b)
i) Identify and explain two financial statement assertions relevant to account balances at the year-end. (2 marks)
ii) For each identified assertion, describe a substantive procedure relevant to the audit of year-end inventory.

(4 marks)

(i) Financial Statement Assertions for Year-End Account Balances:

  1. Existence:
    This assertion confirms that assets, liabilities, and equity balances actually exist as of the year-end date.
  2. Valuation and Allocation:
    This assertion ensures that assets, liabilities, and equity interests are recorded at appropriate amounts, and any necessary adjustments have been made.

(Total: 2 marks)

(ii) Substantive Procedures for Inventory Audit Based on the Identified Assertions:

  1. Existence (Substantive Procedure):
    • Physical Count Attendance: Attend the year-end inventory count and select a sample of items from the inventory records, tracing them to their physical existence in the warehouse to ensure that the recorded inventory actually exists.
  2. Valuation and Allocation (Substantive Procedure):
    • Cost Valuation: Select a sample of inventory items and compare the recorded cost in the inventory records to the relevant purchase invoices to ensure that inventory is valued correctly at cost.
    • Net Realisable Value Test: For the same sample, review post-year-end sales to ensure that the net realisable value (selling price less costs to complete and sell) is higher than the recorded cost, to ensure inventory is not overstated.

(Total: 4 marks)