Which of the following factors pertaining to a client’s accounting function is most
significant in the client acceptance or continuance decision?
(a) Effectiveness of internal controls.
(b) Use of a commercial accounting software program.
(c) Frequency of performance evaluations for accounting personnel.
(d) Frequency of updating the general ledger.
AS#5 requires auditors whose public clients use service providers considered
significant:
a. obtain a SAS 70 Type I report.
b. obtain a SAS 70 report.
c. obtain a SAS 70 Type II report.
d. Any of the above considering the circumstances.
None of the offered answers is technically correct. A SAS 70 report is not mandatory.
AU 324 (AS 5 Appendix B20) suggests a SAS 70 report be obtained if the user auditor
can not obtain necessary evidence to reduce control risk through review of client
activities (AU 324.13 and AS5 Appendix B20 (b)). The text (page 714) describes AS 5
Appendix B20 (a) and (c), but is silent on B20 (b). Additionally, the “Auditing In
Action” (blue box) on page 715 suggests an auditor need not use a service provider
report.
Which of the following statements is false related to the PCAOB?