ISA (NZ) 710

Comparative Information

Mandatory Date:

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Statement of Authority

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING (NEW ZEALAND) 710

Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Statements (ISA (NZ) 710)

Effective for audits of historical financial statements for periods beginning on or after 1 September, 2011.

This Standard was issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board of the External Reporting Board pursuant to section 24(1)(b) of the Financial Reporting Act 1993. This Standard is a disallowable instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012.

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 standard 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 978-1-927174-31-9

How to Read this Standard

International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISA (NZ)) 710, “Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Statements” 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) 710 Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Statements

This table lists the pronouncements establishing and amending ISA (NZ) 710.

Pronouncements	Date approved	Effective date
International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) 710	July 2011	This ISA (NZ) is effective for audits of historical financial statements for periods beginning on or after 1 September 2011.
Amendments to the International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) to Promote Improved Audit Quality	September 2013	Effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 31 December 2014.
Use of management and those charged with governance	December 2013	Effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014.
Amendments to the Auditing and Assurance Standards: Omnibus Amendments (Legislative Update)	Feb 2014	Effective for assurance engagements relating to financial statements for periods beginning on or after 1 April 2014.
Amendments to the International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) to Describe the Responsibilities of Those Charged with Governance	September 2015	Effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016. Early adoption is permitted.
Conforming amendments to ISAs (NZ) and other pronouncements (Auditor Reporting)	September 2015	Effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2016.
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) 710

Paragraph affected	How affected	By…[date]
NZA7.1	Amended	Amendments to the International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) to Promote Improved Audit Quality [September 2013]
Various	Amended	Use of management and those charged with governance [Dec 2013]
Appendix	Amended	Amendments to the Auditing and Assurance Standards: Omnibus Amendments (Legislative Update) [Feb 2014]
Appendix	Amended	Amendments to the International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) to Describe the Responsibilities of Those Charged with Governance [Sept 2015]
A8, A13 14, 16, 19, Appendix	Inserted Amended	Conforming amendments to ISAs (NZ) and other pronouncements (Auditor Reporting) [Sept 2015]
Appendix Illustration 1,2,3,4 Footnote 10	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 responsibilities relating to comparative information in an audit of financial statements. When the financial statements of the prior period have been audited by a predecessor auditor or were not audited, the requirements and guidance in ISA (NZ) 510¹ regarding opening balances also apply.

The Nature of Comparative Information

2. The nature of the comparative information that is presented in an entity’s financial statements depends on the requirements of the applicable financial reporting framework. There are two different broad approaches to the auditor’s reporting responsibilities in respect of such comparative information: corresponding figures and comparative financial statements. The approach to be adopted is often specified by law or regulation but may also be specified in the terms of engagement.

3. The essential audit reporting differences between the approaches are:

For corresponding figures, the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements refers to the current period only; whereas
For comparative financial statements, the auditor’s opinion refers to each period for which financial statements are presented.

This ISA (NZ) addresses separately the auditor’s reporting requirements for each approach.

Effective Date

4. This ISA (NZ) is effective for audits of financial statements for periods beginning on or after 1 September, 2011. [Note: For the effective dates of paragraphs changed or added by an Amending Standard see the History of Amendments].

5. The objectives of the auditor are:

To obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about whether the comparative information included in the financial statements has been presented, in all material respects, in accordance with the requirements for comparative information in the applicable financial reporting framework; and
To report in accordance with the auditor’s reporting responsibilities.

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

Comparative information – The amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements in respect of one or more prior periods in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework
Corresponding figures – Comparative information where amounts and other disclosures for the prior period are included as an integral part of the current period financial statements, and are intended to be read only in relation to the amounts and other disclosures relating to the current period (referred to as “current period figures”). The level of detail presented in the corresponding amounts and disclosures is dictated primarily by its relevance to the current period figures.
Comparative financial statements – Comparative information where amounts and other disclosures for the prior period are included for comparison with the financial statements of the current period but, if audited, are referred to in the auditor’s opinion. The level of information included in those comparative financial statements is comparable with that of the financial statements of the current period.

For purposes of this ISA (NZ), references to “prior period” should be read as “prior periods” when the comparative information includes amounts and disclosures for more than one period.

1 ISA (NZ) 510, Initial Audit Engagements – Opening Balances

Audit Procedures

7. The auditor shall determine whether the financial statements include the comparative information required by the applicable financial reporting framework and whether such information is appropriately classified. For this purpose, the auditor shall evaluate whether:

The comparative information agrees with the amounts and other disclosures presented in the prior period or, when appropriate, have been restated; and
The accounting policies reflected in the comparative information are consistent with those applied in the current period or, if there have been changes in accounting policies, whether those changes have been properly accounted for and adequately presented and disclosed.

8. If the auditor becomes aware of a possible material misstatement in the comparative information while performing the current period audit, the auditor shall perform such additional audit procedures as are necessary in the circumstances to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to determine whether a material misstatement exists. If the auditor had audited the prior period’s financial statements, the auditor shall also follow the relevant requirements of ISA (NZ) 560.² If the prior period financial statements are amended, the auditor shall determine that the comparative information agrees with the amended financial statements.

9. As required by ISA (NZ) 580,³ the auditor shall request written representations for all periods referred to in the auditor’s opinion. The auditor shall also obtain a specific written representation regarding any restatement made to correct a material misstatement in prior period financial statements that affect the comparative information. (Ref: Para. A1).

Auditor Reporting

Corresponding Figures

10. When corresponding figures are presented, the auditor’s opinion shall not refer to the corresponding figures except in the circumstances described in paragraphs 11, 12, and 14. (Ref: Para. A2)

11. If the auditor’s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion and the matter which gave rise to the modification is unresolved, the auditor shall modify the auditor’s opinion on the current period’s financial statements. In the Basis for Modification paragraph in the auditor’s report, the auditor shall either:

Refer to both the current period’s figures and the corresponding figures in the description of the matter giving rise to the modification when the effects or possible effects of the matter on the current period’s figures are material; or
In other cases, explain that the audit opinion has been modified because of the effects or possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current period’s figures and the corresponding figures. (Ref: Para. A3-A5)

12. If the auditor obtains audit evidence that a material misstatement exists in the prior period financial statements on which an unmodified opinion has been previously issued, and the corresponding figures have not been properly restated or appropriate disclosures have not been made, the auditor shall express a qualified opinion or an adverse opinion in the auditor’s report on the current period financial statements, modified with respect to the corresponding figures included therein. (Ref: Para. A6)

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor

13. If the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor and the auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from referring to the predecessor auditor’s report on the corresponding figures and decides to do so, the auditor shall state in an Other Matter paragraph in the auditor’s report:

That the financial statements of the prior period were audited by the predecessor auditor;
The type of opinion expressed by the predecessor auditor and, if the opinion was modified, the reasons therefore; and
The date of that report. (Ref: Para. A7)

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited

14. If the prior period financial statements were not audited, the auditor shall state in an Other Matter paragraph in the auditor’s report that the corresponding figures are unaudited. Such a statement does not, however, relieve the auditor of the requirement to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that materially affect the current period’s financial statements.⁴ (Ref: Para. A8)

Comparative Financial Statements

15. When comparative financial statements are presented, the auditor’s opinion shall refer to each period for which financial statements are presented and on which an audit opinion is expressed. (Ref: Para. A9-A10)

16. When reporting on prior period financial statements in connection with the current period’s audit, if the auditor’s opinion on such prior period financial statements differs from the opinion the auditor previously expressed, the auditor shall disclose the substantive reasons for the different opinion in an Other Matter paragraph in accordance with ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised).⁵ (Ref: Para. A11)

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor

17. If the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor, in addition to expressing an opinion on the current period’s financial statements, the auditor shall state in an Other Matter paragraph:

that the financial statements of the prior period were audited by a predecessor auditor;
the type of opinion expressed by the predecessor auditor and, if the opinion was modified, the reasons therefore; and
the date of that report,

unless the predecessor auditor’s report on the prior period’s financial statements is reissued with the financial statements.

18. If the auditor concludes that a material misstatement exists that affects the prior period financial statements on which the predecessor auditor had previously reported without modification, the auditor shall communicate the misstatement with the appropriate level of management and, unless all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the entity,⁶ those charged with governance and request that the predecessor auditor be informed. If the prior period financial statements are amended, and the predecessor auditor agrees to issue a new auditor’s report on the amended financial statements of the prior period, the auditor shall report only on the current period. (Ref: Para. A12)

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited

19. If the prior period financial statements were not audited, the auditor shall state in an Other Matter paragraph that the comparative financial statements are unaudited. Such a statement does not, however, relieve the auditor of the requirement to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that materially affect the current period’s financial statements.⁷ (Ref: Para. A13)

2ISA (NZ) 560, Subsequent Events, paragraphs 14-17.

3ISA (NZ) 580, Written Representations, paragraph 14.

4 ISA (NZ) 510, paragraph 6.

5ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised), Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditor’s Report, paragraph 10.

6ISA (NZ) 260 (Revised), Communication with Those Charged with Governance, paragraph 13.

7 ISA (NZ) 510, paragraph 6.

Audit Procedures

Written Representations (Ref: Para. 9)

A1. [Amended by the NZAuASB.]

NZA1.1 In the case of comparative financial statements, the written representations are requested for all periods referred to in the auditor’s opinion because those charged with governance need to reaffirm that the written representations they previously made with respect to the prior period remain appropriate. In the case of corresponding figures, the written representations are requested for the financial statements of the current period only because the auditor’s opinion is on those financial statements, which include the corresponding figures. However, the auditor requests a specific written representation regarding any restatement made to correct a material misstatement in the prior period financial statements that affect the comparative information.

Auditor Reporting

Corresponding Figures

No Reference in Auditor’s Opinion (Ref: Para. 10)

A2. The auditor’s opinion does not refer to the corresponding figures because the auditor’s opinion is on the current period financial statements as a whole, including the corresponding figures.

Modification in Auditor’s Report on the Prior Period Unresolved (Ref: Para. 11)

A3. When the auditor’s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion and the matter which gave rise to the modified opinion is resolved and properly accounted for or disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, the auditor’s opinion on the current period need not refer to the previous modification.

A4. When the auditor’s opinion on the prior period, as previously expressed, was modified, the unresolved matter that gave rise to the modification may not be relevant to the current period figures. Nevertheless, a qualified opinion, a disclaimer of opinion, or an adverse opinion (as applicable) may be required on the current period’s financial statements because of the effects or possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current and corresponding figures.

A5. Illustrative examples of the auditor’s report if the auditor’s report on the prior period included a modified opinion and the matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved are contained in Illustrations 1 and 2 of the Appendix.

Misstatement in Prior Period Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 12)

A6. When the prior period financial statements that are misstated have not been amended and an auditor’s report has not been reissued, but the corresponding figures have been properly restated or appropriate disclosures have been made in the current period financial statements, the auditor’s report may include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph describing the circumstances and referring to, where relevant, disclosures that fully describe the matter that can be found in the financial statements (see ISA (NZ) 706 (Revised)).

A7. An illustrative example of the auditor’s report if the prior period financial statements were audited by a predecessor auditor and the auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from referring to the predecessor auditor’s report on the corresponding figures is contained in Illustration 3 of the Appendix.

NZA7.1 In New Zealand, the auditor’s opinion on financial statements prepared under New Zealand generally accepted accounting practice refers to financial statements for the current period, which include corresponding figures, and not to comparative financial statements. Consequently, paragraphs 15,16,17,18 and 19, and related paragraphs A8, A9, A10 and A11 have no application.

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited (Ref: Para.14)

A8. If the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the opening balances, the auditor is required by ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised)⁸ to express a qualified opinion or disclaim an opinion on the financial statements, as appropriate, in accordance with ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised). If the auditor encountered significant difficulty in obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that materially affect the current period’s financial statements, the auditor may determine this to be a key audit matter in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.⁹

Comparative Financial Statements

Reference in Auditor’s Opinion (Ref: Para. 15)

A9. Because the auditor’s report on comparative financial statements applies to the financial statements for each of the periods presented, the auditor may express a qualified opinion or an adverse opinion, disclaim an opinion, or include an Emphasis of Matter paragraph with respect to one or more periods, while expressing a different auditor’s opinion on the financial statements of the other period.

A10. An illustrative example of the auditor’s report if the auditor is required to report on both the current and the prior period financial statements in connection with the current year’s audit and the prior period included a modified opinion and the matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved, is contained in Illustration 4 of the Appendix.

Opinion on Prior Period Financial Statements Different from Previous Opinion (Ref: Para. 16)

A11. When reporting on the prior period financial statements in connection with the current period’s audit, the opinion expressed on the prior period financial statements may be different from the opinion previously expressed if the auditor becomes aware of circumstances or events that materially affect the financial statements of a prior period during the course of the audit of the current period. In some jurisdictions, the auditor may have additional reporting responsibilities designed to prevent future reliance on the auditor’s previously issued report on the prior period financial statements.

Prior Period Financial Statements Audited by a Predecessor Auditor (Ref: Para. 18)

A12. The predecessor auditor may be unable or unwilling to reissue the auditor’s report on the prior period financial statements. An Other Matter paragraph of the auditor’s report may indicate that the predecessor auditor reported on the financial statements of the prior period before amendment. In addition, if the auditor is engaged to audit and obtains sufficient appropriate audit evidence to be satisfied as to the appropriateness of the amendment, the auditor’s report may also include the following paragraph:

As part of our audit of the 20X2 financial statements, we also audited the adjustments described in Note X that were applied to amend the 20X1 financial statements. In our opinion, such adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. We were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 20X1 financial statements of the company other than with respect to the adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 20X1 financial statements taken as a whole.

Prior Period Financial Statements Not Audited (Ref: Para. 19)

A13. If the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the opening balances, the auditor is required by ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised) to express a qualified opinion or disclaim an opinion on the financial statements, as appropriate, in accordance with ISA (NZ) 705 (Revised). If the auditor encountered significant difficulty in obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence that the opening balances do not contain misstatements that materially affect the current period’s financial statements, the auditor may determine this to be a key audit matter in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.

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

9 ISA (NZ) 701, Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor’s Report

Illustrations of Auditors’ Reports

Illustration 1 - Corresponding Figures (Ref: Para. A5)

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)¹⁰ does not apply).
The financial statements are prepared by management of the entity in accordance with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS) (a general purpose framework).
The terms of the audit engagement reflect the description of the responsibility of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.¹¹
The auditor’s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion.
The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.
The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current period’s figures are material and require a modification to the auditor’s opinion regarding the current period figures.
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).¹²
The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.¹³
The auditor has not obtained any other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report.
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

As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the financial statements, which constitutes a departure from NZ IFRS. This is the result of a decision taken by the directors at the start of the preceding financial year and caused us to qualify our audit opinion on the financial statements relating to that year. Based on the straight- line method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for the building and 20% for the equipment, the loss for the year should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant and equipment should be reduced by accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, and the accumulated loss should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.

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 audit opinion.

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

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).]

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

[Auditor Address] [Date]

Illustration 2 - Corresponding Figures (Ref: Para. A5)

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 responsibility of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor’s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion.
The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.
The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current period’s figures are immaterial but require a modification to the auditor’s opinion because of the effects or possible effects of the unresolved matter on the comparability of the current period’s figures and the corresponding figures.
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).
The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.
The auditor has not obtained any other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report.
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 Statements ¹⁶

Qualified Opinion

In our opinion, except for the possible effects on the corresponding figures 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

Because we were appointed auditors of the Company during 20X0, we were not able to observe the counting of the physical inventories at the beginning of that period or satisfy ourselves concerning those inventory quantities by alternative means. Since opening inventories affect the determination of the results of operations, we were unable to determine whether adjustments to the results of operations and opening retained earnings might be necessary for 20X0. Our audit opinion on the financial statements for the period ended 31 December, 20X0 was modified accordingly. Our opinion on the current period’s financial statements is also modified because of the possible effect of this matter on the comparability of the current period’s figures and the corresponding figures.

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

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements¹⁷

[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).]

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

[Auditor Address] [Date]

Illustration 3 - Corresponding Figures: (Ref: Para. A7)

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 responsibility of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor has concluded an unmodified (i.e., “clean”) opinion is appropriate based on the audit evidence obtained.
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).
The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters 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 has not identified a material misstatement of the other information.
Corresponding figures are presented, and the prior period’s financial statements were audited by a predecessor auditor.
The auditor is not prohibited by law or regulation from referring to the predecessor auditor’s report on the corresponding figures and decides to do so.
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 Statements ¹⁸

Opinion

In our opinion, 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 Opinion

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

Other Matter

The financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 20X0, were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on March 31, 20X1.

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 1 in Appendix 2 of ISA (NZ) 720 (Revised)]

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements¹⁹

[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).]

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

[Auditor’s Address] [Date]

Illustration 4 - Comparative Financial Statements: (Ref: Para. A9)

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 responsibility of those charged with governance for the financial statements in ISA (NZ) 210.
The auditor is required to report on both the current period financial statements and the prior period financial statements in connection with the current year’s audit.
The auditor’s report on the prior period, as previously issued, included a qualified opinion.

The matter giving rise to the modification is unresolved.
The effects or possible effects of the matter on the current period’s figures are material to both the current period financial statements and prior period financial statements and require a modification to the auditor’s opinion.
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).
The auditor is not required, and has otherwise not decided, to communicate key audit matters in accordance with ISA (NZ) 701.
The auditor has not obtained any other information prior to the date of the auditor’s report.
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 Statements ²⁰

Qualified Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of ABC Company (the Company) which comprise the statements of financial position as at December 31, 20X1 and 20X0, and the statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes in equity and statements of cash flows for the years 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 ABC Company as at December 31, 20X1 and 20X0 and (of) its financial performance for the years then ended in accordance with New Zealand equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).

Basis for Qualified Opinion

As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no depreciation has been provided in the financial statements, which constitutes a departure from NZ IFRS. Based on the straight-line method of depreciation and annual rates of 5% for the building and 20% for the equipment, the loss for the year should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, property, plant and equipment should be reduced by accumulated depreciation of xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0, and the accumulated loss should be increased by xxx in 20X1 and xxx in 20X0.

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 in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our qualified audit opinion.

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

Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Statements²¹

[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).]

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

[Auditor’s Address] [Date]

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

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

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

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

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

17 Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework in the particular jurisdiction.

18The 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.

19 Or other term that is appropriate in the context of the legal framework for the entity.

20The 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.

21 Or 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) 710.

Conformity with International Standards on Auditing

This International Standard on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISA (NZ)) conforms to International Standard on Auditing ISA 710 Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Statements, 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”.

This ISA (NZ) incorporates terminology and definitions used in New Zealand. Paragraphs where references to “management” have been amended have been labelled as NZ paragraphs.

Compliance with this ISA (NZ) enables compliance with ISA 710.

Comparison with Australian Auditing Standards

In Australia the Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) has issued Australian Auditing Standard ASA 710 Comparative Information – Corresponding Figures and Comparative Financial Reports.

ASA 710 conforms to ISA 710.