Topic: How is Enhanced Auditor Reporting being embraced in Australia?

Background and Context:

Since 2016, there has been a strong push to improve the quality of audit reporting. Listed entities now have to report on "key audit matters" and improve the way material information is communicated using "plain English". As mentioned in the CPA Australia podcast "How is Enhanced Auditor Reporting being Embraced around the Globe?" (available at CPA Australia website):

"The IAASB's new auditor reporting requirements commenced in December 2016. Standard setters in many jurisdictions, including Australia and New Zealand, have issued the new requirements with the same effective date, whilst others have committed to issue the standards but have not yet done so. The UK have had similar requirements in place since 2013 and some firms in other countries have early adopted the IAASB's requirements. Jim Sylph, Co- chairman of the IAASB's Auditor Reporting Implementation Working Group, and Merran Kelsall, IAASB member and AUASB Chairman spoke to CPA Australia about the uptake and impact of enhanced auditor reporting around the globe."

Research Assessment:

Download an annual report of an ASX listed company that is in the S&P/ASX 300 list. Review all the sections within the selected company's annual report, which relate to the Auditor's role in providing assurance over the entity's financial statements and control environment. Students will need to review and analyse the following key areas included in the company's Annual Report:
- Auditor's Independence Declaration
- Independent auditor's report
- Non-Audit services performed by the Auditor
- Auditors' remuneration
- Role, functions and composition of the Audit Committee
- Independent Auditors report to the members (shareholders)
- Review all Key Audit Matters noted and the associated audit procedures

Required:

Based on your analysis of the auditors' sections and other areas pertaining to the auditor, as included within the Annual Report, submit a report which summarises and evaluates the auditor's assurance services performed for the client company.
As part of your review of the assurance services provided, consider the following:

- Has the auditor complied with Independence requirements?
- If there were non-audit services provided, what was the nature of such services?
- Provide an analysis of the Auditor's remuneration in a table with prior year comparisons. Include percentage changes and explanations of the remuneration.
- In relation to the key audit matters, which audit procedures were performed to provide assurance over each matter? Summarise and paraphrase each key audit matter. Correctly classify each audit procedure listed as: tests of controls, substantive tests of detail, substantive test of balances or analytical procedures.
- Is there an Audit committee? Are there any non-executive directors on the audit committee? Is there an Audit Committee Charter? If so, summarise the main points of the charter including: the structure, function and responsibilities of the Audit Committee.
- What type of Audit Opinion was expressed?
- How do the Directors' and Management's responsibilities differ from the Auditor's responsibilities in relation to the financial report?
- Were there any material subsequent events? If so, briefly outline them and paraphrase and summarise how they were treated.
- As an interested third party stakeholder, make an assessment of the effectiveness of the material information reported by the Auditor in your conclusion.
- Consider whether there is any material information which could be missing, under-reported and/or not fully explained or disclosed in an effective way for the intended users?

- What follow-up questions would you ask the Auditor at the company's Annual General Meeting?

Report Structure:

1. Executive Summary

- The Executive summary should be concise and not involve too much detail.
- It should make commentary on the main points only and follow the sequence of the report.
- Write the Executive Summary after the report is completed, and once you have an overview of the whole text.
- The Executive Summary appears on the first page of the report.

2. Contents Page - This needs to show a logical listing of all the sub-headings of the report's contents.

3. Introduction - A short paragraph which includes background, scope and the main points raised in order of importance. There should be a brief conclusion statement at the end of the Introduction.

4. Main Body Paragraphs with numbered sub-headings - Detailed information which elaborates on the main points raised in the Introduction. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, then supporting sentences with facts and evidence obtained from research and finish with a concluding sentence at the end.

5. Conclusion - A logical and coherent evaluation based on a thorough and an objective assessment of the facts. Key information has been appraised from an analysis of the company's annual report and supplementary research to support the final evaluation of the Auditor's findings in the Annual report.

6. Appendices - Include any additional explanatory information which is supplementary and/ or graphical to help communicate the main ideas made in the report. Refer to the appendices in the main body paragraphs, as and where appropriate.