Assignment Question(s): (Marks 15)
Q1 When an auditor sets control risk low, sufficient evidence can be obtained for most payroll accounts through an understanding of internal controls, substantive analytical procedures, and tests of details of transactions. However, there are several accounts in the payroll cycle that may require more attention.
Required: Name these accounts and explain why additional testing is necessary. (2 Marks).
Q2. For each of the following tests, identify the assertion to which the test applies. (3 Marks; 0.5 each)
1) Trace a sample of payroll checks to the master employee list to verify occurrence.
2) Recalculate the mathematical accuracy of a sample of payroll checks.
3) Test a sample of bank reconciliations for the payroll bank account.
4) Estimate sales commissions by applying commission formulas to recorded sales totals.
5) Compare amounts accrued to supporting documentation, such as payroll tax returns.
6) Compare payroll costs as a percentage of sales to industry data.
Q3. You are auditing AMRT company, and the end of the accounting period is December 31st. On December 23rd, the employee responsible for processing reports and recording the receipt of inventory became very ill and was out of the office for a week. Due to the company’s small staff and the holiday season, a number of the receiving reports were not processed on a timely basis. As an auditor, which assertions would you place of high importance for this entity, and how would you test for them? (3 Marks).
Q4. Describe the inherent risk factors that can affect the audit of property, plant, and equipment. (2 Marks).
Q5. Gerrard Smith, senior-in-charge, is auditing Mndooz, Inc.’s long-term debt for the year ended December 31. Long-term debt is composed of two bond issues, which are due in 10 and 15 years, respectively. The debt is held by two insurance companies. Gerrard has examined the bond agreements for each issue. The agreements provide that if Mndooz fails to comply with the covenants of the contract, the debt becomes payable immediately. Gerrard identified the following covenants when reviewing the bond agreements:
“The debtor company shall endeavor to maintain a working capital ratio of 2 to 1 at all times, and in any fiscal year following a failure to maintain the said ratio, the company shall restrict compensation of officers to a total of $650,000. Officers include the chairperson of the board and the president.”
“The debtor company shall keep all property that is security for these debt agreements insured against loss by fire to the extent of 100 percent of its actual value. Policies of insurance comprising this protection shall be filed with the trustee.”
“The company is required to restrict 40 percent of retained earnings from availability for paying dividends.”
“A sinking fund shall be established with the First Bank, and semiannual payments of $500,000 shall be deposited in the fund. The bank may, at its discretion, purchase bonds from either issue.”
Required: (5 Marks)
a. Provide any audit steps that Gerrard should conduct to determine whether the company complies with the bond indentures or not.
b. List any reporting requirements that the company’s financial statements or footnotes should include.
