CA Final Audit May 2017 Amendments

CA Final Audit May 2017 Amendments CA. ASEEM TRIVEDI To download the pdf file for amendments of Auditing applicable for May 2017 exams Click

Ankita Khetan

Apr 22, 2017

Last update on Apr 22, 2017

CA Final Audit May 2017 Amendments

CA. ASEEM TRIVEDI

To download the pdf file for amendments of Auditing applicable for May 2017 exams Click here

Amendment-1

Standard on Auditing (SA) 610 (Revised)Using the Work of Internal Auditors

Question : What do you mean by Internal Audit Function Answer :For purposes of the SA Internal audit function means A function of an entity that performs

assurance and
consulting activities

Designed to

evaluate and
improve the effectiveness of the entitys governance, risk management and internal control processes.

Question : How to determining whether, in Which Areas and to What Extent the Work of the Internal Audit Function Can Be Used Answer :Evaluating the Internal Audit Function The external auditor shall determine whether the work of the internal audit function can be used for purposes of the audit by evaluating the following: 1. The extent to which the internal audit functions organizational status and relevant policies and procedures support the objectivity of the internal auditors; 2. The level of competence of the internal audit function; and 3. Whether the internal audit function applies a systematic and disciplined approach, including quality control. The external auditor shall not use the work of the internal audit function if the external auditor determines that: 1. The functions organizational status and relevant policies and procedures do not adequately support the objectivity of internal auditors; 2. The function lacks sufficient competence; or 3. The function does not apply a systematic and disciplined approach, including quality control. Question :Determining the Nature and Extent of Work of the Internal Audit Function that Can Be Used Answer : a basis for determining the areas and the extent to which the work of the internal audit function can be used, the external auditor shall consider the nature and scope of the work that has been performed, or is planned to be performed, by the internal audit function and its relevance to the external auditors overall audit strategy and audit plan. The external auditor shall also evaluate whether, in aggregate, using the work of the internal audit function to the extent planned would still result in the external auditor being sufficiently involved in the audit, given the external auditors sole responsibility for the audit opinion expressed. The external auditor shall, in communicating with those charged with governance an overview of the planned scope and timing of the audit in accordance with SA 260,7 communicate how the external auditor has planned to use the work of the internal audit function. Question :What considerations required while using the Work of the Internal Audit Function Answer :If the external auditor plans to use the work of the internal audit function, the external auditor shall discuss the planned use of its work with the function as a basis for coordinating their respective activities. The external auditor shall read the reports of the internal audit function relating to the work of the function that the external auditor plans to use to obtain an understanding of the nature and extent of audit procedures it performed and the related findings. The external auditor shall perform sufficient audit procedures on the body of work of the internal audit function as a whole that the external auditor plans to use to determine its adequacy for purposes of the audit, including evaluating whether: a) The work of the function had been properly planned, performed, supervised, reviewed and documented; b) Sufficient appropriate evidence had been obtained to enable the function to draw reasonable conclusions; and c) Conclusions reached are appropriate in the circumstances and the reports prepared by the function are consistent with the results of the work performed. The nature and extent of the external auditors audit procedures shall be responsive to the external auditors evaluation of: a) The amount of judgment involved; b) The assessed risk of material misstatement; c) The extent to which the internal audit functions organizational status and relevant policies and procedures support the objectivity of the internal auditors; and d) The level of competence of the function; e) and shall include re performance of some of the work. Question :How to use work of Internal Auditors to Provide Direct Assistance Answer :Prior to using internal auditors to provide direct assistance for purposes of the audit, the external auditor shall: a) Obtain written agreement from an authorized representative of the entity that the internal auditors will be allowed to follow the external auditors instructions, and thatthe entity will not intervene in the work the internal auditor performs for the external auditor; and b) Obtain written agreement from the internal auditors that they will keep confidential specific matters as instructed by the external auditor and inform the external auditor of any threat to their objectivity. The external auditor shall direct, supervise and review the work performed by internal auditors on the engagement in accordance with SA 220 In so doing: a) The nature, timing and extent of direction, supervision, and review shall recognize that the internal auditors are not independent of the entity and be responsive to the outcome of the evaluation of the factors in paragraph 29 of this SA; and b) The review procedures shall include the external auditor checking back to the underlying audit evidence for some of the work performed by the internal auditors.

Amendment-2 Standard on Assurance Engagement (SAE) 3420 Assurance Engagements to Report on the Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information Included in a Prospectus

Question :What do you mean by Pro forma Financial Information Answer : Pro forma financial information Financial information shown together with adjustments to illustrate the impact of an event or transaction on unadjusted financial information as if the event had occurred or the transaction had been undertaken at an earlier date selected for purposes of the illustration. In this SAE, it is presumed that pro forma financial information is presented in columnar format consisting of (a) the unadjusted financial information; (b) the pro forma adjustments; and (c) the resulting pro forma column. Question :What is objective of practitioner in this SAE Answer :According this SAE ,the objectives of the practitioner are:

To obtain reasonable assurance about whether the pro forma financial information has been compiled, in all material respects, by the responsible party on the basis of the applicable criteria; and
To report in accordance with the practitioners findings.

Question :What is the nature of the Practitioners responsibility in this SAE Answer : In an engagement performed under this SAE, the practitioner has no responsibility tocompile the pro forma financial information for the entity; such responsibility rests with theresponsible party. The practitioners sole responsibility is to report on whether the pro formafinancial information has been compiled, in all material respects, by the responsible party onthe basis of the applicable criteria. Question :What is the purpose of Pro Forma Financial Information Included in a Prospectus Answer : The purpose of pro forma financial information included in a prospectus is solely to illustratethe impact of a significant event or transaction on unadjusted financial information of the entity as if the event had occurred or the transaction had been undertaken at an earlier dateselected for purposes of the illustration. This is achieved by applying pro forma adjustmentsto the unadjusted financial information. Pro forma financial information does not representthe entitys actual financial position, financial performance, or cash flows. Question :What considerations required before accepting the Engagement Answer :Before agreeing to accept an engagement to report on whether pro forma financial information included in a prospectus has been compiled, in all material respects, on the basisof the applicable criteria, the practitioner shall: (a) Determine that the practitioner has the capabilities and competence toperform the engagement; (b) On the basis of a preliminary knowledge of the engagement circumstances anddiscussion with the responsible party, determine that the applicable criteria aresuitable and that it is unlikely that the pro forma financial information will bemisleading for the purpose for which it is intended; (c) Evaluate the wording of the opinion prescribed by the relevant law orregulation, if any, to determine that the practitioner will likely be able to expressthe opinion so prescribed based on performing the procedures specified in thisSAE; (d) Where the sources from which the unadjusted financial information and anyacquiree or divestee financial information have been extracted have beenaudited or reviewed and a modified audit opinion or review conclusion hasbeen expressed, or the report contains an Emphasis of Matter Paragraph,consider whether or not the relevant law or regulation permits the use of, orreference in the practitioners report to, the modified audit opinion or reviewconclusion or the report containing the Emphasis of Matter paragraph withrespect to such sources; (e) If the entitys historical financial information has never been audited orreviewed, consider whether the practitioner can obtain a sufficientunderstanding of the entity and its accounting and financial reporting practicesto perform the engagement; If the event or transaction includes an acquisition and the acquirees historical financial information has never been audited orreviewed, consider whether the practitioner can obtain a sufficient understandingof the acquiree and its accounting and financial reporting practices to performthe engagement; and (f) Obtain the agreement of the responsible party that it acknowledges andunderstands its responsibility for: (i) Adequately disclosing and describing the applicable criteria to theintended users if these are not publicly available; (ii) Compiling the pro forma financial information on the basis of theapplicable criteria; and (iii) Providing the practitioner with: a. Access to all information (including, when needed for purposes ofthe engagement, information of the acquiree(s) in a businesscombination), such as records, documentation and othermaterial, relevant to evaluating whether the pro forma financialinformation has been compiled, in all material respects, on thebasis of the applicable criteria; b. Additional information that the practitioner may request from theresponsible party for the purpose of the engagement; c. Access to those within the entity and the entitys advisors fromwhom the practitioner determines it necessary to obtain evidencerelating to evaluating whether the pro forma financial informationhas been compiled, in all material respects, on the basis of theapplicable criteria; and d. When needed for purposes of the engagement, access toappropriate individuals within the acquire (s) in a businesscombination. Question :How to plan and perform such engagement Answer : Following shall be considered while planning.

Assessing the Suitability of the Applicable Criteria
Determination of Materiality
Obtaining an Understanding of How the Responsible Party Has Compiled the ProForma Financial Information and Other Engagement Circumstances
Obtaining Evidence about the Appropriateness of the Source from Which
the Unadjusted Financial Information Has Been Extracted
Obtaining Evidence about the Appropriateness of the Pro Forma Adjustments

Question :How to form an opinion Answer :

The practitioner shall form an opinion on whether the pro forma financial informationhas been compiled, in all material respects, by the responsible party on the basis ofthe applicable criteria.
In order to form that opinion, the practitioner shall conclude whether thepractitioner has obtained sufficient appropriate evidence about whether thecompilation of the pro forma financial information is free from material omissions, orinappropriate use or application of a pro forma adjustment. That conclusion shallinclude an evaluation of whether the responsible party has adequately disclosedand described the applicable criteria to the extent that these are not publicly available.

Amendment-3

Companies Auditors Report Order(CARO), 2016

Question :When it is notified Answer :The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has notified the Companies Auditors Report Order(CARO), 2016 vide Order dated. 29th March, 2016,

PART-I Applicability

CARO 2016 shall applies to every company including a foreign company as defined in clause(42) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013, except the following class of companies 1) a banking company as defined in clause (c) of section 5 of the Banking Regulation Act,1949 2) an insurance company as defined under the Insurance Act,1938; 3) a company licensed to operate under section 8 of the Companies Act; 4) a One Person Company as defined under clause (62) of section 2 of the Companies Actand a small company as defined under clause (85) of section 2 of the Companies Act;and 5) A private limited company if the following criteria are met

not being a subsidiary or holding company of a public company, having a paidup capital and reserves and surplus not more than rupees 1 crore as on thebalance sheet date and

which does not have total borrowings exceeding rupees 1 crore from any bank or financial institution at any point of time during the financial year and

which does not have a total revenue as disclosed in Scheduled III to theCompanies Act, 2013 (including revenue from discontinuing operations)exceeding rupees 10 crore during the financial year as per the financialstatements.

Analysis of Changes:

1. CARO will be applicable to a private limited company which is holding company of apublic company, which was not there in previous CARO.

2. In the first condition it is clearly mentioned at the date of the balance sheet, in previousCARO any time during the year was considered, further the limit has been increased from50 lakhs to 1 crore

3. Total Borrowing from bank or financial institutions increased to 1 crore from 25 lakhs, thislimit has to be observed at any point of time during the financial year.

4. This CARO in the third condition of private limited company used the word total revenuewhich means revenue and other operating revenue, but not other income. Words duringthe financial year shall be interpreted at the end of the financial; year because sales returnsare also required to be considered during the year. Limit has been increased from 5 croreto 10 crore.

FAQS ON APPLICABILITY OF CARO

FAQ-1: Whether CARO reporting required to Branch auditor also ANS:- Yes, CARO reporting is equally applicable to auditor of branch auditor. FAQ-2:Whether CARO applicable to NBFC ANS:- YES,CARO is applicable as it is neither a bank and nor a financial institution. FAQ.3:Whether for the purpose above exemption to private companies paid up share capitalwill include preference shares and share application money for pending allotment ANS:- Share capital includes preference share capital will also include bonus shares andpreference share capital, but does not include any share application money for pendingallotment. FAQ.4:What shall be mean by reserve and surplus ANS:- For the purpose of CARO reserves means Capital reserve + (revenue Reserve accumulated losses to the tune of revenue reserve)+ revaluation reserve. Surplus means creditbalance of profit and loss account accumulated but not transfer to reserves. FAQ.5: For the purpose of availing exemption from CARO what kind of loan to beconsidered ANS:- All sorts of loan whether term loan, demand loan, export credit, working credit limits,cash credits. Overdrafts, bill purchased or discounted, but does not include non-fund basedfacilities like LC BG. FAQ.6:- whether loan from NBFC will be treated as loan from bank or financial institution ANS:- NO. FAQ.7: - Any significant points to be considered , while computing the turnover for aboveexemption from CARO in case of a private company ANS:- Revenue shall not include indirect taxes collected. FAQ.8 Whether CARO is Applicable to the auditor of consolidated financial statement Order shall not apply to the auditors report on consolidated financial statements. In previousorder it was not expressly provided hence CFS auditors used to include CARO in their report.

PART-II REPORTING

Fixed Assets [3(i)] (a) whether the company is maintaining proper records showing full particulars, includingquantitative details and situation of fixed assets; (b) whether these fixed assets have been physically verified by the management atreasonable intervals; whether any material discrepancies were noticed on such verificationand if so, whether the same have been properly dealt with in the books of account; (c) Whether the title deeds of immovable properties are held in the name of thecompany. If not, provide the details thereof; FAQ 9: -What matters shall be included in F.A.R. ANS:-Though the meaning for the term Proper Records is not defined in the Order,' in generalthe records relating to Fixed Assets should contain, the following details (a) Description of Asset, (b) Classification (e.g. Plant and Machinery, Office Equipment, etc.), (c) Situation, (d) Quantity, (e) Original Cost, (f) Year of Purchase, (g) Adjustment for Revaluation or for any increase / decrease in cost, (h) Date of Revaluation, (i) Rate(s) / Basis of Depreciation or Amortization, (j) Depreciation / Amortization Amount for the current year, (k) Accumulated Depreciation / Amortization, (I) Particulars regarding Impairment. (m) Particulars regarding Sale. Discarding, Demolition, Destruction, (n) Distinctive Number of Assets, etc. FAQ-10 What is reasonable interval ANS:- Usually annual verification may be reasonable, it may be impracticable to carry out thesame in some cases (due to nature of assets, difficulty in verification, spread, etc). Even in suchcases, the verification programme should be such that all assets are verified at least once in every3 years. FAQ.11 What documents Constitute Title Deed constitute title deeds of the immovable property:- (i) Registered sale deed / transfer deed / conveyance deed, etc. of land, land & building together,etc. purchased, allotted, transferred by any person including any government, government authority/ body/ agency /corporation, etc. to the company. (ii) In case of leasehold land and land & buildings together, covered under the head fixed assets, thelease agreement duly registered with the appropriate authority. FAQ.12 What to do if title deeds are Pledged with banks and FI Where the title deeds of the immovable property have been mortgaged with the Banks/ FinancialInstitutions, etc., for securing the borrowings and loan raised by the company, a confirmation aboutthe same should be sought from the respective institution to this effect. The auditor may alsoconsider verifying this information from the online records, if available, of the relevant State. Inventories [3(ii)] Whether physical verification of inventory has been conducted at reasonable intervals by themanagement and whether any material discrepancies were noticed and if so, whether theyhave been properly dealt with in the books of account; FAQ:13 Is it mandatory to attend physical verification by the auditor ANS:- As per SA 501 when Inventory is material to the Financial Statements, the Auditor shall obtainsufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the existence and condition of Inventory by (a) Attendance at physical inventory counting unless impracticable, to

Evaluate Management's instructions and procedures for recording and controlling the resultsof the Entity's physical inventory counting,

Observe the performance of Management's count procedures,

Inspect the Inventory, and

Perform Test Counts.

(b) Performing audit procedures over the Entity's final inventory records to determine whether theyaccurately reflect actual inventory count results. Reporting on repayment of loans granted by the company [3(iii)] Whether the company has granted any loans, secured or unsecured to companies, firms,Limited Liability Partnerships or other parties covered in the register maintained under section189 of the Companies Act, 2013. If so, (a) whether the terms and conditions of the grant of such loans are not prejudicial to thecompanys interest; (b) whether the schedule of repayment of principal and payment of interest has beenstipulated and whether the repayments or receipts are regular; (c) if the amount is overdue, state the total amount overdue for more than ninety days,and whether reasonable steps have been taken by the company for recovery of the principaland interest; FAQ. 14 How to report if no stipulation is there in form of agreement ANS:- In case of non-stipulation of schedule of repayment of principal & payment of Interest, the auditorshould state the fact and may report that he is unable to make specific comment on the regularity of repaymentof principal & payment of interest, in such cases. Compliance of Section 185 and186 [3(iv)] In respect of loans, investments, guarantees , and security whether provisions of section 185and 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 have been complied with. If not, provide the detailsthereof. FAQ:15 Whether this is applicable to all companies coming under the net of CARO No some private companies and government companies are out of ambit of these sections but they are withinthe scope of CARO, care must be taken for following companies. The exemption has been granted to private companies from compliance of provisions of Section 185provided it complies with the following conditions: (a) There shall be no other body corporate shareholder in the lending company; (b) if the borrowings of such a company from banks or financial institutions or any body corporate is less thantwice of its paid up share capital or fifty crore rupees, whichever is lower; and (c) Such a company has no default in repayment of such borrowings subsisting at the time of makingtransactions under this Section.Entire Section 185 Shall not apply to Government company in case such company obtains approval of the ------------------------------ Acceptance of Deposit [3(v)] In case, the company has accepted deposits, whether the directives issued by the ReserveBank of India and the provisions of sections 73 to 76 or any other relevant provisions of theCompanies Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder, where applicable, have been compliedwith If not, the nature of such contraventions be stated; If an order has been passed byCompany Law Board or National Company Law Tribunal or Reserve Bank of India or any courtor any other tribunal, whether the same has been complied with or not Cost Records [3(vi)] Whether maintenance of cost records has been specified by the Central Government undersub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and whether such accounts andrecords have been so made and maintained. FAQ.16 Should the auditor examine the cost record in detail ANS:-CARO does not require a detailed examination of Cost Records. The Auditor should, therefore, conducta general review of Cost Records to ensure that the records as prescribed are made and maintained. The word"made" applies in respect of Cost Accounts,and the word "maintained" applies in respect of Cost Recordsrelating to Materials, Labour, Overheads, etc. FAQ.17:- Whether is it necessary to report under this clause even if there is cost audit already ordered by Govt. ANS:- The Auditor has to Report under the clause irrespective of whether a Cost Audit has been ordered bythe CG. Where the Auditor Statutory Dues [3(vii)] (a) whether the company is regular in depositing undisputed statutory dues includingprovident fund, employees state insurance, income-tax, sales-tax, service tax, duty ofcustoms, duty of excise, value added tax, cess and any other statutory dues to the appropriateauthorities and if not, the extent of the arrears of outstanding statutory dues as on the lastday of the financial year concerned for a period of more than six months from the date theybecame payable, shall be indicated; (b) where dues of income tax or sales tax or service tax or duty of customs or duty ofexcise or value added tax have not been deposited on account of any dispute, then theamounts involved and the forum where dispute is pending shall be mentioned. (A mererepresentation to the concerned Department shall not be treated as a dispute). FAQ.18:- What should be auditors course of action if show cause notice is issued by department ANS: - Issuance of a show cause notice by the concerned department should not be construed to be a demand payable by the Company. In some cases, such notice and Demand may be combined in one document. Normally, in such cases, the Demand would not be construed to have arisen till the time the Assesse has disposed off the requirements of the Show cause notice; hence it is necessary to evaluate each situation individually. FAQ.19- What should be course of action when demand is in stay ANS:-Demands that have been stayed should be regarded as Disputed Dues. These should be disclosed alongwith a disclosure of the fact of stay. The Stay normally is a concession that the amount may not be depositedimmediately or that it may be deposited in installments. FAQ.20:-What should be course of action if there is an appeal by department against decision of appellateuthority ANS:-There may be a situation that the Appellate Authority has decided a case in favor of the Company but theDepartment may prefer to make an appeal to a Higher Authority. In such case, there is no dispute until the time Default in repayment of Dues [3(viii)] Whether the company has defaulted in repayment of loans or borrowing to a financialinstitution, bank, Government or dues to debenture holdersIf yes, the period and the amount of default to be reported (in case of defaults to banks,financial institutions, and Government, lender wise details to be provided). FAQ.21: Default was there during the financial year but made good at the end whether to report ANS:- Where a default has been made good by the Company during the accounting period coveredby the Auditor's Report, the Auditor should state in his Audit Report the fact of default having beenmade good. FAQ.21: Default was there during the financial year but made good at the end whether to report ANS:- Where a default has been made good by the Company during the accounting period coveredby the Auditor's Report, the Auditor should state in his Audit Report the fact of default having beenmade good. Money raised by public offer and loans [3(ix)] Whether moneys raised by way of initial public offer or further public offer (including debtinstruments) and term loans were applied for the purposes for which those are raised. If not,the details together with delays or default and subsequent rectification, if any, as may beapplicable, be reported; FAQ.22- Whether this clause is applicable for all type of loans ANS:-This is applicable in respect of Term Loans (Cash credit, overdraft and call money accounts/ deposits are,therefore, not covered) availed from any person (Banks, Financial Institutions, Directors, Subsidiaries, etc.). Termloans normally have a fixed or predetermined maturity period or a repayment schedule. In the banking industry,for example, loans with repayment period beyond 36 months are usually known as "term loans". FAQ 23- What if the purpose of Loan not specified in the agreement ANS:- Auditor should clearly mention the fact, that in the absence of any stipulation regarding the utilization ofloans from the Lender, he is unable to comment as to whether the Term Loans have been applied for the purposesfor which they were obtained. It may, however, be noted that she Auditor, in such cases, should verify that theCompany has not invested or utilized the money for purposes that are prohibited under law. Reporting of Fraud [3(x)] whether any fraud by the company or any fraud on the Company by its officers or employeeshas been noticed or reported during the year; If yes, the nature and the amount involved is tobe indicated; FAQ.24 What Kind of written representations are needed The auditor should obtain written representations from management that:

(i) it acknowledges its responsibility for the implementation and operation of accounting and internalcontrol systems that are designed to prevent and detect fraud and error;

(ii) it believes the effects of those uncorrected misstatements in financial statements, aggregated bythe auditor during the audit are immaterial, oth individually and in the aggregate, to the financialstatements taken as a whole. A summary of such items should be included in or attached to thewritten representation;

(iii) it hasa) disclosed to the auditor all significant facts relating to any frauds or suspected frauds known tomanagement that may have affected the entity; andb) it has disclosed to the auditor the results of its assessment of the isk that the financial statementsmay be materially misstated as a result of fraud.

Managerial Remuneration [3(xi)] Whether managerial remuneration has been paid or provided in accordance with the requisiteapprovals mandated by the provisions of section 197 read with Schedule V to the CompaniesAct If not, state the amount involved and steps taken by the company for securing refund ofthe same; Special Note :- section 197 of the Act is not applicable to a Private Company, and government company, accordingly, reporting under this clause would not be required. table Nidhi Company [3(xii)] whether the Nidhi Company has complied with the Net Owned Funds to Deposits in the ratioof 1: 20 to meet out the liability and whether the Nidhi Company is maintaining ten per centunencumbered term deposits as specified in the Nidhi Rules, 2014 to meet out the liability; Related Parties Transactions [3(xiii)] Whether all transactions with the related parties are in compliance with sections 177 and 188of Companies Act, 2013 where applicable and the details have been disclosed in the FinancialStatements etc., as required by the applicable accounting standards; Section 188(1) read with sub rue 3 of rule 15 describes nature of the transaction and criterionfor which prior approval through ~~special resolution~~ ordinary resolution by the company ingeneral meeting needed. [Company amendment Act, 2015] table Private Placements and Preferential allotment [3(xiv)] Whether the company has made any preferential allotment or private placement of shares orfully or partly convertible debentures during the year under review and if so, as to whetherthe requirement of section 42 of the Companies Act, 2013 have been complied with and theamount raised have been used for the purposes for which the funds were raised. If not,provide the details in respect of the amount involved and nature of non-compliance; Non-cash Transactions [3(xv)] Whether the company has entered into any non-cash transactions with directors or personsconnected with him and if so, whether the provisions of section 192 of Companies Act, 2013have been complied with; FAQ 25: what are the provisions relating to section 192 Section 192 of the Act deals with restriction on non-cash transactions involving directors or personsconnected with them. The section prohibits the company from entering into following types ofarrangements unless it meets the conditions laid out in the said section: (i) An arrangement by which a director of the company or its holding, subsidiary or associate companyor a person connected with such director acquires or is to acquire assets for consideration other thancash, from the company. (ii) An arrangement by which the company acquires or is to acquire assets forconsideration other than cash, from such director or person so connected. (b) Arrangements, as discussed herein above, can only be entered by the company on fulfillment of theconditions laid out in Section 192 of the Act which are as under: (i) The company should have obtained prior approval for such arrangement through a resolution ofthe company in general meeting. (ii) In case the concerned director or the person connected therewith, is also a director of its holdingcompany, a similar approval should have been obtained by the holding company through a resolutionat its general meeting

Amendment-4

Guidance Note on Reporting underSection 143(3) (f) and (h) of theCompanies Act, 2013

What are the reporting requirements under 143(3)(f ) and (h) According to Section 143 (3) lays down certain matters required to be reported upon by theauditor in his report. Sub-section (3) of section 143 of Act provides as follows:"(3) The auditor's report shall also state -

(a) whether he has sought and obtained all the information and explanations which to thebest of his knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of his audit and ifnot,the details thereof and the effect of such information on the financial statements;

(b) whether, in his opinion, proper books of account are required by law have been kept bythe company so far as appears from his examination of those books and proper returnsadequate for the purposes of his audit have been received from branches not visitedby him;

(c) whether the report on the accounts of any branch office of the company audited undersub- section (8) by a person other than the companys auditor has been sent to himunder the proviso to that sub-section and the manner in which he has dealt with it inpreparing his report;

(d) whether the companys balance sheet and profit and loss account dealt with in thereport are inagreement with the books of account and returns;

(e) whether, in his opinion, the financial statements comply with the accountingstandards;

(f) the observations or comments of the auditors on financial transactions or matterswhich have any adverse effect on the functioning of the company;

(g) whether any director is disqualified from being appointed as a director under sub-section (2) of section 164;

(h) any qualification, reservation or adverse remark relating to the maintenance ofaccounts and other matters connected therewith;

(i) whether the company has adequate internal financial controlssystem in place and theoperating effectiveness of such controls;

(j) such other matters as may be prescribed.

What should be considered while reporting under clause (f) ofsubsection 3 ofsection 143:- the observations or comments of the auditors on financial transactions or matters whichhave any adverse effect on the functioning of the company;

According to the Guidance note :- The words observations or comments as appearing in clause (f) of section 143(3) are construed to have the same meaning as referring to emphasis of matter paragraphs, situations leading to modification in the auditors report. Accordingly, the auditor should have made an observation or comment in the auditors report in order to determine the need to report under clause (f) of section 143(3). Therefore, only such "observations" or comments" of the auditors on financial transactions or matters that have been made by the auditor in the auditors report which have an adverse effect on the functioning of the company are required to be reported under this clause.
It should be noted that there is no change in the objective and scope of an audit of financial statements because of inclusion of clause (f) in sub-section (3) of section 143 of the Act.

Question : Whether every qualification, disclaimer, adverse opinion, or emphasis of matter pararequired to be included in above reporting Answer : According to this Guidance Note - The auditor expresses his opinion on the true andfair view presented by the financial statements through his report which may bemodified in certain circumstances. However, the auditor would now have to evaluatethe subject matters leading to modification of the audit report or emphasis of matter inthe auditors report to make judgment asto which of them has an adverse effect on thefunctioning of the company within the overall context of audit of financial statements ofthe company. Only such matters which, in the opinion of the auditor, have an adverseeffect on the functioning of the company should be reported under this clause. Hencesuch qualifications or adverse opinions or disclaimer of opinion or emphasis of matters ofthe auditor, which do not deal with matters that have adverse effect on the functioningof the company, need not be reported under this clause. Question :Illustrate which type of modifications in auditors report will require to report under1432(3)(f) and which are not Answer : Examples of emphasis of matter which may have an adverse effect on thefunctioning of the company include situations where: The going concern assumption is appropriate but there are several factors leading toa material uncertainty that may cast a significant doubt about the Companys abilityto continue as a going concern; or a material uncertainty regarding the outcome of a litigation wherein anunfavourable decision could result in a significant outflow of resources for the company,etc. Examples of emphasis of matter which may not have an adverse effect on thefunctioning of the company include a situation where there is an emphasis of matter: on managerial remuneration which is subject to the approval of the CentralGovernment; relating to accrual of a contractually receivable claim based on management estimatewhere the ultimate realisation could be different from the amount accrued; on frauds that have been dealt with in the financial statements of the company andwould not have any continuing effect on the financial statements Question :What is scope of auditor while reporting under 143(3)(h) any qualification, reservationor adverse remark relating to the maintenance of accounts and other matters connectedtherewith; According to Guidance Note ,the words qualification, adverse remark and reservation used in clause (h) of section 143(3) should be considered to be similar to the terms qualified opinion, adverse opinion and disclaimer of opinion, respectively, referred to in SA 705 Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditors Report. Hence, the auditor would need to report under clause (h) of section143(3) any matter that causes a qualification, adverse remark or disclaimer of opinionon the financial statements since such matters will or possibly will have an effect onthe books of account maintained by the company. It should be noted that the auditormay have made an observation on maintenance of cost records under clause (b) ofsection 143(3) and this may not have had an effect on the financial statements of thecompany or the auditors opinion on the financial statements. Further, any materialweakness in internal financial controls that is reported by the auditor under clause (i) ofsection 143(3) may not have an impact on the maintenance of books of account if suchmaterial weakness did not result in a modification to the opinion on the financialstatements of the company. However, if the material weakness in internal financialcontrols resulted in a modification to the audit opinion on the financial statements,then such modification may be covered for reporting under clause (h) ofsection 143(3).

Amendment-5

Guidance Note on Reporting of FraudUnder 143(12)

Question :What is Duty to report on frauds under Companies Act Answer :As per sub-section (12) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013,

if an auditor of a company
in the course of the performance of his duties as auditor,
has reason to believe that
an offence of fraud involving such amount or amounts as may be prescribed,
is being or has been committed in the company
by its officers or employees,
the auditor shall report the matter to the Central Government
within such time and in such manner as may be prescribed.

Question :What is the monetary threshold prescribed for such reporting Answer :Case-1 Fraud amounting to 1 cr or more:

- If auditor has reason to believe that an offence offraud, which involves or is expected to involve individually an amount of ` 1 crore orabove, is being or has been committed against the company by its officers or employees, theauditor shall report the matter to the Central Government.The manner of reporting the matter to the Central Government is as follows:

(a) the auditor shall report the matter to the Board or the Audit Committee, as the case maybe, immediately but not later than 2 days of his knowledge of the fraud, seeking their replyor observations within 45 days; (b) on receipt of such reply or observations, the auditor shall forward his report and the reply orobservations of the Board or the Audit Committee along with his comments (on such replyor observations of the Board or the Audit Committee) to the Central Government within 15days from the date of receipt of such reply or observations; (c) in case the auditor fails to get any reply or observations from the Board or the AuditCommittee within the stipulated period of 45 days, he shall forward his report to the CentralGovernment along with a note containing the details of his report that was earlierforwarded to the Board or the Audit Committee for which he has not received any reply orobservations; (d) the report shall be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs in a sealed cover by Registered Post with Acknowledgement Due or by Speed Post followed by an e- mail inconfirmation of the same; (e) the report shall be on the letter-head of the auditor containing postal address, e-mail addressand contact telephone number or mobile number and be signed by the auditor with his sealand shall indicate his Membership Number; andthe report shall be in the form of a statement as specified in Form ADT-4 Case 2 Fraud amounting to less than 1 Cr.:- Sub-section (12) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013 further prescribes that incase of a fraud involving lesser than the specified amount [i.e. less than ` 1 crore], theauditor shall report the matter to the audit committee constituted under section177 or to the Board in other cases within such time and in such manner as may beprescribed. In this regard, sub- rule (3) of Rule 13 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules,2014 states that in case of a fraud involving lesser than the amount specified in sub-rule (1) [i.e. less than ` 1 crore], the auditor shall report the matter to AuditCommittee constituted under section 177 orto the Board immediately but not later than2 days of his knowledge of the fraud and he shall report the matter specifying thefollowing:

(a) Nature of Fraud with description;

(b) Approximate amount involved; and

Question : What are disclosure requirements of FRAUD in Boards report Sub-section (12) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013 further prescribes that the

companies, whose auditors have reported frauds under this sub-section (12)
to the audit committee or the Board,
but not reported to the Central Government,
shall disclose the details about such frauds in the Board's report
in such manner as may be prescribed.

In this regard, sub-rule (4) of Rule 13 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors)Rules, 2014 statesthat the auditor is also required to disclose in the BoardsReport the following details of each of the fraud reported to the AuditCommittee or the Board under sub-rule (3) during the year:

(a) Nature of Fraud with description;

(b) Approximate Amount involved;

Remedial actions taken.

Amendment-6

Guidance Note on Internal FinancialControl over Financial Reporting

Question : What is Internal Financial Control (IFC) (Sec 134) Answer : As per Section 134 of the Companies Act 2013, the term Internal Financial Controls meansthe policies and procedures adopted by the company for ensuring:

Orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to companys policies,
Safeguarding of its assets,
Prevention and detection of frauds and errors,
Accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and
Timely preparation of reliable financial information.

Question :What is Internal Controls over financial Reporting (ICFR) Answer :As per Guidance Note issued by ICAI on Guidance Note on Audit of Internal Financial ControlsOver Financial Reporting (September, 2015), Internal Financial Controls Over FinancialReporting (ICFR) shall mean: - A Process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financialreporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordancewith generally accepted accounting principles. A Companys internal financial control overfinancial reporting includes those policies and procedures: - Pertain to the maintenance of the records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairlyreflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company: - Provides reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permitpreparation of financial statement in accordance with generally accepted accountingprinciples, and those receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only inaccordance with authorizations of management and director of the company. - Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorizedacquisition, use or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effects ofthe financial statement. Question :Which provision of Companies Act requires such IFC and Reporting Answer :

Section 134: In the case of a listed company, the Directors Responsibility states that directors, have laid down IFC to be followed by the company and that such controls are adequate and operating effectively.
Section 143:The auditorsreportshould also state whetherthe company has adequate IFC system in placeand the operating effectiveness of such controls.
Section 177:Audit committee may call for comments of auditors about internal control systems before theirsubmission to the Board and may also discuss any related issues with the internal and statutoryauditors and the management of the company.
Schedule IV :The independent directors should satisfy themselves on the integrity of financial informationand ensure that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible.
Rule 8(5)(viii) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 The directorsreportshould contain details in respect of adequacy of internal financial controlswith reference to the financial reporting.

Question : To whom does this apply Answer :The guidance note clarifies that reporting on ICFR by auditors will be applicable to both listedand unlisted companies, including small and one person companies. This is in line with therequirements of section 143(3)(i) of the Companies Act, 2013. Furthermore, it states that auditors will have to report on ICFR in respect of both stand aloneand consolidated financial statements. Question :When does this apply and for financial statements of which period Answer :The guidance note clarifies that auditors will have to report whether a company has anadequate ICFR system in place and whether the same was operating effectively as at thebalance sheet date of 31 March 2016. In practice, this will mean that when forming its auditopinion on ICFR, the auditor will surely test transactions during the financial year ending 31 March 2016 and not just as at the balance sheet date, though the extent of testing at or nearthe balance sheet date may be higher. If control issues or deficiencies are identified during theinterim period and are remediated before the balance sheet date, then the auditor may stillbe able to express an unqualified opinion on the ICFR. This is particularly important forcompanies for the current year ending 31 March 2016, as it will be the first year when auditorvalidation of ICFR will be required. Question :What is extent of reporting Answer : The auditor needs to obtain reasonable assurance to state whether an adequate internalfinancial controls system was maintained and whether such internal financial controls system operated effectively in the company in all material respects with respect to financial reportingonly. The auditors opinion therefore does not assure, for example, the future viability of theentity nor the efficiency or effectiveness with which management has conducted the affairsof the entity.

Amendment-7

Recent Decisions of Ethical StandardsBoard

A chartered accountants in practice cannot become Financial Advisors and receive fees/commission from Financial Institutions such as Mutual Funds, Insurance Companies, NBFCs etc.
A chartered accountant cannot exercise lien over the client documents/records for non-payment of his fees.
It is not permissible for CA Firm to print its vision and values behind the visiting cards, it would result in solicitation and therefore would be violative of the provisions of Clause (6) of Part-I of First Schedule to the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949
It is not permissible for chartered accountants in practice to take agencies of UTI, GIC or NSDL.
It is permissible for a member in practice to be a settler of a trust.
A member in practice cannot hold Customs Brokers Licence under section 146 of the Customs Act, 1962 read with Customs Brokers Licensing Regulations, 2013 in terms of the provisions of Code of Ethics.
A Chartered accountant in service may appear as taxrepresentative before tax authorities on behalf of hisemployer, but not on behalf of other employees of the employer.
A chartered accountant who is the statutory auditorof a bank cannot for the same financial year acceptstock audit of the same branch of the bank or any ofthe branches of the same bank or sister concern of thebank, for the same financial year.
A CA Firm which has been appointed as the internalauditor of a PF Trust by a Government Companycannot be appointed as its Statutory Auditor.
A concurrent auditor of a bank X cannot beappointed as statutory auditor of bank Y, which issponsored by X.
A CA/CA Firm can act as the internal auditor of acompany & statutory auditor of its employees PF Fundunder the new Companies Act (2013).
The Ethical Standards Board while noting that thereis requirement for a Director u/s 149(3) of theCompanies Act, 2013 to reside in India for aminimum period of 182 days in the previous calendaryear, decided that such a Director would be withinthe scope of Director Simplicitor (which is generallypermitted as per ICAI norms) , if he is non executivedirector, required in the Board Meetings only , and
not paid any remuneration except for attending suchBoard Meetings.
Mentioning the firm as a "Knowledge Partner" or inthe "Thank You" advertisement, is not permissible,however mention of name of an individual memberwith prefix/suffix CA as a knowledge partner ispermissible.
Permitting the use of firm name by client, mentioningthe firm as a "Knowledge Partner" or in the "ThankYou" advertisement, is not permissible.
Concurrent auditor of an entity cannot accept anassignment done under any statue.
A chartered accountant in practice may establish aTIN FC, and may as well establish a TIN - FC underfranchise from the other entity which is already a TIN FC.
Quick Response Code (QR Code) may be printed onthe visiting Card by a member in practice, providedthat the Code does not contain information that isnot otherwise permissible to be printed on a visitingCard.
A statutory auditor and tax auditor can not be valuerof the unquoted equity shares as it would createthreats to independence of the auditor, which maynot possibly be reduced by application of safeguards.
The use of banner with name of CA firm is not permissible in terms of provisions of Items 6 and 7 ofPart I of First Schedule to The Chartered AccountantsAct, 1949.

Amendment-8

Tendering

In exercise of the powers conferred on it under Item (1) of Part II of the Second Schedule of the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India hereby issue the following guidelines for compliance by the members of the Institute -
(i) A member of the Institute in practice shall not respond to any tender issued by an organization or user of professional services in areas of services which are exclusively reserved for chartered accountants, such as audit and attestation services. However, such restriction shall not be applicable where minimum fee of the assignment is prescribed in the tender document itself or where the areas are open to other professionals along with the Chartered Accountants.
(ii) This Guideline shall come into force with immediate effect.

Question : What is the effective date of the said notification/guideline Answer : The said notification/guideline has come into force with immediate effect from date ofpublication of the notification in the official gazette (7th April, 2016). In other words, all tendersissued on or after 7th April 2016 will be covered under this notification/guideline Question :Whether a member of the Institute in practice can accept such assignment whereadvertisement of tender was issued prior to 7th April, 2016 Answer :The notification is effective for all tenders issued/hosted on or after 7th April, 2016. Therefore,a member of the Institute in practice can accept such assignment where advertisement oftender was issued prior to 7th April, 2016. Question : Whether a member of the Institute in practice can respond to tenders floated in exclusiveareas of practice of Chartered Accountants Answer :A member of the Institute in practice shall not respond to any tender issued by an organizationor user of professional services in areas of services which are exclusively reserved for CharteredAccountants by statute viz. audit and attestation services such as audit under Companies Act2013, Income Tax Act 1961, etc.It is clarified that in any State under the local statute if audit andattestation services are exclusively meant for Chartered Accountants only, the member will notbe allowed to respond to such tender. However, a member of the Institute in practice may respond to tenders as mentioned above wherever the minimum fee of the assignment isprescribed in the tender document itself. Question :Whether a member of Institute in practice can respond to such tenders which are open toother professionals apart from CAs. However, in the tender document, only CAs have beeninvited to respond. Answer : A member of the Institute in practice can respond to such tenders Question :Whether a member of Institute in practice can respond to such tenders which are open to CAsand other professionals and in the tender document other professionals along with CAs havebeen invited to respond Answer :A member of the Institute in practice can respond to such tenders. Question :Whether a member of Institute in practice can respond to such assignments where quotationshave been called for from practicing members/firms through individual letters Answer :A member of the Institute in practice can respond to such assignments based on individualletters issued. Question : Whether a member of Institute in practice can respond to such tenders where only technicalbid has been asked for from the members which is followed by financial quotations requestfrom the shortlisted members through individual letters Answer :A member of the Institute in practice can respond to such tenders. Question : Whether non-adherence to such guidelines will lead to disciplinary action Answer :Non-adherence to such guidelines could lead to disciplinary action as this is a Council decision. Question : Whether the Institute can call for any papers/documents related to bid submitted bymembers in response to respective tender Answer :The Institute can call for any such papers/documents.

Amendment-9

Section 130: Re-opening of accounts on courts or Tribunals orders (1) A company shall not re-open its books of account and not recast its financial statements, unlessan application in this regard is made by the Central Government, the Income-tax authorities, theSecurities and Exchange Board, any other statutory regulatory body or authority or any personconcerned and an order is made by a court of competent jurisdiction or the Tribunal to the effectthat

(i) the relevant earlier accounts were prepared in a fraudulent manner; or

(ii) the affairs of the company were mismanaged during the relevant period, casting a doubt on thereliability of financial statements:

Provided that the court or the Tribunal, as the case may be, shall give notice to the CentralGovernment, the Income-tax authorities, the Securities and Exchange Board or any other statutoryregulatory body or authority concerned and shall take into consideration the representations, if any,made by that Government or the authorities, Securities and Exchange Board or the body or authorityconcerned before passing any order under this section. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act the accounts so revised or re-cast undersub-section (1) shall be final.

Amendment-10

Section 131: Voluntary revision of financial statements or Boards report (1) If it appears to the directors of a company that

(a) the financial statement of the company; or

(b) the report of the Board, do not comply with the provisions of section 129 or section 134 they may prepare revised financial statement or a revised report in respect of any of the three precedingfinancial years after obtaining approval of the Tribunal on an application made by the company insuch form and manner as may be prescribed and a copy of the order passed by the Tribunal shall befiled with the Registrar:

Provided that the Tribunal shall give notice to the Central Government and the Incometax authoritiesand shall take into consideration the representations, if any, made by that Government or theauthorities before passing any order under this section: Provided further that such revised financial statement or report shall not be prepared or filed morethan once in a financial year: Provided also that the detailed reasons for revision of such financial statement or report shall also bedisclosed in the Board's report in the relevant financial year in which such revision is being made. (2) Where copies of the previous financial statement or report have been sent out to members ordelivered to the Registrar or laid before the company in general meeting, the revisions must be confined to (a) the correction in respect of which the previous financial statement or report do not comply withthe provisions of section 129 or section 134; and (b) the making of any necessary consequential alternation. (3) The Central Government may make rules as to the application of the provisions of this Act in relation to revised financial statement or a revised director's report and such rules may, in particular (a) make different provisions according to which the previous financial statement or report are replaced or are supplemented by a document indicating the corrections to be made; (b) make provisions with respect to the functions of the company's auditor in relation to the revised financial statement or report; (c) require the directors to take such steps as may be prescribed. To download the pdf file for amendments of Auditing applicable for May 2017 exams Click here (Compiled by CA Aseem Trivedi)