The two major written understandings between an auditor and management, in connection with an audit of financial statements, are the engagement letter and the management representation letter.

Required:

a. (1) What are the objectives of the engagement letter?

(2) Who should prepare and sign the engagement letter?

(3) When should the engagement letter be sent?

(4) Why should the engagement letter be renewed periodically?

b. (1) What are the objectives of the management representation letter?

(2) Who should sign the management representation letter?

(3) When should the management representation letter be obtained?

(4) Why should the management representation letter be prepared for each examination?

c. An auditor’s responsibilities for providing accounting services sometimes involve an association with unaudited financial statements. Discuss the need for each of the following in this circumstance:

(1) An engagement letter.

(2) Management representation letter.