What is Audit Working Papers? An auditor has the right to start audit work of a business. The load work is distributed among the audit staff.
All audit clerks are allowed to examine the accounting statements and other records. They can collect information from the client.
They can take notes from the books. The auditor can ask for copies of the memorandum of association, articles of association, agreements and minutes of meetings.
An audit program is prepared to control the pace of work. An audit notebook is written up to note ‘important information.
A schedule of debtors and investment is collected from the client. A certificate of stock taking can be reviewed.
An auditor may write letters to bank, debtors, creditors, insurance companies, warehouse keepers and other customers for confirmation of dealing with the business.
See Also: Types of Audit Sampling Methods
All such written papers are the basis of audit report. Audit staff files the papers. An index number is used for filing purpose.
The cross-index is helpful to note the movement of paper from one file to another. The working papers are the property of an auditor. He has the right to hold and own these papers for years.
What is Audit Working Paper
Leo Herbert says that working papers are the records of the information that has been obtained and of the evidence on the audit objectives that have been gathered and analyzed during the audit.
Howard F. Settler says that the auditor’s working papers are the vehicle for assembling the extensive and varied evidence that is gathered to support the auditors’ opinion.
Johnson says that audit working papers are the written private materials, which an auditor prepares for each audit.
They described the accounting information, which he received from his client, the methods of examination used, the conclusions (and the reason thereof) and the financial statements.
See Also: Test Checking in Auditing | Advantages & Disadvantages
Objectives of Audit Working Papers
- PREPARE RECORD
The purpose of audit working papers is to prepare written record as a proof of audit work done.
Audit staff keeps audit working papers so long these are needed for future use such record is the property of an auditor. He can keep it as long as he thinks necessary.
- INTERNAL CONTROL
The purpose of audit working papers is to note the effectiveness of internal Control system. The auditor can decide to start test audit or thorough checking.
The work of auditor is lessened due to proper internal control. He can apply sampling technique to do the work. In case of poor control there is a need of cent per cent checking.
- HELPFUL TO AUDIT STAFF
The audit working papers are helpful to audit staff. The detailed instructions are issued to audit clerks. They can come to know about their duties. There is no need of further communication. The audit work is completed in time.
- ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL AUDIT
The audit working papers are used to assess the effectiveness of internal audit. The internal auditor submits audit report about performance of business. The auditor can examine internal audit report to see the quality of internal audit.
- AUDIT OPINION
The audit working papers are the basis of audit opinion about business performance. The management can perform many types of functions. The financial aspect of every function is examined. Audit opinion is reflected in audit report.
- APPLICATION OF RULES
The auditor can see that rules about books of accounts have been applied. The working papers are helpful in this regard. The government prepares rules for keeping books of accounts.
- TAX ASSESSMENT
The assessment of income tax is possible through audit working papers. The amount of income is multiplied with rate of income tax to determine tax liability. The tax deducted at source is recorded and net liability is determined.
- LOCATION OF LOST DATA
The audit working papers are used for location of lost data. The accounting facts and figures are recorded in working papers. In case of loss of data the working papers provide figures to find out the missing figure.
- SUBSEQUENT AUDIT
Audit working papers are essential for subsequent audits. Such papers provide guideline for subsequent audits. The results drawn can be used to improve audit of accounts.
- COURT CASES
Audit working papers are helpful to protect the rights of auditor in court of law. Any party can file suit for negligence of duty of auditor. The working papers serve as basis of work performed by an auditor.
- AUDIT REPORT
The auditor gets help from audit working papers in preparing audit report. The preparation of working papers is record making phase.
The information collected from various sources is recorded and filed. These papers disclose information for preparing report.
- DECISION-MAKING
The most important task of management is decision-making. The audit working papers provide reliable information: The decisions made on the basis of such information are useful for
- EVALUATION
The audit working papers help managers to evaluate the performance of their sub-ordinates. The deficiencies can be removed to make it effective for the next time. The quality of work can be measured.
- TRAINING OF STAFF
The audit working papers can help the new audit clerks. They can see the working of senior auditors. They collect and prepare papers. It is practical training of some audit staff members.
- WORK TRANSFER
Purpose of audit working papers may be to note transfer of work from one person to another. The fact is recorded on the auditor working papers. The new audit clerk assumes his responsibility for completing the remaining audit work.
- RECORD FOR NEGLIGENCE
The purpose of audit working papers is to determine the efficiency or inefficiency of audit staff The audit clerks who complete their work in time they are efficient. The persons who fail to complete their work are responsible for negligence.
- FUTURE PLAN
The purpose of audit working papers is to prepare plan for future the auditor can determine the effectiveness of data collected through working papers.
The changes in working papers are possible in the light of audit experience. The auditor can determine the way of collecting data for future audits.
- OLD POINTS
The purpose of audit working papers is to note that the management has settled old points of audit. If the weakness of previous audit continues from year to year, the auditor can state this point in audit report.
See Also: Principle and Location of Errors
Content of Audit Working Paper
- CONTRACT LETTER
The working papers contain the contract letter. This letter gives right to a person to start the work of audit.
It states the terms and conditions of appointment of an auditor. The nature and amount of work is recorded. This letter becomes a part of audit working papers.
- AUDIT PROGRAMME
An audit program is a detailed plan of action to be used for audit. It is a timetable of staff duties. The books to be examined are stated in audit program.
Every audit work requires program and then master audit program is prepared to cover all activities.
- AUDIT NOTE BOOK
The audit notebook is a part of audit working papers. It contains useful information about business enterprise.
This book provides data for audit report. The weak point tike missing vouchers and unsettled queries are stated in it.
- COPIES OF DOCUMENTS
The copies of various documents are included in audit working papers. The partnership deed, articles of association, memorandum of association, trust deed, and lease contract are collected from the management. These papers are useful to determine performance of business.
- COPIES OF CORRESPONDENCE
The copies of correspondence become part of audit working papers. The auditor can write letters to other parties.
The replies can be received from debtors’ and creditors. Auditor keeps letters exchanged with other people.
- SCHEDULE OF DEBTORS
The clients provide schedule of debtors. This list is compared with books of accounts. The auditor can confirm balances from debtors. He can write letters to debtors for this purpose.
- STOCK CERTIFICATES
The management provides stock certificate. The auditor can watch the stock taking process. When stock is lying in public warehouse, the auditor can accept certificate of warehouse keeper.
- COPIES OF PREVIOUS AUDIT
The auditor can collect copies of previous audit reports. These papers become part of audit working papers.
The auditor can note weakness stated in old reports. He can examine that same points are not repeated in books of current year.
- RESOLUTION COPIES
The auditors collect copies of resolutions. The decisions of management should be implemented in preparing books of accounts. The auditor can confirm whether such decisions are implemented or not.
- DEPRECIATION
Audit working papers contains particulars of depreciation. The rate of depreciation is applied throughout the life of an asset.
Reasonable amount of depreciation is charged every year. The auditor can determine exact amount of depreciation.
- INVESTMENTS
The management can buy shares and certificates of other companies. Investment can be made through brokers.
The register of investment provides relevant information. The details of investment are recorded in working papers.
- MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE
Management can provide various certificates to auditor. The certificate may relate to inventory valuation and similar other matters.
Such certificate becomes part of audit working papers. The auditor can rely on certificates for audit purpose.
- DETAILS OF QUESTIONS
The auditor can ask number of questions to the management. The detail of questions is recorded in working papers.
The questions not properly answered are included in audit report. The queries settled are dropped from working papers.
- OTHER PAPERS
The auditor can collect information from experts like engineers, advocates and other consultants. These papers furnish valuable information about financial matters. The working papers may contain such papers.
See Also: Misappropriation of Assets in Auditing
Filing of Working Papers
The audit working papers are divided into two parts. The first group consists of the current file and second group contains permanent file.
The material relating to current year only is placed in current file. The data to be used for a number of years is placed in permanent file. The auditor can rely on the facts and figures recorded in permanent files.
Current File
- AUDIT PLANNING
The auditor makes planning for the conduct of an audit. He can make arrangements with clients. He can plan his activities for completion of the audit in time.
- FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The auditor can collect copy of financial statements from the client. The statements may include income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement.
- INTERNAL CONTROL
The auditor can check the effectiveness of internal control. It is procedure adopted by management for proper working of business as per policies of business.
- TRIAL BALANCE
The auditor can collect a copy of trial balance to note the important balances and to check the accuracy of accounting records.
- AUDIT PROGRAMME
The auditor prepares audit program for conduct of audit. It is list of work to be done during course of audit. A master program is prepared on the basis of individual programs.
- AUDIT QUERIES
The auditor can keep a record of all queries made by audit staff. The accounting entries may not be self-explanatory. The management may fair to provide satisfactory answer to the questions made.
- SUPPORTING SCHEDULE
The auditor can keep the record of supporting schedules. The information recorded in the schedule can be compared with entries in the books of accounts. The responsible officer must sign such schedule.
- MINUTES OF MEETINGS
There is need of minutes of meeting for audit. The auditor can see whether decisions made by management have been implemented or not. The resolution passed at the meetings can be put. into practice.
- MISSING VOUCHERS
The auditor can note the missing vouchers. The-transactions are recorded on the basis of vouchers. The transactions without vouchers are not acceptable. The management is responsible for such transactions.
- ANALYTICAL REVIEW
The auditor should make analytical review of accounting ratios and other financial matters. The analysis of ratios provides an insight into the unusual items appearing in the books.
- AUDIT REVIEW
The auditor can review audit program and procedure. He can note the good and weak points. He can take steps to improve the audit for next years.
- BANK RECONCILIATION
The auditor can collect copy of bank reconciliation prepared by management. He can examine that there is no error or fraud on the part of accounting staff or bank employees.
- TAX SHEETS
The auditor can collect copy of tax sheets. The figures recorded in tax sheets are record of the current year. In case of need it can be used to draw a conclusion about business matters.
See Also: Characteristics and Types of Vouchers
Permanent File
- BUSINESS HISTORY
The date of start of business is recorded. The nature of business and types of products is stated. The share in the market may be noted. This information is helpful for audit purpose.
- BUSINESS ADDRESS
The official address of the business is necessary for the auditor. The name of building, street, city, and province must be recorded for incoming mail.
- ORGANISATION CHART
The organization chart may be collected from management. The name and duties of all officers may be noted in order to check performance. This chart helps to understand the working of business:
- ENGAGEMENT LETTER
A copy of engagement letter can be kept on record for future reference. The terms and conditions Of appointment of the auditor and the scope of audit work are stated in it.
- COPY OF DOCUMENTS
The auditor should collect a copy of documents relating to business activities. The correspondence with various debtors and creditors may be made. The copy of such documents is useful for audit of books.
- COPY OF CONTRACTS
The auditor can collect a copy of contracts made by managements for purchase and sale of goods and other assets: The checking of such contract is essential to note the terms and conditions.
- ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
The auditor can note the system of accounting. The books, personnel and devices can be applied to maintain a record. A good system of accounting can produce reliable results for audit.
- BUSINESS FINANCE
The auditor can record the details of capital and loans. The owners’ funds and borrowed funds are used to finance business activities.
- FIXED ASSETS
The auditor can record the book value of assets and up to date depreciation. The performance of assets can be determined by means of, assets turnover rate. The unproductive assets may be owned by the business.
- FINANCIAL RATIOS
The auditor can determine financial ratios for every year. These ratios are useful to determine business performance. The auditor can keep such papers in permanent files for the record.
- BANKING ARRANGEMENTS
The auditor can note the banking arrangements. The deposits into the bank and withdrawal from the bank must be under proper safety measures.
- PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
The auditor can seek professional advice in various business matters. The name, qualification, and address of the professional advisor may be noted in permanent files.
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