Category Archives for "Preparation, Compilation & Review"

financial statement references
Nov 03

Financial Statement References

By Charles Hall | Accounting , Preparation, Compilation & Review

What financial statement references are required at the bottom of financial statement pages? Is there a difference in the references in audited statements and those in compilations or reviews? What wording should be placed at the bottom of supplementary pages? Below I answer these questions.

financial statement references

Audited Financial Statements and Supplementary Information

First, let’s look at financial statement references in audit reports.

While generally accepted accounting principles do not require financial page references to the notes, it is a common practice to do so. Here are examples:

  • See notes to the financial statements.
  • The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  • See accompanying notes.

Accountants can also–though not required–reference specific disclosures on a financial statement page. For example, See Note 6 (next to the Inventory line on a balance sheet). It is my preference to use general references such as See accompanying notes.

Audit standards do not require financial statement page references to the audit opinion.

Supplementary pages should not include a reference to the notes or the opinion.

Preparation, Compilation, and Review Engagements

Now, let’s discuss references in preparation, compilation, and review engagements. 

Compilation and Review Engagements

The Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) do not require a reference (on financial statement pages) to the compilation or review report; however, it is permissible to do so. What do I do? I do not refer to the accountant’s report. I include See accompanying notes at the bottom of each financial statement page (when notes are included). This reference to notes, however, is not required, even when notes are included. (Notes can be omitted in compilation engagements.)

You are not required to include a reference to the accountant’s report on the supplementary information pages. Examples include:

  • See Accountant’s Compilation Report.
  • See Independent Accountant’s Review Report.

What do I do? I include a reference to the accountant’s report on each supplementary page. But, again, it’s fine to not include a reference to the report.

Preparation of Financial Statement Engagements

Additionally, SSARS provides a nonattest option called the preparation of financial statements (AR-C 70). This option is used by the CPA to issue financial statements that are not subject to the compilation standards. No compilation report is issued. AR-C 70 requires that the accountant either state on each page that “no assurance is provided” or provide a disclaimer that precedes the financial statements. AR-C 70 does not require that the financial statement pages refer to the disclaimer (if provided), but it is permissible to do so. Such a reference might read See Accountant’s Disclaimer.

If your AR-C 70 work product has supplementary information, consider including this same reference (See Accountant’s Disclaimer) on the supplementary pages.

peer reviewers focus on independence
Aug 05

Independence in Attest Engagements

By Charles Hall | Auditing , Preparation, Compilation & Review

Independence in attest engagements in critical. 

Peer reviewers continue to focus on independence documentation. Today I’ll provide you with examples of what peer reviewers are looking for and guidance to keep you out of hot water.

independence in attest engagements

Documentation of Nonattest Services

Peer reviews focus upon nonattest services provided to attest clients. How do we know? Well, see the peer review checklist question below (for an attest engagement).

nonattest services

The big “no-no” is to assume management responsibilities and then perform an attest service. Why? Performing management responsibilities impairs your independence. 

Preparing Financial Statements

Below is another question from the peer review checklists. Notice the first item below: Accepting responsibility for the preparation and fair presentation of the client’s financial statements. The client (not the auditor) must assume responsibility for the financial statements. 

nonattest services

If the client can’t–or is unwilling to–assume responsibility for the financial statements, then we are not independent, and we cannot perform an audit or a review. This assumption of responsibility does not mean the client has the ability to create financial statements, but it does mean that:

  • that the client will oversee the nonattest service,
  • the client will evaluate the adequacy and results of the nonattest service, and
  • the client will accept responsibility for the nonattest service

If we prepare financial statements and perform an audit, review, or compilation, we have performed a nonattest service and an attest service. Why is this important? Because if we perform a nonattest service and an attest service for the same client, we must assess our independence. And if we are not independent, then we can’t perform an audit or review engagement. (It is permissible to perform the compilation engagement when independence is impaired, but the accountant must say–in the compilation report–that he is not independent.)

Other Peer Review Questions

The peer review checklists also ask for:

  • The name and title of the client personnel overseeing the nonattest service and
  • A description of the accountant’s “assessment and factors leading to your satisfaction that the client personnel overseeing the service had sufficient skills, knowledge and experience.”

Independence

Separate Form to Document Independence

So do we need a separate form in our file to document independence?

It certainly would not hurt, and I suggest that you do. PPC and CCH offer such forms (and I am sure other work paper providers do the same). These forms provide a place to document all nonattest services and to assess and document our client’s ability to assume responsibility for the nonattest services.

The PPC and CCH forms also address the cumulative effect of performing multiple nonattest services. The AICPA has stated that the performance of multiple nonattest services can impair independence. So you should document your consideration of whether the cumulative nonattest services create a problem. Peer review checklists ask if we documented this consideration.

Additionally, if significant threats are present, the accountant should document the safeguard(s) used to mitigate the risk. This documentation is particularly crucial in Yellow Book engagements. The PPC and CCH independence forms will assist you with this documentation. Below are peer review checklist questions:

Independence

Alignment in Independence Documentation

We should–in the engagement letter–specify the nonattest services and the responsibilities of management. If you are performing an audit or a review engagement, add additional language to the representation letter regarding the nonattest services performed and the client’s responsibility for those services.

So I am suggesting you document the nonattest services in three places:

  • Engagement letter,
  • Independence form, and
  • Representation letter (when relevant)

And when you do, please make sure the nonattest services listed in each document are the same. 

Nonattest Services and Independence

Here’s a video that explains nonattest services and how to document your independence in regard to them.

going concern
Mar 27

Going Concern in Compilation and Review Engagements

By Charles Hall | Preparation, Compilation & Review

Do you need to concern yourself with going concern in compilation and review engagements? Yes, if the financial statements are prepared in accordance with the FASB Codification. But is going concern relevant to special purpose frameworks such as the cash basis or tax basis financial statements. Yes, going concern is in play even with special purpose frameworks. This post provides an overview of what you need to know about going concern as it relates to compilation and review engagements.

going concern in compilation and review engagements

A while back I wrote a post about ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which was effective for years ending after December 15, 2016. This standard requires companies to include certain disclosures when substantial doubt is present. So, we know that financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP must include these disclosures. Otherwise, there is a GAAP departure. And in an audit, we modify our opinion when there is a departure.

Going Concern in Compilation Engagements

But what about financial statements subject to a compilation engagement, especially when substantially all disclosures are omitted? Is it permissible for the CPA to ignore the going concern standard since it just requires disclosures? Yes, but be careful. Ask yourself whether the financial statements would be misleading (without the going concern disclosure). If they are misleading, then include a selected disclosure regarding going concern. Also, consider adding an emphasis-of-matter paragraph (regarding going concern) to your compilation report.

Consider the following scenario. Your client (who has significant going concern issues) takes your compilation report (which has no emphasis of a matter paragraph) and their financial statements (that has no disclosures) to a local bank. It’s obvious that the company is not doing well. But the bank makes a large loan anyway, and later, the company defaults on the loan. Then the bank files suit against you (the CPA) asserting that you issued the compilation report without the emphasis-of-matter paragraph and that you knew the financial statements had no going concern disclosure. The bank says the financial statements were misleading.

While the emphasis-of-matter paragraph is not required, consider adding one anyway.

Going Concern in Review Engagements

Since review engagements require full disclosure, going concern disclosures are not optional when substantial doubt exists in GAAP financial statements. They must be provided. If they are not, a GAAP departure exists.

So what going concern procedures should you perform in a review engagement?

In regard to going concern when the financial reporting framework includes going concern requirements (e.g. GAAP), AR-C 90.65 states:

If the applicable financial reporting framework includes requirements for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial statements, the accountant should perform review procedures related to the following: 

    1. Whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate
    2. Management’s evaluation of whether there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern
    3. If there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, management’s plans to mitigate those matters
    4. The adequacy of the related disclosures in the financial statements

In regard to going concern when the applicable financial reporting framework does not address going concern (e.g., tax basis), AR-C 90.66 states:

If the applicable financial reporting framework does not include a requirement for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial statements and conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time existed at the date of the prior period financial statements (regardless of whether the substantial doubt was alleviated by the accountant’s consideration of management’s plans) or, in the course of performing review procedures on the current period financial statements, the accountant becomes aware of conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, the accountant should do the following: 

    1. Inquire of management whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate.
    2. Inquire of management about its plans for dealing with the adverse effects of the conditions and events. 
    3. Consider the adequacy of the disclosure about such matters in the financial statements. 

SSARS 24 does say that the nature and extent of procedures performed regarding going concern are a matter of professional judgment. If the audited entity has a history of profitable operations and access to financing, inquiry alone might be sufficient in a review engagement.

Going Concern Paragraph in a Review Report

If the accountant concludes that substantial doubt will remain for a reasonable period of time, an emphasis-of-matter paragraph is required in the review report. (Some reporting frameworks specify a “reasonable period of time.” For GAAP, it is one year from the date the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.)

AR-C 90.A123 provides the following example of a going concern paragraph in a review engagement when (1) substantial doubt exists for a reasonable period of time, (2) management’s plans don’t alleviate the substantial doubt, and (3) the reporting framework requires a note disclosure.

Emphasis of Matter

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a net capital deficiency, and has stated that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note X. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our conclusion is not modified with respect to this matter. 
 
Representation Letter in Review Engagements
 
Be sure to update your representation letter when performing review engagements. SSARS 24 tweaked some language in the letter and added additional wording such as the following:
 
  • Management has disclosed to the accountant all information relevant to use of the going concern assumption in the financial statements.

Special Purpose Frameworks and Going Concern

While the cash, modified cash, or tax bases of accounting do not address going concern, accountants still need to consider the effects of negative financial conditions and trends. Why? When using a special purpose framework (like the tax basis), the accountant should follow the guidance in GAAP. No, that doesn’t mean your disclosures are just like GAAP, but it does mean they are similar to GAAP.

Since GAAP tells the financial statement preparer to consider whether substantial doubt exists, then persons creating cash basis, modified cash basis or tax basis financial statements should do the same. If substantial doubt is present, going concern disclosures are necessary. 

So, what is substantial doubt? The FASB Codification defines it this way:

Substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern is considered to exist when aggregate conditions and events indicate that it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet obligations when due within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.

If substantial doubt is present and going concern disclosures are not included in full disclosure compilations or reviews, then modify your accountant’s report (for the departure). 

Preparing financial statements
Feb 27

Preparing Financial Statements: Which Standards Apply?

By Charles Hall | Preparation, Compilation & Review

Which standards apply when you prepare financial statements?

The AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee added a section to the compilation and review standards called Preparation of Financial Statements. Since then, I’ve received several questions about which standards apply when financial statements are prepared–especially if you concurrently provide another service such as a compilation, review, or audit.

Those questions include:

  • Can an accountant perform a compilation and not prepare the financial statements?
  • Are the preparation of financial statements and the performance of a compilation engagement two separate services?
  • If an auditor prepares financial statements and audits a company, what is the relevant standard for preparing the financial statements?
  • Is the preparation of financial statements a nonattest service, though the audit is an attest service?

Preparing financial statements
Below I provide: (1) a summary of how compilations changed with the issuance of SSARS 21 and (2) a summary of how the preparation of financial statements service interplays with compilations, reviews, and audits.

The Old Compilation Standard 

Using SSARS 19, the performance of a compilation involved one service which encompassed:

  • Preparing financial statements,
  • Performing compilation procedures (e.g., reading the financials), and
  • Issuing a report

How Compilation Engagements Changed 

So, how did SSARS 21 change compilations?

If an accountant prepares the financial statements and performs a compilation engagement using SSARS 21, she is performing two services (not one). In this case, the performance of the preparation of financial statements is not subject to any formal standard (including SSARS 21).

When an accountant performs both the preparation of financial statements and a related compilation engagement, is AR-C 70, Preparation of Financial Statements, applicable?

No.

“Wait…you’re saying that a new standard called Preparation of Financial Statements was added with SSARS 21, but when the accountant prepares financial statements and performs a compilation engagement, the (SSARS 21) preparation standard is not applicable?”

Yes.

AR-C 70, Preparation of Financial Statements, states that the standard is not applicable “when an accountant prepares financial statements and is engaged to perform an audit, review, or compilation of those financial statements.” So if an accountant prepares financial statements as a part of a compilation engagement, AR-C 70 does not apply.

Why?

If AR-C 70, Preparation of Financial Statements, and AR-C 80, Compilation Engagements, were both in play, they would conflict. AR-C 70 requires the accountant to state on each financial statement page that “no assurance is provided” or to issue a disclaimer. AR-C 80 requires the issuance of a compilation report and does not allow the accountant to state that “no assurance is provided” on each financial statement page or for the accountant to issue a disclaimer.

Meaning?

When the accountant prepares financial statements and performs a related compilation, the creation of the financial statements is a nonattest service with no particular guidance–not even from SSARS 21. (Of course, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct applies to all services.)

When a compilation engagement (an attest service) is performed and financial statements are prepared (a nonattest service), two separate services are being performed by the same accounting firm.

Financial Statement Preparation and Other Services

The table summarizes which standard is applicable when:
1. A preparation engagement is performed (alone)
2. Preparation and compilation engagements are performed for the same time period
3. Preparation and review engagements are performed for the same time period
4. Preparation and audit engagements are performed for the same time period

Preparation of Financial StatementsCompilation EngagementReview EngagementAudit EngagementStandard to Follow
YesAR-C 70 Preparation
YesYesAR-C 80 Compilation
YesYesAR-C 90 Review
YesYesAU-C Audit Sections

AR-C 70, Preparation of Financial Statements, applies only in the first example above. When the accountant performs a preparation service and a compilation, review, or audit service for the same time period, AR-C 70 is not applicable–that is, no formal standard applies to the preparation service.

In all the examples listed above, the preparation of financial statements is a nonattest service.

In examples 2, 3 and 4 (where a preparation service and an attest service are provided), your engagement letter should include language about performing nonattest services and how the client will assign someone with suitable skill, knowledge, and experience to oversee the preparation of financial statements service. Such language is only required when a nonattest and an attest service is provided.

SSARS 22 and 23

Since the above information deals with SSARS 21, you may be wondering what additional SSARS have been issued–and how those newer standards affect compilations. 

SSARS 22, Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information was effective for compilation reports dated on or after May 1, 2017. So, what is pro forma information? It is a presentation that shows what the significant effects on historical financial information might have been had a consummated or proposed transaction (or event) occurred at an earlier date.

SSARS 23, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, was issued in late October 2016. That standard changed supplementary information wording in compilation and review reports. 

The primary impact of SSARS 23 is to provide standards for the preparation and compilation of prospective financial information.

While portions of SSARS 23 were effective upon issuance (the supplementary language change), the remainder of the standard was effective for prospective financial information prepared on or after May 1, 2017, and for compilation reports dated on or after May 1, 2017, respectively.

SSARS 22
Oct 17

SSARS 22 Pro Forma Information

By Charles Hall | Preparation, Compilation & Review

The Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC) issued SSARS 22 Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information. You may remember that ARSC did not address pro forma information in SSARS 21. SSARS 22 clarifies AR 120 Compilation of Pro Forma Information and codifies it as AR-C 120.

Pro Forma Information

So what is pro forma information? It is a presentation that shows what the significant effects on historical financial information might have been had a consummated or proposed transaction (or event) occurred at an earlier date.

SSARS 22

To understand SSARS 22, let’s answer a few questions.

Examples of Pro Forma Information

Examples of pro forma information include presenting financial statements for the following:

  • Business combinations
  • The selling of a significant part of a business
  • A change in the capitalization of an entity

Again we are providing financial information as though the transaction or event has–already–occurred.

Required Disclosures

In pro forma financial information, what should be disclosed?

  • A description of the transaction (or event) that is reflected in the presentation
  • The date on which the transaction (or event) is assumed to occur
  • The financial reporting framework
  • The source of the financial information
  • The significant assumptions used
  • Any significant uncertainties about those assumptions
  • A statement that the pro forma information should be read in conjunction with the related historical information and that the pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been attained had the transaction (or event) actually taken place

Independence

Must the accountant consider his or her independence? Yes, since this is a compilation engagement. (Note: The preparation of the pro forma information is considered a nonattest service.)

Acceptance and Continuance

Should the accountant perform acceptance and continuance procedures? Yes.

Engagement Letter

Is an engagement letter required? Yes, and it must be signed by the accountant’s firm and management or those charged with governance.

Compilation Procedures

What compilation procedures should be performed?

  • Read the pro forma financial information to determine if it is appropriate in form and free from obvious material misstatement
  • Obtain an understanding of the underlying transaction or event (that the pro forma information is based upon)
  • Determine that management includes:
    • Complete financial statements for the most recent year (or from the preceding year if financial statements for the most recent year are not yet available) or make such financial statements readily available (e.g., post on a public website)
    • If pro forma financial information is presented for an interim period, either historical interim financial information for that period (which may be in condensed form) or make such interim information readily available
    • For business combinations, the relevant financial information for the significant parts of the combined entity
  • Determine that the information in the preceding bullet has been subjected to a compilation, review or an audit
  • Determine that the compilation, review or audit report on the historical information is included in any document containing the  pro forma financial information (or made readily available such as on a public website)
  • Determine whether the significant assumptions and uncertainties are disclosed
  • Determine whether the source of the historical financial information on which the pro forma information is based is appropriately identified

Pro Forma in Conjunction with Other Services

Can the pro forma engagement be performed in conjunction with a compilation, review or an audit? Yes. Alternatively, the pro forma engagement can be performed separately.

Required Documentation

What documentation is to be retained in the file?

  • Engagement letter
  • The results of procedures performed
  • Copy of the pro forma financial information
  • Copy of the accountant’s compilation report

Compilation Report Required

Is a compilation report to be issued? Yes. (See sample report below.)

Is the accountant offering any assurance regarding the pro forma information? No.

Can the pro forma compilation report be added to the accountant’s report on historical financial statements? Yes. Alternatively, the pro forma compilation report can be presented separately.

Effective Date of SSARS 22

What’s the effective date of SSARS 22? The standard is effective for compilation reports on pro forma financial information dated on or after May 1, 2017.

Potential New Service for Your Clients

If you are not already providing pro forma information to clients, consider suggesting this service when appropriate. Clients may find pro forma information helpful in evaluating the potential sale of stock, the borrowing of funds for a project, or the sale of a part of the business.

Sample SSARS 22 Compilation Report

Exhibit B of SSARS 22 provides the following sample compilation report on pro forma financial information:

Management is responsible for the accompanying pro forma condensed balance sheet of XYZ Company as of December 31, 20X1, and the related pro forma condensed statement of income for the year then ended (pro forma financial information), based on the criteria in Note 1. The historical condensed financial statements are derived from the financial statements of XYZ Company, on which I (we) performed a compilation engagement, and of ABC Company, on which other accountants performed a compilation engagement. The pro forma adjustments are based on management’s assumptions described in Note 1. (We) have performed a compilation engagement in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. I (we) did not examine or review the pro forma financial information nor was (were) I (we) required to perform any procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. Accordingly, I (we) do not express an opinion, a conclusion, nor provide any form of assurance on the pro forma financial information.

The objective of this pro forma financial information is to show what the significant effects on the historical financial information might have been had the underlying transaction (or event) occurred at an earlier date. However, the pro forma condensed financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or related effects on financial position that would have been attained had the above mentioned transaction (or event) actually occurred at such earlier date.

[Additional paragraph(s) may be added to emphasize certain matters relating to the compilation engagement or the subject matter.]

[Signature of accounting firm or accountant, as appropriate] [Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s report]

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