Learning Outcomes
After reviewing this article, you will be able to explain the engagement-level quality framework under ISA 220. You will know the requirements for consultation, the standards for audit documentation, and how these procedures contribute to effective audit quality management. You will be able to apply these principles to practical scenarios and identify their impact during the conduct of an assurance engagement.
ACCA Audit and Assurance (AA) Syllabus
For ACCA Audit and Assurance (AA), you are required to understand how quality is managed at the engagement level in an audit of financial statements, particularly focusing on the importance of consultation and documentation. You should focus your revision on:
- The responsibilities of the engagement partner in managing audit quality (ISA 220).
- Procedures for effective consultation within the audit team and with experts.
- Requirements for the preparation, review, and retention of audit documentation.
- The role of documentation in providing evidence of quality management and compliance.
- How engagement-level quality controls support professional judgement and compliance with ethical standards.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the primary purpose of consultation in relation to engagement-level quality under ISA 220?
- When does the engagement partner need to document significant professional judgements during the audit?
- Which of the following best describes the requirements for audit documentation retention?
A) Retain for at least three years
B) Retain for a period set by national regulation (commonly at least five years)
C) There is no minimum retention period
D) Retain only if requested by a regulator - Give one example of when an auditor should consult with an expert during an audit engagement.
Introduction
Achieving high quality in every audit engagement is a fundamental requirement under ISA 220. Engagement-level quality means the policies, procedures, and actions that ensure an audit is performed in accordance with professional standards, all ethical obligations are met, and the opinion issued is appropriate. Audit quality at the engagement level depends critically on effective consultation and maintaining comprehensive audit documentation.
Key Term: engagement-level quality
The measures and procedures applied to an individual engagement to achieve high audit quality in line with professional and legal standards.
Engagement-level Quality—Key Responsibilities
ISA 220 establishes that the engagement partner is responsible for overall quality management at the engagement level. This includes ensuring the audit team:
- Complies with professional and legal standards.
- Fulfils ethical obligations and addresses threats to independence.
- Exercises sufficient professional scepticism and judgement.
- Obtains and retains sufficient and appropriate audit evidence.
- Documents all significant matters that affect the audit.
Consultation within the Audit Engagement
The audit environment often involves areas of significant judgement or technical complexity. Effective consultation ensures the engagement team benefits from appropriate specialist knowledge and diverse viewpoints, reducing the risk of misstatement and poor audit outcomes.
Key Term: consultation
The process by which the auditor seeks advice or opinion, either from within the audit team, from firm experts, or externally, on complex or contentious matters during the audit.
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Engagement teams should consult on:
- Non-routine or complex accounting/audit matters.
- Areas involving significant judgement or potential disputes with management.
- Issues relating to compliance with ethical requirements.
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Consultations should be sufficient, timely, and documented in the audit file, including the matters raised, advice received, and conclusions reached.
Worked Example 1.1
An audit team is uncertain whether a new complex revenue recognition standard applies to a client’s contract.
Answer:
The audit team should consult with a technical specialist—either within their firm or, if necessary, engage an external expert. The discussion, advice given, and final conclusion must all be documented in the audit working papers.
Documentation Requirements
Audit documentation serves as a record of the audit procedures performed, evidence obtained, and judgements made. ISA 230 sets out what must be documented.
Key Term: audit documentation
The record of audit procedures performed and evidence obtained to support the auditor’s opinion, including significant judgements and conclusions.
- All significant audit matters and consultations must be documented, showing the process by which decisions were reached.
- Documentation should be clear and detailed enough for an experienced auditor, with no prior connection, to understand the work performed and conclusions.
Key Term: significant professional judgement
A decision that could influence the audit opinion and is made in circumstances where there is more than one appropriate course of action.
Worked Example 1.2
During an audit, the engagement team identifies possible fraud involving related party transactions.
Answer:
The lead auditor documents the suspected fraud, all meetings and consultations about the matter, the audit procedures followed, and the conclusions on its impact. This ensures there is a clear audit trail of the team’s professional judgement and use of consultations.
Retention and Security of Audit Documentation
Retention periods for documentation are determined by national regulation, usually five years for audit engagements. Files should be completed on a timely basis after the audit report is signed (typically within 60 days). Physical and electronic security is required to prevent unauthorised access, loss, or tampering.
Key Term: file completion
The process of finalising the audit documentation within a set timeframe after the date of the auditor’s report, ensuring no changes are made except as justified and documented.
How Consultation and Documentation Support Quality
Together, structured consultation and robust documentation ensure that:
- Significant, complex or contentious matters receive expert attention.
- Risks are identified, discussed, and managed appropriately.
- Audit findings and conclusions can be justified to regulators or in court.
- The engagement partner can assure the firm and stakeholders that professional standards have been met.
Exam Warning
A common exam error is to overlook the documentation of consultations and significant judgements. Always link your answer to specific documentation requirements and be clear on how consultation supports audit quality.
Revision Tip
When revising, prepare a checklist of critical documentation required for each stage of the audit, and practice writing consultation records for complex issues.
Summary
Effective engagement-level quality management requires proactive consultation and thorough documentation. Engagement partners must confirm the competence of all advice received and ensure that all key decisions, especially those involving judgement or external input, are fully documented. This supports the integrity of the audit opinion and demonstrates compliance with ISA 220 requirements.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Define engagement-level quality as per ISA 220.
- Explain the purpose and procedures for consultation during an audit.
- Identify when and how to document significant professional judgements.
- State the requirements for the retention and security of audit documentation.
- Recognise how consultation and documentation together support audit quality.
- Apply these principles to exam-style audit scenarios.
Key Terms and Concepts
- engagement-level quality
- consultation
- audit documentation
- significant professional judgement
- file completion