ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised)

Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor's Report

Mandatory Date:

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Statement of Authority

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING (NEW ZEALAND) 705 (REVISED)

Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report (ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised))

This Standard was issued on 1 October 2015 by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board of the External Reporting Board pursuant to section 12(b) of the Financial Reporting Act 2013.

This Standard is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012, and pursuant to section 27(1) of the Financial Reporting Act 2013 takes effect on 28 October 2015.

An auditor that is required to apply this Standard is required to apply it for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016. However, early adoption is permitted.

In finalising this Standard, the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board has carried out appropriate consultation in accordance with section 22(1) of the Financial Reporting Act 2013.

This Standard has been issued as a result of International Standard on Auditing 705 being revised. This Standard, when applied, supersedes International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) 705, Modifications to the opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report.

This compilation was prepared in June 2023 and incorporates amendments up to and including May 2023.

Copyright

This XRB standard contains copyright material and reproduces, with the permission of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), parts of the corresponding international standards issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (“IAASB”), and published by IFAC. Reproduction within New Zealand in unaltered form (retaining this notice) is permitted for personal and non-commercial use subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the source.

Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights for commercial purposes within New Zealand should be addressed to the Chief Executive, External Reporting Board at the following email address: enquiries@xrb.govt.nz

All existing rights (including copyrights) in this material outside of New Zealand are reserved by IFAC, with the exception of the right to reproduce for the purposes of personal use or other fair dealing. Further information can be obtained from IFAC at www.ifac.org or by writing to permissions@ifac.org

ISBN 978-1-927292-85-3

How to Read this Standard

International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISA (NZ)) 705 (Revised), Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report, should be read in conjunction with ISA (NZ) 200, Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand).

Table of pronouncements – ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised) Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report

This table lists the pronouncements establishing and amending ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised).

Pronouncements	Date approved	Effective date
International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) 705 (Revised)	September 2015	Effective for audits of historical financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016.
Conforming Amendments to Auditing and Assurance Standards as a result of the revised Professional and Ethical Standard 1	June 2020	Effective on 15 July 2020.
Conforming and Consequential Amendments to ISAs (NZ) and Other Pronouncements arising from ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised).	June 2022	Effective for audits of group financial statements for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2023.
Amendments to Auditing and Review Engagement Standards as a Result of the Revisions to Financial Reporting Standards	May 2023	Mandatory date of 1 January 2023.

Table of Amended Paragraphs in ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised)

Paragraph affected	How affected	By…[date]
Appendix	Amended	Conforming Amendments to Auditing and Assurance Standards as a result of the revised Professional and Ethical Standard 1 [June 2020]
A10, Footnote 1, Appendix [NZ] Illustration 1, 2, 3, 4, 5	Amended	Conforming and Consequential Amendments to ISAs (NZ) and Other Pronouncements arising from ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised) [June 2022]
Illustrative reports	Amended	Amendments to Auditing and Review Engagement Standards as a Result of the Revisions to Financial Reporting Standards [May 2023]

Scope of this ISA (NZ)

1. This International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISA (NZ)) deals with the auditor’s responsibility to issue an appropriate report in circumstances when, in forming an opinion in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised),¹ the auditor concludes that a modification to the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements is necessary. This ISA (NZ) also deals with how the form and content of the auditor’s report is affected when the auditor expresses a modified opinion. In all cases, the reporting requirements in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) apply, and are not repeated in this ISA (NZ) unless they are explicitly addressed or amended by the requirements of this ISA (NZ).

Types of Modified Opinions

2. This ISA (NZ) establishes three types of modified opinions, namely, a qualified opinion, an adverse opinion, and a disclaimer of opinion. The decision regarding which type of modified opinion is appropriate depends upon:

The nature of the matter giving rise to the modification, that is, whether the financial statements are materially misstated or, in the case of an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, may be materially misstated; and
The auditor’s judgement about the pervasiveness of the effects or possible effects of the matter on the financial statements. (Ref: Para. A1)

Effective Date

3. This ISA (NZ) is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016.

NZ3.1 This ISA (NZ) supersedes ISA (NZ) 705, Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report.

1ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements

4. The objective of the auditor is to express clearly an appropriately modified opinion on the financial statements that is necessary when:

The auditor concludes, based on the audit evidence obtained, that the financial statements as a whole are not free from material misstatement; or
The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to conclude that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement.

5. For purposes of the ISAs (NZ), the following terms have the meanings attributed below:

Pervasive – A term used, in the context of misstatements, to describe the effects on the financial statements of misstatements or the possible effects on the financial statements of misstatements, if any, that are undetected due to an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence. Pervasive effects on the financial statements are those that, in the auditor’s judgement:
1. Are not confined to specific elements, accounts or items of the financial statements;
2. If so confined, represent or could represent a substantial proportion of the financial statements; or
3. In relation to disclosures, are fundamental to users’ understanding of the financial statements.
Modified opinion – A qualified opinion, an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements.

Circumstances When a Modification to the Auditor’s Opinion Is Required

6. The auditor shall modify the opinion in the auditor’s report when:

The auditor concludes that, based on the audit evidence obtained, the financial statements as a whole are not free from material misstatement; or (Ref: Para. A2– A7)
The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to conclude that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. (Ref: Para. A8–A12)

Determining the Type of Modification to the Auditor’s Opinion

Qualified Opinion

7. The auditor shall express a qualified opinion when:

The auditor, having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence, concludes that misstatements, individually or in the aggregate, are material, but not pervasive, to the financial statements; or
The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion, but the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be material but not pervasive.

Adverse Opinion

8. The auditor shall express an adverse opinion when the auditor, having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence, concludes that misstatements, individually or in the aggregate, are both material and pervasive to the financial statements.

Disclaimer of Opinion

9. The auditor shall disclaim an opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion, and the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be both material and pervasive.

10. The auditor shall disclaim an opinion when, in extremely rare circumstances involving multiple uncertainties, the auditor concludes that, notwithstanding having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding each of the individual uncertainties, it is not possible to form an opinion on the financial statements due to the potential interaction of the uncertainties and their possible cumulative effect on the financial statements.

Consequence of an Inability to Obtain Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence Due to a Management-Imposed Limitation after the Auditor Has Accepted the Engagement

11. If, after accepting the engagement, the auditor becomes aware that management has imposed a limitation on the scope of the audit that the auditor considers likely to result in the need to express a qualified opinion or to disclaim an opinion on the financial statements, the auditor shall request that management remove the limitation.

12. If management refuses to remove the limitation referred to in paragraph 11 of this ISA (NZ), the auditor shall communicate the matter to those charged with governance, unless all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the entity,² and determine whether it is possible to perform alternative procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence.

13. If the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the auditor shall determine the implications as follows:

If the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be material but not pervasive, the auditor shall qualify the opinion; or
If the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be both material and pervasive so that a qualification of the opinion would be inadequate to communicate the gravity of the situation, the auditor shall:
1. Withdraw from the audit, where practicable and possible under applicable law or regulation; or (Ref: Para. A13)
2. If withdrawal from the audit before issuing the auditor’s report is not practicable or possible, disclaim an opinion on the financial statements. (Ref. Para. A14)

14. If the auditor withdraws as contemplated by paragraph 13(b)(i), before withdrawing, the auditor shall communicate to those charged with governance any matters regarding misstatements identified during the audit that would have given rise to a modification of the opinion. (Ref: Para. A15)

Other Considerations Relating to an Adverse Opinion or Disclaimer of Opinion

15. When the auditor considers it necessary to express an adverse opinion or disclaim an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, the auditor’s report shall not also include an unmodified opinion with respect to the same financial reporting framework on a single financial statement or one or more specific elements, accounts or items of a financial statement. To include such an unmodified opinion in the same report³ in these circumstances would contradict the auditor’s adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements as a whole. (Ref: Para. A16)

Form and Content of the Auditor’s Report When the Opinion Is Modified

Auditor’s Opinion

16. When the auditor modifies the audit opinion, the auditor shall use the heading “Qualified Opinion,” “Adverse Opinion,” or “Disclaimer of Opinion,” as appropriate, for the Opinion section. (Ref: Para. A17–A19)

Qualified Opinion

17. When the auditor expresses a qualified opinion due to a material misstatement in the financial statements, the auditor shall state that, in the auditor’s opinion, except for the effects of the matter(s) described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section:

When reporting in accordance with a fair presentation framework, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects (or give a true and fair view of) […] in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework]; or
When reporting in accordance with a compliance framework, the accompanying financial statements have been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework].

When the modification arises from an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the auditor shall use the corresponding phrase “except for the possible effects of the matter(s) ...” for the modified opinion. (Ref: Para. A20)

Adverse Opinion

18. When the auditor expresses an adverse opinion, the auditor shall state that, in the auditor’s opinion, because of the significance of the matter(s) described in the Basis for Adverse Opinion section:

When reporting in accordance with a fair presentation framework, the accompanying financial statements do not present fairly (or give a true and fair view of) […] in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework]; or
When reporting in accordance with a compliance framework, the accompanying financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework].

Disclaimer of Opinion

19. When the auditor disclaims an opinion due to an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the auditor shall:

State that the auditor does not express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements;
State that, because of the significance of the matter(s) described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section, the auditor has not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements; and
Amend the statement required by paragraph 24(b) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), which indicates that the financial statements have been audited, to state that the auditor was engaged to audit the financial statements.

Basis for Opinion

20. When the auditor modifies the opinion on the financial statements, the auditor shall, in addition to the specific elements required by ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised): (Ref: Para. A21)

Amend the heading “Basis for Opinion” required by paragraph 28 of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) to “Basis for Qualified Opinion,” “Basis for Adverse Opinion,” or “Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion,” as appropriate; and
Within this section, include a description of the matter giving rise to the modification.

21. If there is a material misstatement of the financial statements that relates to specific amounts in the financial statements (including quantitative disclosures), the auditor shall include in the Basis for Opinion section a description and quantification of the financial effects of the misstatement, unless impracticable. If it is not practicable to quantify the financial effects, the auditor shall so state in this section. (Ref: Para. A22)

22. If there is a material misstatement of the financial statements that relates to qualitative disclosures, the auditor shall include in the Basis for Opinion section an explanation of how the disclosures are misstated.

23. If there is a material misstatement of the financial statements that relates to the non- disclosure of information required to be disclosed, the auditor shall:

Discuss the non-disclosure with those charged with governance;
Describe in the Basis for Opinion section the nature of the omitted information; and
Unless prohibited by law or regulation, include the omitted disclosures, provided it is practicable to do so and the auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the omitted information. (Ref: Para. A23)

24. If the modification results from an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the auditor shall include in the Basis for Opinion section the reasons for that inability.

25. When the auditor expresses a qualified or adverse opinion, the auditor shall amend the statement about whether the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for the auditor’s opinion required by paragraph 28(d) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) to include the word “qualified” or “adverse”, as appropriate.

26. When the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements, the auditor’s report shall not include the elements required by paragraphs 28(b) and 28(d) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised). Those elements are:

A reference to the section of the auditor’s report where the auditor’s responsibilities are described; and
A statement about whether the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for the auditor’s opinion.

27. Even if the auditor has expressed an adverse opinion or disclaimed an opinion on the financial statements, the auditor shall describe in the Basis for Opinion section the reasons for any other matters of which the auditor is aware that would have required a modification to the opinion, and the effects thereof. (Ref: Para. A24)

Description of Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements When the Auditor Disclaims an Opinion on the Financial Statements

28. When the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements due to an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, the auditor shall amend the description of the auditor’s responsibilities required by paragraphs 39–41 of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) to include only the following: (Ref: Para. A25)

A statement that the auditor’s responsibility is to conduct an audit of the entity’s financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) and to issue an auditor’s report;
A statement that, however, because of the matter(s) described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section, the auditor was not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on the financial statements; and
[Amended by the NZAuASB].

NZ28(c) The statement about auditor independence and other ethical responsibilities required by paragraph 28(c) and NZ28.1 of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).

Considerations When the Auditor Disclaims an Opinion on the Financial Statements

29. Unless required by law or regulation, when the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements, the auditor’s report shall not include a Key Audit Matters section in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701, or an Other Information section in accordance with ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised).^4,5(Ref: Para. A26)

Communication with Those Charged with Governance

30. When the auditor expects to modify the opinion in the auditor’s report, the auditor shall communicate with those charged with governance the circumstances that led to the expected modification and the wording of the modification. (Ref: Para. A27)

2ISA (NZ) 260 (Revised), Communication with Those Charged with Governance, paragraph 13

3 ISA (NZ) 805 (Revised), Special Considerations—Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts or Items of a Financial Statement, deals with circumstances where the auditor is engaged to express a separate opinion on one or more specific elements, accounts or items of a financial statement.

4 ISA (NZ) 701, Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor’s Report, paragraphs 11–13

5ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised), The Auditor’s Responsibilities Relating to Other Information, paragraph A54

Types of Modified Opinions (Ref: Para. 2)

A1. The table below illustrates how the auditor’s judgement about the nature of the matter giving rise to the modification, and the pervasiveness of its effects or possible effects on the financial statements, affects the type of opinion to be expressed.

Nature of Matter Giving Rise to the Modification	Auditor’s Judgement about the Pervasiveness of the Effects or Possible Effects on the Financial Statements
Nature of Matter Giving Rise to the Modification	Material but Not Pervasive	Material and Pervasive
Financial statements are materially misstated	Qualified opinion	Adverse opinion
Inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence	Qualified opinion	Disclaimer of opinion

Circumstances When a Modification to the Auditor’s Opinion Is Required

Nature of Material Misstatements (Ref: Para. 6(a))

A2. ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) requires the auditor, in order to form an opinion on the financial statements, to conclude as to whether reasonable assurance has been obtained about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement.⁶ This conclusion takes into account the auditor’s evaluation of uncorrected misstatements, if any, on the financial statements in accordance with ISA (NZ) 450.⁷

A3. ISA (NZ) 450 defines a misstatement as a difference between the reported amount, classification, presentation, or disclosure of a financial statement item and the amount, classification, presentation, or disclosure that is required for the item to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. Accordingly, a material misstatement of the financial statements may arise in relation to:

The appropriateness of the selected accounting policies;
The application of the selected accounting policies; or
The appropriateness or adequacy of disclosures in the financial statements.

Appropriateness of the Selected Accounting Policies

A4. In relation to the appropriateness of the accounting policies management has selected, material misstatements of the financial statements may arise, for example, when:

The selected accounting policies are not consistent with the applicable financial reporting framework;
The financial statements do not correctly describe an accounting policy relating to a significant item in the statement of financial position, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity or the statement of cash flows; or
The financial statements do not represent or disclose the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

A5. Financial reporting frameworks often contain requirements for the accounting for, and disclosure of, changes in accounting policies. Where the entity has changed its selection of significant accounting policies, a material misstatement of the financial statements may arise when the entity has not complied with these requirements.

Application of the Selected Accounting Policies

A6. In relation to the application of the selected accounting policies, material misstatements of the financial statements may arise:

When management has not applied the selected accounting policies consistently with the financial reporting framework, including when management has not applied the selected accounting policies consistently between periods or to similar transactions and events (consistency in application); or
Due to the method of application of the selected accounting policies (such as an unintentional error in application).

Appropriateness or Adequacy of Disclosures in the Financial Statements

A7. In relation to the appropriateness or adequacy of disclosures in the financial statements, material misstatements of the financial statements may arise when:

The financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required by the applicable financial reporting framework;
The disclosures in the financial statements are not presented in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework; or
The financial statements do not provide the additional disclosures necessary to achieve fair presentation beyond disclosures specifically required by the applicable financial reporting framework.

Paragraph A13a of ISA (NZ) 450 provides further examples of material misstatements in qualitative disclosures that may arise.

Nature of an Inability to Obtain Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence (Ref: Para. 6(b))

A8. The auditor’s inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence (also referred to as a limitation on the scope of the audit) may arise from:

Circumstances beyond the control of the entity;
Circumstances relating to the nature or timing of the auditor’s work; or
Limitations imposed by management.

A9. An inability to perform a specific procedure does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the audit if the auditor is able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence by performing alternative procedures. If this is not possible, the requirements of paragraphs 7(b) and 9–10 apply as appropriate. Limitations imposed by management may have other implications for the audit, such as for the auditor’s assessment of fraud risks and consideration of engagement continuance.

A10. Examples of circumstances beyond the control of the entity include when:

The entity’s accounting records have been destroyed.
The accounting records of a component for which further audit procedures are determined to be necessary for the purposes of the group audit have been seized indefinitely by governmental authorities.

A11. Examples of circumstances relating to the nature or timing of the auditor’s work include when:

The entity is required to use the equity method of accounting for an associated entity, and the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the latter’s financial information to evaluate whether the equity method has been appropriately applied.
The timing of the auditor’s appointment is such that the auditor is unable to observe the counting of the physical inventories.
The auditor determines that performing substantive procedures alone is not sufficient, but the entity’s controls are not effective.

A12. Examples of an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence arising from a limitation on the scope of the audit imposed by management include when:

Management prevents the auditor from observing the counting of the physical inventory.
Management prevents the auditor from requesting external confirmation of specific account balances.

Determining the Type of Modification to the Auditor’s Opinion

Consequence of an Inability to Obtain Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence Due to a Management-Imposed Limitation after the Auditor Has Accepted the Engagement (Ref: Para. 13(b)(i)–14)

A13. The practicality of withdrawing from the audit may depend on the stage of completion of the engagement at the time that management imposes the scope limitation. If the auditor has substantially completed the audit, the auditor may decide to complete the audit to the extent possible, disclaim an opinion and explain the scope limitation within the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section prior to withdrawing.

A14. In certain circumstances, withdrawal from the audit may not be possible if the auditor is required by law or regulation to continue the audit engagement. This may be the case for an auditor that is appointed to audit the financial statements of public sector entities. It may also be the case where the auditor is appointed to audit the financial statements covering a specific period, or appointed for a specific period and is prohibited from withdrawing before the completion of the audit of those financial statements or before the end of that period, respectively. The auditor may also consider it necessary to include an Other Matter paragraph in the auditor’s report.⁸

A15. When the auditor concludes that withdrawal from the audit is necessary because of a scope limitation, there may be a professional, legal or regulatory requirement for the auditor to communicate matters relating to the withdrawal from the engagement to regulators or the entity’s owners.

Other Considerations Relating to an Adverse Opinion or Disclaimer of Opinion (Ref: Para. 15)

A16. The following are examples of reporting circumstances that would not contradict the auditor’s adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion:

The expression of an unmodified opinion on financial statements prepared under a given financial reporting framework and, within the same report, the expression of an adverse opinion on the same financial statements under a different financial reporting framework.9
The expression of a disclaimer of opinion regarding the results of operations, and cash flows, where relevant, and an unmodified opinion regarding the financial position (see ISA (NZ) 510¹⁰). In this case, the auditor has not expressed a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements as a whole.

Form and Content of the Auditor’s Report When the Opinion Is Modified

Illustrative Auditor’s Reports (Ref: Para. 16)

A17. Illustrations 1 and 2 in the Appendix contain auditor’s reports with qualified and adverse opinions, respectively, as the financial statements are materially misstated.

A18. Illustration 3 in the Appendix contains an auditor’s report with a qualified opinion as the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence. Illustration 4 contains a disclaimer of opinion due to an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about a single element of the financial statements. Illustration 5 contains a disclaimer of opinion due to an inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about multiple elements of the financial statements. In each of the latter two cases, the possible effects on the financial statements of the inability are both material and pervasive. The Appendices to other ISAs (NZ) that include reporting requirements, including ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised),¹¹ also include illustrations of auditor’s reports with modified opinions.

Auditor’s Opinion (Ref: Para. 16)

A19. Amending this heading makes it clear to the user that the auditor’s opinion is modified and indicates the type of modification.

Qualified Opinion (Ref: Para. 17)

A20. When the auditor expresses a qualified opinion, it would not be appropriate to use phrases such as “with the foregoing explanation” or “subject to” in the Opinion section as these are not sufficiently clear or forceful.

Basis for Opinion (Ref: Para. 20, 21, 23, 27)

A21. Consistency in the auditor’s report helps to promote users’ understanding and to identify unusual circumstances when they occur. Accordingly, although uniformity in the wording of a modified opinion and in the description of the reasons for the modification may not be possible, consistency in both the form and content of the auditor’s report is desirable.

A22. An example of the financial effects of material misstatements that the auditor may describe within the Basis for Opinion section in the auditor’s report is the quantification of the effects on income tax, income before taxes, net income and equity if inventory is overstated.

A23. Disclosing the omitted information within the Basis for Opinion section would not be practicable if:

The disclosures have not been prepared by management or the disclosures are otherwise not readily available to the auditor; or
In the auditor’s judgement, the disclosures would be unduly voluminous in relation to the auditor’s report.

A24. An adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion relating to a specific matter described within the Basis for Opinion section does not justify the omission of a description of other identified matters that would have otherwise required a modification of the auditor’s opinion. In such cases, the disclosure of such other matters of which the auditor is aware may be relevant to users of the financial statements.

Description of Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements When the Auditor Disclaims an Opinion on the Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 28)

A25. [Amended by the NZAuASB].

NZA25.1 When the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements, the following statements are better positioned within the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of the auditor’s report, as illustrated in Illustrations 4– 5 of the Appendix to this ISA (NZ):

The statement required by paragraph 28(a) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), amended to state that the auditor’s responsibility is to conduct an audit of the entity’s financial statements in accordance with ISAs (NZ); and
The statement required by paragraph 28(c) and NZ 28.1 of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) about independence and other ethical responsibilities.

Considerations When the Auditor Disclaims an Opinion on the Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 29)

A26. Providing the reasons for the auditor’s inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence within the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of the auditor’s report provides useful information to users in understanding why the auditor has disclaimed an opinion on the financial statements and may further guard against inappropriate reliance on them. However, communication of any key audit matters other than the matter(s) giving rise to the disclaimer of opinion may suggest that the financial statements as a whole are more credible in relation to those matters than would be appropriate in the circumstances, and would be inconsistent with the disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements as a whole. Similarly, it would not be appropriate to include an Other Information section in accordance with ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) addressing the auditor’s consideration of the consistency of the other information with the financial statements. Accordingly, paragraph 29 of this ISA (NZ) prohibits a Key Audit Matters section or an Other Information section from being included in the auditor’s report when the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements, unless the auditor is otherwise required by law or regulation to communicate key audit matters or to report on other information.

Communication with Those Charged with Governance (Ref: Para. 30)

A27. Communicating with those charged with governance the circumstances that lead to an expected modification to the auditor’s opinion and the wording of the modification enables:

The auditor to give notice to those charged with governance of the intended modification(s) and the reasons (or circumstances) for the modification(s);
The auditor to seek the concurrence of those charged with governance regarding the facts of the matter(s) giving rise to the expected modification(s), or to confirm matters of disagreement with management as such; and
Those charged with governance to have an opportunity, where appropriate, to provide the auditor with further information and explanations in respect of the matter(s) giving rise to the expected modification(s).

6 ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), paragraph 11

7ISA (NZ) 450, Evaluation of Misstatements Identified during the Audit, paragraph 11

8ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised), Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditor’s Report, paragraph A10

9See paragraph A31 of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) for a description of this circumstance.

10ISA (NZ) 510, Initial Audit Engagements―Opening Balances, paragraph 10

11 ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised), Going Concern

(Ref: Para. A17–A18, A25)

Illustrations of Auditor’s Reports with Modifications to the Opinion

[NZ] Illustration 1: An auditor’s report containing a qualified opinion due to a material misstatement of the financial statements.
[NZ] Illustration 2: An auditor’s report containing an adverse opinion due to a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements.
[NZ] Illustration 3: An auditor’s report containing a qualified opinion due to the auditor’s inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding a foreign associate.
[NZ] Illustration 4: An auditor’s report containing a disclaimer of opinion due to the auditor’s inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about a single element of the consolidated financial statements.
[NZ] Illustration 5: An auditor’s report containing a disclaimer of opinion due to the auditor’s inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about multiple elements of the financial statements.

[NZ] Illustration 1 – Qualified Opinion due to a Material Misstatement of the Financial Statements

For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:

Audit of a complete set of financial statements of a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability using a fair presentation framework. The audit is not a group audit (i.e., ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised)¹² does not apply).
The financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with NZ IFRS (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibilities of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.¹³
Inventories are misstated. The misstatement is deemed to be material but not pervasive to the financial statements (i.e., a qualified opinion is appropriate).
Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
Based on the audit evidence obtained, the auditor has concluded that a material uncertainty does not exist related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern in accordance with ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised).
Key audit matters have been communicated in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.
The auditor has obtained all of the other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report and the matter giving rise to the qualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements also affects the other information.
In addition to the audit of the financial statements, the auditor has other reporting responsibilities required under local law.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of ABC Company [or Other Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements¹⁴

Qualified Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

In our opinion, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section of our report, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, (or give a true and fair view of) the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 20X1, and (of) its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).

Basis for Qualified Opinion

The Company’s inventories are carried in the statement of financial position at xxx. Management has not stated the inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value but has stated them solely at cost, which constitutes a departure from NZ IFRS. The Company’s records indicate that, had management stated the inventories at the lower of cost and net realisable value, an amount of xxx would have been required to write the inventories down to their net realisable value. Accordingly, cost of sales would have been increased by xxx, and income tax, net income and shareholders’ equity would have been reduced by xxx, xxx and xxx, respectively.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified opinion.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Company.

Other Information [or another title if appropriate such as “Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon”]

[Reporting in accordance with the reporting requirements in ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised)-see Illustration 6 in Appendix 2 of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised). The last paragraph of the other information section in Illustration 6 would be customised to describe the specific matter giving rise to the qualified opinion that also affects the other information.]

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

[Description of each key audit matter in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.]

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements¹⁵

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 1 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 1 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 1 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is [name].

[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]

[Auditor Address]

[Date]

[NZ] Illustration 2 – Adverse Opinion due to a Material Misstatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements

For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:

Audit of a complete set of consolidated financial statements of a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability using a fair presentation framework. The audit is a group audit of an entity with subsidiaries (i.e., ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised) applies).
The consolidated financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with NZ IFRS (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibilities of those charged with governance for the consolidated financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The consolidated financial statements are materially misstated due to the non-consolidation of a subsidiary. The material misstatement is deemed to be pervasive to the consolidated financial statements. The effects of the misstatement on the consolidated financial statements have not been determined because it was not practicable to do so (i.e., an adverse opinion is appropriate).
Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
Based on the audit evidence obtained, the auditor has concluded that a material uncertainty does not exist related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern in accordance with ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised).
ISA (NZ) 701 applies; however, the auditor has determined that there are no key audit matters other than the matter described in the Basis for Adverse Opinion section.
The auditor has obtained all of the other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report and the matter giving rise to the adverse opinion on the consolidated financial statements also affects the other information.
In addition to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, the auditor has other reporting responsibilities required under local law.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of ABC Company [or Other Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements¹⁶

Adverse Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of ABC Company and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

In our opinion, because of the significance of the matter discussed in the Basis for Adverse Opinion section of our report, the accompanying consolidated financial statements do not present fairly (or do not give a true and fair view of) the consolidated financial position of the Group as at December 31, 20X1, and (of) its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).

Basis for Adverse Opinion

As explained in Note X, the Group has not consolidated subsidiary XYZ Company that the Group acquired during 20X1 because it has not yet been able to determine the fair values of certain of the subsidiary’s material assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. This investment is therefore accounted for on a cost basis. Under NZ IFRS, the Company should have consolidated this subsidiary and accounted for the acquisition based on provisional amounts. Had XYZ Company been consolidated, many elements in the accompanying consolidated financial statements would have been materially affected. The effects on the consolidated financial statements of the failure to consolidate have not been determined.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our adverse opinion.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, ABC Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Other Information [or another title if appropriate such as “Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon”]

[Reporting in accordance with the reporting requirements in ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) - see Illustration 7 in Appendix 2 of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised). The last paragraph of the other information section in Illustration 7 would be customised to describe the specific matter giving rise to the qualified opinion that also affects the other information.]

Key Audit Matters

Except for the matter described in the Basis for Adverse Opinion section, we have determined that there are no other key audit matters to communicate in our report.

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Consolidated Financial Statements¹⁷

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is [name].

[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]

[Auditor Address]

[Date]

[NZ] Illustration 3 – Qualified Opinion due to the Auditor’s Inability to Obtain Sufficient Audit Evidence Regarding a Foreign Associate

For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:

Audit of a complete set of consolidated financial statements of a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability using a fair presentation framework. The audit is a group audit of an entity with subsidiaries (i.e., ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised) applies).
The consolidated financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with NZ IFRS (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibilities of those charged with governance for the consolidated financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding an investment in a foreign associate. The possible effects of the inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence are deemed to be material but not pervasive to the consolidated financial statements (i.e., a qualified opinion is appropriate).
Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
Based on the audit evidence obtained, the auditor has concluded that a material uncertainty does not exist related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern in accordance with ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised).
Key audit matters have been communicated in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.
The auditor has obtained all of the other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report and the matter giving rise to the qualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements also affects the other information.
In addition to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, the auditor has other reporting responsibilities required under local law.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of ABC Company [or Other Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements¹⁸

Qualified Opinion

In our opinion, except for the possible effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section of our report, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, (or give a true and fair view of) the financial position of the Group as at December 31, 20X1, and (of) its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).

Basis for Qualified Opinion

The Group’s investment in XYZ Company, a foreign associate acquired during the year and accounted for by the equity method, is carried at xxx on the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and ABC’s share of XYZ’s net income of xxx is included in ABC’s income for the year then ended. We were unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about the carrying amount of ABC’s investment in XYZ as at December 31, 20X1 and ABC’s share of XYZ’s net income for the year because we were denied access to the financial information, management, and the auditors of XYZ. Consequently, we were unable to determine whether any adjustments to these amounts were necessary.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (Revised) International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners
(including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified opinion.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, ABC Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Other Information [or another title if appropriate such as “Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon”]

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion section, we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.

[Description of each key audit matter in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.]

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Consolidated Financial Statements¹⁹

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is [name].

[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]

[Auditor Address]

[Date]

[NZ] Illustration 4 – Disclaimer of Opinion due to the Auditor’s Inability to Obtain Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence about a Single Element of the Consolidated Financial Statements

For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:

Audit of a complete set of consolidated financial statements of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability using a fair presentation framework. The audit is a group audit of an entity with subsidiaries (i.e., ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised) applies).
The consolidated financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with NZ IFRS (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibilities of those charged with governance for the consolidated financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about a single element of the consolidated financial statements. That is, the auditor was also unable to obtain audit evidence about the financial information of a joint venture investment that represents over 90% of the entity’s net assets. The possible effects of this inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence are deemed to be both material and pervasive to the consolidated financial statements (i.e., a disclaimer of opinion is appropriate).
Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
A more limited description of the auditor’s responsibilities section is required.
In addition to the audit of the consolidated financial statements, the auditor has other reporting responsibilities required under local law.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of ABC Company [or Other Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements²⁰

Disclaimer of Opinion

We were engaged to audit the consolidated financial statements of ABC Company and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

We do not express an opinion on the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group. Because of the significance of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of our report, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion

The Group’s investment in its joint venture XYZ Company is carried at xxx on the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position, which represents over 90% of the Group’s net assets as at December 31, 20X1. We were not allowed access to the management and the auditors of XYZ Company, including XYZ Company’s auditors’ audit documentation. As a result, we were unable to determine whether any adjustments were necessary in respect of the Group’s proportional share of XYZ Company’s assets that it controls jointly, its proportional share of XYZ Company’s liabilities for which it is jointly responsible, its proportional share of XYZ’s income and expenses for the year, and the elements making up the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated cash flow statement.

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Consolidated Financial Statements²¹

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our responsibility is to conduct an audit of the Group’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) and to issue an auditor’s report. However, because of the matter described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of our report, we were not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these consolidated financial statements.

We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (Revised) International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, ABC Company or any of its subsidiaries.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 2 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]

[Auditor Address]

[Date]

[NZ] Illustration 5 – Disclaimer of Opinion due to the Auditor’s Inability to Obtain Sufficient Appropriate Audit Evidence about Multiple Elements of the Financial Statements

For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:

Audit of a complete set of financial statements of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability using a fair presentation framework. The audit is not a group audit (i.e., ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised), does not apply).
The financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with NZ IFRS (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibilities of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about multiple elements of the financial statements, that is, the auditor was also unable to obtain audit evidence about the entity’s inventories and accounts receivable. The possible effects of this inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence are deemed to be both material and pervasive to the financial statements.
Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
A more limited description of the auditor’s responsibilities section is required.
In addition to the audit of the financial statements, the auditor has other reporting responsibilities required under local law.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

To the Shareholders of ABC Company [or Other Appropriate Addressee]

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements²²

Disclaimer of Opinion

We were engaged to audit the financial statements of ABC Company (the Company), which comprise the statement of financial position as at December 31, 20X1, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

We do not express an opinion on the accompanying financial statements of the Company. Because of the significance of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of our report, we have not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these financial statements.

Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion

We were not appointed as auditors of the Company until after December 31, 20X1 and thus did not observe the counting of physical inventories at the beginning and end of the year. We were unable to satisfy ourselves by alternative means concerning the inventory quantities held at December 31, 20X0 and 20X1, which are stated in the statements of financial position at xxx and xxx, respectively. In addition, the introduction of a new computerised accounts receivable system in September 20X1 resulted in numerous errors in accounts receivable. As of the date of our report, management was still in the process of rectifying the system deficiencies and correcting the errors. We were unable to confirm or verify by alternative means accounts receivable included in the statement of financial position at a total amount of xxx as at December 31, 20X1. As a result of these matters, we were unable to determine whether any adjustments might have been found necessary in respect of recorded or unrecorded inventories and accounts receivable, and the elements making up the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows.

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements²³

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 1 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our responsibility is to conduct an audit of the Company’s financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) and to issue an auditor’s report. However, because of the matters described in the Basis for Disclaimer of Opinion section of our report, we were not able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to provide a basis for an audit opinion on these financial statements.

We are independent of the Company in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Company.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

[Reporting in accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) – see Illustration 1 in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]

[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]

[Auditor Address]

[Date]

12 ISA (NZ) 600 (Revised), Special Considerations—Audits of Group Financial Statements (Including the Work of Component Auditors)

13 ISA (NZ) 210, Agreeing the Terms of Audit Engagements

14The sub-title “Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements” is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements” is not applicable.

15Throughout the illustrative auditor’s reports, the term director may need to be replaced by another term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework of the entity.

16The sub-title “Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements” is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements” is not applicable.

17Or other terms that are appropriate in the context of the legal framework of the entity.

18The sub-title “Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements” is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements” is not applicable.

19Or other terms that are appropriate in the context of the legal framework of the entity

20The sub-title “Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements” is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements” is not applicable.

21Or other terms that are appropriate in the context of the legal framework of the entity

22The sub-title “Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements” is unnecessary in circumstances when the second sub-title “Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements” is not applicable.

23Or other terms that are appropriate in the context of the legal framework of the entity

This conformity statement accompanies but is not part of ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised).

Conformity with International Standards on Auditing

This ISA (NZ) conforms to International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 705 (Revised) Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report, issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), an independent standard-setting board of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).

Paragraphs that have been added to this ISA (NZ) (and do not appear in the text of the equivalent ISA) are identified with the prefix “NZ”.

The following requirement is additional to ISA 705 (Revised):

When the auditor disclaims an opinion on the financial statements, the auditor shall include a statement as to the existence of any relationship which the auditor has with, or interests which the auditor has in, the entity, as required by ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised). [Ref: Para. NZ 28 (c)]

This ISA (NZ) incorporates terminology and definitions used in New Zealand. References to “management” and “those charged with governance” have been amended in the ISAs (NZ) because those charged with governance generally have the responsibility for ensuring an entity meets its legal obligations in relation to the preparation of the financial statements.

Compliance with this ISA (NZ) enables compliance with ISA 705 (Revised).

Comparison with Australian Auditing Standards

In Australia, the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) has issued Australian Auditing Standard ASA 705 Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor’s Report.

ASA 705 conforms to ISA 705.

The equivalent requirements and related application and other explanatory material included in ISA 705 in respect of “relevant ethical requirements”, have been included in Auditing Standard, ASA 102 Compliance with Ethical Requirements when Performing Audits, Reviews and Other Assurance Engagements. There is no international equivalent to ASA 102.