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ISA (UK and Ireland) 560 (October 2009)

Contents

International Standard on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISA (UK and Ireland)) 560, "Subsequent Events” should be read in conjunction with ISA (UK and Ireland) 200, "Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland)."

Introduction

Scope of this ISA (UK and Ireland)

1This International Standard on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISA (UK and Ireland)) deals with the auditor's responsibilities relating to subsequent events in an audit of financial statements. (Ref: Para. A1)

Subsequent Events

2Financial statements may be affected by certain events that occur after the date of the financial statements. Many financial reporting frameworks specifically refer to such events.1 Such financial reporting frameworks ordinarily identify two types of events:

  1. Those that provide evidence of conditions that existed at the date of the financial statements; and
  2. Those that provide evidence of conditions that arose after the date of the financial statements.

ISA (UK and Ireland) 700 explains that the date of the auditor's report informs the reader that the auditor has considered the effect of events and transactions of which the auditor becomes aware and that occurred up to that date.2

Effective Date

3This ISA (UK and Ireland) is effective for audits of financial statements for periods ending on or after 15 December 2010.

Objectives

4The objectives of the auditor are:

  1. To obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence about whether events occurring between the date of the financial statements and the date of the auditor's report that require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the financial statements are appropriately reflected in those financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework; and
  2. To respond appropriately to facts that become known to the auditor after the date of the auditor's report, that, had they been known to the auditor at that date, may have caused the auditor to amend the auditor's report.

Definitions

5For purposes of the ISAs (UK and Ireland), the following terms have the meanings attributed below:

  1. Date of the financial statements – The date of the end of the latest period covered by the financial statements.
  2. Date of approval of the financial statements – The date on which all the statements that comprise the financial statements, including the related notes, have been prepared and those with the recognized authority have asserted that they have taken responsibility for those financial statements. (Ref: Para. A2)
  3. Date of the auditor's report – The date the auditor dates the report on the financial statements in accordance with ISA (UK and Ireland) 700. (Ref: Para. A3)
  4. Date the financial statements are issued – The date that the auditor's report and audited financial statements are made available to third parties. (Ref: Para. A4-A5)
  5. Subsequent events – Events occurring between the date of the financial statements and the date of the auditor's report, and facts that become known to the auditor after the date of the auditor's report.

Requirements

Events Occurring between the Date of the Financial Statements and the Date of the Auditor's Report

6The auditor shall perform audit procedures designed to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence that all events occurring between the date of the financial statements and the date of the auditor's report that require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the financial statements have been identified. The auditor is not, however, expected to perform additional audit procedures on matters to which previously applied audit procedures have provided satisfactory conclusions. (Ref: Para. A6)

7The auditor shall perform the procedures required by paragraph 6 so that they cover the period from the date of the financial statements to the date of the auditor's report, or as near as practicable thereto. The auditor shall take into account the auditor's risk assessment in determining the nature and extent of such audit procedures, which shall include the following: (Ref: Para. A7-A8)

  1. Obtaining an understanding of any procedures management has established to ensure that subsequent events are identified.
  2. Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance as to whether any subsequent events have occurred which might affect the financial statements. (Ref: Para. A9)
  3. Reading minutes, if any, of the meetings, of the entity's owners, management and those charged with governance, that have been held after the date of the financial statements and inquiring about matters discussed at any such meetings for which minutes are not yet available. (Ref: Para. A10)
  4. Reading the entity's latest subsequent interim financial statements, if any.

8If, as a result of the procedures performed as required by paragraphs 6 and 7, the auditor identifies events that require adjustment of, or disclosure in, the financial statements, the auditor shall determine whether each such event is appropriately reflected in those financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

Written Representations

9The auditor shall request management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, to provide a written representation in accordance with ISA (UK and Ireland) 5803 that all events occurring subsequent to the date of the financial statements and for which the applicable financial reporting framework requires adjustment or disclosure have been adjusted or disclosed.

Facts Which Become Known to the Auditor after the Date of the Auditor's Report but before the Date the Financial Statements Are Issued

10The auditor has no obligation to perform any audit procedures regarding the financial statements after the date of the auditor's report. However, if, after the date of the auditor's report but before the date the financial statements are issued, a fact becomes known to the auditor that, had it been known to the auditor at the date of the auditor's report, may have caused the auditor to amend the auditor's report, the auditor shall: (Ref: Para. A11)

  1. Discuss the matter with management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance.
  2. Determine whether the financial statements need amendment and, if so,
  3. Inquire how management intends to address the matter in the financial statements.

11If management4 amends the financial statements, the auditor shall:

  1. Carry out the audit procedures necessary in the circumstances on the amendment.
  2. Unless the circumstances in paragraph 12 apply:
    1. Extend the audit procedures referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 to the date of the new auditor's report; and
    2. Provide a new auditor's report on the amended financial statements. The new auditor's report shall not be dated earlier than the date of approval of the amended financial statements.

12Where law, regulation or the financial reporting framework does not prohibit management4 from restricting the amendment of the financial statements to the effects of the subsequent event or events causing that amendment and those responsible for approving the financial statements are not prohibited from restricting their approval to that amendment, the auditor is permitted to restrict the audit procedures on subsequent events required in paragraph 11(b)(i) to that amendment. In such cases, the auditor shall either:

  1. Amend the auditor's report to include an additional date restricted to that amendment that thereby indicates that the auditor's procedures on subsequent events are restricted solely to the amendment of the financial statements described in the relevant note to the financial statements; or (Ref: Para. A12)
  2. Provide a new or amended auditor's report that includes a statement in an Emphasis of Matter paragraph5 or Other Matter paragraph that conveys that the auditor's procedures on subsequent events are restricted solely to the amendment of the financial statements as described in the relevant note to the financial statements.

13In some jurisdictions, management4 may not be required by law, regulation or the financial reporting framework to issue amended financial statements and, accordingly, the auditor need not provide an amended or new auditor's report. However, if management does not amend the financial statements in circumstances where the auditor believes they need to be amended, then: (Ref: Para. A13-A14)

  1. If the auditor's report has not yet been provided to the entity, the auditor shall modify the opinion as required by ISA (UK and Ireland) 7056 and then provide the auditor's report; or
  2. If the auditor's report has already been provided to the entity, the auditor shall notify management and, unless all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the entity, those charged with governance, not to issue the financial statements to third parties before the necessary amendments have been made. If the financial statements are nevertheless subsequently issued without the necessary amendments, the auditor shall take appropriate action, to seek to prevent reliance on the auditor's report. (Ref. Para: A15-A16)

Facts Which Become Known to the Auditor after the Financial Statements Have Been Issued

14After the financial statements have been issued, the auditor has no obligation to perform any audit procedures regarding such financial statements. However, if, after the financial statements have been issued, a fact becomes known to the auditor that, had it been known to the auditor at the date of the auditor's report, may have caused the auditor to amend the auditor's report, the auditor shall:

  1. Discuss the matter with management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance;
  2. Determine whether the financial statements need amendment; and, if so,
  3. Inquire how management intends to address the matter in the financial statements. (Ref: Para. A16-1 – A16-3)

15If management7 amends the financial statements7, the auditor shall: (Ref: Para. A17)

  1. Carry out the audit procedures necessary in the circumstances on the amendment.
  2. Review the steps taken by management to ensure that anyone in receipt of the previously issued financial statements together with the auditor's report thereon is informed of the situation.
  3. Unless the circumstances in paragraph 12 apply:
    1. Extend the audit procedures referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 to the date of the new auditor's report, and date the new auditor's report no earlier than the date of approval of the amended financial statements; and
    2. Provide a new auditor's report on the amended financial statements.
  4. When the circumstances in paragraph 12 apply, amend the auditor's report, or provide a new auditor's report as required by paragraph 12.

16The auditor shall include in the new or amended auditor's report an Emphasis of Matter paragraph or Other Matter(s) paragraph referring to a note to the financial statements that more extensively discusses the reason for the amendment of the previously issued financial statements and to the earlier report provided by the auditor.

17If management8 does not take the necessary steps to ensure that anyone in receipt of the previously issued financial statements is informed of the situation and does not amend the financial statements in circumstances where the auditor believes they need to be amended, the auditor shall notify management and, unless all of those charged with governance are involved in managing the entity9, those charged with governance, that the auditor will seek to prevent future reliance on the auditor's report. If, despite such notification, management or those charged with governance do not take these necessary steps, the auditor shall take appropriate action to seek to prevent reliance on the auditor's report. (Ref: Para. A18 – A18-1)

Application and Other Explanatory Material

Scope of this ISA (UK and Ireland)

A1When the audited financial statements are included in other documents subsequent to the issuance of the financial statements, the auditor may have additional responsibilities relating to subsequent events that the auditor may need to consider, such as legal or regulatory requirements involving the offering of securities to the public in jurisdictions in which the securities are being offered. For example, the auditor may be required to perform additional audit procedures to the date of the final offering document. These procedures may include those referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 performed up to a date at or near the effective date of the final offering document, and reading the offering document to assess whether the other information in the offering document is consistent with the financial information with which the auditor is associated.10

Definitions

Date of Approval of the Financial Statements (Ref: Para. 5(b))

A2In some jurisdictions, law or regulation identifies the individuals or bodies (for example, management or those charged with governance) that are responsible for concluding that all the statements that comprise the financial statements, including the related notes, have been prepared, and specifies the necessary approval process. In other jurisdictions, the approval process is not prescribed in law or regulation and the entity follows its own procedures in preparing and finalizing its financial statements in view of its management and governance structures. In some jurisdictions, final approval of the financial statements by shareholders is required. In these jurisdictions, final approval by shareholders is not necessary for the auditor to conclude that sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the auditor's opinion on the financial statements has been obtained. The date of approval of the financial statements for purposes of the ISAs (UK and Ireland) is the earlier date on which those with the recognized authority determine that all the statements that comprise the financial statements, including the related notes, have been prepared and that those with the recognized authority have asserted that they have taken responsibility for those financial statements.

Date of the Auditor's Report (Ref: Para. 5(c))

A3The auditor's report cannot be dated earlier than the date on which the auditor has obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion on the financial statements including evidence that all the statements that comprise the financial statements, including the related notes, have been prepared and that those with the recognized authority have asserted that they have taken responsibility for those financial statements.11 Consequently, the date of the auditor's report cannot be earlier than the date of approval of the financial statements as defined in paragraph 5(b). A time period may elapse due to administrative issues between the date of the auditor's report as defined in paragraph 5(c) and the date the auditor's report is provided to the entity.

Date the Financial Statements Are Issued (Ref: Para. 5(d))

A4The date the financial statements are issued generally depends on the regulatory environment of the entity. In some circumstances, the date the financial statements are issued may be the date that they are filed with a regulatory authority. Since audited financial statements cannot be issued without an auditor's report, the date that the audited financial statements are issued must not only be at or later than the date of the auditor's report, but must also be at or later than the date the auditor's report is provided to the entity.

Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities

A5In the case of the public sector, the date the financial statements are issued may be the date the audited financial statements and the auditor's report thereon are presented to the legislature or otherwise made public.

Events Occurring between the Date of the Financial Statements and the Date of the Auditor's Report (Ref: Para. 6-9)

A6Depending on the auditor's risk assessment, the audit procedures required by paragraph 6 may include procedures, necessary to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence, involving the review or testing of accounting records or transactions occurring between the date of the financial statements and the date of the auditor's report. The audit procedures required by paragraphs 6 and 7 are in addition to procedures that the auditor may perform for other purposes that, nevertheless, may provide evidence about subsequent events (for example, to obtain audit evidence for account balances as at the date of the financial statements, such as cut-off procedures or procedures in relation to subsequent receipts of accounts receivable).

A7Paragraph 7 stipulates certain audit procedures in this context that the auditor is required to perform pursuant to paragraph 6. The subsequent events procedures that the auditor performs may, however, depend on the information that is available and, in particular, the extent to which the accounting records have been prepared since the date of the financial statements. Where the accounting records are not up-to-date, and accordingly no interim financial statements (whether for internal or external purposes) have been prepared, or minutes of meetings of management or those charged with governance have not been prepared, relevant audit procedures may take the form of inspection of available books and records, including bank statements. Paragraph A8 gives examples of some of the additional matters that the auditor may consider in the course of these inquiries.

A8In addition to the audit procedures required by paragraph 7, the auditor may consider it necessary and appropriate to:

  • Read the entity's latest available budgets, cash flow forecasts and other related management reports for periods after the date of the financial statements;
  • Inquire, or extend previous oral or written inquiries, of the entity's legal counsel concerning litigation and claims; or
  • Consider whether written representations covering particular subsequent events may be necessary to support other audit evidence and thereby obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence.

Inquiry (Ref. Para. 7(b))

A9In inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, as to whether any subsequent events have occurred that might affect the financial statements, the auditor may inquire as to the current status of items that were accounted for on the basis of preliminary or inconclusive data and may make specific inquiries about the following matters:

  • Whether new commitments, borrowings or guarantees have been entered into.
  • Whether sales or acquisitions of assets have occurred or are planned.
  • Whether there have been increases in capital or issuance of debt instruments, such as the issue of new shares or debentures, or an agreement to merge or liquidate has been made or is planned.
  • Whether any assets have been appropriated by government or destroyed, for example, by fire or flood.
  • Whether there have been any developments regarding contingencies.
  • Whether any unusual accounting adjustments have been made or are contemplated.
  • Whether any events have occurred or are likely to occur that will bring into question the appropriateness of accounting policies used in the financial statements, as would be the case, for example, if such events call into question the validity of the going concern assumption.
  • Whether any events have occurred that are relevant to the measurement of estimates or provisions made in the financial statements.
  • Whether any events have occurred that are relevant to the recoverability of assets.

Reading Minutes (Ref. Para. 7(c))

Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities

A10In the public sector, the auditor may read the official records of relevant proceedings of the legislature and inquire about matters addressed in proceedings for which official records are not yet available.

Facts Which Become Known to the Auditor after the Date of the Auditor's Report but before the Date the Financial Statements Are Issued

Management Responsibility towards Auditor (Ref: Para. 10)

A11As explained in ISA (UK and Ireland) 210, the terms of the audit engagement include the agreement of management12 to inform the auditor of facts that may affect the financial statements, of which management may become aware during the period from the date of the auditor's report to the date the financial statements are issued.13

Dual Dating (Ref: Para. 12(a))

A12When, in the circumstances described in paragraph 12(a), the auditor amends the auditor's report to include an additional date restricted to that amendment, the date of the auditor's report on the financial statements prior to their subsequent amendment by management4 remains unchanged because this date informs the reader as to when the audit work on those financial statements was completed. However, an additional date is included in the auditor's report to inform users that the auditor's procedures subsequent to that date were restricted to the subsequent amendment of the financial statements. The following is an illustration of such an additional date:

"(Date of auditor's report), except as to Note Y, which is as of (date of completion of audit procedures restricted to amendment described in Note Y)."

No Amendment of Financial Statements by Management (Ref: Para. 13)

A13In some jurisdictions, management4 may not be required by law, regulation or the financial reporting framework to issue amended financial statements. This is often the case when issuance of the financial statements for the following period is imminent, provided appropriate disclosures are made in such statements.

Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities

A14In the public sector, the actions taken in accordance with paragraph 13 when management does not amend the financial statements may also include reporting separately to the legislature, or other relevant body in the reporting hierarchy, on the implications of the subsequent event for the financial statements and the auditor's report.

Auditor Action to Seek to Prevent Reliance on Auditor's Report (Ref: Para. 13(b))

A15The auditor may need to fulfill additional legal obligations even when the auditor has notified management not to issue the financial statements and management has agreed to this request.

A16Where management has issued the financial statements despite the auditor's notification not to issue the financial statements to third parties, the auditor's course of action to prevent reliance on the auditor's report on the financial statements depends upon the auditor's legal rights and obligations. Consequently, the auditor may consider it appropriate to seek legal advice.

Facts Which Become Known to the Auditor after the Financial Statements Have Been Issued

A16-1When issuing a new report the auditor has regard to the regulations relating to reports on revised annual financial statements and directors' reports7.

A16-2Where the auditor becomes aware of a fact relevant to the audited financial statements which did not exist at the date of the auditor's report there are no statutory provisions for revising financial statements. The auditor discusses with those charged with governance whether they should withdraw the financial statements and where those charged with governance decide not to do so the auditor may wish to take advice on whether it might be possible to withdraw their report. In both cases, other possible courses of action include the making of a statement by those charged with governance or the auditor at the annual general meeting. In any event legal advice may be helpful.

A16-3In the UK or the Republic of Ireland the auditor of a company has a statutory right to attend the Annual General Meeting and be heard on any part of the business of the meeting which concerns them as auditor. This right could include making a statement about facts discovered after the date of the auditor's report and where subsequent events come to the attention of the auditor, the auditor needs to consider what to do in relation to them.

No Amendment of Financial Statements by Management (Ref: Para. 15)

Considerations Specific to Public Sector Entities

A17In some jurisdictions, entities in the public sector may be prohibited from issuing amended financial statements by law or regulation. In such circumstances, the appropriate course of action for the auditor may be to report to the appropriate statutory body.

Auditor Action to Seek to Prevent Reliance on Auditor's Report (Ref: Para. 17)

A18Where the auditor believes that management, or those charged with governance, have failed to take the necessary steps to prevent reliance on the auditor's report on financial statements previously issued by the entity despite the auditor's prior notification that the auditor will take action to seek to prevent such reliance, the auditor's course of action depends upon the auditor's legal rights and obligations. Consequently, the auditor may consider it appropriate to seek legal advice.

A18-1Where the financial statements of companies are issued but have not yet been laid before the members or equivalent, or if those charged with governance do not intend to make an appropriate statement at the annual general meeting, then the auditor may consider making an appropriate statement at the annual general meeting. The auditor does not have a statutory right to communicate directly in writing with the members although, if the auditor resigns or is removed or is not reappointed, the auditor has, for example, various duties under company law14.

NOTICE TO READERS

© The Auditing Practices Board

This document has been obtained from the website of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and its operating Boards, which includes the Auditing Practices Board (APB). Use of the website is subject to the WEBSITE TERMS OF USE, which may be viewed in a separate section of the website. Readers should be aware that although the FRC and its Boards seek to ensure the accuracy of information on the website, no guarantee or warranty is given or implied that such information is free from error or suitable for any given purpose: the published hard copy alone constitutes the definitive text.

The International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (ISAs (UK and Ireland)) are based on International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) of the same titles that have been issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), published by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in 2009, and are used with the permission of IFAC.

THE AUDITING PRACTICES BOARD

The Auditing Practices Board (APB), which is part of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), prepares for use within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland:

  • Standards and guidance for auditing;
  • Standards and guidance for reviews of interim financial information performed by the auditor of the entity;
  • Standards and guidance for the work of reporting accountants in connection with investment circulars; and
  • Standards and guidance for auditors' and reporting accountant's integrity, objectivity and independence

with the objective of enhancing public confidence in the audit process and the quality and relevance of audit services in the public interest.

The APB comprises individuals who are not eligible for appointment as company auditors, as well as those who are so eligible. Those who are eligible for appointment as company auditors may not exceed 40% of the APB by number.

Neither the APB nor the FRC accepts any liability to any party for any loss, damage or costs howsoever arising, whether directly or indirectly, whether in contract, tort or otherwise from any action or decision taken (or not taken) as a result of any person relying on or otherwise using this document or arising from any omission from it.

  1. For example, International Accounting Standard (IAS) 10, “Events After the Reporting Period" deals with the treatment in financial statements of events, both favorable and unfavorable, that occur between the date of the financial statements (referred to as the "end of the reporting period" in the IAS) and the date when the financial statements are authorized for issue. ↩

  2. ISA (UK and Ireland) 700, “Forming an Opinion and Reporting on Financial Statements,” paragraph A38. The APB has not promulgated ISA 700 as issued by the IAASB for application in the UK and Ireland. In the UK and Ireland the applicable auditing standard is ISA (UK and Ireland) 700, “The Auditor's Report on Financial Statements." Paragraph A19 of ISA (UK and Ireland) 700 explains that the date of the auditor's report informs the reader that the auditor has considered the effect of events and transactions of which the auditor becomes aware and that occurred up to that date. ↩

  3. ISA (UK and Ireland) 580, “Written Representations." ↩

  4. In the UK and Ireland the responsibility for amending the financial statements rests with those charged with governance. ↩↩↩↩↩

  5. See ISA (UK and Ireland) 706, “Emphasis of Matter Paragraphs and Other Matter Paragraphs in the Independent Auditor's Report.” ↩

  6. ISA (UK and Ireland) 705, “Modifications to the Opinion in the Independent Auditor's Report." ↩

  7. In the UK the detailed regulations governing revised financial statements and directors' reports, where the revision is voluntary, are set out in section 454 of the Companies Act 2006. There are no provisions in the Companies Acts of the Republic of Ireland for revising financial statements. ↩↩↩

  8. In the UK and Ireland, those charged with governance have responsibility for taking the steps referred to in paragraph 17. ↩

  9. ISA (UK and Ireland) 260, “Communication with Those Charged with Governance," paragraph 13. ↩

  10. See ISA (UK and Ireland) 200, "Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing," paragraph 2. In the UK and Ireland, standards and guidance for accountants engaged to prepare a report and/or letter for inclusion in, or in connection with, an investment circular are set out in APB's Statements of Investment Circular Reporting Standards (SIRS). ↩

  11. ISA 700, paragraph 41. In some cases, law or regulation also identifies the point in the financial statement reporting process at which the audit is expected to be complete. The APB has not promulgated ISA 700 as issued by the IAASB for application in the UK and Ireland. In the UK and Ireland the applicable auditing standard is ISA (UK and Ireland) 700, “The Auditor's Report on Financial Statements." Paragraph 24 of ISA (UK and Ireland) 700 establishes requirements regarding dating of the auditor's report, including that this shall not be earlier than the date the auditor has considered all necessary available evidence. ↩

  12. In the UK and Ireland the responsibility to inform the auditor of facts which may affect the financial statements usually rests with those charged with governance. ↩

  13. ISA (UK and Ireland) 210, “Agreeing the Terms of Audit Engagements,” paragraph A23. ↩

  14. The auditor of a limited company in Great Britain who ceases to hold office as auditor is required to comply with the requirements of section 519 of the Companies Act 2006 regarding the statement to be made by the auditor in relation to ceasing to hold office. Equivalent requirements for the Republic of Ireland, are contained in section 185 of the Companies Act 1990. ↩

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Name ISA (UK and Ireland) 560 (October 2009)
Publication date 27 September 2023
Type Standard
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