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When to determine the scope of the audit

Ssang7y ago
Hi sirs when I read the ACCA text book for F8 and P7, it said that audit planning activities should establishing the overall audit strategy for the engagement and developing an audit plan.Specifically, the audit strategy sets out in general terms how the audit is to be conducted and sets the scope, timing and direction of the audit. However, I think that the scope of the engagement has been determined when the engagement letter is completed. So I am confused about the exact time the scope of the engagement is determined. Is it completed in the engagement letter or it is set out in the audit strategy (in the planning stage)
JLjihun lee7y ago#1
hi i seem to have a problem uploading a question , so if possible i'll upload the question here. sorry tutor
KimKimTutor7y ago#2
Scope describes what falls within an audit. So the engagement letter will specify the extent of the auditor's remit - what is being audited (the financial statements), for what period ((year to ...) and the activities that, in broad terms, spell out that what they will do in achieving the audit objective cannot be limited (i.e. access to books, making inquiries, etc, etc). This is necessarily broad and generic for the purposes of establishing a contract. The overall audit strategy and more detailed audit plan will always be tailored to the specifics of each client. Here the scope (think extent) at an overall level would include for example, whether we visit/audit all or some branches/locations (or subsidiaries in a group scenario), whether we plan to rely on internal audit, whether we will need an expert, etc. These are all things which, before doing any audit tests/work, we can identify as having a bearing on the timing and direction of the audit. Timing and direction are inter-related - interim procedures are generally associated with a compliance approach (i.e. reliance on controls) - in the absence of which the approach may be wholly substantive.
Ssang7y ago#3
thanks you so much sir!
KimKimTutor7y ago#4
You are very welcome!
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