SQC-1/SA 220 Revision | CA Inter Audit May/Sep'25 Exams | CA Shubham Keswani (AIR 8)

Updated: February 23, 2025

CA Shubham Keswani


Summary

This video delves into the critical aspects of quality and ethics in audit work, stressing the importance of maintaining high standards to provide confidence to users of financial statements. It discusses the responsibilities of auditors in ensuring quality control, complying with professional standards, and upholding ethical requirements like confidentiality and objectivity. The video also examines threats in professional practice, such as self-interest and familiarity threats, emphasizing the significance of independence, integrity, and professionalism in the accounting profession. Overall, it provides valuable insights on ethics, quality control, and key principles for making sound decisions in audit work.


Introduction to Quality and Ethics

Introduction to the quality and ethics aspect of an interview audit.

Importance of Quality in Audit

Discussion on the importance of quality in audit work and the responsibility of auditors to maintain it.

Standards in Quality Control

Explanation on the standards that auditors must adhere to in terms of quality control.

Confidence in Financial Statements

The significance of providing confidence to users about financial statements.

Quality Control in Audit

The essential nature of quality control in audits and its impact on maintaining confidence.

Quality Control Responsibilities

The responsibility of auditors to ensure the quality of their work and its impact on the overall audit process.

Quality Standards for Control

Discussion on the standards related to quality control and their application in audit firms.

Engagement for Quality Control

The importance of engagement in maintaining quality control within audit processes.

Audit Review and Assurance

Independence and the importance of review within audit processes.

Quality Control Policies

Establishing quality control policies for engagements and the role of engagement partners.

Objectives of SQC and S-220

The objectives and significance of SQC and S-220 in maintaining quality control in audit work.

Professional Requirements and Regulations

Discussion on the professional standards, regulatory requirements, and legal aspects of audit work.

Leadership Responsibilities for Quality

The leadership responsibilities related to maintaining quality in audit work at the firm level.

Qualities Required for Quality Work

The essential qualities, such as experience, ability, and authority, required for individuals involved in ensuring quality in audit work.

Audit Quality Responsibility

The individual responsible for ensuring the quality of audit work, primarily the engagement partner.

Report Requirement and Consequences

Discussion on the importance of complying with requirements in reports and the consequences of non-compliance.

Ethical Requirements and Confidentiality

Explanation of ethical requirements, emphasizing confidentiality and professionalism in business relationships.

Professional Behavior and Integrity

Importance of maintaining professional behavior, integrity, objectivity, and avoiding conflicts of interest in the workplace.

Quality and Knowledge Management

Discussion on the significance of quality, knowledge, and skills in professional development and business relationships.

Threats and Risks in Professional Practice

Identification and understanding of threats in professional practice, including self-interest, independence, familiarity, and intimidation threats.

Loss and Relationships

Discussing the different types of relationships like blood relations, formal relations, and time relations in various scenarios.

Exam Scenario

Exploring a scenario where a child seeks advice on cheating in an exam and the ethical implications involved.

Financial Statements

Analyzing the threat of self-review threat when a client brings financial statements for audit purposes.

Gifts and Hospitality

Understanding the significance of gifts and hospitality in client relationships and the ethical considerations involved.

Acting Objectively

Defining threats in audit work and the importance of acting objectively in professional settings.

Ethical Behaviors

Discussing the importance of professional qualities like confidentiality, objectivity, integrity, and professional competence in the accounting profession.

Familiarity Threats

Addressing challenges related to familiarity threats and the impact on independence and professional objectivity.

Quality and Compliance

Explaining the significance of quality and compliance in providing accurate advice to clients and maintaining professional standards.

Threats and Safeguards

Identifying threats to independence and the need for safeguards to mitigate risks in audit work.

Understanding Threats

Examining different threats in professional relationships and the concept of self-interest threats in auditing.

Guiding Principles

Discussion on guiding principles including public confidence, being independent, threats, and safety measures.

SafeGuard and Actions

Explanation of applying SafeGuard measures, taking action, and ensuring clarity in concepts.

Appearance and Independence of Mind

Importance of clear appearance and independent thinking in the context of independence of mind.

Influence and IPS

Explaining influence, the ability to act with integrity, and maintaining independence from third parties.

Threats and Policies

Discussion on threats, safeguarding, and how to create policies to manage threats effectively.

Quality and Integrity

Exploration of quality, integrity, and professionalism in handling confidential information and maintaining objectivity.

Reputation Assessment

Discussing the importance of reputation assessment in recalling nature of Band in auditing process.

Client Owner's Appointment

Exploring the appointment of the client owner and non-reappointment of the previous firm in auditing.

Nature of Accounting Standards

Analyzing the nature of accounting standards, internal controls, and fee reduction strategies in a firm.

Key Considerations

Addressing significant matters such as ethical requirements, security, and audit policies and procedures.

Engagement and Withdrawal

Understanding engagement with clients, withdrawal scenarios, and the importance of documentation in auditing.

Professional Body

Discusses the criteria for listed entities and other entities regarding engagement complexities and differences of opinion. Also covers the importance of conducting a Quality Control Review (QCR) and the documentation assembly process.

Assembly of Audit Files

Explains the process of assembling audit files or engagement files, including the team composition and the documentation required. Discusses the requirements post-audit report signing and the time limits for retaining information.

Quality Control Criteria

Focuses on the system of quality control set by the firm and the purpose of the system. Discusses the effectiveness and compliance of the quality control system and emphasizes the importance of ongoing processes and compliance with policies.

Understanding Ethics

Ethics is the essence of following rules silently. The principle-based approach allows for flexibility in decision-making based on knowledge, skills, and the spirit of ethics.

Critical Thinking

In every situation, evaluate and arrive at a decision carefully to avoid situations beyond your capabilities. Three key points to remember: follow the principle-based approach, judge wide situations, and stay flexible for varied conclusions.

Code of Conduct

Always follow the spirit of the code, such as 'don't drink and drive,' even if the rule seems lenient. Stay away from those who don't follow this approach and focus on working hard in silence for your success.


FAQ

Q: What is the significance of quality control in audit work?

A: Quality control in audit work is essential as it ensures the accuracy and reliability of financial statements, providing confidence to users and maintaining the integrity of the audit process.

Q: Who is primarily responsible for ensuring the quality of audit work?

A: The engagement partner is primarily responsible for ensuring the quality of audit work.

Q: What are some essential qualities required for individuals involved in ensuring quality in audit work?

A: Individuals involved in ensuring quality in audit work require qualities such as experience, ability, and authority.

Q: What are some examples of threats in professional practice?

A: Threats in professional practice can include self-interest threats, independence threats, familiarity threats, and intimidation threats.

Q: Why is it important to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in business relationships?

A: Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in business relationships is crucial to ensure trust, integrity, and ethical conduct in the workplace.

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