- 15 Marks
Question
The audit of the accounts of a partnership is not statutorily required, but it is clear that various benefits would accrue to the firm if its accounts are voluntarily audited.
Required:
a. State FOUR reasons which may necessitate the audit of the accounts of a partnership. (4 Marks)
b. State FIVE important issues that you, as an auditor, would look into while auditing the books of a partnership. (5 Marks)
c. Suggest SIX substantive procedures that might be performed on the receipts of a school owned by a partnership. (6 Marks)
Answer
a. Reasons for the Audit of Partnership Accounts (4 Marks)
- Settling Accounts Among Partners: An audit provides a reliable means of settling accounts fairly among partners.
- Dispute Prevention: Reduces the likelihood of disputes related to financial matters between partners.
- Retiring or Deceased Partner’s Dues: Facilitates accurate computation of amounts due to retiring or deceased partners.
- Admission of New Partners: Audited accounts are helpful for examining past financial performance when a new partner is admitted.
- Bank Reliance: Enables banks to rely on the partnership’s audited accounts when considering loan or overdraft facilities.
- Tax Computation: Tax authorities may accept audited accounts for computing each partner’s assessable income.
- Sale or Conversion: Useful for negotiations if the firm plans to sell or convert to a limited liability company.
- Moral Deterrence: Acts as a check against potential fraudulent activities by partners.
b. Key Issues for Auditors in Partnership Audits (5 Marks)
- Confirming Audit Scope: Determine and confirm the scope of the audit engagement.
- Reviewing Partnership Deed: Examine the partnership deed to verify capital contributions, profit-sharing ratios, and other partnership arrangements.
- Checking Minutes Book: Examine minutes for important policy decisions made by partners.
- Verifying Business Legitimacy: Confirm that the partnership’s activities comply with the partnership agreement and legal provisions.
- Compliance with Partnership Act: Ensure that relevant Partnership Act provisions are followed.
- Profit Sharing Verification: Confirm that profits are shared in the agreed ratios as outlined in the partnership deed.
c. Substantive Procedures for Receipts in a School Owned by Partnership (6 Marks)
- Review Cash Receipts Ledger: Check entries in the cash receipts ledger to confirm accurate recording of payments received.
- Reconcile Receipts with Bank Deposits: Reconcile cash receipts with bank deposit slips to ensure all received cash is deposited.
- Verify Tuition Fees Register: Cross-check entries in the tuition fees register with actual receipts to identify any discrepancies.
- Examine Receipt Books: Verify that all receipt books are pre-numbered and used sequentially, with no missing numbers.
- Match Bank Statements: Compare bank statement deposits with receipts entries to confirm completeness.
- Audit Fundraising Events: Review documentation and records of funds collected from fundraising events to verify accurate recording.
- Topic: Audit-related services
- Uploader: Kofi