Page 429 - Auditing Standards

As of December 15, 2017

obtained or the circumstances of the refusal, the auditor may conclude that a qualified opinion is appropriate.
Further, the auditor should consider the effects of the refusal on his or her ability to rely on other management
representations.

.14 If the auditor is precluded from performing procedures he or she considers necessary in the
circumstances with respect to a matter that is material to the financial statements, even though management

has given representations concerning the matter, there is a limitation on the scope of the audit, and the
auditor should qualify his or her opinion or disclaim an opinion.

Effective Date

.15 This section is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after June 30, 1998.
Earlier application is permitted.

Appendix A - Illustrative Management Representation Letter

.16

1. The following letter, which relates to an audit of financial statements prepared in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles, is presented for illustrative purposes only. The introductory paragraph should

specify the financial statements and periods covered by the auditor's report, for example, "balance sheets of
XYZ Company as of December 31, 19X1 and 19X0, and the related statements of income and retained
earnings and cash flows for the years then ended." The written representations to be obtained should be
based on the circumstances of the engagement and the nature and basis of presentation of the financial

statements being audited. (See appendix B [paragraph .17]).

2. If matters exist that should be disclosed to the auditor, they should be indicated by modifying the related

representation. For example, if an event subsequent to the date of the balance sheet has been disclosed in
the financial statements, the final paragraph could be modified as follows: "To the best of our knowledge and
belief, except as discussed in Note X to the financial statements, no events have occurred" In appropriate
circumstances, item 9 could be modified as follows: "The company has no plans or intentions that may

materially affect the carrying value or classification of assets and liabilities, except for its plans to dispose of
segment A, as disclosed in Note X to the financial statements, which are discussed in the minutes of the
December 7, 20X1, meeting of the board of directors." Similarly, if management has received a

communication regarding an allegation of fraud or suspected fraud, item 8 could be modified as follows:
"Except for the allegation discussed in the minutes of the December 7, 20X1, meeting of the board of
directors (or disclosed to you at our meeting on October 15, 20X1), we have no knowledge of any allegations

of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the company received in communications from employees, former

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