Auditing and Assurance Standards and Guidance

Auditing Standards (Ireland)

FRC ISAs (UK and Ireland) applicable for periods beginning on or after 15 December 2010 but before 17 June 2016

ISA (UK and Ireland) 540 Auditing, accounting estimates, including fair value accounting estimates, and related disclosures

Application and Other Explanatory Material
Risk Assessment Procedures and Related Activities (Ref: Para. 8 )
Obtaining an Understanding of How Management Makes the Accounting Estimates (Ref: Para. 8(c) )
Relevant Controls (Ref: Para. 8(c)(ii) )
A27.Matters that the auditor may consider in obtaining an understanding of relevant controls include, for example, the experience and competence of those who make the accounting estimates, and controls related to:
 dotbulletHow management determines the completeness, relevance and accuracy of the data used to develop accounting estimates.
 dotbulletThe review and approval of accounting estimates, including the assumptions or inputs used in their development, by appropriate levels of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance.
 dotbulletThe segregation of duties between those committing the entity to the underlying transactions and those responsible for making the accounting estimates, including whether the assignment of responsibilities appropriately takes account of the nature of the entity and its products or services (for example, in the case of a large financial institution, relevant segregation of duties may include an independent function responsible for estimation and validation of fair value pricing of the entity's proprietary financial products staffed by individuals whose remuneration is not tied to such products).
A28.Other controls may be relevant to making the accounting estimates depending on the circumstances. For example, if the entity uses specific models for making accounting estimates, management may put into place specific policies and procedures around such models. Relevant controls may include, for example, those established over:
 dotbulletThe design and development, or selection, of a particular model for a particular purpose.
 dotbulletThe use of the model.
 dotbulletThe maintenance and periodic validation of the integrity of the model.
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