Article 22
For the purpose of auditing and attesting financial statements, a CPA shall first check the balance in each account in the financial statements against that in the general ledger, and shall also check each account in the general ledger against the sum of account balances in the corresponding subsidiary or account ledger, and subsequently, where all accounts are reconciled, perform audit procedures as follows:
1. Cash and cash equivalents:
A. Evaluate the system of internal controls over cash, perform a test count of cash on hand, and, if the date of counting does not fall on the balance sheet date, make reconciliation to see whether the figure agrees.
B. With respect to cash on hand and petty cash, ascertain the existence of any non-cash items, such as employee IOUs, uncashed checks, and unreimbursed vouchers, and make appropriate adjustment if necessary.
C. Ascertain expenses reported and reimbursements made through petty cash and revolving funds, determine the remaining balances of each, check unreimbursed vouchers, and make necessary adjustments.
D. Check the amounts on bank statements against those in the ledger. If there is any discrepancy, obtain a bank reconciliation statement prepared by the audited entity and perform a test audit of the reconciliation items, and send a written confirmation request to the bank in accordance with TWSA505.
E. Perform a test audit of stubs from cash receipt books and check stubs and verify against cash book entries. Take note of whether any check has been issued for use by other parties or affiliated enterprises without being recorded on the books, and if so, make an adjusting entry or footnote disclosure.
F. Ascertain whether bank deposits designated for specific purposes or otherwise restricted have been reported in a footnote or reclassified to an appropriate account.
G. Perform an inventory count of certificates of deposit and audit the estimation and recording of the interest receivable, and for those on deposit with others, assess the reason(s) and check the custody receipt.
H. With respect to certificates of deposit that are provided as security or pledged as loan collateral, ascertain whether the established operating procedures for endorsements/guarantees have been complied with.
I. Where bank deposits increase due to a capital increase, ascertain the source of the capital and how it has been utilized, and whether the amount has been overstated or understated.
J. For any matured note receivable that has not been deposited into the bank by the balance sheet date, ascertain whether such note has been deposited by the beginning of the ensuing period. Also note why such deposit has not been made.
K. Perform a test audit of the supporting source documents for large inflows and outflows of cash and bank deposits, paying attention to changes in cash and bank deposits immediately prior to and after the balance sheet date. If there is a large or irregular fluctuation, ascertain the cause.
L. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for material cash transactions and interbank funds transfer transactions during each period, to ensure that there has been a proper cut-off of cash items.
M. If there are any foreign currency deposits, ascertain whether such deposits have been adjusted to the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
N. If there are any cash equivalents, the audit procedures related to financial assets, as described in subparagraph 2, shall apply mutatis mutandis, and the appropriateness of their classification shall be ascertained.
2. Financial assets, including, among others, financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss, financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, financial assets measured at amortized cost, and financial assets for hedging (hereinafter collectively referred to as "financial assets"):
A. Assess the system of internal controls over such matters, and check the transaction records and all supporting source documents, to verify the reliability of the classification, calculation, and recording.
B. Review minutes of the meetings of the board of directors or any other units specifically responsible for such matters, and ascertain the adequacy of the authorization of transactions and the existence of any unrecorded transactions.
C. Obtain and review relevant contracts and documentation, to verify the appropriateness of the accounting treatment.
D. Conduct an on-site inventory of securities on hand jointly with the custodian or check the central securities deposit passbook, and check the amount against account book entries, to verify ownership and liquidity, and for those on deposit with others, assess the reason(s) and check the custody receipt.
E. With respect to securities provided as security or pledged as loan collateral, send a written confirmation request or otherwise check the custody receipt, and ascertain whether the established operating procedures for endorsements/guarantees have been complied with.
F. Ascertain whether the reclassification and accounting treatment are appropriate.
G. Ascertain whether the recognition, measurement, and presentation and disclosure in the financial statements, of the amounts of expected credit losses are appropriate.
H. For financial assets that are material in amount or whose underlying investments are unusual in nature, acquire an understanding of the nature of the transactions, whether any irregularities have been involved, and whether they have been appropriately treated.
I. If any item is identified as having been used to secure an obligation or for any other purpose, ascertain whether the fact has been reported in a footnote or the item has been reclassified to an appropriate account.
J. Ascertain whether dividends or interest income have been properly recorded.
K. Ascertain whether financial assets have been adequately presented and disclosed (in terms of measurement, classification, and furnishing of required information) in the financial statements and footnotes, and whether they are identified as either current or non-current depending on their liquidity.
L. Ascertain whether financial assets that are denominated in a foreign currency have been adjusted to reflect the foreign exchange rate required by generally accepted accounting principles and whether they have been properly accounted for.
M. Ascertain whether financial assets designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss and financial assets designated as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income meet the conditions set out in applicable requirements.
N. Ascertain whether the accounting basis and ending valuation are appropriate.
O. Ascertain whether the accounting treatment of hedging is appropriate.
P. Audit derivative financial assets by the following procedure:
a. Acquire an understanding of whether any of the audited entity's assets, liabilities, firm commitments, and forecast transactions is significantly exposed to any risk associated with fair value, cash flow, or net investment in a foreign operation; review or inquire about relevant supporting source documents, such as balance statements for trading margins, premiums, bank fees, service fees, and professional service fees, to find out the existence of any unrecorded derivative transactions.
b. Obtain trading summaries of derivative financial instruments prepared by the audited entity and relevant memorandum entries, inquire of those senior executives and internal auditors authorized by the board of directors of the audited entity, and obtain written records, to acquire knowledge of any irregularity in the derivative transactions by the audited entity.
c. Analyze any increase or decrease in derivative transactions in relation to the prior period, and, if a significant change or irregularity exists, analyze the reason and reasonableness.
d. Send written confirmation requests to the banks, securities firms, futures commission merchants, and major trading counterparties.
e. If embedded derivatives and their host contracts are recognized separately, ascertain whether such separate recognition complies with applicable requirements.
3. Contract assets, notes receivable, accounts receivable, and operating revenues:
A. Evaluate the system of internal controls over operating revenues, and check the transaction records and all supporting source documents, to verify whether revenue records are reliable, and also incorporate in the audit sample any new sales customer from during the present period that is a related party and that has entered into any transaction of a material amount with the audited entity, or any sales customer newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten sales customers, and ascertain the nature and reasonableness of the transactions with any sales customer newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten sales customers, and whether the customer has any connection to any supplier newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten suppliers, to identify whether any irregularity exists in the transactions. If any significant deficiency in internal control of the audited entity is found, ascertain the cause of the deficiency and the reasonableness thereof, and determine whether any extra audit procedures need to be performed.
B. Conduct a comparative analysis against the amounts from the prior period, and also compare the growth rate of contract assets, accounts receivable, and notes receivable against that of operating revenues in the same period, to determine whether the trend of the changes has been reasonable. If there has been any material change, ascertain and analyze the cause.
C. If the audited entity has engaged in consignment sales, distribution services, or any other special type of sales, ascertain whether the accounting records agree with the information from the underlying contractual agreements.
D. Ascertain whether revenues have been appropriately recognized, measured, presented, and disclosed. If the entity recognizes revenue on a gross basis, ascertain whether revenue has been recognized in accordance with applicable requirements.
E. Send written confirmation requests to debtors in accordance with TWSA505.
F. For any note receivable pledged as security, send a written confirmation request to the pledgee, and ascertain whether the fact has been reported in a footnote.
G. Ascertain whether material accounts receivable have been offset against the same parties to which the sales were made, and if any of them is not, assess the reason and reasonableness.
H. Jointly conduct an inventory of notes on hand, and if any notes on hand are held by a third party or have been delivered to a bank for collection, send a written confirmation request to the holder or audit the supporting documents for such bank collection. If the inventory date is not the balance sheet date, reconcile the difference.
I. If it is found that a note has been exchanged with another party, it shall be reported in a footnote or reclassified to an appropriate account.
J. Obtain an aging schedule and perform an aged analysis of accounts receivable, ascertain the collection of notes and accounts receivable during the subsequent period, and, if any such item remains uncollected after the due date, ascertain whether they have been appropriately treated.
K. Ascertain the appropriateness of the recognition, measurement, and write-off of loss allowance. If past-due accounts receivable or notes receivable account for a significant portion of any given account, ascertain the cause and reasonableness and evaluate the adequacy of the loss allowance.
L. Ascertain whether appropriate treatment has been given with respect to contract assets, notes receivable, or accounts receivable under dispute or litigation.
M. Ascertain whether there is any note or account receivable due from a related party or investee company that exceeds the normal loan term and that is required to be reclassified under "other receivables," and if so, ascertain the reason(s) and whether any irregularities have been involved.
N. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for each period, to ensure that there has been a proper cut-off of sales transactions and sales returns.
O. Ascertain whether there have been any material sales returns or allowances in the current period and the subsequent period, and, if so, inquire about the reason and find out whether they have been adequately presented.
P. If it is found that a note or account receivable has arisen from a non-operating activity, ascertain whether it has been reclassified to an appropriate account.
Q. Ascertain whether contract assets, notes receivable, and accounts receivable are presented in such a manner as to distinguish between current and non-current items, and ascertain whether they are measured by an appropriate method. However, short-term notes and accounts receivable with no stated interest rate may be measured at the original invoice amount if the effect of discounting is immaterial.
R. Ascertain whether any internal profit from internal transfer pricing has been offset.
S. Ascertain whether the interest income and interest receivable arising from interest-bearing notes receivable have been recorded.
T. For discounted or transferred notes receivable or accounts receivable, if any, check the discount or transfer records, review relevant contracts, inspect supporting documentation, send a written confirmation request, and ascertain whether the degree of retention of risks and rewards and of control meet the criteria for derecognition, whether the disclosure has been made in accordance with applicable requirements, and whether proper accounting treatment has been given.
U. If there are any contract assets, notes receivable, or accounts receivable denominated in a foreign currency, ascertain whether they have been adjusted to the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
V. Ascertain whether contract assets, notes receivable, and accounts receivable arising from transactions with related parties have been adequately presented.
4. Other receivables:
A. Note the nature of each line item under "other receivables" and, for those not constituting current assets, ascertain whether they have been reclassified to an appropriate account.
B. With respect those that are material in amount or unusual in nature, send written confirmation requests and ascertain the status of collections during the subsequent period; no written confirmation is required, however, if "other receivables" have been collected in full by the end of the subsequent period and the supporting source documents have been inspected and other alternative audit procedures have been performed.
C. With respect to those that are in the nature of financing, ascertain whether such an item complies with the statutory provisions as well as the established operating procedures, and whether the content of the financing has been adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
D. Ascertain the appropriateness of the recognition, measurement, and write-off of loss allowance.
E. Ascertain whether "other receivables" that are material in amount have been separately presented.
F. Ascertain whether "other receivables" that are denominated in a foreign currency have been adjusted to the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
5. Inventories and operating overhead:
A. Evaluate the system of internal controls over operating overhead, and check the transaction records and all supporting source documents, to verify the reliability of the classification, calculation, and recording of operating overhead, and also incorporate in the audit sample any new supplier from during the present period that is a related party and that has entered into any transaction of a material amount with the audited entity, or any supplier newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten suppliers, and ascertain the nature and reasonableness of the transactions with any supplier newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten suppliers, and whether the supplier has any connection to any sales customer newly listed during the present period as one of the top ten sales customers, to identify whether any irregularity exists in the transactions. If any significant deficiency in internal control of the audited entity is found, ascertain the cause of the deficiency and the reasonableness thereof, and determine whether any extra audit procedures need to be performed.
B. Conduct a comparative analysis against the amounts from the prior period to determine whether the trend of the change has been reasonable. If there has been any material change, ascertain and analyze the cause.
C. Ascertain the accounting basis and calculation method with respect to inventories, check whether they are consistent with those used in the prior period, and, for any change therein, ascertain the reasonableness thereof and whether appropriate treatment has been given.
D. Perform the audit procedures relating to attendance at physical inventory counting of the audited entity in accordance with TWSA501.
E. Check physical inventory counts and results of inventory testing against the inventory list and book entries. If the book quantity of an inventory is materially at variance with the actual quantity counted during the on-site inventory, ascertain the reason.
F. While the on-site inventory is being conducted, if there are items being sold on consignment or held for other parties, verify that they have been separately stored and labeled, and obtain the specifications, quantities, and other relevant information, to ensure that they are not included in the inventory of the audited entity.
G. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for each period, to ensure that there has been a proper cut-off of operating overhead.
H. If the sales costs include any drawback of customs or excise duties on exportation, ascertain whether proper accounting treatment has been given.
I. Ascertain whether any inventory has been provided as pledge or security or possessed in trust, and if so, whether the fact has been reported in a footnote.
J. Ascertain whether damaged, deteriorated, or long-term unmarketable inventory items, if any, have been valued at the lower of net realizable value or cost.
K. Value ending inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
L. Ascertain the ownership of any inventory in transit, and, if it belongs to the audited entity, whether appropriate accounting treatment has been given.
M. Ascertain the appropriateness of the procedures for handling idle and obsolete materials.
6. Prepayments:
A. Where a prepayment is required to be reclassified as an expense or to an appropriate account, ascertain whether such reclassification has been made and whether the amounts agree, and in the case of reclassification under "other receivables," ascertain whether a sufficient amount of allowance for losses has been recognized for that purpose.
B. Ascertain the reason, period, and nature of any significant prepayment, and acquire an understanding of the reasonableness.
C. Ascertain whether any prepayment involves a contractual relationship, and, if so, the content of contract and the extent to which the counterparty has performed its contractual obligations. With respect to those that are material in amount or unusual in nature, send a written confirmation request to the counterparty.
D. Ascertain whether there is any significant offset during a certain time period before or after the balance sheet date to any of those payments that are temporary in nature, and if so, assess reason and reasonableness.
7. Other current assets:Ascertain the nature of each item falling under the category of "other current assets," find out whether it has been appropriately classified and given proper accounting treatment, and if an item is unusual in nature, find out whether the fact has been stated in detail in a footnote.
8. Funds, subsidiaries, and investments accounted for using the equity method:
A. Evaluate the system of internal controls over subsidiaries and investments accounted for using the equity method, and check the transaction records and all supporting source documents, to verify the reliability of the accounting records.
B. Ascertain the basis for setting aside funds and whether such has been reported in a footnote.
C. Conduct, jointly with the custodian, an on-site inventory of securities acquired by subsidiaries or through investments accounted for using the equity method, and inspect the supporting source documents. If any part or all of such securities are deposited with others, acquire an understanding of the reason and send a written confirmation request, and also check the custody receipt or perform other necessary audit procedures to verify the ownership.
D. Ascertain whether an appropriate accounting basis was applied in recording investments accounted for using the equity method, and whether they have been properly classified.
E. If any investment in a subsidiary or investment accounted for using the equity method has been provided as security, pledged, or is otherwise subject to any restriction or limitation, ascertain whether the fact has been reported in a footnote, and whether the established operating procedures for endorsements/guarantees have been complied with.
F. In the case of interests in joint ventures, and investment that confers material influence over the investee company, ascertain whether the investment has been valued under the equity method. Ascertain whether the audited entity has substantive control over such investee company or related party, and if so, whether consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable requirements.
G. In the case of any change in shareholding in an investment in a subsidiary or an investment accounted for using the equity method, ascertain the appropriateness of the accounting treatment.
H. Ascertain the appropriateness of the accounting treatment of those classified as disposal groups held for sale.
I. When ascertaining the share of recognized profit or loss of subsidiaries and investment accounted for using the equity method, the CPA should identify any material events in the financial statements of major subsidiaries and ascertain how they affect the audited entity's financial statements, and for associates that have been determined, pursuant to TWSA320, to have a material effect on the fair presentation of the financial reports of the audited entity, the CPA shall ascertain whether the financial reports of the associate comply with these Regulations and the TWSA.
J. Ascertain whether any unrealized profit or loss among the group entities has been written off.
K. Ascertain whether the difference between the cost of an investment accounted for using the equity method and the net equity value has been amortized or offset as required.
L. Ascertain whether there is any indication that an investment accounted for using the equity method of the audited entity may be impaired and the appropriateness of the impairment test performed by the audited entity and of the corresponding accounting treatment.
M. Acquire an understanding of whether there is mutual investment between the audited entity and any subsidiary or associate, and if so, whether it complies with the provisions of the Company Act and whether it has been adequately disclosed in the financial statements. In the case of a subsidiary holding shares in its parent, acquire an understanding of whether it has been handled in accordance with applicable requirements.
N. Ascertain whether dividends from investments accounted for using the equity method have been properly recorded.
O. Ascertain whether all subsidiaries or associates are going concerns, and if any of them is not, whether proper adjustment or footnote disclosure has been made.
P. Ascertain whether the financial reports of associates and the audited entity are prepared as of the same date. If there is a difference in date, ascertain whether adjustments have been made for the effects of significant transactions or events occurring between the date of the associate's financial reports and the date of the audited entity's financial reports; and ascertain whether there is any difference of greater than 3 months between the balance sheet dates of associates and that of the audited entity.
Q. Ascertain whether subsidiaries or associates use the same accounting policies as the audited entity for similar transactions and events under similar circumstances. If there is any difference in accounting policies, ascertain whether adjustments have been made.
9. Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property, intangible assets, and biological assets:
A. Ascertain whether the title to property, plant and equipment is held by the audited entity, and when necessary, observe the on-site inventory or conduct a joint on-site inventory of representative property, plant and equipment. If due to statutory restrictions the title to any such asset is not registered under the name of the audited entity for the time being, ascertain whether any safeguards are in place and whether a proper explanation has been provided in a footnote.
B. Ascertain whether there is any property, plant and equipment that is not intended for use in the operation of the business. If there is, reclassify it to an appropriate account, in keeping with its character.
C. Ascertain whether any property, plant and equipment or investment property has been provided as security, pledged, or otherwise subject to any restriction, and, if so, whether the fact has been reported in a footnote.
D. Ascertain whether the basis used in accounting for property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property, and intangible assets is appropriate.
E. Ascertain whether property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property, and intangible assets have been depreciated, depleted, or amortized in a rational and systematic manner in accordance with current statutory requirements, and that each component of property, plant and equipment that is material has been depreciated separately, and ascertain the appropriateness of the amounts. For the book value of any portions that have been replaced or substituted, ascertain whether it has been derecognized.
F. Regularly examine whether capitalization policies and depreciation, depletion, and amortization methods, periods, and residual values applied to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property, and intangible assets are consistent with those of the prior period and reflect their economic substance. If a change has been made, ascertain the reasonableness, the appropriateness of the accounting treatment, and whether the method accords with the nature of the change, i.e. change in accounting principle or change in accounting estimate, as the case may be. If an impairment loss is recognized or reversed, ascertain whether a depreciation or depletion expense has been calculated based on the amount after the recognition or reversal of the impairment loss.
G. If any property, plant and equipment, or investment property meets the definition of assets held for sale, ascertain whether it has been appropriately reclassified.
H. Ascertain all expenditures in connection with property, plant and equipment, and investment property for the current period, to determine whether such items are capital expenditures or expense expenditures, and ascertain whether they have been given proper accounting treatment.
I. Ascertain whether proper accounting treatment has been given to capitalization of borrowing costs with respect to property, plant and equipment and investment property currently in the process of acquisition or construction.
J. Ascertain the reasonableness of any material change in prepayments for land or equipment.
K. Ascertain any increase or decrease in property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment property, and intangible assets in the current period, and whether it has been given proper accounting treatment. Also, audit the following additional matters with respect to investment property:
a. Ascertain whether the fair value model or the cost model was chosen as the accounting policy for the subsequent measurement of investment property, and apply the chosen accounting policy to all investment property items.
b. When investment property was subsequently measured using the fair value model, obtain the appraisal report if outsourced appraisal was adopted, or, if internal appraisal was adopted, obtain the information relating to the internal control system applicable to the appraisal procedures, and if the report was reviewed by another CPA, obtain the CPA's review opinion on the reasonableness or validity, to ascertain whether the manner in which the appraisal was conducted, the appraisal method, and the definition of each parameter conform to the requirements.
c. Ascertain the reasonableness and appropriateness of the recognized amount if material difference exists between the appraisal results shown in the appraisal reports issued by professional appraisers of two or more appraising offices, or if there is any disagreement between a review opinion issued by any other CPA and the appraisal reports by the professional appraisers and the audited entity's internal appraisal.
d. Ascertain the validity of the appraisal report at the balance sheet date.
e. Ascertain whether the disclosure of investment property conforms to the requirements.
A. Ascertain whether the house rentals, land rentals, and any other revenues arising from property, plant and equipment and investment property have been properly recorded.
B. Ascertain whether any assets have been leased, and if so, whether such leases have been given proper accounting treatment.
C. Ascertain whether there are any obligations to restore right-of-use assets or property, plant and equipment to their original condition, and whether any decommissioning costs have been estimated and recorded.
D. Ascertain the components of intangible assets, and whether they have been given proper accounting treatment.
E. Check the supporting source documents, papers, and licenses relating to intangible assets.
F. Ascertain whether intangible assets are still useful and whether their cost has been amortized over their expected useful life.
G. Ascertain whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, and if so, the appropriateness of the estimated recoverable amount of the asset. If there is goodwill, ascertain whether the audited entity has performed an impairment test regularly on an annual basis. In addition, ascertain whether the carrying amount of an asset (other than goodwill) after reversal of impairment loss does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of required depreciation or amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset.
H. Ascertain the nature of biological assets and whether they have been properly classified.
I. Ascertain whether biological assets have been measured at fair value less costs to sell. If at the time of initial recognition it was impossible to obtain their market price or value, and if a substitution estimate to determine fair value would obviously be unreliable, the biological assets should be measured by cost less all accumulated depreciation and all accumulated impairment loss.
J. For any agricultural goods after the harvesting of biological assets, ascertain whether they have been given proper classifications and accounting treatment.
10. Other non-current assets:
A. Inspect all supporting source documents to confirm the reasonableness of the amounts recorded.
B. If any item under "other non-current assets" is subject to amortization, ascertain the reasonableness of the amortization method and its consistency with that applied in the prior period.
C. For any long outstanding amount for which it is impossible to obtain confirmation from the debtor or which is not likely to be collected, ascertain whether such amount has been written off or sufficient loss allowance has been set aside.
D. Ascertain whether any item under "other non-current assets" that is material in amount has been separately presented.
E. For items held in custody for other parties that are material in amount or unusual in nature, conduct a joint on-site inventory with the custodian(s) and send written confirmation requests to such other parties.
F. Ascertain the nature of any refundable deposit paid out as security, and the reasonableness and necessity thereof.
G. Ascertain whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, and if so, the appropriateness of the estimated recoverable amount of the asset. In addition, ascertain whether the carrying amount of an asset after reversal of impairment loss does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of required depreciation or amortization) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset.
11. Borrowings:
A. Ascertain whether a borrowing that is a bank overdraft, bank borrowing, commercial paper payable, banker's acceptance, or "other borrowing" has been separately presented.
B. Identify any significant borrowing agreements and send written confirmation requests to confirm the borrowing balances, interest rates, repayment periods, amounts, material covenants, and the collateralization status.
C. Ascertain whether the bank overdraft balance is the balance after offsetting against the bank deposit, and if so, make appropriate adjustment.
D. If there has been any borrowing from a shareholder, employee, or related party, ascertain whether the fact has been reported in a footnote.
E. Ascertain repayment of principal and interest on borrowing in the subsequent period, and ensure that footnote disclosure has been made of any delay in repayment.
F. Identify interest payments made in the current period and perform a check calculation to verify whether accrued or prepaid interest has been calculated and recorded appropriately at period-end.
G. Ascertain whether there has been a breach of any material provision of a borrowing agreement (including past-due obligations and rescheduling of payments), and if so, whether appropriate accounting treatment and disclosure have been given, and consider the effect thereof on the financial statements.
H. If repayment a foreign currency is required under a borrowing agreement, ascertain whether such has been translated using the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
I. Ascertain whether non-current liabilities to be settled within one year or within one operating cycle have been reclassified as current liabilities in accordance with applicable requirements.
J. If the audited entity has set aside a sinking fund, ascertain whether it has been done in accordance with provisioning rules.
12. Financial liabilities, including, among others, those measured at fair value through profit or loss, those for hedging, and those measured at amortized cost (hereinafter collectively referred to as "financial liabilities"):
A. Assess the system of internal controls over such matters, and check the transaction records and all relevant contracts and supporting source documents, to verify the reliability of recording of financial liabilities.
B. Ascertain payments or deliveries during the subsequent period and all supporting source documents, and where necessary send written confirmation requests to and obtain relevant contracts from major trading counterparties.
C. With respect to a financial liability that came due prior to the balance sheet date and was rescheduled or renegotiated by that time, ascertain whether relevant income or expense has been recognized in profit or loss.
D. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for each period, to ascertain the existence of any unrecorded financial liabilities.
E. Ascertain whether the accounting basis and ending valuation are appropriate. For financial liabilities designated as measured at fair value through profit or loss, if the change of amount in the fair value results from credit risks, ascertain whether the recognition of profit and loss meets the applicable requirements.
F. Ascertain whether financial liabilities have been adequately presented and disclosed (in terms of measurement, classification, and furnishing of required information) in the financial statements and footnotes, and whether they are identified as either current or non-current depending on their liquidity.
G. Ascertain whether the accounting treatment of hedging is appropriate.
H. Ascertain whether financial liabilities that are denominated in a foreign currency have been adjusted to reflect the foreign exchange rate required by generally accepted accounting principles and whether they have been properly accounted for.
I. Audit derivative financial liabilities by the following procedure:
a. Acquire an understanding of whether any of the audited entity's assets, liabilities, firm commitments, and forecast transactions is significantly exposed to any risk associated with fair value, cash flow, or net investment in a foreign operation; review or inquire about relevant supporting source documents, such as balance statements for trading margins, premiums, bank fees, service fees, and professional service fees, to determine whether there have been any unrecorded derivative transactions.
b. Obtain trading summaries of derivative financial instruments prepared by the audited entity and relevant memorandum entries, inquire of those senior executives and internal auditors authorized by the board of directors of the audited entity, and obtain written documents, to acquire knowledge of any irregularity in the derivative transactions by the audited entity.
c. Analyze any increase or decrease in derivative transactions in relation to the prior period, and, if a significant change or irregularity exists, analyze the reason and reasonableness.
d. Send written confirmation requests to banks, securities firms, futures commission merchants, and major trading counterparties.
e. Ascertain the requirement for separate recognition of embedded derivatives and their host contracts, and whether they have been appropriately accounted for.
13. Notes payable, accounts payable, and purchases:
A. Evaluate the system of internal controls over procurements, and check the transaction records and all supporting source documents, to verify the reliability of purchase records.
B. Ascertain payments made in the subsequent period or relevant supporting source documents, and when necessary, send written confirmation requests to principal suppliers and creditors.
C. Ascertain whether any material accounts payable have been offset by payment in favor of persons other than those to whom the accounts are payable, and if so, assess the reason and reasonableness.
D. If, as of the auditing date, the date of maturity for any note receivable falls beyond the statutory term of validity, ascertain the reason and whether the note receivable has been rescheduled or reclassified to an appropriate account.
E. Ascertain whether any note receivable has been exchanged with another party, and if so, whether such note receivable has been reported in a footnote or reclassified to an appropriate account.
F. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for each period, to ensure that there has been a proper cut-off of purchase transactions and purchase returns.
G. If it is found that a note or account payable has arisen from a non-operating activity, ascertain whether it has been reclassified to an appropriate account.
H. Ascertain whether notes and accounts payable are presented in such a manner as to distinguish between long-term and short-term items, and whether the long-term items have been recorded at present value.
I. If a creditor has been provided with collateral for a note or account payable, ascertain whether the nature and description of the collateral have been reported in a footnote.
J. Ascertain whether notes payable are interest-bearing, and whether interest accrued in the current period has been recorded.
K. If repayment in a foreign currency is required under an agreement with respect to a note or account payable, ascertain whether such has been translated using the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
14. Lease liabilities, accrued expenses and other payables
A. Select a period after the balance sheet date and check all supporting source documents for unpaid invoices, cash expenditures, and material liabilities falling within that period, to verify the existence of any unrecorded liabilities.
B. For accrued expenses for which the amount is estimated or yet to be determined, ascertain whether the method of estimation is consistent with that applied in prior years, and whether any payments have been made in the subsequent period.
C. Ascertain whether the accounting treatment of lease liabilities is appropriate.
D. Identify any payments made in the subsequent period and all supporting source documents.
E. If a creditor has been provided with collateral, ascertain whether the nature and description of the collateral have been reported in a footnote.
F. Ascertain whether any items under "other payables" that are material in amount have been separately presented.
G. If repayment in a foreign currency is required under an agreement with respect to an item within accrued expenses or "other payables," ascertain whether it has been adjusted to the spot exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
15. Contract liabilities and payments received in advance:
A. Ascertain the nature of any contract liabilities and payments received in advance, perform a test check of the underlying contractual agreements, if any, and ascertain whether the accounting treatment is appropriate.
B. Identify any change that has occurred in the subsequent period.
C. Ascertain whether there is any significant offset during a certain time period before or after the balance sheet date to any receipts that are temporary in nature, and if so, assess the reason and reasonableness.
16. Corporate bonds payable:
A. Obtain the issuance rules for corporate bonds and ascertain whether footnote disclosure has been made as to total authorized amount, interest rate, maturity, collateral or guarantee status, and other relevant covenants and restrictions. In the case of a convertible corporate bond, ascertain whether the method of conversion and conversion status have been reported in a footnote and been adequately presented and disclosed in accordance with applicable requirements.
B. If there is a trustee or guarantor, ascertain whether any special clause is contained in the executed guarantee or trust agreement, and send a written confirmation request to the guarantor or trustee inquiring about the total issued and unissued amounts and the repaid or cancelled amount.
C. Identify any interest payments made in the current period and perform a check calculation to verify whether interest has been recorded appropriately, and whether any discounts or premiums have been properly amortized, at period-end.
D. Ascertain whether corporate bonds repayable within one year have been reclassified as current liabilities in accordance with applicable requirements.
E. Where a sinking fund has been established, ascertain the status of the provisioning rules, amounts set aside, and interest accrued.
F. Ascertain the status of repayment of corporate bonds, and, in the case of convertible corporate bonds where capital increase or issuance of new shares is required by law, whether such has been duly carried out.
G. Inspect relevant minutes of board meetings.
H. Ascertain whether there has been a breach of any material provision in any agreement regarding the issuance of corporate bonds, and if so, whether appropriate treatment has been given, and consider the effect thereof on the financial statements.
17. Other non-current liabilities:
A. Ascertain whether any item under "other non-current liabilities" that is to be settled or reimbursed within one year has been reclassified as current liabilities in accordance with applicable requirements.
B. On the basis of contracts, company rules or by-laws, and meeting minutes, calculate and check the balance of liabilities.
C. With respect to those that are material in amount or unusual in nature, send written confirmation requests to creditors or other relevant persons.
D. For liabilities for which the amount is an estimated figure, ascertain whether the basis of the estimate is appropriate, and whether any payments have been made in the subsequent period.
E. Ascertain whether any item under "other non-current liabilities " that is material in amount has been separately presented.
18. Equity:
A. Ascertain the amounts of registered capital and paid-in capital, and, where shares have been issued, whether footnote disclosure has been made as to type of capital stock, par value per share, number of authorized shares, number of issued shares, and any special terms and conditions. Ascertain whether the capital management objectives, policies, and procedures have been adequately disclosed.
B. With respect to any capital increase or decrease, review relevant minutes of shareholders meetings and board meetings and documents of approval issued by the competent authority or application documents submitted by the audited entity, and further ascertain whether appropriate disclosure has been made as to the specific details of the change in capital.
C. When necessary, send a written confirmation request to the certification agent or stock registrar and transfer agent to inquire about the total number of shares issued.
D. Analyze current-period change in capital reserve and retained earnings and check against the articles of incorporation and minutes of shareholders meetings.
E. Ascertain whether capital reserve, legal reserve, and special reserve have been separately presented and whether they have been set aside in accordance with the applicable requirements.
F. Ascertain whether an explanation has been provided in a footnote on different types of capital reserves.
G. In the case of any prior period adjustment, ascertain whether proper accounting treatment has been given.
H. Ascertain whether earnings distributions have been properly recorded or given footnote disclosure.
I. Ascertain whether any restrictions on the distribution of retained earnings or capital reserves, or of any preferred stock dividends in arrears, have been disclosed by footnote.
J. If there is any doubt about the going concern basis of accounting underlying the financial statements with respect to the audited entity, perform all necessary audit procedures under TWSA570, evaluate the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial report, and whether a material uncertainty exists on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and ascertain whether adequate disclosure has been made in the financial statements, and further provide a fair audit opinion.
K. If any treasury stock exists, review all relevant documentation, and conduct an inventory count or send written confirmation requests; also ascertain whether proper accounting treatment has been given.
L. If any employee stock option arrangement exists, ascertain whether proper accounting treatment has been given and whether the arrangement has been adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
M. Find out the issuance conditions of any preferred stocks; if a preferred stock by its economic substance is a liability, find out whether it has been classified as a preferred stock liability and whether the relevant dividends have been reported as an expense.
19. Provisions, contingencies, and commitments:
A. When auditing matters related to litigation and claims, do so in accordance with TWSA501.
B. Where any of such items is an endorsement or guarantee, ascertain whether it complies with statutory provisions as well as the established operating procedures, to verify that the audited entity has already taken the measures required by applicable regulations, and whether an adequate disclosure has been made in the financial statements.
C. Identify and disclose by footnote any illegality that might have a material effect on the fair presentation of the operating and financial statements of the audited entity.
D. If the audited entity has any present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that it will be required to settle that obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated, ascertain whether it has estimated and recorded provisions in accordance with applicable requirements, and ascertain whether adequate disclosure and proper accounting treatment have been given to provisions for employee benefits.
20. Operating expenses:
A. Conduct a comparative analysis against the amounts from the prior period to determine whether the trend of the change has been reasonable. If there has been any material change, ascertain and analyze the cause.
B. Analyze material expenses and audit all supporting source documents to verify whether any of them requires reclassification as a capital expenditure.
C. Examine the nature and significance of individual expenses and verify, in light thereof, whether they have been classified under the appropriate account.
D. Select two time periods, one before and one after the balance sheet date, and check all supporting source documents for each period, to ensure that there has been a proper cut-off of operating expenses.
21. Non-operating income and expenses and other comprehensive income:
A. Conduct a comparative analysis against the amounts from the prior period and ascertain the cause for material differences, if any.
B. Analyze any income and expense items that are material in amount or unusual in nature and ascertain the status of all supporting source documents and how they have been recorded.
C. Ascertain whether the profits or losses on disposal of financial assets are recognized in accordance with applicable requirements.
D. Examine the nature and significance of individual items and ascertain, in light thereof, whether they have been classified under the appropriate account.
22. Income tax:
A. Ascertain whether the audited entity has recognized current income tax expense or deferred income tax asset or liability in accordance with applicable requirements, made intraperiod tax allocation, and disclosed all relevant information.
B. Ascertain whether there are any materially significant pending tax remedies, or any back taxes or tax refunds from prior fiscal years, and evaluate the effect thereof on current income tax and income tax payable.
23. Earnings per share:Ascertain whether earnings per share have been calculated and disclosed in accordance with applicable requirements.
24. Related party transactions:With respect to the audit of related party transactions, in addition to reviewing the information on related party transactions provided by the audited entity, inspect the minutes of the audited entity's shareholders meetings, board of directors meetings and meetings of any other corporate governance bodies of the entity, contracts entered into with others, and other relevant records or documents, to ascertain whether there is any other significant related party transaction information not provided by the audited entity; and perform necessary audit procedures in accordance with TWSA550.
25. Other matters:If the audited entity has engaged in non-arm's length transactions, ascertain and assess the effect thereof on the financial statements, and give appropriate treatment.
When engaged to audit and attest financial statements, a CPA may, applying the concept of materiality in accordance with TWSA320, considering materiality and audit risk, or based on the characteristics specific to the audited entity's organization or the industry in which it operates and applicable legal or regulatory requirements, exercise their judgment to tailor the audit procedures, in which case they furthermore shall specify in the audit documentation the reasons for the tailored audit procedures.