7 Significant Amendments to Standards on Auditing 2

8/3/2019 7 Significant Amendments to Standards on Auditing 2

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Significant Amendments to Standards on Auditing

Shree Guru Kripas Institute of Management

9 www.shrigurukripa.com

SA 540 Accounting Estimates

1 Define the following: (a) Management bias (b) Managements point estimate (c) Outcome of an accounting estimate.

Management bias A lack of neutrality by Management in the preparation and presentation of information.

Managements PointEstimate

The amount selected by Management for recognition or disclosure in the FinancialStatements as an Accounting Estimate.

Outcome of anaccounting estimate The actual Monetary Amount which results from the resolution of the underlyingtransaction(s), event(s) or condition(s) addressed by the accounting estimate.

2 Bring out the Auditors duties in relation to Managements Accounting Estimates.

The following are the duties of an Auditor in relation to audit of an Accounting Estimate:1. Compliance Procedures

(a) Risk Assessment Procedures(b) Responses to assessed risk of Material Misstatements

2. Substantive Procedures (on Estimation Uncertainity)3. Verifying the possibility of Management Bias4. Audit Documentation5. Disclosure in Financial Statements.3 Bring out the Risk Assessment Procedures that an Auditor could do in relation to Accounting Estimates.

The Auditor shall understand the following for the identification and assessment of the risks of material misstatement forAccounting Estimates:

1. Financial Reporting Framework: In some cases, the Financial Reporting Framework (Accounting Standards, etc)prescribes certain methods for measurement of Accounting Estimates. The Auditor must obtain an understanding ofsuch applicable Financial Reporting Framework, including related disclosures. This helps the Auditor in determiningwhether it:(a) Prescribes certain conditions for the recognition, or methods for the measurement, of accounting estimates.(b) Specifies certain conditions that permit or require measurement at a fair value, for example, by referring to

Managements intentions to carry out certain courses of action with respect to an Asset or Liability.(c) Specifies required or permitted disclosures.

2. Need for an Estimate: The Auditor must understand on how the Management identifies those transactions, eventsand conditions that may give rise to the need for accounting estimates to be recognized or disclosed in the FinancialStatements. This is primarily done through inquiries with the Management.

3. Need for a Change in Estimate: The Auditor shall make inquiries of Management about changes in circumstancesthat may give rise to new estimates or the need to revise existing estimates. The Auditor shall enquire whether:(a) The Entity has engaged in new types of transactions that may give rise to Accounting Estimates.(b) Terms of transactions that gave rise to Accounting Estimates have changed.(c) Accounting policies relating to Accounting Estimates have changed, as a result of changes to the requirements of

the applicable Financial Reporting Framework or otherwise.(d) Regulatory or other changes outside the control of Management have occurred that may require Management to

revise, or make new, accounting estimates.(e) New conditions or events have occurred that may give rise to the need for new or revised accounting estimates.

4. Method of Estimation: The Auditor must understand on how Management makes the accounting estimates. (SeeSeparate Question Below)

3 Bring out the ways in which an Auditor could understand the Method of making Managements Accounting Estimates.

1. Management is responsible for establishing Financial Reporting processes for making Accounting Estimates, includingadequate internal control. Such processes include the following:(a) Selecting appropriate Accounting Policies and prescribing Estimation Processes, including appropriate Estimation

or Valuation Methods, including, where applicable, Models.(b) Developing or identifying relevant data and assumptions that affect Accounting Estimates.(c) Periodically reviewing the circumstances that give rise to the Accounting Estimates and re-estimating the

Accounting Estimates as necessary.


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2. The following matters are relevant for the Auditor in this regard:(a) Accounts Involved: The types of accounts or transactions to which the accounting estimates relate (for example,

whether the Accounting Estimates arise from the recording of routine and recurring transactions or whether theyarise from non-recurring or unusual transactions).

(b) Measurement Techniques: Whether and, if so, how Management has used recognized Measurement Techniquesfor making particular Accounting Estimates.

(c) Effect of Subsequent Events: Whether the accounting estimates were made based on data available at aninterim date and, if so, whether and how Management has taken into account the effect of events, transactions

and changes in circumstances occurring between that date and the period end.3. The Auditor shall obtain an understanding on the following:

(a) The Method (including the Model) used in making the Accounting Estimate;(b) Relevant Controls(c) Whether Management has used an Expert for making an Estimate.(d) Whether there has been a change from the Prior Period in the methods for making the Accounting Estimates, & if so, why(e) The Assumptions underlying the Accounting Estimates (See separate question below)(f) How Management has assessed the effect of Estimation Uncertainty. (See separate question below)

4. Method of Measurement - Including the Use of Models:(a) In some cases, the applicable Financial Reporting Framework may prescribe the method of measurement for an

accounting estimate, for example, a particular Model that is to be used in measuring a Fair Value Estimate.(b) In many cases, however, the applicable Financial Reporting Framework does not prescribe the method of

measurement, or may specify alternative methods for measurement. When the applicable Financial Reporting

Framework does not prescribe a particular method to be used in the circumstances, the Auditor shall consider thefollowing: How Management selects a particular method considering the nature of the Asset or Liability being estimated. Whether the Entity operates in a particular business, industry or environment in which there are methods

commonly used to make the particular type of Accounting Estimate.

5. Relevant Controls: The Auditor shall consider the experience and competence of those who make the accountingestimates. Further verification of controls in this regard, include:(a) Consistency in Data: How Management determines the completeness, relevance & accuracy of the data used to

develop accounting estimates.(b) Approval of Estimate: The review and approval of Accounting Estimates (including the assumptions or inputs

used in their development) by appropriate levels of Management.(c) Segregation of Duties: The segregation of duties between those committing the Entity to the underlying

transactions and those responsible for making the Accounting Estimates, including whether the assignment ofresponsibilities appropriately takes account of the nature of the Entity and its products or services (for example, in

the case of a large Financial Institution, Loans will be sanctioned by the Higher level management. Further theremuneration of such people is determined based on the target loan that they achieve on an yearly basis. Howeverfor estimation and validation of realisability (Fair Value) of Loans an independent function will be made responsible(whose remuneration is not tied up with the Loan sanctioned)).

4 How does an Auditor responds to Assessed risk of misstatements in relation to Accounting Estimates.

1. Review of Prior Period Information: The Auditor shall review the outcome of Accounting Estimates included in the priorperiod Financial Statements, or, where applicable, their subsequent re-estimation for the purpose of the current period. Thenature and extent of the Auditors review takes account of the nature of the Accounting Estimates, and whether theinformation obtained from the review would be relevant to identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement of

Accounting Estimates made in the current period Financial Statements. However, the review is not intended to call intoquestion the judgments made in the prior periods that were based on information available at that time.

2. Testing how Management made the Accounting Estimate may involve, for example:(a) Testing the extent to which data on which the Accounting Estimate is based is accurate, complete and relevant,and whether the Accounting Estimate has been properly determined using such data and management

assumptions.(b) Considering the source, relevance and reliability of external data or information, including that received from

external experts engaged by Management to assist in making an Accounting Estimate.(c) Re-calculating the Accounting Estimate, and reviewing information about an Accounting Estimate for internal

consistency.(d) Considering Managements review and approval processes.

3. Developing a Point Estimate / Range Estimate: Point Estimate is the amount, or range of amounts, derived fromaudit evidence for use in evaluating Managements Point Estimate.Developing a Point Estimate or a Range to evaluateManagements Point Estimate may be an appropriate response when:


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(a) An Accounting Estimate is not derived from the routine processing of data by the accounting system.(b) The Auditors review of similar Accounting Estimates made in the prior period Financial Statements suggests that

Managements current period process is unlikely to be effective.(c) The Entitys controls within and over Managements processes for determining Accounting Estimates are not well

designed or properly implemented.(d) Events or transactions between the period end and the date of the Auditors report contradict Managements Point

Estimate.(e) There are alternative sources of relevant data available to the Auditor which can be used in making a Point

Estimate or a Range.4. The Auditor may develop a Point Estimate or a range in a number of ways, for example, by:

(a) Using a Model, for example, one that is commercially available for use in a particular sector or industry, or aproprietary or Auditor-developed model.

(b) Further developing Managements consideration of alternative assumptions or outcomes, for example, byintroducing a different set of assumptions.

(c) Employing or engaging a person with specialised expertise to develop or execute the model, or to provide relevantassumptions.

(d) Making reference to other comparable conditions, transactions or events, or, where relevant, markets forcomparable Assets or Liabilities.

5 Mention the duties of an Auditor in relation to Managements Assumptions.

1. Assumptions are integral components of Accounting Estimates. Assumptions may be made or identified by an Expert toassist Management in making the Accounting Estimates. Such assumptions, when used by Management, becomeManagements Assumptions. In some cases, assumptions may be referred to as inputs, for example, whereManagement uses a Model to make an Accounting Estimate, though the term inputs may also be used to refer to theunderlying data to which specific assumptions are applied.

2. Nature of Assumptions: Management may support assumptions with different types of information drawn frominternal and external sources, the relevance and reliability of which will vary. In some cases, an Assumption may bereliably based on applicable information from either external sources (for example, published interest rate or otherstatistical data) or internal sources (for example, historical information or previous conditions experienced by theEntity). In other cases, an assumption may be more subjective, for example, where the Entity has no experience orexternal sources from which to draw.

3. Audit Considerations: The auditor shall consider the following in obtaining an understanding of the assumptionsunderlying the accounting estimates:(a) The nature of the assumptions, including which of the assumptions are likely to be significant assumptions.(b) How Management assesses whether the assumptions are relevant and complete (that is, that all relevant variables

have been taken into account).(c) Whether the assumptions are internally consistent.(d) Whether the assumptions relate to matters within the control of Management (for example, assumptions about

the maintenance programs that may affect the estimation of an assets useful life), and how they conform to theEntitys business plans and the external environment, or to matters that are outside its control (for example,assumptions about interest rates, mortality rates, potential judicial or regulatory actions, or the variability and thetiming of future cash flows).

(e) The nature and extent ofdocumentation, if any, supporting the assumptions.4. Auditors Assessment: The Auditor himself can verify the reasonableness of the Assumptions used by the

Management. In this regard, he can peform the following:(a) Whether individual assumptions appear reasonable.(b) Whether the assumptions are interdependent and internally consistent.(c) Whether the assumptions appear reasonable when considered collectively or in conjunction with other assumptions,

either for that accounting estimate or for other accounting estimates.(d) In the case of fair value accounting estimates, whether the assumptions appropriately reflect observable

marketplace assumptions.

5. Testing the Consistency of Assumptions: The Auditor may perform audit procedures to evaluate thereasonableness of such assumptions by considering, for example, whether the assumptions are consistent with:(a) The general economic environment and the Entitys economic circumstances.(b) The plans of the Entity.(c) Assumptions made in prior periods, if relevant.(d) Experience of, or previous conditions experienced by, the Entity, to the extent this historical information may be

considered representative of future conditions or events.(e) Other assumptions used by Management relating to the Financial Statements.


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6. Managements Enquiry: The reasonableness of the assumptions used may depend on Managements intent andability to carry out certain courses of action. Management often documents plans and intentions relevant to specific

Assets or Liabilities and the Financial Reporting Framework may require it to do so. Although the extent of auditevidence to be obtained about Managements intent and ability is a matter of professional judgment, the Auditorsprocedures may include the following:(a) Review of Managements history of carrying out its stated intentions.(b) Review of written plans and other documentation, including, where applicable, formally approved budgets,

authorisations or minutes.

(c) Inquiry of Management about its reasons for a particular course of action.(d) Review of events occurring subsequent to the date of the Financial Statements & up to the date of the Auditors report.(e) Evaluation of the Entitys ability to carry out a particular course of action given the Entitys economic

circumstances, including the implications of its existing commitments.

6 What is Estimation Uncertainty? Bring out the nature and Auditors duties in this regard.

1. Estimation Uncertainity: The susceptibility of an Accounting Estimate and related disclosures to an inherent lack ofprecision in its measurement. i.e, the possibility that an estimate could be incorrect.

2. Factors Influencing Estimation Uncertainity: The degree of Estimation Uncertainty associated with an AccountingEstimate may be influenced by factors such as:(a) The extent to which the Accounting Estimate depends on judgment.(b) The sensitivity of the Accounting Estimate to changes in assumptions.(c) The existence of recognised measurement techniques that may mitigate the Estimation Uncertainty (though the

subjectivity of the assumptions used as inputs may nevertheless give rise to Estimation Uncertainty).(d) The length of the forecast period, and the relevance of data drawn from past events to forecast future events.(e) The availability of reliable data from external sources.(f) The extent to which the Accounting Estimate is based on observable or unobservable inputs.

3. Identifying and assessing the risk of misstatement: Examples of Accounting Estimates that may have highEstimation Uncertainty include the following:(a) Accounting Estimates that are highly dependent upon judgment, for example, judgments about the outcome of pending

litigation or the amount and timing of future cash flows dependent on uncertain events many years in the future.(b)Accounting Estimates that are not calculated using recognized measurement techniques.(c) Accounting Estimates where the results of the Auditors review of similar Accounting Estimates made in the prior

period Financial Statements indicate a substantial difference between the original Accounting Estimate and theactual outcome.

(d) Fair Value Accounting Estimates for which a highly specialised Entity developed model is used or for which thereare no observable inputs.

4. Managements Assessment: The Auditor must evaluate whether the Management has assessed the possibility ofEstimation Uncertainity and its due effects. In this regard, the Auditor shall consider the following:(a) Whether the Management has considered alternative assumptions or outcomes by, for example, performing a

sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of changes in the assumptions on an Accounting Estimate.(b) How Management determines the Accounting Estimate when analysis indicates a number of outcome scenarios.(c) Whether Management monitors the outcome of Accounting Estimates made in the prior period, and whether

Management has appropriately responded to the outcome of that monitoring procedure

5. Substantive procedures: For Accounting Estimates the Auditor shall evaluate the following:(a) How Management has considered alternative assumptions or outcomes, and why it has rejected them, or how

Management has otherwise addressed Estimation Uncertainty in making the accounting estimate.(b) Whether the significant assumptions used by Management are reasonable.(c) Where the assumption is based on Managements future course of action, whether the Management is really

intented to carry out such specific courses of action and its ability to do so.

7 Bring out the duties of an Auditor in relation to verifying the (a) Managements bias in an estimate, (b) Disclosure aspectsof an estimate and (c) Audit documentation in an Accounting estimate.

1. Management bias: Examples of indicators of possible Management bias with respect to Accounting Estimates include:(a) Changes in an Accounting Estimate, or the method for making it, where Management has made a subjective

assessment that there has been a change in circumstances.(b) Use of an Entitys own assumptions for Fair Value Accounting Estimates when they are inconsistent with observable

marketplace assumptions.(c) Selection or construction of significant assumptions that yield a point estimate favourable for Management objectives.(d) Selection of a Point Estimate that may indicate a pattern of optimism or pessimism.


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2. Disclosure: The presentation of Financial Statements includes adequate disclosure of material matters. This includes detailspertaining to Accounting Estimates such as assumptions used, method of estimation, effect of any changes to method fromprior period, sources of Estimation Uncertainity and any other Qualitative & Quantitative disclosures. The Auditor shall ensurewhether the disclosures made in the Financial Statements are as per the Financial Reporting Framework.

3. Audit Documentation: The Auditor shall obtain written representation from Management whether Managementbelieves significant assumptions used by it in making Accounting estimates are reasonable (for example,appropriateness of Managements process, assumptions, disclosures, effect of subsequent events, etc). Further he shallalso document the basis for Auditors conclusions about the reasonableness of the estimates.

8 Discuss the Auditors duties in relation to Fair Value Estimates.

1. FV Estimates: Where the Management makes an estimate on the Fair Value of Assets / Liabilities, the same is calledFair Value Estimates.

2. Assumptions: In the case of Fair Value Accounting Estimates, the basic assumption is, what knowledgeable, willingarms length parties (sometimes referred to as marketplace participants or equivalent) would use in determining Fair

Value when exchanging an Asset or settling a Liability. Specific Assumptions will also vary with the characteristics ofthe Asset or Liability being valued, the valuation method used (for example, a market approach, or an incomeapproach) and the requirements of the applicable Financial Reporting Framework.

3. Types of Inputs /Assumptions: With respect to Fair Value Accounting Estimates, assumptions or inputs vary interms of their source and bases, as follows:(a) Market Data: Those that reflect what marketplace participants would use in pricing an Asset or Liability

developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting Entity (sometimes referred toas observable inputs or equivalent).(b) Entitys Estimate: Those that reflect the Entitys own judgments about what assumptions marketplace

participants would use in pricing the Asset or Liability developed based on the best information available in thecircumstances (sometimes referred to as unobservable inputs or equivalent).

4. Verifying Fair Value Estimates: Where the Management makes any estimate on the Fair Value of the Assets /Liabilities, the Auditors consideration, in addition to those discussed above where applicable, may include the following,for example:(a) How Management has incorporated market specific inputs into the development of assumptions.(b) Whether the assumptions are consistent with observable market conditions, and the characteristics of the Asset or

Liability being measured at fair value.(c) Whether the sources of market-participant assumptions are relevant and reliable, and how Management has

selected the assumptions to use when a number of different market participant assumptions exist.(d) Where appropriate, whether and, if so, how Management considered assumptions used in, or information about,

comparable transactions, Assets or Liabilities.5. Where the assumption or input is observable, the possibility of Estimation Uncertainity is less. Hence the risk of material

misstatement of that accounting estimate is also less. Similarly where the assumption or input is unobservable, then thepossibility of Estimation Uncertainity is more resulting in higher risk of material misstatement.

6. Unobservable Inputs on Fair Value Estimates: The Fair Value Accounting Estimates, made by the Management,may comprise observable inputs as well as unobservable inputs. Where Fair Value Accounting Estimates are based onunobservable inputs, matters that the Auditor may consider include the following:(a) The identification of the characteristics of marketplace participants relevant to the accounting estimate.(b) Modifications it has made to its own assumptions to reflect its view of assumptions marketplace participants would use.(c) Whether it has incorporated the best information available in the circumstances.(d) Where applicable, how its assumptions take account of comparable transactions, Assets or Liabilities.If there are unobservable inputs, it is more likely that the Auditors evaluation of the assumptions will need to be

combined with other responses to assessed risks in order to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence. In such cases,it may be necessary for the Auditor to perform other audit procedures, for example, examining documentationsupporting the review and approval of the Accounting Estimate by appropriate levels of Management and, whereappropriate, by those charged with Governance.


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7 Significant Amendments to Standards on Auditing 2