Several sources of GAAP consulted by an auditor are in conflict as to the application of an accounting principle. Which of the following should the auditor consider the most authoritative?
Choice 'a' is correct. In accordance with the GAAP hierarchy, FASB Technical Bulletins are considered the most authoritative of the sources listed in the question.
Choice 'b' is incorrect. Of the sources listed, AICPA Accounting Interpretations would be considered the second most authoritative.
Choice 'c' is incorrect. FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Concepts are among the least authoritative sources of GAAP available to auditors.
Choice 'd' is incorrect. AICPA Technical Practice Aids are among the least authoritative sources of GAAP available to auditors.
For an entity's financial statements to be presented fairly in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the principles selected should:
Choice 'c' is correct. Financial statements are presented fairly in conformity with GAAP when there are no material misstatements included therein. The fact that there may occasionally be immaterial misstatements means that the financial statements are correct 'within a range of acceptable limits.'
Choice 'a' is incorrect. Accounting principles may change from year to year. As long as such changes are properly accounted for, the financial statements are still in conformity with GAAP.
Choice 'b' is incorrect. The AICPA and the FASB determine GAAP, not the Auditing Standards Board.
Choice 'd' is incorrect. There is no requirement that an entity's financial statements be prepared in accordance with prevalent industry practices in order to be in conformity with GAAP.
Which of the following statements is correct concerning an auditor's responsibilities regarding financial statements?
Choice 'c' is correct. An auditor's responsibility is to express an opinion on financial statements based on an audit.
Choice 'a' is incorrect. An auditor may draft an entity's financial statements based on information from management's financial system. This would be referred to as a compilation engagement.
Choice 'b' is incorrect. The adoption of sound accounting policies is an implicit part of management's responsibilities, not the auditor's responsibilities.
Choice 'd' is incorrect. An auditor often makes suggestions that are adopted about an entity's internal control environment.
Professional Standards
Which of the following provides the most authoritative guidance for an auditor?
Choice 'c' is correct. General guidance provided by a Statement on Auditing Standards is the most authoritative of level of auditing guidance. Auditors are required to comply with SASs, and should be prepared to justify any departures therefrom.
Choices 'a' and 'd' are incorrect. AICPA audit and accounting guides and SAS interpretations are interpretive publications that provide guidance regarding how SASs should be applied in specific situations. They are not as authoritative as SASs.
Choice 'b' is incorrect. Journal of Accountancy articles have no authoritative status but may be helpful to the auditor.
Which of the following accurately depicts the auditor's responsibility with respect to Statements on Auditing Standards?
Choice 'd' is correct. The auditor is generally required to follow the guidance provided by the Standards, and should be able to justify any departures.
Choice 'a' is incorrect. On rare occasions, the auditor may depart from the guidance provided by the SASs, but he or she must justify such departures.
Choice 'b' is incorrect. Lack of familiarity with a SAS is not a valid reason for departing from its guidance.
The auditor is expected to have sufficient knowledge of the SASs to identify those that are applicable to a given audit engagement.
Choice 'c' is incorrect. The cost associated with following the guidance provided by a SAS is not an acceptable reason for departing from its guidance.
