What is Flexible Audit Programme
Nomenclature:
Also called Progressive Audit Programme or Special Audit Programme.
Definition: A
flexible audit programme may be defined as a plan which only outlines general
scope, character and limitations of the audit engagement, and makes no mention
of audit procedures to be followed, the nature of work to be performed by
individual staff, and time allocated for each item.
Under flexible
audit programme, the staffs have much discretion in improving it as the audit
work progresses. The staff can also display its initiative.
Construction of
Audit Programme:
Audit programme
containing detailed directions to audit staff regarding the audit work to be
carried out is prepared to ensure intended implementation of the strategy set
up in the planning memorandum.
The audit
programme of different clients would of course, contain similar points but
still programme for each must be written individually in the light of the needs
and circumstances of each particular audit. The programme for the current audit
should be based on the planning memorandum (explained separately) using
previous year’s programme and working papers as a guide. The check list issued
by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan should be referred to.
The audit manager should before audit steps are carried out, should review the
audit programme to ensure that the planned scheme would achieve the desired
objectives.
The audit steps
identified in the audit programme should be detailed enough to enable the audit
staff to carry out any particular audit step without seeking further
instruction. So each audit step should specify the relevant documents and
records, direction for test, method of selection and cross-reference to
relevant points in audit manual (if any) or permanent notes on record.
Every group of
audit steps should be proceeded by a statement of the relevant audit
objectives. Where reliance on internal control is planned the internal control
objectives relevant to the audit objectives should be included in the audit
programme and cross-reference should be made to the internal control and
Accounting System Evaluation Schedules.
Audit programme
may differ depending upon the nature of business but the principle behind the
preparation of audit programme will remain the same. The programme will usually
commence with the basic and routine audit tests and will lead up to the signing
of the audit opinion (i.e. audit report). Care should be taken to ensure that
audit steps are not repeated under different heads.
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