Introduction: In accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Quality Review Board (QRB) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the meticulous preparation of financial statements and rigorous audit review processes are imperative for upholding the integrity and reliability of financial reporting. This checklist serves as a structured framework to guide both management and auditors in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to best practices in financial reporting for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Key words in bold:
- QRB
- ICAI
- financial statements
- audit review
- regulatory standards
- best practices
- fiscal year
Checklist for Financial Statement Preparation by Management (as per ICAI QRB Guidelines):
| Sr. No. | Compliance Area | Checklist Items | Management Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Financial Statements | - Prepare accurate and complete financial statements in compliance with relevant accounting standards. | [ ] |
| - Ensure proper classification and disclosure of all financial data, including balances, transactions, and contingencies. | |||
| - Verify the accuracy of calculations, including balances, ratios, and financial metrics. | |||
| 2. | Supporting Schedules | - Compile detailed supporting schedules for all significant accounts and balances presented in the financial statements. | |
| - Include reconciliations, analyses, and breakdowns to provide transparency and clarity in financial reporting. | |||
| 3. | Internal Controls Documentation | - Document internal control policies and procedures relevant to financial reporting. | |
| - Ensure the effectiveness and adequacy of internal controls in safeguarding assets, maintaining accuracy, and preventing fraud. | |||
| - Review and update internal control documentation to reflect changes in processes, personnel, or systems. | |||
| 4. | Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual | - Maintain an updated manual outlining accounting policies and procedures followed by the organization. | |
| - Ensure consistency in the application of accounting policies across different reporting periods and business units. | |||
| - Communicate any changes or updates to accounting policies to relevant stakeholders, including auditors and regulators. | |||
| 5. | Management Representations | - Provide management representation letters confirming the accuracy and completeness of financial information provided to auditors. | |
| - Include representations on compliance with laws, regulations, and contractual agreements. | |||
| - Address any known or potential issues, contingencies, or uncertainties that may impact the financial statements. | |||
| 6. | Legal and Regulatory Compliance Documents | - Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. | |
| - Provide documentation demonstrating compliance with statutory requirements, including contracts, agreements, and licenses. | |||
| - Address any legal or regulatory issues identified during the reporting period and disclose related risks or contingencies. | |||
| 7. | Evidence of Transactions and Events | - Retain supporting documentation for significant transactions and events, including invoices, contracts, and correspondence. | |
| - Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and organized for review by auditors. | |||
| - Include evidence of approval, authorization, and validation for all transactions and events recorded in the financial statements. | |||
| 8. | Adjusting Journal Entries | - Document any adjusting journal entries made to the financial statements during the reporting period. | |
| - Provide explanations and supporting rationale for each adjustment, including changes in estimates, reclassifications, or corrections of errors. | |||
| - Ensure all adjustments are properly reviewed, approved, and recorded in accordance with internal control procedures. | |||
| 9. | Contingent Liabilities and Commitments | - Disclose contingent liabilities and commitments that may impact the organization's financial position. | |
| - Estimate and disclose the potential financial impact of contingent liabilities, including legal claims, warranties, and pending litigation. |
Management Signature:
[_______________________]
Checklist for Audit Review by Auditors (as per ICAI QRB Guidelines):
| Sr. No. | Compliance Area | Audit Review Procedures | Auditor Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Financial Statements | - Verify compliance of financial statements with accounting standards. | [ ] |
| - Conduct substantive testing on financial data. | |||
| - Assess effectiveness of internal controls. | |||
| 2. | Supporting Schedules | - Review supporting schedules for accuracy and completeness. | |
| - Test the reliability of data presented in the schedules. | |||
| 3. | Internal Controls Documentation | - Evaluate the adequacy and implementation of internal controls. | |
| - Test the operating effectiveness of key controls. | |||
| 4. | Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual | - Review the accounting policies manual for consistency and compliance. | |
| - Assess adherence to accounting standards and regulatory requirements. | |||
| 5. | Management Representations | - Obtain and review management representation letters. | |
| - Confirm the accuracy and completeness of representations made by management. | |||
| 6. | Legal and Regulatory Compliance Documents | - Review legal and regulatory compliance documentation. | |
| - Verify compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards. | |||
| 7. | Evidence of Transactions and Events | - Scrutinize supporting documentation for transactions and events. | |
| - Ensure documentation supports the accuracy and validity of financial transactions. | |||
| 8. | Adjusting Journal Entries | - Review adjusting journal entries for appropriateness and accuracy. | |
| - Verify the reasons and justifications provided for each adjustment. | |||
| 9. | Contingent Liabilities and Commitments | - Evaluate the disclosure of contingent liabilities and commitments. | |
| - Assess the accuracy and completeness of supporting documentation provided for contingent liabilities and commitments. |
Auditor Signature:
[_______________________]
This comprehensive checklist ensures that both management and auditors adhere to established standards and procedures, thereby promoting accuracy, transparency, and reliability in financial reporting practices.
