Question: Brown and co provides lab services to a wide range of clients. Typical assignments range from testing food for illegal additives to providing forensic analysis
Brown and co provides lab services to a wide range of clients. Typical assignments range from testing food for illegal additives to providing forensic analysis on items used to commit crimes to assist law enforcement officers. The annual audit is nearly complete. As audit senior you have reported to the engagement partner that brown and co. Is having some financial difficulties. Income has fallen due to the adverse effect of two high-profile court cases, where brown and co's services to assist the prosecution were found to be in error. Not only did this provide adverse publicity for brown and co, but a number of clients withdrew their contracts. A senior employee then left brown and co, stating lack of investment in new analysis machines was increasing the risk of incorrect information being provided by the company. A cash flow forecast prepared internally shows brown and co requiring significant additional cash within the next 12 months to maintain even the current level of services. Brown and co's auditors have been asked to provide a negative assurance report on this forecast. Required: In the context of the cash flow forecast, define the term 'negative assurance' and explain how this differs from the assurance provided by an audit report on statutory financial statements. (10 marks)
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