Afrak and Associates is an Audit Firm that has been providing audit and assurance services for over 20 years. The firm has recently received a request from a new client, XYZ Ltd., to provide audit services. The audit engagement will cover the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Required:
Explain FIVE (5) factors Afrak and Associates must consider prior to accepting the audit engagement, paying attention to, risk areas that may give rise to liability, including fraud, error, and non-compliance.
(10 marks)

Factors to Consider:

  • Understanding the Client’s Business and Industry: Before accepting the engagement, the audit firm must have a good understanding of the client’s business and industry. This includes understanding the nature of the client’s operations, the industry in which it operates, and the risks associated with the industry.
  • Assessment of Fraud Risk: The audit firm must assess the risk of fraud in the client’s financial statements. This includes considering the risk of management override of controls, the presence of related party transactions, and the adequacy of the client’s internal controls.
  • Assessment of Error Risk: The audit firm must assess the risk of errors in the client’s financial statements. This includes considering the complexity of the client’s accounting policies, the level of judgment required in accounting estimates, and the adequacy of the client’s internal controls.
  • Assessment of Non-Compliance Risk: The audit firm must assess the risk of non-compliance with laws and regulations that could result in material misstatements in the financial statements. This includes considering the adequacy of the client’s internal controls over compliance and the client’s history of compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Resource Allocation: The audit firm must ensure that it has the necessary resources and expertise to perform the audit engagement effectively. This includes having staff with the appropriate skills and experience, as well as adequate time and budget to complete the engagement.
  • Compliance with Professional Standards: The audit firm must ensure that it complies with the relevant professional standards, including auditing and assurance standards, ethical standards, and legal requirements.

Conclusion: Based on the above factors, ABC Audit Firm has decided to accept the audit engagement with XYZ Ltd. The firm has conducted a thorough assessment of XYZ Ltd.’s financial position, industry, and management team. The firm has also assessed the risk of fraud, error, and non-compliance, and has ensured that it has the necessary resources and expertise to perform the engagement effectively. Finally, the firm will comply with professional standards and provide high-quality audit services in compliance with legal, professional, and ethical requirements.