Auditing (AUD)
Course AA133 | Intermediate Level II
This study plan links the ACCA syllabus topics to page references in both the Kaplan Study Text and the AA133 Auditing Manual.
A. Introduction to Audit and Assurance (20 Marks)
A1. Fundamental concepts and scope (50% of this section)
- Key Topics: Concept of Audit and Assurance; Objectives, nature, purpose and scope of assurance engagement; Internal and External audit.
- Learning Outcome: Explain the concept of audit and assurance; understand the requirements and reasons for assurance engagements.
- Required Skills: R, U
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 1, page 29 (Introduction to assurance), Chapter 9, page 297 (Internal audit)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter A1, page 4
A2. Responsibilities and Professional Liabilities (50% of this section)
- Key Topics: Management and assurance providers responsibilities; Auditors' liabilities.
- Learning Outcome: Understand the responsibilities of management and assurance providers; recognize circumstances in which professional accountants may have legal liability.
- Required Skills: R, U, AP
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 1, page 29 (Introduction to assurance), Chapter 2, page 17 (Rules and regulation)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter A2, page 15
B. Internal Control and Audit Framework (30 Marks)
B1. Internal Control (40% of this section)
- Key Topics: Meaning and Categories of Internal Control; Components of internal control; Weaknesses in the internal control system.
- Learning Outcome: Explain the requirements and implications of effective control systems; evaluate and report on the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal control systems.
- Required Skills: U, AP, E, D
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 8, page 233 (Systems and controls)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter B1, page 36
B2. Professional Ethics (30% of this section)
- Key Topics: Need for professional ethics; Code of Ethics; Conflict of interest and suggested courses of action to resolve ethical conflicts.
- Learning Outcome: Demonstrate the ethical approach in carrying out the assurance work.
- Required Skills: R, U, AP
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 4, page 63 (Ethics and acceptance)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter B2, page 46
B3. Framework and legal provision (30% of this section)
- Key Topics: Legal provisions Under Companies Act, 1994; International Framework for Assurance Engagements; International Standards on Auditing.
- Learning Outcome: Describe the legal framework of the Audit and Assurance engagement.
- Required Skills: R, U, AP
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 2, page 17 (Rules and regulation)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter B3, page 59
C. Assurance engagement and Reporting (40 Marks)
C1. Process of assurance engagement (80% of this section)
- Key Topics: Obtaining the Engagement; Risk Assessment (ISA 315, ISA 330); Audit Planning; Obtaining evidence, Sampling and documentation.
- Learning Outcome: Obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment; plan an audit considering the audit risk; apply ISA in formulating decisions.
- Required Skills: R, U, AP, AN, E, C, D
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 4, page 63 (Obtaining the Engagement), Chapter 5, page 113 (Risk Assessment), Chapter 6, page 147 (Audit Planning), Chapter 7, page 185 (Evidence)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter 6, page 83 (Obtaining Engagement, Planning, Risk Assessment, Evidence)
C2. Other relevant standards (20% of this section)
- Key Topics: Auditor's Responsibility to Consider Fraud (ISA 240); Communication of Audit Matters (ISA 260, ISA 265); Related Parties (ISA 550).
- Learning Outcome: Understand the auditor's responsibility as outlines in different ISA and law; treat issues relating to related parties, accounting estimates and others following ISA.
- Required Skills: R, U, AP
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 6, page 147 (Fraud, Laws and Regulations), Chapter 12, page 431 (Reporting)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter A2, page 21 (Fraud), page 23 (Laws and Regulations), page 24 (Related Parties), Chapter 6, page 139 (Reporting to those charged with governance)
D. Auditors role in emerging areas (10 Marks)
D1. Information Technology and Information Systems Audit (70% of this section)
- Key Topics: Audit in a computerized environment; Risks associated with a company's information assets in the IT environment; Computer-Aided Auditing Technique (CAAT).
- Learning Outcome: Understand the basics of audit in a computerized environment; identify and manage the risks associated with an IT environment; sketch the fundamentals of CAAT.
- Required Skills: U, AP, D
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 7, page 185 (Evidence), Chapter 8, page 233 (Systems and controls)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter B1, page 42 (Computerized Environment), Chapter 6, page 128 (CAAT)
D2. Public sector and special audit (30% of this section)
- Key Topics: IFAC Guidelines for public sector audit; Special Audit.
- Learning Outcome: Understand the process of public sector audit; outline requirements and considerations in the special audit.
- Required Skills: R, U
-
Page References:
- Kaplan Study Text: Chapter 9, page 297 (Internal audit), Chapter 10, page 317 (Procedures for NFP orgs)
- AA133 Manual: Chapter 6, page 156 (Public Sector Auditing), page 158 (Special Audit)