to resign from an engagement (under his or her Code of Professional Responsibility) if the client disregards advice about financial accounting and reporting for litigation, claims, and assessments. Because the response to the letter of inquiry stated that the client’s assessment of contingent liabilities was satisfactory, the source of disagreement may be undisclosed, unasserted claims.
After year end but before completion of the audit, a major investment adviser issued a pessimistic report on Investee Co.’s long-term prospects. The market price for its common stock subsequently declined significantly. What is the effect of this event on the year-end statements?
No financial statement disclosure is necessary.The market price of common stock is not a financial event that affects the fairness or interpretation of the financial statements. Accordingly, no revision of the statements is necessary for changes in the market price of the securities.
Harvey, CPA, is preparing an audit plan to determine the occurrence of subsequent events that may require adjustment or disclosure essential to a fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Which one of the following procedures is least appropriate for this purpose?
Confirm as of the date of the auditor’s report accounts receivable that have increased significantly from the year-end date.The confirmation of accounts receivable that have increased significantly from year end is not among the typical subsequent events procedures that should be performed by the auditor listed in AU-C 560. Subsequent events procedures include (1) reading the latest subsequent interim statements, if any; (2) inquiring of management and those charged with governance about the occurrence of subsequent events and various financial and accounting matters; (3) reading the minutes of meetings of owners, management, and those charged with governance; (4) obtaining a letter of representations from management; (5) inquiring of the entity’s legal counsel; and (6) obtaining an understanding of management’s procedures for identifying subsequent events.
Which of the following documentation is required for an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards?
A management representation letter.AU-C 580 requires that the auditor obtain certain written representations from management. The written representations confirm certain matters (e.g., oral representations) or support other audit evidence. They complement other audit procedures but do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence or affect the other procedures.
Kirk Keller, CPA, was about to express an unmodified opinion on the audit of Lupton Television Broadcasting Company when he received a letter from Lupton’s independent counsel. The letter stated that the Federal Communications Commission has notified Lupton that its broadcasting license will not be renewed because of some alleged fraud in its broadcasting practices. Lupton cannot continue to operate without this license. Keller has also learned that Lupton and its independent counsel plan to take all necessary legal action to retain the license. The letter from the independent counsel, however, states that a favorable outcome of any legal action is highly uncertain. Based on this information, Keller should
Express an unmodified opinion with disclosure of the event in a separate emphasis-of-matter paragraph of his report.According to AU-C 570, an evaluation should be made as to whether substantial doubt exists about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. For U.S. GAAP, the reasonable period is 1 year after the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. If the auditor reaches this conclusion after identifying conditions and events that create such doubt and after evaluating management’s plans to mitigate their effects, (s)he should consider the adequacy of disclosure and include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph (after the opinion paragraph) in the report. This paragraph should use the phrases “substantial doubt” and “going concern,” but it should not contain conditional language. If the entity’s disclosure is inadequate, the material misstatement requires modification of the opinion. By itself, however, the substantial doubt does not require a modified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion. But AU-C 570 does not preclude issuing a disclaimer of opinion in cases involving uncertainties.
Which of the following procedures should an auditor ordinarily perform regarding subsequent events?
Read the latest subsequent interim financial statements.Subsequent events procedures include (1) reading the latest subsequent interim statements, if any; (2) inquiring of management and those charged with governance about the occurrence of subsequent events and various financial and accounting matters; (3) reading the minutes of meetings of owners, management, and those charged with governance; (4) obtaining a letter of representations from management; (5) inquiring of client’s legal counsel; and (6) obtaining an understanding of management’s procedures for identifying subsequent events.
Wilson, CPA, obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion on Abco’s December 31, Year 1, financial statements on March 6, Year 2, the date of the auditor’s report. A subsequently discovered fact requiring revision of the Year 1 financial statements occurred on April 10, Year 2, and came to Wilson’s attention on April 24, Year 2. If the fact became known prior to the report release date, and the revision is made, Wilson’s report ordinarily should be dated
Using duel-dating.A subsequently discovered fact (1) becomes known to the auditor after the report date and (2) may cause the auditor to revise the report. The report date is no earlier than the date when sufficient appropriate evidence is obtained. If such a fact becomes known to the auditor before the report release date, the auditor should (1) discuss the matter with management and (2) determine whether the statements need revision (adjustment or disclosure). If management revises the statements, the auditor should perform the necessary procedures on the revision. The auditor also (1) dates the report as of a later date or (2) dual-dates the report. Dual-dating indicates that the procedures performed subsequent to the original date are limited to the revision. Unless the auditor extends subsequent events procedures to a new date (one presumably later than April 24, Year 2, the date when the subsequently discovered fact became known), the auditor should dual-date the report.
When an auditor concludes there is substantial doubt about a continuing audit client’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, the auditor’s responsibility is to
Consider the adequacy of disclosure about the client’s possible inability to continue as a going concern.After considering (1) identified conditions and events in the aggregate that raise going concern issues and (2) management’s plans for coping with their adverse effects, the auditor may conclude that a substantial doubt exists about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. In that case, the auditor should consider the possible effects on the financial statements and the adequacy of disclosure. The auditor also should include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph in the report.
Under which of the following circumstances would an entity be expected to accrue a loss contingency for the period under audit?
The entity estimated the amount of a claim with a probable adverse outcome before issuance of the audit report.A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that ultimately will be resolved when one or more future events occur or do not occur. A material contingent loss must be accrued (debit loss, credit liability or asset valuation allowance) when two conditions are met. Based on information available prior to the issuance (or availability for issuance) of the financial statements (and therefore the auditor’s report issued with the statements), accrual is required if (1) it is probable that, at a balance sheet date, an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
Management should address written representations about a firm’s annual audit to the
Auditor.The auditor is required to obtain written representations from management. They confirm certain matters or support other evidence and complement other procedures. But they do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence. They also do not affect the nature or effects of other procedures. Written representations should be in a letter addressed to the auditor and dated as of the date of the auditor’s report. The auditor should possess this letter before release of the auditor’s report. The CEO and CFO usually should sign the letter.
Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform in obtaining evidence about subsequent events?
Inquire of management whether new shares have been issued since the year end.The auditor should perform procedures with respect to material events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor’s report. Procedures that should be performed include inquiring of management and those charged with governance about whether (1) increases in capital or issuances of debt have occurred, e.g., an issue of new shares or bonds, or (2) an agreement about a merger or liquidation has been made (AU-C 560).
To which of the following matters would materiality limits not apply in obtaining written management representations?
The availability of minutes of shareholders’ and directors’ meetings.Materiality does not apply to representations not directly related to amounts in the financial statements. The availability of minutes of shareholders’ meetings and directors’ meetings is independent of amounts in the financial statements. Thus, materiality limits do not apply.
Davis, CPA, believes there is substantial doubt about the ability of Hill Co. to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. In evaluating Hill’s plans for dealing with the adverse effects of future conditions and events, Davis most likely will consider, as a mitigating factor, Hill’s plans to
Negotiate reductions in required dividends being paid on preferred stock.Once an auditor has identified conditions and events indicating that a substantial doubt exists about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, the auditor should consider management’s plans to mitigate their adverse effects. The auditor should consider managerial actions relating to plans to (1) dispose of assets, (2) borrow money or restructure debt, (3) reduce or delay expenditures, and (4) increase equity. Plans to negotiate reductions in required dividends being paid on preferred stock are intended to increase ownership equity.
Which of the following statements extracted from entity’s legal counsel’s letter regarding litigation, claims, and assessments most likely would cause the auditor to request clarification?
“I believe that the plaintiff will have problems establishing any liability.”The letter of inquiry requests, among other things, that legal counsel evaluate the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes of pending or threatened litigation, claims, and assessments. It also requests that legal counsel estimate, if possible, the amount or range of potential loss (AU-C 501). Thus, the auditor is concerned about the amount of the expected settlement as well as the likelihood of the outcome. However, the statement that the plaintiff will have problems establishing any liability is unclear. For example, a plaintiff may have problems yet still prevail.
Which of the following matters will an auditor most likely include in a management representation letter?
Management’s acknowledgment of its responsibility to detect employee fraud.Management should make specific representations about (1) acknowledgment of its responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal control to prevent and detect fraud; (2) knowledge of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity involving management, employees with significant roles in internal control, or others if the fraud could materially affect the financial statements; and (3) knowledge of allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity obtained in communications from employees or others.
If a nonissuer refuses to give permission to the auditor to communicate with its external legal counsel, then the auditor should modify which of the following?
The opinion in the auditor's report.The opinion in the auditor’s report is modified if legal counsel refuses to respond appropriately to the audit letter of inquiry and the auditor cannot obtain sufficient appropriate evidence by performing alternative procedures. Modification also is required if management refuses permission for the auditor to communicate or meet with external legal counsel. Moreover, external legal counsel’s refusal to provide (orally or in writing) information requested in a letter of inquiry may be a scope limitation sufficient to preclude an unmodified opinion. However, the need for confidentiality of client communications with legal counsel protects some matters from disclosure even to the auditor.
A written representation from a client’s management that, among other matters, acknowledges responsibility for the fair presentation of financial statements, should normally be signed by the
CEO & CFOThe management representation letter should be signed by members of management who are responsible for and knowledgeable about the areas covered in the representations. AU-C 580 indicates that these members are normally the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer.
Which of the following expressions most likely would be included in a representation letter by management of an issuer?
No events have occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the financial statements.AU-C 580 requires that the auditor obtain certain written representations from management. The written representations confirm certain matters (e.g., oral representations) or support other audit evidence. They complement other audit procedures but do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence or affect the other procedures. Information concerning subsequent events is a common matter covered in the letter (AU-C 580).
Which of the following subsequent events events after the reporting date would require adjustment of the accounts before issuance of the financial statements?
Which of the following events occurring after the issuance of an auditor's report most likely would cause the auditor to make further inquiries?
Which of the following events after the reporting period will be least likely to result in an adjustment to the financial statements?
Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurance of subsequent events?

IAS 10 was reissued in December 2003 and applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2005.

July 1977	Exposure Draft E10 Contingencies and Events Occurring After the Balance Sheet Date
October 1978	IAS 10 Contingencies and Events Occurring After the Balance Sheet Date effective 1 January 1980
1994	IAS 10 (1978) was reformatted
August 1997	Exposure Draft E59 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
September 1998	IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets
1 July 1999	Effective date of IAS 37, which superseded those portions of IAS 10 (1978) dealing with contingencies
November 1998	Exposure Draft E63 Events After the Balance Sheet Date
May 1999	IAS 10 (1999) Events After the Balance Sheet Date superseded those portions of IAS 10 (1978) dealing with events after the balance sheet date
1 January 2000	Effective date of IAS 10 (1999)
18 December 2003	Revised version of IAS 10 issued by the IASB
1 January 2005	Effective date of IAS 10 (Revised 2003)
6 September 2007	Retitled Events after the Reporting Period as a consequential amendment resulting from revisions to IAS 1

None

Event after the reporting period: An event, which could be favourable or unfavourable, that occurs between the end of the reporting period and the date that the financial statements are authorised for issue. [IAS 10.3]

Adjusting event: An event after the reporting period that provides further evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period, including an event that indicates that the going concern assumption in relation to the whole or part of the enterprise is not appropriate. [IAS 10.3]

Non-adjusting event: An event after the reporting period that is indicative of a condition that arose after the end of the reporting period. [IAS 10.3]

Adjust financial statements for adjusting events - events after the balance sheet date that provide further evidence of conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period, including events that indicate that the going concern assumption in relation to the whole or part of the enterprise is not appropriate. [IAS 10.8]
Do not adjust for non-adjusting events - events or conditions that arose after the end of the reporting period. [IAS 10.10]
If an entity declares dividends after the reporting period, the entity shall not recognise those dividends as a liability at the end of the reporting period. That is a non-adjusting event. [IAS 10.12]

An entity shall not prepare its financial statements on a going concern basis if management determines after the end of the reporting period either that it intends to liquidate the entity or to cease trading, or that it has no realistic alternative but to do so. [IAS 10.14]

Non-adjusting events should be disclosed if they are of such importance that non-disclosure would affect the ability of users to make proper evaluations and decisions. The required disclosure is (a) the nature of the event and (b) an estimate of its financial effect or a statement that a reasonable estimate of the effect cannot be made. [IAS 10.21]

A company should update disclosures that relate to conditions that existed at the end of the reporting period to reflect any new information that it receives after the reporting period about those conditions. [IAS 10.19]

Companies must disclose the date when the financial statements were authorised for issue and who gave that authorisation. If the enterprise's owners or others have the power to amend the financial statements after issuance, the enterprise must disclose that fact. [IAS 10.17]

Which of the following events requires adjustment to the financial statements for the year ended December 31, Year 1?

Loss on an accounts receivable as the result of a customer suffering a deteriorating financial condition that led to bankruptcy filing in January Year 2.A loss is probable because an asset (a receivable) was impaired at the balance sheet date as a result of the bankruptcy filing in January Year 2. A loss is accrued if it can be reasonably estimated. A loss must be disclosed in the notes if it is probable and reasonably possible.

Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events?

Investigate changes in debt recorded after year end.The auditor should perform procedures with respect to material events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor’s report. Procedures that should be performed include inquiring of management and those charged with governance about whether (1) increases in capital or issuances of debt have occurred, e.g., an issue of new shares or bonds, or (2) an agreement about a merger or liquidation has been made (AU-C 560).

A CPA has received legal counsel’s letter in which no significant disagreements with the client’s assessments of contingent liabilities were noted. The resignation of the client’s legal counsel shortly after receipt of the letter should alert the auditor that

Undisclosed unasserted claims may have arisen.Legal counsel may be required to resign from an engagement (under his or her Code of Professional Responsibility) if the client disregards advice about financial accounting and reporting for litigation, claims, and assessments. Because the response to the letter of inquiry stated that the client’s assessment of contingent liabilities was satisfactory, the source of disagreement may be undisclosed, unasserted claims.

After year end but before completion of the audit, a major investment adviser issued a pessimistic report on Investee Co.’s long-term prospects. The market price for its common stock subsequently declined significantly. What is the effect of this event on the year-end statements?

No financial statement disclosure is necessary.The market price of common stock is not a financial event that affects the fairness or interpretation of the financial statements. Accordingly, no revision of the statements is necessary for changes in the market price of the securities.

Harvey, CPA, is preparing an audit plan to determine the occurrence of subsequent events that may require adjustment or disclosure essential to a fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Which one of the following procedures is least appropriate for this purpose?

Confirm as of the date of the auditor’s report accounts receivable that have increased significantly from the year-end date.The confirmation of accounts receivable that have increased significantly from year end is not among the typical subsequent events procedures that should be performed by the auditor listed in AU-C 560. Subsequent events procedures include (1) reading the latest subsequent interim statements, if any; (2) inquiring of management and those charged with governance about the occurrence of subsequent events and various financial and accounting matters; (3) reading the minutes of meetings of owners, management, and those charged with governance; (4) obtaining a letter of representations from management; (5) inquiring of the entity’s legal counsel; and (6) obtaining an understanding of management’s procedures for identifying subsequent events.

Which of the following documentation is required for an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards?

A management representation letter.AU-C 580 requires that the auditor obtain certain written representations from management. The written representations confirm certain matters (e.g., oral representations) or support other audit evidence. They complement other audit procedures but do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence or affect the other procedures.

Kirk Keller, CPA, was about to express an unmodified opinion on the audit of Lupton Television Broadcasting Company when he received a letter from Lupton’s independent counsel. The letter stated that the Federal Communications Commission has notified Lupton that its broadcasting license will not be renewed because of some alleged fraud in its broadcasting practices. Lupton cannot continue to operate without this license. Keller has also learned that Lupton and its independent counsel plan to take all necessary legal action to retain the license. The letter from the independent counsel, however, states that a favorable outcome of any legal action is highly uncertain. Based on this information, Keller should

Express an unmodified opinion with disclosure of the event in a separate emphasis-of-matter paragraph of his report.According to AU-C 570, an evaluation should be made as to whether substantial doubt exists about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. For U.S. GAAP, the reasonable period is 1 year after the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. If the auditor reaches this conclusion after identifying conditions and events that create such doubt and after evaluating management’s plans to mitigate their effects, (s)he should consider the adequacy of disclosure and include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph (after the opinion paragraph) in the report. This paragraph should use the phrases “substantial doubt” and “going concern,” but it should not contain conditional language. If the entity’s disclosure is inadequate, the material misstatement requires modification of the opinion. By itself, however, the substantial doubt does not require a modified opinion or a disclaimer of opinion. But AU-C 570 does not preclude issuing a disclaimer of opinion in cases involving uncertainties.

Which of the following procedures should an auditor ordinarily perform regarding subsequent events?

Read the latest subsequent interim financial statements.Subsequent events procedures include (1) reading the latest subsequent interim statements, if any; (2) inquiring of management and those charged with governance about the occurrence of subsequent events and various financial and accounting matters; (3) reading the minutes of meetings of owners, management, and those charged with governance; (4) obtaining a letter of representations from management; (5) inquiring of client’s legal counsel; and (6) obtaining an understanding of management’s procedures for identifying subsequent events.

Wilson, CPA, obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion on Abco’s December 31, Year 1, financial statements on March 6, Year 2, the date of the auditor’s report. A subsequently discovered fact requiring revision of the Year 1 financial statements occurred on April 10, Year 2, and came to Wilson’s attention on April 24, Year 2. If the fact became known prior to the report release date, and the revision is made, Wilson’s report ordinarily should be dated

Using duel-dating.A subsequently discovered fact (1) becomes known to the auditor after the report date and (2) may cause the auditor to revise the report. The report date is no earlier than the date when sufficient appropriate evidence is obtained. If such a fact becomes known to the auditor before the report release date, the auditor should (1) discuss the matter with management and (2) determine whether the statements need revision (adjustment or disclosure). If management revises the statements, the auditor should perform the necessary procedures on the revision. The auditor also (1) dates the report as of a later date or (2) dual-dates the report. Dual-dating indicates that the procedures performed subsequent to the original date are limited to the revision. Unless the auditor extends subsequent events procedures to a new date (one presumably later than April 24, Year 2, the date when the subsequently discovered fact became known), the auditor should dual-date the report.

When an auditor concludes there is substantial doubt about a continuing audit client’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, the auditor’s responsibility is to

Consider the adequacy of disclosure about the client’s possible inability to continue as a going concern.After considering (1) identified conditions and events in the aggregate that raise going concern issues and (2) management’s plans for coping with their adverse effects, the auditor may conclude that a substantial doubt exists about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. In that case, the auditor should consider the possible effects on the financial statements and the adequacy of disclosure. The auditor also should include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph in the report.

Under which of the following circumstances would an entity be expected to accrue a loss contingency for the period under audit?

The entity estimated the amount of a claim with a probable adverse outcome before issuance of the audit report.A loss contingency is an existing condition, situation, or set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible loss that ultimately will be resolved when one or more future events occur or do not occur. A material contingent loss must be accrued (debit loss, credit liability or asset valuation allowance) when two conditions are met. Based on information available prior to the issuance (or availability for issuance) of the financial statements (and therefore the auditor’s report issued with the statements), accrual is required if (1) it is probable that, at a balance sheet date, an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and (2) the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Management should address written representations about a firm’s annual audit to the

Auditor.The auditor is required to obtain written representations from management. They confirm certain matters or support other evidence and complement other procedures. But they do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence. They also do not affect the nature or effects of other procedures. Written representations should be in a letter addressed to the auditor and dated as of the date of the auditor’s report. The auditor should possess this letter before release of the auditor’s report. The CEO and CFO usually should sign the letter.

Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform in obtaining evidence about subsequent events?

Inquire of management whether new shares have been issued since the year end.The auditor should perform procedures with respect to material events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but prior to the date of the auditor’s report. Procedures that should be performed include inquiring of management and those charged with governance about whether (1) increases in capital or issuances of debt have occurred, e.g., an issue of new shares or bonds, or (2) an agreement about a merger or liquidation has been made (AU-C 560).

To which of the following matters would materiality limits not apply in obtaining written management representations?

Davis, CPA, believes there is substantial doubt about the ability of Hill Co. to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. In evaluating Hill’s plans for dealing with the adverse effects of future conditions and events, Davis most likely will consider, as a mitigating factor, Hill’s plans to

Negotiate reductions in required dividends being paid on preferred stock.Once an auditor has identified conditions and events indicating that a substantial doubt exists about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, the auditor should consider management’s plans to mitigate their adverse effects. The auditor should consider managerial actions relating to plans to (1) dispose of assets, (2) borrow money or restructure debt, (3) reduce or delay expenditures, and (4) increase equity. Plans to negotiate reductions in required dividends being paid on preferred stock are intended to increase ownership equity.

Which of the following statements extracted from entity’s legal counsel’s letter regarding litigation, claims, and assessments most likely would cause the auditor to request clarification?

“I believe that the plaintiff will have problems establishing any liability.”The letter of inquiry requests, among other things, that legal counsel evaluate the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes of pending or threatened litigation, claims, and assessments. It also requests that legal counsel estimate, if possible, the amount or range of potential loss (AU-C 501). Thus, the auditor is concerned about the amount of the expected settlement as well as the likelihood of the outcome. However, the statement that the plaintiff will have problems establishing any liability is unclear. For example, a plaintiff may have problems yet still prevail.

Which of the following matters will an auditor most likely include in a management representation letter?

Management’s acknowledgment of its responsibility to detect employee fraud.Management should make specific representations about (1) acknowledgment of its responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining internal control to prevent and detect fraud; (2) knowledge of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity involving management, employees with significant roles in internal control, or others if the fraud could materially affect the financial statements; and (3) knowledge of allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity obtained in communications from employees or others.

If a nonissuer refuses to give permission to the auditor to communicate with its external legal counsel, then the auditor should modify which of the following?

The opinion in the auditor's report.The opinion in the auditor’s report is modified if legal counsel refuses to respond appropriately to the audit letter of inquiry and the auditor cannot obtain sufficient appropriate evidence by performing alternative procedures. Modification also is required if management refuses permission for the auditor to communicate or meet with external legal counsel. Moreover, external legal counsel’s refusal to provide (orally or in writing) information requested in a letter of inquiry may be a scope limitation sufficient to preclude an unmodified opinion. However, the need for confidentiality of client communications with legal counsel protects some matters from disclosure even to the auditor.

A written representation from a client’s management that, among other matters, acknowledges responsibility for the fair presentation of financial statements, should normally be signed by the

CEO & CFOThe management representation letter should be signed by members of management who are responsible for and knowledgeable about the areas covered in the representations. AU-C 580 indicates that these members are normally the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer.

Which of the following expressions most likely would be included in a representation letter by management of an issuer?

No events have occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the financial statements.AU-C 580 requires that the auditor obtain certain written representations from management. The written representations confirm certain matters (e.g., oral representations) or support other audit evidence. They complement other audit procedures but do not provide sufficient appropriate evidence or affect the other procedures. Information concerning subsequent events is a common matter covered in the letter (AU-C 580).

Which of the following subsequent events events after the reporting date would require adjustment of the accounts before issuance of the financial statements?

Which of the following material events occurring subsequent to the balance sheet date would require an adjustment to the financial statements before they could be issued? Settlement of litigation, in excess of the previously recorded liability.

Which of the following events occurring after the issuance of an auditor's report most likely would cause the auditor to make further inquiries?

Which of the following events occurring after the issuance of the auditor's report most likely would cause the auditor to make further inquiries about the previously issued financial statements? New information regarding significant unrecorded transactions from the year under audit is discovered.

Which of the following events after the reporting period will be least likely to result in an adjustment to the financial statements?

Which of the following subsequent events will be least likely to result in an adjustment to the financial statements? Material changes in the quoted market prices of listed investment securities since the balance sheet date.

Which of the following procedures would an auditor most likely perform to obtain evidence about the occurance of subsequent events?

Choice “c” is correct. The auditor would most likely inquire of the entity's legal counsel concerning litigation, claims and assessments arising after year-end in order to obtain evidence about the occurrence of subsequent events.