Statement of Authority
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING (NEW ZEALAND) 805 (REVISED)
Special Considerations—Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts or Items of a Financial Statement (ISA (NZ) 805 (Revised))
This Standard was issued on 22 September 2016 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 20 October 2016.
An auditor that is required to apply this Standard is required to apply it for audits of single financial statements or of specific elements, accounts or items for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016. In the case of audits of single financial statements or of specific elements, accounts or items of a financial statement prepared as at a specific date, this Standard is effective for audits of such information prepared as at a date 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 805 being revised.
This Standard, when applied, supersedes International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) 805 Special Considerations—Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts or Items of a Financial Statement.
This compilation was prepared in June 2023 and incorporates amendments up to and including June 2022.
Copyright
© External Reporting Board (“XRB”) 2016
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 978-0-947505-20-2
How to Read this Standard
International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISA (NZ)) 805 (Revised), Special Considerations—Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts or Items of a Financial Statement, 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).
Scope of this ISA (NZ) (Ref: Para. 1, 6(c))
A1. ISA (NZ) 200 defines the term “historical financial information” as information expressed in financial terms in relation to a particular entity, derived primarily from that entity’s accounting system, about economic events occurring in past time periods or about economic conditions or circumstances at points in time in the past.15
A2. ISA (NZ) 200 defines the term “financial statements” as a structured representation of historical financial information, including disclosures, intended to communicate an entity’s economic resources or obligations at a point in time or the changes therein for a period of time in accordance with a financial reporting framework. The term “financial statements” ordinarily refers to a complete set of financial statements as determined by the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework, but can also refer to a single financial statement. Disclosures comprise explanatory or descriptive information, set out as required, expressly permitted or otherwise allowed by the applicable financial reporting framework, on the face of a financial statement, or in the notes, or incorporated therein by cross-reference.16 As noted in paragraph 6(c), reference to a single financial statement or specific element of a financial statement includes the related disclosures.
A3. ISAs (NZ) are written in the context of an audit of financial statements;17 they are to be adapted as necessary in the circumstances when applied to an audit of other historical financial information, such as a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement. This ISA (NZ) assists in this regard. (Appendix 1 lists examples of such other historical financial information.)
A4. A reasonable assurance engagement other than an audit of historical financial information is performed in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements (New Zealand) (ISAE (NZ)) 3000 (Revised).18
Considerations When Accepting the Engagement
Application of ISAs (NZ) (Ref: Para. 7)
A5. ISA (NZ) 200 requires the auditor to comply with (a) relevant ethical requirements, including those related to independence, relating to financial statement audit engagements, and (b) all ISAs (NZ) relevant to the audit. It also requires the auditor to comply with each requirement of an ISA (NZ) unless, in the circumstances of the audit, the entire ISA (NZ) is not relevant or the requirement is not relevant because it is conditional and the condition does not exist. In exceptional circumstances, the auditor may judge it necessary to depart from a relevant requirement in an ISA (NZ) by performing alternative audit procedures to achieve the aim of that requirement.19
A6. Compliance with the requirements of ISAs (NZ) relevant to the audit of a single financial statement or of a specific element of a financial statement may not be practicable when the auditor is not also engaged to audit the entity’s complete set of financial statements. In such cases, the auditor often does not have the same understanding of the entity and its environment, including its internal control, as an auditor who also audits the entity’s complete set of financial statements. The auditor also does not have the audit evidence about the general quality of the accounting records or other accounting information that would be acquired in an audit of the entity’s complete set of financial statements. Accordingly, the auditor may need further evidence to corroborate audit evidence acquired from the accounting records. In the case of an audit of a specific element of a financial statement, certain ISAs (NZ) require audit work that may be disproportionate to the element being audited. For example, although the requirements of ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised) are likely to be relevant in the circumstances of an audit of a schedule of accounts receivable, complying with those requirements may not be practicable because of the audit effort required. If the auditor concludes that an audit of a single financial statement or of a specific element of a financial statement in accordance with ISAs (NZ) may not be practicable, the auditor may discuss with management whether another type of engagement might be more practicable.
Acceptability of the Financial Reporting Framework (Ref: Para. 8)
A7. A single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement may be prepared in accordance with an applicable financial reporting framework that is based on a financial reporting framework established by an authorised or recognised standards setting organisation for the preparation of a complete set of financial statements (for example, NZ IFRSs). If this is the case, determination of the acceptability of the applicable framework may involve considering whether that framework includes all the requirements of the framework on which it is based that are relevant to the presentation of a single financial statement or of a specific element of a financial statement that provides adequate disclosures.
Form of Opinion (Ref: Para. 9)
A8. The form of opinion to be expressed by the auditor depends on the applicable financial reporting framework and any applicable laws or regulations.20 In accordance with ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised):21
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When expressing an unmodified opinion on a complete set of financial statements prepared in accordance with a fair presentation framework, the auditor’s opinion, unless otherwise required by law or regulation, uses one of the following phrases:
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the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework]; or
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the financial statements give a true and fair view in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework]; and
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When expressing an unmodified opinion on a complete set of financial statements prepared in accordance with a compliance framework, the auditor’s opinion states that the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with [the applicable financial reporting framework].
A9. In the case of a single financial statement or of a specific element of a financial statement, the applicable financial reporting framework may not explicitly address the presentation of the financial statement or of the specific element of the financial statement. This may be the case when the applicable financial reporting framework is based on a financial reporting framework established by an authorised or recognised standards setting organisation for the preparation of a complete set of financial statements (for example, NZ IFRSs). The auditor therefore considers whether the expected form of opinion is appropriate in the light of the applicable financial reporting framework. Factors that may affect the auditor’s consideration as to whether to use the phrases “presents fairly, in all material respects,” or “gives a true and fair view” in the auditor’s opinion include:
Whether the single financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement will:
○ Comply fully with each of those requirements of the framework relevant to the particular financial statement or the particular element, and the presentation of the financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement include the related disclosures.
○ If necessary to achieve fair presentation, provide disclosures beyond those specifically required by the framework or, in exceptional circumstances, depart from a requirement of the framework.
The auditor’s decision as to the expected form of opinion is a matter of professional judgement. It may be affected by whether use of the phrases “presents fairly, in all material respects,” or “gives a true and fair view” in the auditor’s opinion on a single financial statement or on a specific element of a financial statement prepared in accordance with a fair presentation framework is generally accepted in the particular jurisdiction.
Considerations When Planning and Performing the Audit (Ref: Para. 10)
A10. The relevance of each of the ISAs (NZ) requires careful consideration. Even when only a specific element of a financial statement is the subject of the audit, ISAs (NZ) such as ISA (NZ) 240,22 ISA (NZ) 55023 and ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised) are, in principle, relevant. This is because the element could be misstated as a result of fraud, the effect of related party transactions, or the incorrect application of the going concern basis of accounting under the applicable financial reporting framework.
A11. ISA (NZ) 260 (Revised) requires the auditor to determine the appropriate person(s) within the entity’s governance structure with whom to communicate.24 ISA (NZ) 260 (Revised) notes that, in some cases, all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the entity, and the application of communication requirements is modified to recognise this position.25 When a complete set of financial statements is also prepared by the entity, those person(s) responsible for the oversight of the preparation of the single financial statement or the element may not be the same as those charged with governance responsible for the oversight of the preparation of the complete set of financial statements.
A12. [Amended by the NZAuASB.]
NZA12.1 Furthermore, ISAs (NZ) are written in the context of an audit of financial statements; they are to be adapted as necessary in the circumstances when applied to the audit of a single financial statement26 or of a specific element of a financial statement. For example, written representations from those charged with governance about the complete set of financial statements would be replaced by written representations about the presentation of the financial statement or the element in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.
A13. Matters included in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements may have implications for the audit of a single financial statement or of an element of a financial statement (see paragraph 14). When planning and performing an audit of a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement in conjunction with the audit of the entity’s complete set of financial statements, the auditor may be able to use audit evidence obtained as part of the audit of the entity’s complete set of financial statements in the audit of the financial statement or the element. ISAs (NZ), however, require the auditor to plan and perform the audit of the financial statement or element to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion on the financial statement or on the element.
A14. The individual financial statements that comprise a complete set of financial statements, and many of the specific elements of those financial statements, including their related disclosures, are interrelated. Accordingly, when auditing a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement, the auditor may not be able to consider the financial statement or the element in isolation. Consequently, the auditor may need to perform procedures in relation to the interrelated items to meet the objective of the audit.
A15. Furthermore, the materiality determined for a single financial statement or for a specific element of a financial statement may be lower than the materiality determined for the entity’s complete set of financial statements; this will affect the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures and the evaluation of uncorrected misstatements.
Forming an Opinion and Reporting Considerations (Ref: Para. 11)
A16. ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) requires the auditor, in forming an opinion, to evaluate whether the financial statements provide adequate disclosures to enable the intended users to understand the effect of material transactions and events on the information conveyed in the financial statements.27 In the case of a single financial statement or of a specific element of a financial statement, it is important that the financial statement or the element, in view of the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework, provides adequate disclosures to enable the intended users to understand the information conveyed in the financial statement or the element, and the effect of material transactions and events on the information conveyed in the financial statement or the element.
A17. Appendix 2 contains illustrations of independent auditor’s reports on a single financial statement and on a specific element of a financial statement. Other illustrations of auditor’s reports may be relevant to reporting on a single financial statement or on a specific element of a financial statement (see, for example, the Appendices to ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised), ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised), ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised), and ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised)).
Application of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) When Reporting on a Single Financial Statement or on a Specific Element of a Financial Statement
A18. Paragraph 11 of this ISA (NZ) explains that the auditor is required to apply the requirements in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised), adapted as necessary in the circumstances of the engagement, when forming an opinion and reporting on a single financial statement or on a specific element of a financial statement. In doing so, the auditor is also required to apply the reporting requirements in other ISAs (NZ) adapted as necessary in the circumstances of the engagement, and may find the considerations addressed in paragraphs A19–A21 below helpful.
Going Concern
A19. Depending on the applicable financial reporting framework used in the preparation of the single financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement, the description in the auditor's report of management’s responsibilities28 relating to going concern may need to be adapted as necessary. The description in the auditor’s report of the auditor’s responsibilities may also need to be adapted as necessary depending on how ISA (NZ) 570 (Revised) applies in the circumstances of the engagement.
Key Audit Matters
A20. [Amended by the NZAuASB].
NZ A20.1 ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) requires the auditor to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 70129 for audits of complete sets of general purpose financial statements of FMC reporting entities considered to have a higher level of public accountability.30 For audits of a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement, ISA (NZ) 701 only applies when communication of key audit matters in the auditor’s report on such financial statements or elements is required by law or regulation, or the auditor otherwise decides to communicate key audit matters. When key audit matters are communicated in the auditor’s report on a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement, ISA (NZ) 701 applies in its entirety.31
Other Information
A21. ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) deals with the auditor’s responsibilities relating to other information. In the context of this ISA (NZ), reports containing or accompanying the single financial statement or specific element of a financial statement—the purpose of which is to provide owners (or similar stakeholders) with information on matters presented in the single financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement—are considered to be annual reports for purposes of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised). When the auditor determines that the entity plans to issue such a report, the requirements in ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) apply to the audit of the single financial statement or the element.
Name of the Engagement Partner
A22. [Amended by the NZAuASB].
NZA22.1 The requirement in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) for the auditor to include the name of the engagement partner in the auditor’s report also applies to audits of single financial statements of FMC reporting entities considered to have a higher level of public accountability. The auditor may be required by law or regulation to include the name of the engagement partner in the auditor’s report or may otherwise decide to do so when reporting on a single financial statement or on an element of a financial statement of entities other than FMC reporting entities considered to have a higher level of public accountability. 32
Reporting on the Entity’s Complete Set of Financial Statements and on a Single Financial Statement or on a Specific Element of a Financial Statement (Ref: Para.14)
Considering the Implications of Certain Matters Included in the Auditor’s Report on the Entity’s Complete Set of Financial Statements for the Audit of the Single Financial Statement or the Specific Element of a Financial Statement and for the Auditor’s Report Thereon
A23. Paragraph 14 requires the auditor to consider the implications, if any, of certain matters included in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements for the audit of the single financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement and for the auditor’s report thereon. Considering whether a matter included in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements is relevant in the context of an engagement to report on a single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement involves professional judgement.
A24. Factors that may be relevant in considering those implications include:
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The nature of the matter(s) being described in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements and the extent to which it relates to what is included in the single financial statement or a specific element of a financial statement.
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The pervasiveness of the matter(s) described in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements.
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The nature and extent of the differences between the applicable financial reporting frameworks.
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The extent of the difference between the period(s) covered by the complete set of the financial statements compared to the period(s) or dates of the single financial statement or the element of a financial statement.
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The time elapsed since the date of the auditor’s report on the complete set of the financial statements.
A25. For example, in the case when there is a qualification of the auditor’s opinion in relation to accounts receivable in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements, and the single financial statement includes accounts receivable, or the specific element of a financial statement relates to accounts receivable, it is likely that there would be implications for the audit. On the other hand, if the qualification of the auditor’s opinion on the complete set of financial statements relates to classification of long-term debt, then it is less likely that there would be implications for an audit of the single financial statement that is the income statement, or if the specific element of the financial statement relates to accounts receivable.
A26. Key audit matters that are communicated in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements may have implications for an audit of a single financial statement or the specific element of the financial statement. The information included in the Key Audit Matters section about how the matter was addressed in the audit of the complete set of financial statements may be useful to the auditor’s determination of how to address the matter when it is relevant to the audit of the single financial statement or the specific element of the financial statement.
Inclusion of a reference to the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements
A27. Even when certain matters included in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements do not have implications for the audit of, or for the auditor’s report on, the single financial statement or the specific element of a financial statement, the auditor may deem it appropriate to refer to the matter(s) in an Other Matter paragraph in an auditor’s report on the single financial statement or on the specific element of a financial statement (see ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised)).33 For example, the auditor may consider it appropriate to refer in the auditor’s report on the single financial statement or a specific element of the financial statement to a Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern section included in the auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements.
Adverse Opinion or Disclaimer of Opinion in the Auditor’s Report on the Entity’s Complete Set of Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 15)
A28. In the auditor’s report on an entity’s complete set of financial statements, 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 is permitted since the disclaimer of opinion is being issued in respect of the results of operations and cash flows only and not in respect of the financial statements as a whole.34
(Ref: Para. A16)
Illustrations of Independent Auditor’s Reports on a Single Financial Statement and on a Specific Element of a Financial Statement
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[NZ] Illustration 1: An auditor’s report on a single financial statement of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a general purpose framework (for purposes of this illustration, a fair presentation framework).
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[NZ] Illustration 2: An auditor’s report on a single financial statement of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework (for purposes of this illustration, a fair presentation framework).
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[NZ] Illustration 3: An auditor’s report on a specific element of a financial statement of a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework (for purposes of this illustration, a compliance framework).
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[NZ] Illustration 1: An auditor’s report on a single financial statement of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a general purpose framework (for purposes of this illustration, a fair presentation framework)
For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:
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Audit of a balance sheet (that is, a single financial statement) of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability.
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The balance sheet has been prepared by management of the entity in accordance with the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board relevant to preparing a balance sheet.
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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.
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The applicable financial reporting framework is a fair presentation framework designed to meet the common financial information needs of a wide range of users.
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The auditor has determined that it is appropriate to use the phrase “presents fairly, in all material respects,” in the auditor’s opinion.
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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.
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Based on the audit evidence obtained, the auditor has concluded that a material uncertainty exists 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). The disclosure of the material uncertainty in the single financial statement is adequate.
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The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701 in the context of the audit of the balance sheet.
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The auditor has determined that there is no other information (i.e., the requirements of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) do not apply).
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The auditor has no other reporting responsibilities required under local law or regulation.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
[Appropriate Addressee] Opinion
We have audited the balance sheet of ABC Company (the Company) as at December 31, 20X1 and notes to the financial statement, including a summary of significant accounting policies (together “the financial statement”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 20X1 in accordance with those requirements of the [applicable financial reporting framework issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board] relevant to preparing such a financial statement. [Opinion section positioned first as required in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised)]
Basis for Opinion
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 Statement 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 opinion.
| [The first and last sentences in this section used to be in the Auditor’s Responsibility section. Also, the Basis for Opinion section is positioned immediately after the Opinion section as required in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).] |
Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, ABC Company. Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern
We draw attention to Note 6 in the financial statement, which indicates that the Company incurred a net loss of ZZZ during the year ended December 31, 20X1 and, as of that date, the Company’s current liabilities exceeded its total assets by YYY. As stated in Note 6, these events or conditions, along with other matters as set forth in Note 6, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statement35
The directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with those requirements of the [applicable financial reporting framework issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board] relevant to preparing such a financial statement, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statement, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial statement.
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Paragraph 41(b) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) explains that the shaded material below can be located in an Appendix to the auditor’s report.
Paragraph 41(c) explains that when law, regulation or ISAs (NZ) expressly permit, reference can be made to a website of an appropriate authority that contains the description of the auditor’s responsibilities, rather than including this material in the auditor’s report, provided that the description on the website addresses, and is not inconsistent with, the description of the auditor’s responsibilities below. Paragraph NZ A57.1 states that when the auditor refers to a description of the auditor’s responsibilities on a website, the appropriate authority is the External Reporting Board and the website address is https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assurance-standards/auditors-responsibilities/
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (NZ), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
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Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
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Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.36
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, if any, and related disclosures made by management.
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Conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting by the directors, and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statement or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
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Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statement, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statement represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
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[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate] [Auditor address] [Placement of date and address reversed)]
[Date]
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[NZ] Illustration 2: An auditor’s report on a single financial statement of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework.
For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:
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Audit of a statement of cash receipts and disbursements (that is, a single financial statement) of an entity other than a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability.
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An auditor’s report on the complete set of financial statements was not issued.
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The financial statement has been prepared by management of the entity in accordance with the cash receipts and disbursements basis of accounting to respond to a request for cash flow information received from a creditor. Management has a choice of financial reporting frameworks.
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The applicable financial reporting framework is a fair presentation framework designed to meet the financial information needs of specific users.37
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The auditor has concluded an unmodified (i.e., “clean”) opinion is appropriate based on the audit evidence obtained.
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The auditor has determined that it is appropriate to use the phrase “presents fairly, in all material respects,” in the auditor’s opinion.
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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.
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Distribution or use of the auditor’s report is not restricted.
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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).
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The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701 in the context of the audit of the statement of cash receipts and disbursements.
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The auditor has determined that there is no other information (i.e., the requirements of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) do not apply).
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The auditor has no other reporting responsibilities required under local law or regulation.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
[Appropriate Addressee] Opinion
We have audited the statement of cash receipts and disbursements of ABC Company (the Company) for the year ended December 31, 20X1 and notes to the statement of cash receipts and disbursements, including a summary of significant accounting policies (together “the financial statement”).
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statement presents fairly, in all material respects, the cash receipts and disbursements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 20X1 in accordance with the cash receipts and disbursements basis of accounting described in Note X.
[Opinion section positioned first as required in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised)]
Basis for Opinion
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 Statement 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 opinion.
[The first and last sentences in this section used to be in the Auditor’s Responsibility section. Also, the Basis for Opinion section is positioned immediately after the Opinion section as required in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).]
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Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, ABC Company. Emphasis of Matter – Basis of Accounting
We draw attention to Note X to the financial statement, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial statement is prepared to provide information to XYZ Creditor. As a result, the statement may not be suitable for another purpose. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statement38
The directors are responsible for preparation and fair presentation of the financial statement in accordance with the cash receipts and disbursements basis of accounting described in Note X; this includes determining that the cash receipts and disbursements basis of accounting is an acceptable basis for the preparation of the financial statement in the circumstances, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statement, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statement
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial statement.
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Paragraph 41(b) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) explains that the shaded material below can be located in an Appendix to the auditor’s report.
Paragraph 41(c) explains that when law, regulation or ISAs (NZ) expressly permit, reference can be made to a website of an appropriate authority that contains the description of the auditor’s responsibilities, rather than including this material in the auditor’s report, provided that the description on the website addresses, and is not inconsistent with, the description of the auditor’s responsibilities below. Paragraph NZ A57.1 states that when the auditor refers to a description of the auditor’s responsibilities on a website, the appropriate authority is the External Reporting Board and the website address is https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assurance-standards/auditors-responsibilities/
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (NZ), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
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Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statement, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
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Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.39
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Conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting by the directors, and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statement or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, if any, and related disclosures made by management.
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Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statement, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statement represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
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[Signature in the name of the audit firm, the personal name of the auditor, or both, as appropriate]
[Auditor address] [Placement of date and address reversed)]
[Date]
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[NZ] Illustration 3: An auditor’s report on a specific element of a financial statement of a FMC reporting entity considered to have a higher level of public accountability prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework.
For purposes of this illustrative auditor’s report, the following circumstances are assumed:
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Audit of an accounts receivable schedule (that is, element, account or item of a financial statement).
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The financial information has been prepared by management of the entity in accordance with the financial reporting provisions established by a regulator to meet the requirements of that regulator. Management does not have a choice of financial reporting frameworks.
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The applicable financial reporting framework is a compliance framework designed to meet the financial information needs of specific users.40
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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.
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The auditor has concluded an unmodified (i.e., “clean”) opinion is appropriate based on the audit evidence obtained.
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Professional and Ethical Standard 1International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards) (New Zealand) comprises all of the relevant ethical requirements that apply to the audit.
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Distribution of the auditor’s report is restricted.
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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).
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The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701 in the context of the audit of the accounts receivable schedule.
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The auditor has determined that there is no other information (i.e., the requirements of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised) do not apply).
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The auditor has no other reporting responsibilities required under local law or regulation.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
[To the Shareholders of ABC Company or Other Appropriate Addressee] Opinion
We have audited the accounts receivable schedule of ABC Company (the Company) as at December 31, 20X1 (“the schedule”).
In our opinion, the financial information in the schedule of the Company as at December 31, 20X1 is prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with [describe the financial reporting provisions established by the regulator]. [Opinion section positioned first as required ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised)]
Basis for Opinion
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 Schedule section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1International 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 opinion.
| [The first and last sentences in this section used to be in the Auditor’s Responsibility section. Also, the Basis for Opinion section is positioned immediately after opinion section as required in ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised).] |
Other than in our capacity as auditor we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Company. Emphasis of Matter – Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution
We draw attention to Note X to the schedule, which describes the basis of accounting. The schedule is prepared to assist the Company to meet the requirements of Regulator DEF. As a result, the schedule may not be suitable for another purpose. Our report is intended solely for the Company and Regulator DEF and should not be distributed to parties other than the Company or Regulator DEF. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Directors’ Responsibilities for the Schedule41
The directors are responsible for the preparation of the schedule in accordance with [describe the financial reporting provisions established by the regulator], and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the schedule that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the schedule, the directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Schedule
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the schedule is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this schedule.
Paragraph 41(c) explains that when law, regulation or ISAs (NZ) expressly permit, reference can be made to a website of an appropriate authority that contains the description of the auditor’s responsibilities, rather than including this
Paragraph 41(b) of ISA (NZ) 700 (Revised) explains that the shaded material below can be located in an Appendix to the auditor’s report.material in the auditor’s report, provided that the description on the website addresses, and is not inconsistent with, the description of the auditor’s responsibilities below. Paragraph NZ A57.1 states that when the auditor refers to a description of the auditor’s responsibilities on a website, the appropriate authority is the External Reporting Board and the website address is https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assurance-standards/auditors-responsibilities/
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (NZ), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
-
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the schedule, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
-
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.42
-
Conclude on the appropriateness of the use of the going concern basis of accounting by the directors, and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the schedule or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates, if any, and related disclosures made by management.
We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
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We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
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] [Placement of date and address reversed)]
[Date]
