Chapter-10

Remaining
 Automated working papers
Automated working paper packages have been
developed which can make the documenting of
audit work much easier. Such programs aid
preparation of working papers, lead schedules,
trial balance and the financial statements
themselves. These are automatically cross
referenced, adjusted and balanced by the
computer.
The advantages of automated working papers

• The risk of errors is reduced.

• The working papers will be neater and easier to
review.
• The time saved will be substantial.
• Standard forms do not have to be carried to audit
locations.
• Audit working papers can be emailed or faxed for
review.
 Filing working papers
Firms should have standard referencing and filing
procedures for working papers, to facilitate their
review.

For recurring audits, working papers may be split

between permanent and current audit files, although
this distinction is fading as audit files become
automated, and 'permanent' documents can be
scanned and carried in computer files year on year.
 Permanent audit files

Permanent audit files (contain any information of continuing

importance to the audit). These may contain:
- Engagement letters
- New client questionnaire
- The memorandum and articles of association
- Other legal documents such as prospectuses, leases, sales
agreements
- Details of the history of the client's business
- Board minutes of continuing relevance
- Previous years' signed accounts, analytical procedures and
management letters
- Accounting systems notes, previous years' control questionnaires
 Current audit files

Current audit files (contain any information of relevance to the current year's audit). These should
be
compiled on a timely basis after the completion of the audit and should contain (amongst other
things):
- Financial statements
- Accounts checklists
- Management accounts details
- Reconciliations of management accounts and financial statements
- A summary of unadjusted errors
- Report to partner including details of significant events and errors
- Review notes
- Audit planning memorandum
- Time budgets and summaries
- Letter of representation
- Management letter
- Notes of board minutes
- Communications with third parties such as experts or other auditors
They also contain working papers covering each
audit area. These should include the following:
- A lead schedule including details of the figures to
be included in the accounts
- Problems encountered and conclusions drawn
- Audit plans
- Risk assessments
- Sampling plans
- Analytical procedures
- Details of tests of detail and tests of control
Safe custody and retention of documentation

According to the Companies Act 1994, section

181(5), “The books of accounts of every
company relating to a period of not less than
twelve years immediately preceding the current
year together with vouchers relevant to any
entry in such books of account shall be
preserved in good order”.
 Ownership of and right of access to documentation

Working papers are the property of

the assurance providers. They are not
a substitute for, nor part of, the
entity's accounting records. However,
the report becomes the property of
the client once it has been issued.
Assurance providers must follow ethical
guidance on the confidentiality of working
papers.

As working papers belong to the firm, the

assurance providers are not required to show
them to the client.

However, the firm may show working papers

to the client at their discretion, so long as the
assurance process is not prejudiced.
Information should not be made
available to third parties without the
permission of the client.

An example of when working papers

might be shared with a third party is
when a new firm is taking over an audit
from the existing auditors.