Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

CHAPTER TWELVE
SUBSTANTIVE PROCEDURES
ICAP'S STUDY TEXT
LO # LEARNING OBJCTIVE REFERENCE*

9.1 (whole section)

LO 1 TANGIBLE NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Q68, Q69, Q76c
LO 2 INTANGIBLE NON-CURRENT ASSETS 9.2 (whole section)
10.1, 10.2, 10.3,
LO 3 INVENTORY
Q49, Q58, Q70, Q71
10.4,
LO 4 TRADE RECEIVABLES
Q49
LO 5 PREPAYMENTS 10.4
10.5,
LO 6 BANK
Q61
LO 7 CASH 10.5
11.1,
LO 8 TRADE PAYABLES
Q74, Q75
LO 9 ACCRUALS 11.2.2
11.2.4,
LO 10 PROVISIONS
Q13, Q42
11.2.4,
LO 11 CONTINGENCIES
Q13, Q42
11.3,
LO 12 NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES/LONG TERM BORROWINGS
Q73
LO 13 EQUITY 11.4

LO 14 DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS 11.5

11.6.2,
LO 15 REVENUE
Q68
11.6.3,
LO 16 PURCHASES
Q61, Q75, Q78a
11.6.4,
LO 17 PAYROLL
Q61
LO 18 INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST INCOME 11.6.5

LO 19 OTHER EXPENSES 11.6.6

LO 20 THE AUDIT OF STATUTORY BOOKS 11.4.4

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 1: TANGIBLE NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Obtain “Fixed Assets’ Schedule” and “Fixed Assets’ Register”. Cast them to ensure mathematical
accuracy and agree balances with financial statements.

Substantive Procedures for additions during the year:

For Purchased Fixed Assets:
1. Obtain list of all fixed asset purchased during the period and agree with fixed assets’
schedule and fixed assets register (completeness and occurrence).
2. Select sample of additions and agree cost to supplier’s invoice. Also inspect invoice to verify
cost does not include revenue expenses (valuation).
3. Review repair and maintenance account to verify repairs do not include capital
expenditures. (completeness)
4. Inspect sale deed, purchase invoices, and legal documents as evidence of transfer of
ownership in the name of company. (rights and obligation)
5. Verify existence of fixed assets acquired during the year (existence).

For self-constructed Fixed Assets:

1. Obtain list of all fixed asset constructed during the period and agree with fixed assets’
schedule and fixed assets register (completeness and occurrence).
2. Select a sample of costs and agree with supporting documentation i.e.:
 Site acquisition costs to purchase invoice, Transfer deed and Paid cheque.
 Materials (such as cement, bricks, and fittings) to suppliers’ invoice.
 Labour costs to approved payroll records, time sheets, etc,
 Overheads to relevant evidence.
3. Review the list of amounts capitalised to ensure that revenue items have not been
capitalized.
4. Review expert’s assessment of stage of completion.
5. Physical inspection of the construction at the year end to confirm work to date and assess
the reasonableness of stage of completion.
6. Budgeted cost should be compared with actual cost and significant differences should be
investigated.
7. Borrowing cost associated with project should be recalculated to ensure its accuracy.
8. Ensure that depreciation starts as and when asset become ‘available for use’.

Substantive Procedures for disposals during the year:

 Obtain list of all fixed asset disposed during the period and agree with fixed assets’ schedule
and fixed assets register (Completeness and Occurrence).
 Check that cost and accumulated depreciation has been removed from books of accounts,
and fixed assets’ register.
 Select a sample of disposals and agree Cost and Accumulated Depreciation with Fixed
Assets’ Register and Sale Price with Invoice. Recalculate profit or loss recognized on
disposal of assets (Accuracy).

Substantive Procedures for Closing Balance:

1. Obtain list of all fixed asset at year end and agree with fixed assets’ schedule and fixed
assets register (Completeness and Occurrence).
2. Select a sample of assets from non-current assets’ register and:
a. physically inspect them. (Existence).

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

b. During physical verification, also select assets from the floor and trace them into
fixed assets’ register (Completeness).
c. During physical verification, also check for conditions and usage of asset for
indications of impairment (Valuation).
3. If non-current assets are stated at revaluated amount, ensure that:
a. valuation is performed by a professional valuer,
b. amount of valuation is reasonable,
c. valuation is performed for all assets in the same class,
d. valuation is regularly updated and
e. valuation is appropriately accounted for in accounts.
4. Inspect sale deed, purchase invoices, and legal documents as evidence of transfer of
ownership in the name of company.

Substantive Procedures for depreciation/impairment expense:

1. Review Fixed Assets' Register to ensure:
 depreciation has been charged on all depreciable fixed assets correctly.
 depreciation on addition starts when asset is available for use.
 fully depreciated assets are separately identifiable and no depreciation is charged
on such assets.
2. Check whether residual value, useful life/depreciation rate, depreciation method are:
 reasonable (considering nature of asset), and
 consistent with last year and industry practice and AFRF.
3. Recalculate depreciation expense (using analytical procedures) and compare with actual
expense to ensure reasonableness of depreciation expense.
4. Check whether allocation of depreciation expense between manufacturing and operating
expenses is on reasonable basis.
5. Review gain or losses on disposal as indication of possible understatement or
overstatement of depreciation expense. (if depreciation is reasonable, there should not be
significant gain or loss)

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List the audit procedures for the verification of fixed assets as appearing in the financial statements. Also give the related
‘audit assertion’ against each step. (12 marks)
(CA Inter -Autumn 2007)

What are the basic assertions which the auditor would aim to address whilst carrying out the verification of fixed assets?
(05 marks)
(CA Inter -Autumn 2003)

Describe substantive procedures you should perform at the year end to confirm each of the following for plant and
equipment:
(i) Additions; and
(ii) Disposals (04 marks)
F8 (ACCA - June 2012)

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 2: INTANGIBLE NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Purchased Goodwill:
1. Confirm from documents prepared to acquire business:
a. the cost of acquisition and
b. reasonableness of fair value of assets acquired.
2. Check that cost of Goodwill is difference between the cost of acquisition and fair value of net
assets.
3. Review the possibility of impairment of goodwill subsequent to acquisition. If so, ensure
impairment loss has been correctly calculated and recorded.

Development Cost:
1. Ensure that following criteria required by IAS - 38 to recognize development cost as
intangible asset has been met.
a. Probable future economic benefits from Intangible Asset.
b. Intention to complete and use/sell Intangible Asset
c. Resources (technical, financial and other) to complete and use/sell Intangible Asset
are available and adequate.
d. Ability to use/sell Intangible Asset.
e. Technical feasibility.
f. Expenditure can be reliably measured.
2. Discuss the feasibility of the project with management i.e.
a. Review projects and forecasts.
b. Production and marketing plans actually exist.
c. Obtain representation from management regarding intention to complete the
project.
3. For a sample of costs, inspect supporting documents e.g. development contracts, billing and
timesheets.
4. Test controls over documentation and safekeeping of scientists’ notes, discoveries and
conclusions.

Other Intangibles:
1. Inspect legal and purchase documents to ensure existence, valuation and right of entity over
intangible asset.
2. Check amortization calculation using client’s policy to ensure its accuracy (audit procedures
for amortization are same as of depreciation).
3. Review the possibility of impairment subsequent to acquisition. If so, ensure impairment
loss has been correctly calculated and recorded.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

You are the audit manager at JL. The following issue arose during the audit and now requires your attention:
JL incurred an expenditure of Rs. 25 million on the development of five new products. It is expected that these new
products would generate future economic benefits.
Required:
Comment on the matters that you should consider and state the audit evidence that you expect to be available.
(06 marks)
(CA Final - Summer 2011)

Recommend the principal audit procedures to be performed in respect of the goodwill initially recognised on the
acquisition of Canary Co. (05 marks)
P7 (ACCA - June 2012)

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 3: INVENTORY:
1. Obtain “inventory lists” from client. Cast them to ensure mathematical accuracy and agree
balances with financial statements.
2. Select a sample of items from inventory lists and:
a. physically inspect them. (Existence).
b. During physical verification, also select assets from the floor and trace them into
inventory list (Completeness).
c. During physical verification, also check for conditions of inventory for indications of
impairment (Valuation).
3. Review reconciliation between physical balance and book balance at year end if total of
listing differs with book value. (Completeness)

Valuation:
Inventory is valued at lower of Cost and NRV.
1. Cost of Raw Material will be verified by auditor as follows:
 Check figure of cost by comparing with prices as per purchase invoice.
 Recalculate the cost using approach adopted by management (e.g. FIFO or Weighted
Average).
2. Cost of Work in Process and Finished Good will be verified by auditor as follows:
 Obtain a breakup of cost of each item of Work in Process and Manufactured Finished
Good and agree the total to the general ledger.
 Check that correct cost and quantity of Material has been used in valuation.
 Check Labor cost to approved payroll records, time sheets, etc,
 Check only production overheads are included in the valuation (selling/admin
overheads are excluded). Also check that overheads are based on normal levels of
output.
 Review expert’s assessment of stage of completion.
3. NRV of inventory will be verified by auditor as follows:
 Review client’s procedures for comparing NRV with cost of each item of inventory.
 During physical verification, also check for conditions of obsolescence, damage
indicating that NRV may be lower than Cost.
 Review prices at which inventory has been sold subsequent to year end as evidence
of NRV.
 Review aged inventory reports and identify any damaged, slow moving or obsolete
goods, and ensure they have been recorded at lower of Cost and NRV in Balance
Sheet.
 Inquire management about estimated selling price of inventory, cost of completion
and cost to make sale.

Rights and Obligation:

1. Check inventory owned by a third party (e.g. on "consignment basis" or "approval basis") is
separately identifiable, and not included in closing inventory.

Presentation and Disclosure:

1. Ensure that all disclosures as required by IAS – 2 have been included in the financial
statements.
2. Review that disclosures in the financial statements are correct and clear.

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

Audit Procedures/Responsibilities before, during and after inventory count:

Before Inventory count (i.e. During inventory count (i.e. After inventory count (i.e.
Planning) Observing and Recording) Follow up)
 Review client’s instruction  Observe the count to  Ensure quantity of final
for inventory (discussed in ensure that management’s valuation match with
previous chapter) count to instructions are being inventory list.
assess effectiveness of followed.  Inspect aging of inventory
count.  Perform test count by to identify slow moving and
 Determine if any inventory checking items from obsolete stock and discuss
is held by third parties to inventory sheet to provisioning with
assess need to send warehouse and vice-versa. management.
confirmation letter.  Observe conditions of  Ensure that inventory is
 Determine whether there is inventory for possible NRV valued at lower of cost and
need of an expert or adjustment. NRV.
component auditor.  Ensure that inventory  Ensure that Cutoff
 Decide which counts belonging to third parties procedures have been
locations will be observed but held by client is appropriately applied while
by audit team. segregated. recording sales and
 Perform cutoff test on sales purchases.
and purchases.
 Obtain signed copies of
count sheets from client.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List the substantive procedures that may be performed by the auditor to verify the amount of inventories as appearing in
the financial statements of a manufacturing concern. (15 marks)
(CA Inter - Spring 2012)

You have been asked by your senior to observe the stock count at one of the audit clients:
(a) What procedures would you perform prior to the physical count to ensure a smooth stock count? (04 marks)
(b) During the stock count, how would you ensure that the physical inventory listing provided to you is complete?
(04 marks)
(CA Inter -Autumn 2001)

How does the auditor deal with the situation when inventory is found under the custody and control of a third party ?
Include in your answer the considerations which the auditor is likely to take into account in this regard. (05 marks)
(CA Final - Summer 2001)

(i) Identify and explain FOUR financial statement assertions relevant to account balances at the year end; and
(ii) For each identified assertion, describe a substantive procedure relevant to the audit of year-end inventory.
(08 marks)
F8 (ACCA - June 2012)

The management of Redburn Co have told you that inventory is correctly valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value. You have already satisfied yourself that cost is correctly determined.
Required:
(i) Define net realisable value; (02 marks)
(ii) State and explain the purpose of FOUR procedures that you should use to ensure that net realisable value of the
inventory is at or above cost. (08 marks)
F8 (ACCA - December 2009)

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 4: TRADE RECEIVABLES:
Existence, Completeness, and Rights and Obligation:
1. Obtain a listing of trade receivables from the sales ledger. Cast it and agree to the control
account and financial statements. Review reconciliation between control account and sales
ledger if difference exists.
2. Calculate debtors’ turnover ratio and compare with prior years. Investigate any significant
differences.
3. Review the list of trade receivables against prior years to identify any significant
variations/omissions.
4. Select a sample of debtors from sales ledger at year end and perform a trade receivables’
circularization (i.e. direct confirmation). Perform alternative audit procedures in case of
non-response and additional audit procedures in case of exceptions identified.
5. Select a sample of debtors from sales ledger at year end and agree back to valid supporting
documentations of GDN and Sales orders.
6. Review whether effect of cut-off on sales have been appropriately accounted for in debtors.
7. Review the control account entries shortly before and after the year end for unusual items
and investigate them.
8. Review cash receipts after year end and trace to debtors at year end.
9. Review credit notes after year end to identify any sales transactions before year end which
should be reversed.

Evaluate adequacy of Provision for bad debts:

a) Inquire management regarding estimates used in calculation of provision for bad debts.
b) Obtain aged receivable ledger. Compare it with control account and test the aging. Review the
aged receivable ledger to identify any slow moving or old receivable balances. Discuss the status
with the management to assess whether they are likely to pay.
c) Examine whether there are any cash recovery of doubtful debts or bankruptcy after balance
sheet date.
d) For large overdue balances, review financial statements of debtors and discuss with
management likelihood of their collection.
e) Recalculate provision for bad-debts using sales, write-offs and current economic conditions of
customers.
f) Inquire management about any disputes with customers and review board minutes for disputed
receivables.
g) Review communication of client with customers, lawyers and collection agencies regarding
debts which are in dispute or unlikely to be paid.

For Presentation & Disclosures:

 Determine if any receivables have been pledged, discounted, factored.
 Inquire about receivables from officers, directors or other related parties.
 Ensure that receivables are correctly disclosed and classified in financial statements.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

You are the senior member of the audit engagement team, auditing the financial statements of a manufacturing company,
Hard Stone Limited. List down the primary substantive procedures, which you would carry out in the verification of trade
debts (excluding receipts from customers). (06 marks)
(CA Inter -Autumn 2009)

List down any five (05) key audit procedures for verification of provisions against doubtful receivables. (05 marks)
(ICMAP - 2014 May )

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 5: PREPAYMENTS:
1. Obtain a schedule of all prepayments. Cast list to ensure mathematical accuracy and agree
balances with financial statements.
2. Nature and amount of all prepayments should be compared with prior periods.
3. For sample of prepayments, recalculate their amounts with supporting documents and
payment from bank statement.
4. Agree prepayments to the adjustments after the end of the year.

LO 6: BANK:
1. Obtain a list of all bank accounts (including accounts closed during the year) along with
closing balances. Cast list to ensure mathematical accuracy and agree balances with
financial statements.
2. Obtain bank confirmation letter for all bank accounts (including accounts closed during the
year) and perform following procedures:
 Agree balances as per bank confirmation letter with bank reconciliation statements
(to ensure accuracy) and with list of bank accounts (to ensure completeness).
 Confirmation should be reviewed for evidence of loans, collateral or any
lien/restriction on balance.
3. Obtain Bank Reconciliation Statements (BRS) for each bank account and perform following
procedures:
 Cast BRS to ensure mathematical accuracy and agree balances of BRS with bank
statement and cash book.
 Trace deposits in transit into deposit slips and cash book of current month; and in
bank statement of subsequent month. For significant delays inquire explanation
from management.
 trace unpresented cheques into cash book of current month; and in bank statement
of subsequent month. For significant delays inquire explanation from management.
 for untraced items examine supporting documentation.
4. Perform cutoff test on cheque receipts and cheque payments.
5. Review cash book and bank statement for large transfers near year-end as indication of
window-dressing.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List the substantive procedures that may be performed by an auditor to verify Bank reconciliation statements.
(06 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2012)

Describe substantive procedures the auditor should perform to confirm the bank and cash balance of Fox Industries Co at
the year end. (07 marks)
F8 (ACCA - June 2013)

List down at least five audit procedures undertaken by the auditor in respect of the following:
(i) Bank reconciliation statements (05 marks)
(ii) Bank confirmations (05 marks)
(ICMAP - 2015 March )

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 7: CASH:
1. Perform cash count at year end (including petty cash) and agree the total to the balance
includes in financial statements.
2. Review reconciliation for difference between book balance and physical balance.
3. Perform cutoff test on cash receipts and cash payments.
4. Ensure cash is under proper lock and key, and in safe custody.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

You are a part of the team on the audit of Fresh Meat (Private) Limited which sells fresh meat products through 25 retail
outlets. Each outlet holds cash at the year end. Sales are made on cash as well as against credit cards. All the accounting
records are maintained at the outlets and balances with the Head Office are reconciled on a monthly basis.
Required:
List the audit assertions relevant to the audit of cash in hand and state how you would obtain audit evidence to support
those assertions. (06 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2011)

LO 8: TRADE PAYABLES:
1. Obtain a listing of trade payables from the purchase ledger. Cast it and agree to the control
account and financial statements. Review reconciliation between control account and
purchase ledger if difference exists.
2. Calculate creditors’ turnover ratio and compare with prior years. Investigate any significant
differences.
3. Review the list of trade payables against prior years to identify any significant
variations/omissions.
4. Select a sample of creditors from purchase ledger at year end and perform circularization
(i.e. direct confirmation). Perform alternative audit procedures in case of non-response and
additional audit procedures in case of exceptions identified.
5. Select a sample of creditors from purchase ledger at year end and agree back to valid
supporting documentations of GRN and Purchase Orders.
6. Review the control account entries shortly before and after the year end for unusual items
and investigate them.
7. Review debit notes after year end to identify any purchases transactions before year end
which should be reversed.

To ensure Occurrence of Trade Payables:

1. Examine cash paid to supplier after the balance sheet date.
2. If cash is not paid or partly paid to supplier, auditor shall:
 inspect valid supporting documents e.g. supplier signed purchase orders, suppliers’
invoices, Goods Received Notes and other documents.
 obtain explanation for cash not paid within credit period.
3. Perform cut-off test by examining purchases near balance sheet date.

To ensure Completeness of Trade Payables:

4. Examine cash paid to supplier after the balance sheet date and ensure liabilities were recorded at balance sheet
date.
5. Inspect pending GRNs (i.e. goods received but suppliers’ invoices not received) and ensure they are recorded at
balance sheet date.
6. Perform cut-off test by examining purchases near balance sheet date.

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

Describe substantive procedures the auditor should perform on the year-end trade payables of audit client. (05 marks)
F8 (ACCA - December 2010)

You are the audit manager at Hawthorn Enterprises Co (Hawthorn). Hawthorn receives monthly statements from its main
suppliers and although these have been retained, none have been reconciled to the payables ledger as at 31 March 2015.
The engagement partner has asked the audit senior to recommend the procedures to be performed on supplier
statements. (03 marks)

Required:
Describe substantive procedures you would perform to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence in relation to the
above matter.
F8 (ACCA - June 2015)

LO 9: ACCRUALS:
1. A schedule of accruals should be obtained. Check for arithmetical accuracy and agree to the
financial statements.
2. Individual accruals should be compared with prior periods.
3. Ensure that period end accruals of expenses includes necessary items (e.g. Salaries accrual,
Accruals for Utility bills, Withholding tax payable etc.)
4. Agree accruals to the payments made after the end of the year e.g. tax on salaries paid to
FBR.
5. Check calculations of individual accruals to supporting documentation e.g. tax payable on
salaries should be based on payroll.
6. For Accrued Wages and Salaries:
a. Check whether accrual is based on last month’s payroll using correct records of
time, records of wage rates and salaries.
b. Confirm that additional costs (e.g. employer’s contributions) have been accounted
for.
c. Test reasonableness of accrual balance by performing analytical procedures e.g.
calculate ratio of accrued expenses to total salaries expenses and compare with last
year.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

Draft audit programmes for the following:
(a) Accrued expenses
(b) prepayments (06 marks)
(CA Inter -Spring 2005)

LO 10: PROVISIONS:
1. Obtain a schedule of provisions. Check for arithmetical accuracy and agree to the financial
statements.
2. Ensure that recognition and measurement of each element of provision is appropriate in
accordance with IAS 37.
3. Compare provisions for the current financial year with provisions in previous years, and
investigate any major differences or omissions.
4. Ensure that period end provisions includes necessary items (e.g. Provision for bad debts,
Provision for slow moving stock, Provision for warranty, Provision for redundancy,
Provision for Legal cases, Provision for site restoration, etc.)

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

5. Review whether provisions have been adjusted in accordance with events occurring after
the balance sheet date.
6. Check calculations of individual provisions.
7. Relate the testing of provisions to other areas of the audit work e.g. correspondence with
lawyers.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

State five key substantive audit procedures for verification of Provisions. (05 marks)
(CA Inter - Spring 2016)

LO 11: CONTINGENCIES (e.g. litigations):

 Follow up contingencies reported in last year.
 Discuss with management (also obtain written representation if necessary).
 Review minutes of BOD meetings (where such matters are likely to be discussed).
 Review client’s correspondence with lawyers and invoices for legal services.
 Send confirmation to external legal counsel (listing specific areas where contingencies may
exist).
 Check status subsequent to reporting period.
 Consider whether expert advice may be required from outside sources other than lawyers.
 Review business press and trade journals for possibility of industry-wide contingencies.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List any five substantive procedures for the verification of each of the following:
(i) Accrued expenses
(ii) Contingencies (10 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2014)

LO 12: NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES/LONG TERM BORROWINGS:

1. Obtain a list of all borrowings from client (with opening balance, new borrowings,
repayments and closing balance) including debentures, bank loans, and finance lease
obligations.
2. Cast list to ensure mathematical accuracy and agree balances with financial statements.
3. Agree the opening balances on the listing with the amount for non-current liabilities in last
year’s statement of financial position.
1. For new borrowings:
a. Check that authorization has been made in accordance with company procedures.
b. Inspect loan agreements (for securities, repayment schedule, interest rate and
restrictive conditions etc.)
c. Check that interest payments have been presented separately from long-term loans
in accounts.
2. Confirm loan repayments during the year with payments recorded in the cash book, entries in
bank statements and also with any correspondence from lenders.
3. Obtain confirmation letter from lenders for outstanding amounts.

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

For Presentation and Disclosure:

4. Review disclosure of interest rates and split between current and non-current portion.
5. Check whether loan-agreement gives lender right to impose penalty or withdraw facility in
case of breach of conditions of loan. Also check that client is not in breach of any conditions.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List the substantive procedures which may be performed by the auditor to verify the Long Term Bank Loan.
(07 marks)
(CA Inter - Spring 2014)

List down any five (05) key audit procedures for the following:
(i) Verification of loans obtained during the year. (05 marks)
(ii) Verification of provisions against doubtful receivables. (05 marks)
(ICMAP - 2014 May)

LO 13: EQUITY:
Share Capital:
1. Check authorized and issued share capital complies with legal requirements.
2. For share capital issued during the year, auditor should check:
a. Cash received is properly recorded in accounts.
b. supporting documents and ensure that all legal requirements have been complied
with.
3. Agree amount of issued share capital in balance sheet with register of shareholders.

Reserves:
1. Obtain a list of all reserves from client (with opening balance, additions, deletions and
closing balance).
2. Check accuracy of listing of client with supporting documents.
3. Ensure that legal requirements relating to reserves have been complied (e.g. regarding use
of share premium)
4. Check authorization and calculation of dividend and ensure that payment is consistent with
issued share capital at relevant dates.
5. Ensure that dividend has been paid in accordance with legal requirements.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

State four substantive procedures for verification of share premium account appearing in the statement of financial
position. (02 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2015)

LO 14: DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS:

1. Obtain a schedule of emoluments paid to directors during the year and agree with financial
statements’ disclosure.
2. Inspect minutes of BOD and obtain confirmations from directors to ensure there are no
undisclosed bonuses or other remuneration.
3. Inspect bank statements to verify actual amounts paid to directors.
4. Review the tax returns of directors to ensure these agree with emoluments as per listing.

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

5. Develop an expectation of current year’s directors’ emolument to ensure emoluments in

accounts is complete.
6. Obtain written representation from directors that they have disclosed all directors’
remuneration and related party transactions to the auditor.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

Describe substantive procedures you should perform to confirm the directors’ bonus payments included in the financial
statements. (03 marks)
F8 (ACCA - June 2014)

LO 15: REVENUE:
Completeness:
Select a sample of customer orders and agree these to the despatch notes and sales invoices and
sales/subsidiary ledger to ensure completeness of revenue.

Occurrence:
Select a sample of sales recorded in Sales Journal and vouch back to sales invoices, shipping
documents and customer orders.

Accuracy:
Select a sample of sales invoices and perform following procedures to ensure these are accurate:
(a) compare prices, discounts and terms and conditions with authorized price list and authorized
terms and conditions.
(b) recalculate sales tax on invoice.

Cut-off on Sales:
At year-end, auditors should select the last goods despatch note (GDN) made on that day. He should
then select further a sample of GDN for despatches immediately before and after the last GDN. The
sample of GDNs should be traced to the associated sales invoices to ensure that despatches have
been posted as sales in the correct accounting period.

Presentation & Disclosures:

-Review accounting policies for revenue recognition and ensure they comply with AFRF and are
properly disclosed.
-Read notes to the accounts to ensure they are accurate, complete, and easy to understand.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

(i) Identify and explain FOUR financial statement assertions relevant to classes of transactions and events for the year
under audit; and
(ii) For each identified assertion, describe a substantive procedure relevant to the audit of REVENUE. (08 marks)
F8 (ACCA - June 2015)

LO 16: PURCHASES:
Completeness:

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Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

Select a sample of purchases orders and agree these to the goods receipt notes and purchase
invoices and purchase/subsidiary ledger to ensure completeness of purchases.

Occurrence:
Select a sample of purchases recorded in Purchase Journal and vouch back to purchase invoices,
receiving documents, and purchase orders.

Accuracy:
Select a sample of purchase invoices and perform following procedures to ensure these are
accurate:
(a) compare prices, discounts and terms and conditions with authorized terms and conditions.
(b) recalculate tax on invoice.

Cut-off on Purchases:
At year-end, auditors should select the last goods receipt note (GRN) made on that day. He should
then select further a sample of GRN for receipts immediately before and after the last GRN. The
sample of GRNs should be traced to the associated purchases invoices to ensure that receipts have
been posted as purchases in the correct accounting period.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

What do you understand by a cut off test? How an auditor normally performs it in case of local purchases? (05 marks)
(CA Inter -Spring 2003)

State the significant procedures auditors generally include in the audit programme for Purchases. (06 marks)
(CA Inter - Spring 1999)

List the substantive procedures that may be performed by an auditor to verify the Raw material purchases (06 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2012)

LO 17: PAYROLL:
1. Compare the total payroll expense to the prior year and investigate any significant
differences.
2. Compare payroll expense of month-wise to ensure payroll expense in one month does not
unusually change in next month.
3. Obtain all payroll sheets processed during the year. Agree total of payroll sheets with
financial statements.
4. Cast a sample of payroll sheets to confirm completeness and accuracy of the payroll
expense.
5. Perform analytical procedures on total salaries expense, incorporating joiners and leavers
and the pay increase. Compare this to the actual wages and salaries in the financial
statements and investigate any significant differences.
6. For a sample of employees, recalculate the gross and net pay and agree to the payroll
records to verify accuracy.
7. Select a sample of employees from payroll and check whether employees exist.

CONCEPT REVIEW QUESTION

List the substantive procedures that may be performed by an auditor to verify the Payroll. (08 marks)
(CA Inter - Autumn 2012)

14 By: M. Asif, ACA

Auditing – Study Notes Chapter 12 Substantive Procedures

LO 18: INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST INCOME:

1. Inspect legal documents (e.g. loan agreements) creating right of entity to receive/pay
interest.
2. Confirm reasonableness of interest by following formula
Interest Expense = Principal x Applicable Interest Rate x Period
3. Vouch the payment from recording into G.L. and tracing into bank statement.
4. Confirm interest payments/receipts during the year with payments recorded in the cash book,
entries in bank statements and also with any correspondence from lenders/borrower.

LO 19: OTHER EXPENSES:

Other expenses can be verified by performing analytical procedures, and checking supporting
documents of sample of transactions.

LO 20: THE AUDIT OF STATUTORY BOOKS:

The auditor should confirm that the required statutory records are maintained by the client
company and are up-to-date.

These statutory books may include:

 Minutes of board meetings and general meetings of company.
 Register of members/shareholders.
 Register of directors and their interests in company.
 Register of charges on the company’s assets.
 Copies of directors’ service contracts and details of directors’ remuneration packages.

Exam Tips
In exam if a concept review question is set from “substantive procedures”, you may be
required to:
1. State substantive procedures to verify whole area e.g. Long term bank loan, Inventory,
Provisions, Contingencies, Payroll, Purchases, Trade debts and Prepayments.
2. State substantive procedures to verify a critical part of the area e.g. Bank Reconciliation
Statement, Provision for bad debts, fixed assets carried at revalued amount.
3. State risks in the audit of an area. If so, not meeting assertions is risk.

15 By: M. Asif, ACA