example, if inherent risk is assessed as higher for one or more risks of material misstatement, the
auditor may judge that a more detailed retrospective review is required. As part of the detailed
retrospective review, the auditor may pay particular attention, when practicable, to the effect of
data and significant assumptions used in making the previous accounting estimates. On the other
hand, for example, for accounting estimates that arise from the recording of routine and recurring
transactions, the auditor may judge that the application of analytical procedures as risk assessment
procedures is sufficient for purposes of the review.
A59. The measurement objective for fair value accounting estimates and other accounting
estimates, based on current conditions at the measurement date, deals with perceptions about value
at a point in time, which may change significantly and rapidly as the environment in which the
entity operates changes. The auditor may, therefore, focus the review on obtaining information that
may be relevant to identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement. For example, in some
cases, obtaining an understanding of changes in market participant assumptions that affected the
outcome of a previous period’s fair value accounting estimates may be unlikely to provide relevant
audit evidence. In this case, audit evidence may be obtained by understanding the outcomes of
assumptions (such as a cash flow projection) and understanding the effectiveness of management’s
prior estimation process that supports the identification and assessment of the risk of material
misstatement in the current period.
A60. A difference between the outcome of an accounting estimate and the amount recognized in
the previous period’s financial statements does not necessarily represent a misstatement of the
previous period’s financial statements. For example, an entity assumed a forecasted unemployment
rate in the development of a loan loss estimate, and the actual losses and unemployment rate
differed from that assumed. A difference may represent a misstatement if, for example, the
difference arises from information that was available to management when the previous period’s
financial statements were finalized or that could reasonably be expected to have been obtained and
taken into account in the context of the applicable financial reporting framework.
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Such a
difference may call into question management’s process for taking information into account in
making the accounting estimate. As a result, the auditor may need to reconsider his or her risk
assessment or may determine that more persuasive audit evidence needs to be obtained about the
matter. Many financial reporting frameworks contain guidance on distinguishing between changes
in accounting estimates that constitute misstatements and changes that do not, and the accounting
treatment required to be followed in each case.
Specialized Skills or Knowledge (Ref: par. 14)
A61. Matters that may affect the auditor’s determination of whether the engagement team
requires specialized skills or knowledge, include, for example, the following:
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• The nature of the accounting estimates for a particular business or industry (for example,
mineral deposits, agricultural assets, complex financial instruments, and insurance
contract liabilities)
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Paragraph .15 of AU-C section 560, Subsequent Events.
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Paragraph .16 of AU-C section 220, Quality Control for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance With
Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and paragraph .08e of AU-C section 300, Planning an Audit.