5 You are an audit manager in Fox & Steeple, a firm of Chartered Certified A

5 You are an audit manager in Fox & Steeple, a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants, responsible for allocating staff

to the following three audits of financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2006:

(a) Blythe Co is a new audit client. This private company is a local manufacturer and distributor of sportswear. The

company’s finance director, Peter, sees little value in the audit and put it out to tender last year as a cost-cutting

exercise. In accordance with the requirements of the invitation to tender your firm indicated that there would not

be an interim audit.

(b) Huggins Co, a long-standing client, operates a national supermarket chain. Your firm provided Huggins Co with

corporate financial advice on obtaining a listing on a recognised stock exchange in 2005. Senior management

expects a thorough examination of the company’s computerised systems, and are also seeking assurance that

the annual report will not attract adverse criticism.

(c) Gray Co has been an audit client since 1999 after your firm advised management on a successful buyout. Gray

provides communication services and software solutions. Your firm provides Gray with technical advice on

financial reporting and tax services. Most recently you have been asked to conduct due diligence reviews on

potential acquisitions.

Required:

For these assignments, compare and contrast:

(i) the threats to independence;

(ii) the other professional and practical matters that arise; and

(iii) the implications for allocating staff.

(15 marks)

5 FOX & STEEPLE – THREE AUDIT ASSIGNMENTS(i) Threats to independenceSelf-interestTutorial note: This threat arises when a firm or a member of the audit team could benefit from a financial interest in, orother self-interest conflict with, an assurance