AICPA CPA-Auditing Exam Questions

Choice 'a' is correct. It is appropriate for the representation letter to contain a statement regarding subsequent events.

Choice 'b' is incorrect. The representation letter typically includes information in four categories: financial statements; completeness; recognition, measurement, and disclosure; and subsequent events.

The communication of significant deficiencies in internal control does not fall within these categories.

Choice 'c' is incorrect. The representation letter typically includes information in four categories: financial statements; completeness; recognition, measurement, and disclosure; and subsequent events.

A waiver of attorney-client privilege does not fall within these categories.

Choice 'd' is incorrect. While this may be an accurate statement, it is not something that would be included in the management representation letter. The representation letter typically includes information in four categories: financial statements; completeness; recognition, measurement, and disclosure; and subsequent events.

Choice 'b' is correct. A stratified sample generally is more efficient than an unstratified sample since the population is classified in a manner that emphasizes the higher dollar value items. The result is an estimate having a desired level of precision with a smaller sample size.

Choice 'a' is incorrect. Both stratified and unstratified MPU may be used for populations where many monetary errors are expected to occur.

Choice 'c' is incorrect. Stratified sampling reduces the variability among items in a stratum.

Choice 'd' is incorrect. Standard deviations measure variability, and stratification would tend to reduce the strata standard deviations as compared to the overall standard deviation of the population.

Choice 'b' is correct. Any report issued on significant deficiencies should indicate that providing assurance on internal control was not the purpose of the audit.

Choice 'a' is incorrect. The auditor should communicate significant deficiencies to management and those charged with governance, but is not required to request a meeting with management one level above the source of the reportable conditions, to discuss suggestions for remedial action.

Choice 'c' is incorrect. Significant deficiencies discovered and communicated at an interim date do not need to be reexamined with tests of controls before completing the engagement.

Choice 'd' is incorrect. Suggestions concerning administration efficiencies and business strategies may be communicated in the same report with significant deficiencies (the significant deficiencies must be separately identified, however).

Choice 'd' is correct. When obtaining an understanding of an entity's internal control in a financial statement audit, an auditor is not obligated to search for significant deficiencies in the operation of internal control.

Choice 'a' is incorrect. In order to determine the nature, timing and extent of tests to be performed, an auditor must determine whether the control activities have been implemented.

Choice 'b' is incorrect. An auditor is required to perform procedures to confirm his/her understanding of the internal control systems' design, and to determine whether relevant controls have been implemented.

Choice 'c' is incorrect. An auditor is required to document his or her understanding of the entity's internal control components, even if he or she intends to use a substantive approach.

Choice 'a' is correct. The auditor's report on compliance and on internal control over financial recording (based on an audit) must include the scope of testing of compliance and internal control.

Choice 'b' is incorrect. Material indications of illegal acts are not only reported to the members of the governing body of the audited entity and their senior staff officials but, in some circumstances, auditors should report illegal acts directly to external parties (such as the grantor agency).

Choice 'c' is incorrect. Although GAO standards require that the auditor communicate information regarding the nature, timing and extent of planned testing to officials of the audited entity and to individuals contracting for the audit, reporting of all changes is not required. (For example, immaterial changes to the audit program need not be reported.)

Choice 'd' is incorrect. Certain privileged or confidential information may be prohibited from general disclosure and should not be included in the audit report. The report should, however, disclose the nature of the information omitted and the requirement that makes an opinion necessary.