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Statement on May 2018
Standards for 24
Accounting and
Review Services
Issued by the Accounting and Review Services Committee
OMNIBUS STATEMENT ON STANDARDS FOR ACCOUNTING AND REVIEW
SERVICES
—
2018
(This standard creates a new AR-C section entitled Special Considerations—International
Reporting Issues and amends Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services No. 21,
Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services: Clarification and Recodification [as
revised] to amend AR-C section 60, General Principles for Engagements Performed in Accordance
With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, and AR-C section 90, Review
of Financial Statements, supersedes Interpretation No. 1, “Considerations Related to Reviews
Performed in Accordance With International Standard on Review Engagements (ISRE) 2400
(Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements,” of AR-C section 90)
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Copyright © 2018 by
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc.
New York, NY 10036-8775
All rights reserved. For information about the procedure for requesting permission to make copies of any
part of this work, please email copyright@aicpa.org with your request. Otherwise, requests should be
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8110.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 AAS 1 9 8 7 6
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Summary
This standard adds a new AR-C section entitled Special Considerations—International Reporting
Issues
1
to provide requirements and guidance when an accountant is engaged to perform a
compilation or review in either of the following circumstances:
• The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with a financial reporting
framework generally accepted in another country.
• The compilation or review is to be performed in accordance with both Statements on
Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs) and another set of compilation
or review standards.
This standard amends AR-C section 60, General Principles for Engagements Performed in
Accordance With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services, as follows:
• Adds a definition for the term fair presentation framework and amends the definition of
financial reporting framework included in paragraph .07.
• Adds paragraph .A51 to make clear that, although the accountant may accept responsibility
for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control, such an activity is a
management responsibility and, as such, impairs independence if performed for an attest
client. If an accountant accepts such responsibility, the accountant is precluded from
performing a review of financial statements.
This standard amends AR-C section 90, Review of Financial Statements, as follows:
• Revises paragraph .05 to include a definition of reasonable period of time and adds new
application paragraph .A10 to provide guidance with respect to the new definition.
• Revises paragraph .34 to include a specific written representation regarding disclosure of
all information relevant to the use of the going concern assumption in the financial
statements.
• Revises paragraph .39 to make the requirements regarding the contents of the accountant’s
review report consistent with the illustrative report examples in exhibit C of AR-C section
90.
• Adds paragraph .65 to require the accountant, if the applicable financial reporting
framework includes requirements for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial
statements, to perform review procedures related to the following:
— Whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate
— Management’s evaluation of whether there are conditions or events that raise
substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern
— If there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability
to continue as a going concern, management’s plans to mitigate those matters
1
All AR-C sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
Page 5 of 33
— The adequacy of the related disclosures in the financial statements
• Adds paragraphs .A116–.A117 to provide additional guidance regarding the preceding
requirement.
• Revises extant paragraph .65 as follows. If the applicable financial reporting framework
does not include a requirement for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial statements and
conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern for a reasonable period of time existed at the date of the prior period financial
statements (regardless of whether the substantial doubt was alleviated by the accountant’s
consideration of management’s plans) or, in the course of performing review procedures
on the current period financial statements, the accountant becomes aware of conditions or
events that raise substantial doubt, the accountant is required to do the following:
— Inquire of management whether the going concern basis of accounting is
appropriate.
— Inquire of management about its plans for dealing with the adverse effects of the
conditions and events.
— Consider the adequacy of the disclosure about such matters in the financial
statements.
• Amends paragraph .A115–.A116 and adds paragraph .A120 to provide additional guidance
regarding the preceding requirement.
• Adds paragraph .67 to require the accountant to include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph
in the accountant’s review report if, after considering conditions or events and
management’s plans, the accountant concludes that substantial doubt about the entity’s
ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable time remains.
• Revises paragraphs .A118–.A119 and adds paragraphs .A124–.A125 to provide guidance
regarding the preceding requirement.
• Adds paragraph .78 to preclude the accountant from referencing, in the accountant’s review
report, the review or audit report of other accountants if the other accountant’s report
includes an alert that restricts the use of such report.
• Revises paragraph .79 to include a requirement that the accountant of the reporting entity
communicate with the other accountants and determine whether the other accountants
understand the ethical requirements relevant to the engagement and, in particular, are
independent.
• Adds paragraphs .A134–.A135 to provide guidance with respect to the new requirement in
paragraph .79 and the requirement for the accountant of the reporting entity to
communicate with the other accountants and determine whether the other accountants are
familiar with the applicable financial reporting framework and with SSARSs or with
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auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, as applicable, and
will conduct the review or audit in accordance therewith.
• Adds paragraph .80 to preclude the accountant, if the component’s financial statements are
prepared using a financial reporting framework different from that used for the financial
statements of the reporting entity, from referencing the review or audit of the other
accountants in the review report of the accountant of the reporting entity unless the
following apply:
— The accountant has determined that the measurement, recognition, presentation,
and disclosure criteria that are applicable to all material items in the component’s
financial statements in accordance with the financial reporting framework used by
the component are similar to the criteria that are applicable to all material items in
the reporting entity’s financial statements in accordance with the financial reporting
framework used by the reporting entity.
— The accountant of the reporting entity has obtained sufficient appropriate review
evidence for purposes of evaluating the appropriateness of the adjustments to
convert the component’s financial statements to the financial reporting framework
used by the reporting entity without the need to assume responsibility for, and thus
be involved in, the work of the other accountants.
Effective Dates
Except for the revision to paragraph .39 of AR-C section 90, which is effective upon issuance, all
revisions are effective for compilations and reviews of financial statements for periods ending on
or after June 15, 2019.
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Accounting and Review Services Committee
(2016–2018)
Mike Fleming, Chair Jeremy Dillard
Denny F. Ard David Johnson
Sheila Balzer Dustin Verity
Jimmy E. Burkes
AICPA Staff
Charles E. Landes Michael P. Glynn
Vice President Senior Technical Manager
Professional Standards Audit and Attest Standards
Staff Liaison—Accounting and
Review Services Committee
Richard I. Miller Michael A. Jones
Special Counsel Assistant General Counsel
Note: Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services are issued by the
Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC), the senior body of the institute
designated to promulgate standards under the “General Standards Rule” (ET sec.
1.300.001)
2
and the “Compliance With Standards Rule” (ET sec. 1.310.001) of the AICPA
Code of Professional Conduct with respect to unaudited financial statements or other
unaudited financial information of an entity that is not required to file financial statements
with a regulatory agency in connection with the sale or trading of its securities in a public
market.
2
All ET sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
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Special Considerations—International Reporting Issues
Introduction
Scope of This Section
1. This section addresses situations in which an accountant is engaged to perform a compilation or review of
financial statements in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs)
in either of the following circumstances:
a. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework
generally accepted in another country not adopted by a body designated by the Council of the AICPA
(Council) to establish generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) (hereinafter referred to as a
financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country).
b. The compilation or review engagement is to be performed in accordance with both SSARSs and
another set of compilation or review standards, such as International Standard on Related Services
(ISRS) 4410 (Revised), Compilation Engagements, or International Standard on Review Engagements
(ISRE) 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial Statements.
2. Pursuant to the "Compliance With Standards Rule" (ET sec. 1.310.001)
*
and the "Accounting Principles
Rule" (ET sec. 1.320.001), the Council of the AICPA designates the bodies to establish GAAP. This section
does not apply to financial statements prepared in accordance with financial reporting frameworks established
by the bodies designated by the Council. (Ref: par. A2–A3)
Effective Date
3. This section is effective for compilations and reviews of financial statements for periods ending on or after
June 15, 2019.
Objective
4. The objective of the accountant, when performing a compilation or review of financial statements prepared in
accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country or in accordance with
both SSARSs and another set of compilation or review standards, is to address appropriately the special
considerations that are relevant to
a. the acceptance of the engagement,
b. the planning and performance of the engagement, and
*
All ET sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
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c. reporting on the financial statements.
Requirements
Considerations When Accepting the Engagement
5. In a compilation or review of financial statements prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework
generally accepted in another country, in complying with paragraph .26b of AR-C section 60, General Principles
for Engagements Performed in Accordance With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services,
†
which requires the accountant, as a condition for accepting an engagement to be performed in accordance with
SSARSs, to determine whether the financial reporting framework selected by management to be applied in the
preparation of the financial statements is acceptable, the accountant should obtain an understanding of the
following: (Ref: par. A4)
a. The purpose for which the financial statements are prepared and whether the financial reporting framework
applied in the preparation of the financial statements is a fair presentation framework
b. The intended users of the financial statements
c. The steps taken by management to determine that the applicable financial reporting framework is acceptable
in the circumstances
6. The accountant should obtain an understanding of the applicable legal responsibilities involved when the
compilation or review engagement is to be performed in accordance with both SSARSs and another set of
compilation or review standards and both of the following are true: (Ref: par. A5)
a. The financial statements are intended for use only outside of the United States.
b. The accountant plans to use the form and content of the accountant’s compilation or review report of the
other set of compilation or review standards.
Compilation or Review of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a Financial
Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country
7. When performing a compilation or review on financial statements prepared in accordance with a financial
reporting framework generally accepted in another country, the accountant should obtain an understanding of
such framework. (Ref: par. A6–A7)
8. The accountant should comply with AR-C section 80, Compilation Engagements, and AR-C section 90, Review
of Financial Statements, with respect to compilations or reviews, respectively, of financial statements prepared
in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country. When the financial
statements are intended for use only outside of the United States, the accountant may use the report form and
content of the other country in accordance with paragraph 10b.
Application of Another Set of Compilation or Review Standards
†
All AR-C sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
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9. If the accountant is engaged to perform a compilation or review of financial statements and the agreed-upon
terms of the engagement require the accountant to apply another set of compilation or review standards in addition
to SSARSs, the accountant should obtain an understanding of and apply those relevant standards, as well as
SSARSs, except for requirements related to the form and content of the report in the situation described in
paragraph 10a. (Ref: par. A8–A10)
Reporting
Reporting—Intended for Use Only Outside the United States
10. If the accountant is issuing an accountant’s compilation or review report on financial statements and such
financial statements are intended for use only outside the United States, the accountant should use either of the
following:
a. A report in accordance with SSARSs, the content of which includes the following: (Ref: par. A11)
i. The elements required by AR-C section 80 or AR-C section 90, as applicable, excluding the requirement
from paragraph .21 of AR-C section 80 or paragraph .43 of AR-C section 90 to include a paragraph
regarding financial statements prepared in accordance with a special purpose framework
ii. A statement that refers to the note to the financial statements, if applicable, that describes the basis of
presentation of the financial statements on which the accountant is reporting, including identification
of the country of origin of the accounting principles if the financial statements are prepared in
accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country
b. The report form and content in accordance with another set of compilation or review standards (for example,
as set forth in ISRS 4410 (Revised) or ISRE 2400 (Revised)), provided that the following are true:
i. Such a report would be issued by accountants in the other country in similar circumstances.
ii. If a review engagement is performed, the accountant has obtained sufficient appropriate review
evidence to support the conclusion expressed in the review report.
iii. The accountant has complied with the reporting standards of the other set of compilation or review
standards and identifies such standards in the report. (Ref: par. A5)
Reporting—Use in the United States
11. If the financial statements will be used in the United States, the accountant should report in accordance with
SSARSs, including the requirements related to financial statements prepared in accordance with a special purpose
framework from paragraph .21 of AR-C section 80 and paragraph .43 of AR-C section 90 for compilations and
reviews, respectively. (Ref: par. A12–A13)
Accountant’s Report for Compilations or Reviews Conducted in Accordance With Both SSARSs and Another
Set of Compilation or Review Standards
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12. The accountant should not refer to having conducted a compilation or review in accordance with another set
of compilation or review standards in addition to SSARSs unless the compilation or review was conducted in
accordance with both sets of standards in their entirety.
13. When the accountant’s compilation or review report refers to both SSARSs and another set of compilation or
review standards, the accountant’s compilation or review report should identify the other set of compilation or
review standards, as well as its origin.
Application and Other Explanatory Material
Introduction
Scope of This Section (Ref: par. 1–2)
A1. Pursuant to paragraph .10 of AR-C section 60, the accountant must perform a review or compilation in
accordance with SSARSs, except for certain reviews of interim financial information as discussed in AR-C section
90.
A2. AR-C sections 80 and 90 apply to compilations and reviews, respectively, of financial statements prepared
in accordance with financial reporting frameworks established by the bodies designated by the Council, including
financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
A3. This section applies to compilations and reviews of financial statements prepared in accordance with a
jurisdictional variation of IFRS such that the entity's financial statements do not contain an explicit and unreserved
statement in an appropriate note to the financial statements that such financial statements are in compliance with
IFRS as promulgated by the IASB.
Considerations When Accepting the Engagement (Ref: par. 5b, 6, and 10biii)
A4. In obtaining an understanding of the purpose for which the financial statements are prepared and of the
intended users, the accountant may consider whether the intended users are likely to be familiar with the
applicable financial reporting framework. For example, if the financial statements are to be used in the United
States in addition to the other country or countries for which they are intended, the accountant may consider
whether intended users within the United States deal directly with the entity and whether the financial statements
are to be used in a manner that permits such users to discuss with the entity differences from accounting and
reporting practices in the United States and their significance. Accordingly, an accountant may conclude that
financial statements prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another
country are not appropriate for wide distribution in the United States.
A5. Even when the form and content of the accountant’s compilation or review report presented in accordance
with another set of compilation or review standards appears similar to that used in the United States, the report
may convey a different meaning and entail different legal responsibilities for the accountant due to custom or
culture. Issuing such a compilation or review report may require the accountant to report on statutory compliance
or otherwise require an understanding of local laws and regulations. When issuing such an accountant’s
compilation or review report, the accountant is required by paragraph 6 to obtain an understanding of applicable
legal responsibilities, in addition to the compilation or review standards and the financial reporting framework,
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as required by paragraphs 5 and 8–9. Accordingly, depending on the nature and extent of the accountant’s
knowledge and experience, the accountant may consult with persons having expertise in the compilation or review
reporting requirements in the other set of compilation or review standards and associated legal responsibilities to
obtain the understanding needed to issue the compilation or review report in accordance with the other set of
compilation or review standards.
Compilation or Review of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a Financial
Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country (Ref: par. 7)
A6. Paragraph .13 of AR-C section 80 requires the accountant, as part of the compilation engagement, to obtain
an understanding of the applicable financial reporting framework and the significant accounting policies intended
to be used in the preparation of the financial statements. Paragraphs .15–.16 of AR-C section 90 require the
accountant, as part of the review engagement, to obtain an understanding of the accounting principles and
practices used by the entity sufficient to identify areas in the financial statements in which there is a greater
likelihood that material misstatements may arise and to be able to design procedures to address those areas.
A7. An understanding of the financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country may be obtained
by reading the statutes or professional literature, or codifications thereof, which establish or describe the financial
reporting framework generally accepted in the other country. Often, the application of accounting principles to a
particular situation requires practical experience and, accordingly, the accountant may consult with persons
having expertise in applying the financial reporting framework of the other country.
Application of Another Set of Compilation or Review Standards (Ref: par. 9)
A8. When an accountant is applying another set of compilation or review standards, such as ISRS 4410 (Revised)
or ISRE 2400 (Revised), the accountant may be required to perform procedures in addition to those procedures
required by SSARSs.
A9. An understanding of another set of compilation or review standards may be obtained by reading the statutes
or professional literature, or codifications thereof, which establish or describe such standards.
A10. Statutes or professional literature, or codifications thereof, however, may not include a complete description
of another set of compilation or review standards. The accountant may consult with persons having expertise,
including practical experience, in applying another set of compilation or review standards, as relevant.
Reporting (Ref: par. 10a and 11)
A11. The exhibit “Illustrations of Accountant’s Compilation and Review Reports on Financial Statements
Prepared in Accordance With a Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country
Performed in Accordance With SSARSs and Another Set of Compilation or Review Standards” contains
illustrations of auditor's reports on financial statements incorporating the elements required by paragraphs 10–11.
Reporting—Use in the United States (Ref: par. 11)
A12. When reporting on financial statements prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework
generally accepted in another country that will be used both inside and outside the United States, the accountant
may issue two reports: one of the reports described in paragraph 10 for use outside the United States and a report
in accordance with SSARSs to be used in the United States.
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A13. An entity that prepares financial statements in accordance with GAAP may also prepare financial statements
in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country for use outside the
United States (for example, financial statements prepared in accordance with a jurisdictional variation of IFRS
such that the entity's financial statements do not contain an explicit and unreserved statement of compliance with
IFRS as issued by the IASB). The accountant may report on the financial statements that are in accordance with
a financial reporting framework generally accepted in another country by reporting in accordance with paragraph
10. The accountant may include in the reports that another report has been issued on the entity’s financial
statements that have been prepared in accordance with a financial reporting framework generally accepted in
another country. The accountant’s statement may also reference any note disclosure in the financial statements
that describes significant differences between the accounting principles used and GAAP. Such a statement may
be included in a separate paragraph to the accountant’s compilation or review report (this paragraph would be an
emphasis-of-matter paragraph in an accountant’s review report). The following is an example:
We also have reported separately on the financial statements of ABC Company for the same period presented
in accordance with [specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]. (Note
X summarizes the significant differences between the [specify the financial reporting framework generally
accepted] in [name of country] and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.)
A14.
Exhibit—Illustrations of Accountant’s Compilation and Review Reports on Financial
Statements Prepared in Accordance With a Financial Reporting Framework Generally
Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With SSARSs and Another Set of
Compilation or Review Standards (Ref: par. A11)
Illustration 1: Accountant’s Compilation Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a
Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With SSARSs
and Another Set of Compilation Standards and the Financial Statements Are Intended for Use Only Outside the
United States
Illustration 2: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With
a Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With
SSARSs and Another Set of Review Standards and the Financial Statements Are Intended for Use Only Outside
the United States
Illustration 3: Accountant’s Compilation Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a
Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With SSARSs
and Another Set of Compilation Standards and the Financial Statements Are Also Intended for Use in the United
States
Illustration 4: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With
a Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With
SSARSs and Another Set of Review Standards and the Financial Statements Are Also Intended for Use in the
United States
Illustration 5: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With
SSARSs and in Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards as Issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board Performed in Accordance With SSARSs and International Standard on Review
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Engagements 2400 (Revised) Issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the
Financial Statements Are Intended for Use Only Outside the United States
Illustration 1: Accountant’s Compilation Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a
Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With
SSARSs and Another Set of Compilation Standards and the Financial Statements Are Intended for Use
Only Outside the United States
Management is responsible for the accompanying financial statements of XYZ Company, which comprise the
balance sheets as of December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, which, as
described in Note X to the financial statements, have been prepared in accordance with [specify the financial
reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]. I (We) have performed compilation engagements
in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting
and Review Services Committee of the AICPA and in accordance with [identify the other set of compilation
standards]. I (We) did not audit or review the financial statements nor was (were) I (we) required to perform any
procedures to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. I (we) do not
express an opinion, a conclusion, nor provide any assurance on these financial statements.
[Signature of accounting firm or accountant, as appropriate]
[Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s report]
Illustration 2: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance
With a Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance
With SSARSs and Another Set of Review Standards and the Financial Statements Are Intended for Use
Only Outside the United States
Independent Accountant’s Review Report
[Appropriate addressee]
I (We) have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of XYZ Company, which comprise the balance
sheets as of December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. A review
includes primarily applying analytical procedures to management’s (owners’) financial data and making
inquiries of company management (owners). A review is substantially less in scope than an audit, the objective
of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements as a whole. Accordingly, I (we) do
not express such an opinion.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management (Owners) is (are) responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements, which, as described in Note X to the financial statements, have been prepared in accordance with
[specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]; this includes the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error.
Accountant’s Responsibility
Page 15 of 33
My (Our) responsibility is to conduct the review engagements in accordance with Statements on Standards
for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the
AICPA and in accordance with [identify the other review standards]. Those standards require me (us) to
perform procedures to obtain limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether I am (we are) aware of any
material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for them to be in accordance with
[specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]. I (We) believe that the
results of my (our) procedures provide a reasonable basis for my (our) conclusion.
Accountant’s Conclusion
Based on my (our) reviews, I am (we are) not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the
accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with [specify the financial reporting
framework generally accepted] in [name of country].
[Signature of accounting firm or accountant, as appropriate]
[Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s review report]
Illustration 3: Accountant’s Compilation Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With a
Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance With
SSARSs and Another Set of Compilation Standards and the Financial Statements Are Also Intended for
Use in the United States
Management is responsible for the accompanying financial statements of XYZ Company, which comprise the
balance sheets as of December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements, which, as
described in note X to the financial statements, have been prepared in accordance with [specify the financial
reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]. I (We) have performed compilation engagements
in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting
and Review Services Committee of the AICPA and in accordance with [identify the other compilation standards].
I (We) did not audit or review the financial statements nor was (were) I (we) required to perform any procedures
to verify the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by management. I (we) do not express an
opinion, a conclusion, nor provide any assurance on these financial statements.
I (We) draw attention to Note X of the financial statements, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial
statements are prepared in accordance with [specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in
[name of country], which is a basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
[Signature of accounting firm or accountant, as appropriate]
[Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s report]
Illustration 4: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance
With a Financial Reporting Framework Generally Accepted in Another Country Performed in Accordance
Page 16 of 33
With SSARSs and Another Set of Review Standards and the Financial Statements Are Also Intended for
Use in the United States
Independent Accountant’s Review Report
[Appropriate addressee]
I (We) have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of XYZ Company, which comprise the balance
sheets as of December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholders’
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. A review
includes primarily applying analytical procedures to management’s (owners’) financial data and making
inquiries of company management (owners). A review is substantially less in scope than an audit, the objective
of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements as a whole. Accordingly, I (we) do
not express such an opinion.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management (Owners) is (are) responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial
statements, which, as described in Note X to the financial statements, have been prepared in accordance with
[specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]; this includes the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due to fraud or error.
Accountant’s Responsibility
My (Our) responsibility is to conduct the review engagements in accordance with Statements on Standards
for Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the
AICPA and in accordance with [identify the other review standards]. Those standards require me (us) to
perform procedures to obtain limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether I am (we are) aware of any
material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for them to be in accordance with
[specify the financial reporting framework generally accepted] in [name of country]. I (We) believe that the
results of my (our) procedures provide a reasonable basis for my (our) conclusion.
Accountant’s Conclusion
Based on my (our) reviews, I am (we are) not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the
accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with [specify the financial reporting
framework generally accepted] in [name of country].
Basis of Accounting
I (We) draw attention to Note X of the financial statements, which describes the basis of accounting. The
financial statements are prepared in accordance with [specify the financial reporting framework generally
accepted] in [name of country], which is a basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. My (Our) conclusion is not modified with respect to this matter.
[Signature of accounting firm or accountant, as appropriate]
[Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s review report]
Illustration 5: Independent Accountant’s Review Report on Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance
With SSARSs and in Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards as Issued by the
Page 17 of 33
International Accounting Standards Board Performed in Accordance With SSARSs and International
Standard on Review Engagements 2400 (Revised) Issued by the International Auditing and Assurance
Standards Board and the Financial Statements Are Intended for Use Only Outside the United States
Independent Accountant’s Review Report
[Appropriate addressee]
I (We) have reviewed the accompanying financial statements of XYZ Company, which comprise the statements
of financial position as of December 31, 20X2 and 20X1, and the related statements of comprehensive income,
changes in equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. A
review includes primarily applying analytical procedures to management’s (owners') financial data and making
inquiries of company management (owners). A review is substantially less in scope than an audit, the objective
of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements as a whole. Accordingly, I (we) do not
express such an opinion.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management (Owners) is (are) responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the
preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due
to fraud or error.
Accountant’s Responsibility
My (our) responsibility is to conduct the review engagements in accordance with Statements on Standards for
Accounting and Review Services promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA
and in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review
Historical Financial Statements, issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. Those
standards require me (us) to perform procedures to obtain limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether I am
(we are) aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for them to be in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board. I (We) believe that the results of my (our) procedures provide a reasonable basis for my (our) conclusion.
Accountant’s Conclusion
Based on my (our) reviews, I am (we are) not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the
accompanying financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
[Signature of accounting firm, or accountant, as appropriate]
[Accountant’s city and state]
[Date of the accountant’s review report]
Page 18 of 33
Amendments to AR-C Section 60, General Principles for Engagements Performed in Accordance With
Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services
*
Introduction
Scope of This Section
1. AR-C section 60, General Principles for Engagements Performed in Accordance With Statements on
Standards for Accounting and Review Services, provides general principles for engagements performed in
accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs) issued by the
Accounting and Review Services Committee (ARSC) and codified into AR-C sections. AR-C section 60 also
sets forth the meaning of certain terms used in SSARSs when describing the professional requirements
imposed on accountants performing a review, compilation, or an engagement to prepare financial statements.
2. This amendment accomplishes the following:
a. Adds a definition for the term fair presentation framework and amends the definition of financial
reporting framework included in paragraph .07 of AR-C section 60.
b. Adds paragraph .A51 to make clear that, although the accountant may accept responsibility for the design,
implementation, and maintenance of internal control, such an activity is a management responsibility and,
as such, impairs independence if performed for an attest client. If an accountant accepts such
responsibility, the accountant is precluded from performing a review of financial statements.
Effective Date
3. This amendment is effective for engagements performed in accordance with SSARSs for periods ending on
or after June 15, 2019.
Amendments to AR-C section 60
4. The following represents the amendments to AR-C section 60. New language is shown in boldface italics.
[Paragraphs .01–.06 are unchanged.]
Definitions
.07 For purposes of SSARSs, the following terms have the meanings attributed as follows:
*
All AR-C sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
Page 19 of 33
….
Fair presentation framework. See financial reporting framework.
Financial reporting framework. A set of criteria used to determine measurement, recognition,
presentation, and disclosure of all material items appearing in the financial statements (for example,
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America [U.S. GAAP]), International
Financial Reporting Standards promulgated by the International Accounting Standards Board, or a
special purpose framework).
The term fair presentation framework refers to a financial reporting framework that requires
compliance with the requirements of the framework and does one of the following:
a. Acknowledges explicitly or implicitly that, to achieve fair presentation of the financial
statements, it may be necessary for management to provide disclosures beyond those
specifically required by the framework.
b. Acknowledges explicitly that it may be necessary for management to depart from a
requirement of the framework to achieve fair presentation of the financial statements.
Such departures are expected to be necessary only in rare circumstances.
A financial reporting framework that requires compliance with the requirements of the framework
but does not contain the acknowledgment in (a) or (b) is not a fair presentation framework.
….
[All other defined terms in paragraph .07 and the content of paragraphs .08–.25 are unchanged.]
.26 As a precondition for accepting an engagement to be performed in accordance with SSARSs, the
accountant should
a. determine whether preliminary knowledge of the engagement circumstances indicate that ethical
requirements regarding professional competence will be satisfied.
b. determine whether the financial reporting framework selected by management to be applied in the
preparation of the financial statements is acceptable. (Ref: par. .A49)
c. obtain the agreement of management that it acknowledges and understands its responsibility (Ref: par.
.A50)
i. for the selection of the financial reporting framework to be applied in the preparation of financial
statements.
ii. for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and
fair presentation of the financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due
to fraud or error, unless the accountant decides to accept responsibility for such internal control.
(Ref: par. .A51)
iii. for preventing and detecting fraud.
iv. for ensuring that the entity complies with laws and regulations applicable to its activities.
Page 20 of 33
v. for the accuracy and completeness of the records, documents, explanations, and other information,
including significant judgments provided by management for the preparation of financial
statements.
vi. to provide the accountant with (Ref: par. .A5152)
(1) access to all information of which management is aware that is relevant to the preparation and
fair presentation of the financial statements, such as records, documentation, and other matters.
(2) additional information that the accountant may request from management for the purpose of
the engagement.
(3) unrestricted access to persons within the entity of whom the accountant determines it necessary
to make inquiries.
Application and Other Explanatory Material
[Paragraphs .A1–.A50 are unchanged.]
.A51 Although the accountant may accept responsibility for the design, implementation, and maintenance of
internal control, accepting such responsibility would impair the accountant’s independence.
5
Therefore, if an
accountant accepts such responsibility, the accountant would be precluded from performing a review of the
financial statements.
5
ET sec. 1.295.030.02k.
[Paragraphs .A51–.A52 are renumbered to paragraphs .A52–.A53. The content is unchanged.]
Page 21 of 33
Amendments to AR-C section 90, Review of Financial Statements
*
Introduction
Scope of This Section
1. AR-C section 90, Review of Financial Statements, addresses the accountant’s responsibilities when engaged
to review financial statements.
2. This amendment accomplishes the following:
a. Revises paragraph .05 to include a definition of reasonable period of time and adds a new application
paragraph .A10 to provide guidance with respect to the new definition.
b. Revises paragraph .34 to include a specific written representation regarding disclosure of all information
relevant to the use of the going concern assumption in the financial statements.
c. Revises paragraph .39 to make the requirements regarding the contents of the accountant’s review report
consistent with the illustrative report examples in exhibit C of AR-C section 90.
d. Adds paragraph .65 to require the accountant, if the applicable financial reporting framework includes
requirements for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a
reasonable period of time in preparing financial statements, to perform review procedures related to the
following:
i. Whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate
ii. Management’s evaluation of whether there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt
about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern
iii. If there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue
as a going concern, management’s plans to mitigate those matters
iv. The adequacy of the related disclosures in the financial statements
e. Adds paragraphs .A116–.A117 to provide additional guidance regarding the preceding requirement.
f. Adds paragraph .66, as follows. If the applicable financial reporting framework does not include a
requirement for management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable
period of time in preparing financial statements and conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about
an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time existed at the date of the
prior period financial statements (regardless of whether the substantial doubt was alleviated by the
accountant’s consideration of management’s plans) or, in the course of performing review procedures on
the current period financial statements, the accountant becomes aware of conditions or events that raise
substantial doubt, the accountant is required to do the following:
*
All AR-C sections can be found in AICPA Professional Standards.
Page 22 of 33
i. Inquire of management whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate.
ii. Inquire of management about its plans for dealing with the adverse effects of the conditions and
events.
iii. Consider the adequacy of the disclosure about such matters in the financial statements.
g. Amends paragraph .A115 and adds paragraph .A120 to provide additional guidance regarding the
preceding requirement.
h. Adds paragraph .67 to require the accountant to include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph in the
accountant’s review report if, after considering conditions or events and management’s plans, the
accountant concludes that substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a
reasonable time remains.
i. Revises paragraphs .A118–.A119 and adds paragraphs .A124–.A125 to provide guidance regarding the
requirement in paragraph .67.
j. Adds paragraph .78 to preclude the accountant from referencing, in the accountant’s review report, the
review or audit report of other accountants if the other accountant’s report includes an alert that restricts
the use of such report.
k. Revises paragraph .79 of AR-C section 90 to include a requirement that the accountant of the reporting
entity communicate with the other accountants and determine whether the other accountants understand
the ethical requirements relevant to the engagement and, in particular, are independent.
l. Adds paragraphs .A134–.A135 to AR-C section 90 to provide guidance with respect to the new
requirement and the requirement for the accountant of the reporting entity to communicate with the other
accountants and determine whether the other accountants are familiar with the applicable financial
reporting framework and with SSARSs or with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States
of America, as applicable, and will conduct the review or audit in accordance therewith.
m. Adds paragraph .80 to preclude the accountant, if the component’s financial statements are prepared using
a different financial reporting framework from that used for the financial statements of the reporting entity,
from referencing the review or audit of the other accountants in the review report of the accountant of the
reporting entity unless the following apply:
i. The accountant has determined that the measurement, recognition, presentation, and disclosure
criteria that are applicable to all material items in the component’s financial statements in
accordance with the financial reporting framework used by the component are similar to the criteria
that are applicable to all material items in the reporting entity’s financial statements in accordance
with the financial reporting framework used by the reporting entity.
ii. The accountant of the reporting entity has obtained sufficient appropriate review evidence for
purposes of evaluating the appropriateness of the adjustments to convert the component’s financial
statements to the financial reporting framework used by the reporting entity without the need to
assume responsibility for, and thus be involved in, the work of the other accountants.
Effective Date
Page 23 of 33
3. These amendments are effective for reviews of financial statements for periods ending on or after June 15,
2019, with the exception of the revision to paragraph .39, which is effective upon issuance.
Amendments to AR-C section 90
4. The following represents the amendments to AR-C section 90. New language is shown in boldface italics;
deleted language is shown by strikethrough.
[Paragraphs .01–.04 are unchanged.]
Definitions
.05 For purposes of Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARSs), the following terms
have the meanings attributed as follows:
…
Reasonable period of time. The period of time required by the applicable financial reporting framework or,
if no such requirement exists, within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or
within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable).
(Ref: par. .A10)
….
[Paragraphs .06–.33 are unchanged.]
.34 For all financial statements presented and all periods covered by the review, the accountant should request
management to provide written representations that are dated as of the date of the accountant’s review report
stating that the following: (Ref: par. .A55–.A61)
[List items (a)–(h) of paragraph .34 are unchanged.]
i. Management has disclosed to the accountant whether management it believes that the effects of
uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, individually and in the aggregate, to the financial
statements as a whole. A summary of such items should be included in, or attached to, the written
representation.
j. Management has disclosed to the accountant all known actual or possible litigation and claims
whose effects should be considered when preparing the financial statements, and it has
appropriately accounted for and disclosed such litigation and claims in accordance with the
applicable financial reporting framework.
k. Management has disclosed to the accountant whether management it believes that significant
assumptions used by it used in making accounting estimates are reasonable.
l. Management has disclosed to the accountant the identity of the entity’s related parties and all of
the related party relationships and transactions of which it is aware, and it has appropriately
accounted for and disclosed such relationships and transactions.
Page 24 of 33
m. Management has disclosed to the accountant all information relevant to use of the going concern
assumption in the financial statements.
mn. Management has properly accounted for 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.
[Paragraphs .35–.38 are unchanged.]
.39 The written review report should include the following: (Ref: par. .A80)
a. A title that includes the word independent to clearly indicate that it is the report of an independent
accountant (Ref: par. .A68)
b. An addressee, as appropriate for the circumstances of the engagement (Ref: par. .A69)
c. An introductory paragraph that (Ref: par. .A70‒.A72)
i. identifies the entity whose financial statements have been reviewed,
ii. states that the financial statements identified in the report were reviewed,
iii. identifies the financial statements,
iv. specifies the date or period covered by each financial statement,
v. includes a statement that a review includes primarily applying analytical procedures to
management’s (owner’s) financial data and making inquiries of company management (owners),
and
vi. includes a statement that a review is substantially less in scope than an audit, the objective of
which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements as a whole, and that,
accordingly, the accountant does not express such an opinion
d. A section with the heading “Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements” that includes
an explanation that management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial
statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework; this responsibility
includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation
and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement whether due
to fraud or error sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of
financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework (Ref: par. .A73)
e. A section with the heading “Accountant’s Responsibility” that includes the following statements:
i. The accountant’s responsibility is to conduct the review engagement in accordance with SSARSs
promulgated by the Accounting and Review Services Committee of the AICPA. The accountant’s
review report should also explain that those standards require that the accountant perform the
procedures to obtain limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether the accountant is aware of
any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for them to be in
accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. (Ref: par. .A74‒.A76)
ii. The accountant believes that the review evidence the accountant has obtained is sufficient and
appropriate results of the accountant’s procedures to provide a reasonable basis for the
accountant’s conclusion.
Page 25 of 33
f. A concluding section with an appropriate heading that includes a statement about whether the
accountant is aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial
statements for them to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and that
identifies the country of origin of those accounting principles, if applicable (Ref: par. .A49)
g. The signature of the accountant’s firm
h. The city and state where the accountant practices (Ref: par. .A77)
i. The date of the review report, which should be dated no earlier than the date on which the accountant
completed procedures sufficient to obtain limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether the
accountant is aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for
them to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, including evidence that
i. all the statements that the financial statements comprise, including the related notes, have been
prepared and
ii. management has asserted that they have taken responsibility for those financial statements (Ref:
par. .A78‒.A79)
[Paragraphs .40–.64 are unchanged.]
Consideration of Conditions or Events That Indicate That There Could Be an Uncertainty About the Inquiry
Concerning an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern
.65 If the applicable financial reporting framework includes requirements for management to evaluate the
entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial
statements, the accountant should perform review procedures related to the following: (Ref: par.
.A116─.A117)
a. Whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate
b. Management’s evaluation of whether there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about
the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern
c. If there are conditions or events that raised substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern, management’s plans to mitigate those matters
d. The adequacy of the related disclosures in the financial statements
.6566 If the applicable financial reporting framework does not include a requirement for management to
evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing
financial statements and conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a reasonable period of time existed at the date of the prior period financial statements
(regardless of whether the substantial doubt was alleviated by the accountant’s consideration of management’s
plans) or, in the course of performing The accountant should consider whether, during the performance of review
procedures on the current period financial statements, the accountant becomes aware of conditions or events
that raise substantial doubt , evidence or information came to the accountant’s attention indicating that there
could be an uncertainty about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern, the accountant should do the
following: for a reasonable period of time. A reasonable period of time is the same period of time required of
management to assess going concern when specified by the applicable financial reporting framework. (Ref: par.
.A118– .A119)
Page 26 of 33
a. Inquire of management whether the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate.
b. Inquire of management about its plans for dealing with the adverse effects of the conditions and events.
(Ref: par. .A120)
c. Consider the adequacy of the disclosure about such matters in the financial statements. (Ref: par.
.A121─.A122)
If the applicable financial reporting framework does not specify a period of time for management, a reasonable
period is one year from the date of the financial statements being reviewed (hereinafter referred to as a reasonable
period of time). (Ref: par. .A115)
Consideration of Financial Statement Effects
.66 If, after considering the evidence or information from paragraph .65, the accountant believes that there is
an uncertainty about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, the
accountant should request that management consider the possible effects of the going concern uncertainty on the
financial statements, including the need for related disclosure. (Ref: par. .A116)
.67 After management communicates to the accountant the results of its consideration of the possible effects
on the financial statements, the accountant should consider the reasonableness of management's conclusions,
including the adequacy of the related disclosure.
Consideration of the Effects on the Accountant’s Review Report
.68 If the accountant determines that the entity’s disclosures with respect to the entity’s ability to continue as
a going concern for a reasonable period of time are inadequate, a departure from the applicable financial reporting
framework exists, and the accountant should follow the guidance in paragraphs .56–.60. (Ref: par. .A117‒.A119)
.67 If, after considering conditions or events and management’s plans, the accountant concludes that
substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time
remains, the accountant should include an emphasis of-matter paragraph in the accountant’s review report.
(Ref: par. .A123–.A125)
.68 The emphasis-of-matter paragraph about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a
reasonable period of time should be expressed through the use of terms consistent with those included in the
applicable financial reporting framework. In a going concern emphasis-of-matter paragraph, the accountant
should not use conditional language concerning the existence of substantial doubt about the entity's ability to
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. (Ref: par. .A126)
.69 If adequate disclosure about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of
time is not made in the financial statements, the accountant should apply paragraphs .56─.60 regarding known
departures from the applicable financial reporting framework.
[Extant paragraphs .69–.77 are renumbered to paragraphs .70–.78. The content is unchanged.]
Reference to the Work of Other Accountants in an Accountant’s Review Report
Page 27 of 33
.7879 If other accountants audited or reviewed the financial statements of significant components, such as
consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees, and the accountant of the reporting entity
decides not to assume responsibility for the audit or review performed by the other accountants, the
accountant of the reporting entity should make reference to the review or audit of such other accountants
in the accountant’s review report. In that instance, the accountant should clearly indicate in the
accountant’s review report that the accountant used the work of other accountants and should include the
magnitude of the portion of the financial statements audited or reviewed by the other accountants. (Ref:
par. .A128A131‒.A130A133)
.80 Reference to the audit or review of other accountants in the accountant’s review report on the reporting
entity should not be made if the other accountants issued an auditor’s or an accountant’s review report
that includes an alert that restricts the use of such report.
Determining Whether the Other Accountants Are Familiar with SSARSs or Auditing Standards Generally
Accepted in the United States of America, as Applicable
.7981 Regardless of whether the accountant of the reporting entity decides to make reference to the review or
audit of other accountants, the accountant of the reporting entity should communicate with the other
accountants and ascertain determine the following:
a. that The other accountants are aware that the financial statements of the component that the other
accountants have audited or reviewed are to be included in the financial statements on which the
accountant of the reporting entity will report and that the other accountants’ report thereon will be
relied upon and, where applicable, referred to by the accountant of the reporting entity.
b. that The other accountants are familiar with the applicable financial reporting framework and with
SSARSs or auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, as applicable,
and will conduct the review or audit in accordance therewith. (Ref: par. .A134)
c. The other accountants understand the ethical requirements that are relevant to the engagement
and, in particular, are independent. (Ref: par. .A135)
d. that A review will be made of matters affecting elimination of intercompany transactions and
accounts and, if appropriate in the circumstances, the uniformity of accounting practices among
the components included in the financial statements.
Determining Whether to Make Reference When the Financial Reporting Framework Is Not the Same
.82 If the component’s financial statements are prepared using a different financial reporting framework
from that used for the financial statements of the reporting entity, reference to the review or audit of
the other accountants in the review report of the accountant of the reporting entity should not be made
unless the following apply:
a. The accountant has determined that the measurement, recognition, presentation, and disclosure
criteria that are applicable to all material items in the component’s financial statements in
accordance with the financial reporting framework used by the component are similar to the
criteria that are applicable to all material items in the reporting entity’s financial statements in
accordance with the financial reporting framework used by the reporting entity.
b. The accountant of the reporting entity has obtained sufficient appropriate review evidence for
purposes of evaluating the appropriateness of the adjustments to convert the component’s
financial statements to the financial reporting framework used by the reporting entity without
Page 28 of 33
the need to assume responsibility for, and thus be involved in, the work of the other accountants.
(Ref: par. .A136)
[Extant paragraphs .80–.92 are renumbered to paragraphs .83–.95. The content is unchanged.]
Application and Other Explanatory Material
[Paragraphs .A1–.A9 are unchanged.]
Definitions (Ref: par. .05)
.A10 Most financial reporting frameworks requiring an explicit management evaluation of the entity's ability
to continue as a going concern specify the period of time to be evaluated. For example, the financial reporting
frameworks of the following standard-setting bodies specify such period of time as follows:
a. FASB. Within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or within one year after
the date that the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable).
fn1
b. GASB. 12 months beyond the date of the financial statements. GASB further requires that, if a
governmental entity currently knows information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter
(for example, within an additional three months), such information should also be considered.
fn2
c. International Accounting Standards Board. At least, but not limited to, one year from the end of the
reporting period.
fn3
fn 1
“Pending Content” in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-40-50-1.
fn2
Paragraph 16 of GASB Statement No. 56, Codification of Accounting and Financial Reporting Guidance Contained in the
AICPA Statements on Auditing Standards.
fn3
Paragraph 26 of International Accounting Standard 1, Presentation of Financial Statements.
[Extant paragraphs .A10–.A114 are renumbered to paragraphs .A11–.A115.]
Consideration of Conditions or Events That Indicate That There Could Be an Uncertainty About the Inquiry
Concerning an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Ref: par. .65─.66)
.A116 The nature and extent of the accountant’s review procedures are matters of the accountant’s professional
judgment. For example, when a history of profitable operations and ready access to financing exists, inquiry alone
might be sufficient to review the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
.A117 Certain financial reporting frameworks require management to evaluate the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern for a reasonable period of time in preparing financial statements. For example, FASB Accounting
Standards Codification
®
(ASC) requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events,
considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Under FASB ASC, the evaluation period is within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued
(or within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued, when applicable).
.A115.A118 A review of financial statements is not designed to identify conditions or events that raise
substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
However, conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern for a reasonable period of time may have existed at the date of the prior period financial statements
or may be identified as a result of inquiries of management or in the course of performing other review
procedures. In performing review procedures, the accountant may identify information about certain conditions
Page 29 of 33
or events that, when considered in the aggregate, indicate there could be an uncertainty about the entity's ability
to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. The significance of such conditions and events
will depend on the circumstances, and some may have significance only when viewed in conjunction with others.
.A119 The following are examples of such conditions and or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s
ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time:
• Negative trends. For example, recurring operating losses, working capital deficiencies, negative cash
flows from operating activities, and other adverse key financial ratios
• Other indications of possible financial difficulties. For example, default on loan or similar
agreements, arrearages in dividends, denial of usual trade credit from suppliers, a need to
restructureing of debt to avoid default, noncompliance with statutory capital requirements, and a
need to seek new sources or methods of financing or to dispose of substantial assets
• Internal matters. For example, work stoppages or other labor difficulties, substantial dependence on
the success of a particular project, uneconomic long-term commitments, and a need to significantly
revise operations
• External matters that have occurred. For example, legal proceedings, legislation, or similar matters
that might jeopardize an entity's ability to operate; loss of a key franchise, license, or patent; loss of
a principal customer or supplier; and an uninsured or underinsured catastrophe such as a hurricane,
tornado drought, earthquake, or flood
.A120 The significance of such conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time can often be mitigated by other factors. The
following list includes examples of plans that management may implement to mitigate conditions or events that
raise substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
The examples are not all-inclusive. Following each example is a list of the types of information that
management should consider at the date that the financial statements are issued in evaluating the feasibility
of the plans to determine whether it is probable
fn4
that the plan will be effectively implemented within one year
after the date that the financial statements are issued.
fn5
a. Plans to dispose of an asset or business
i. Restrictions on disposal of an asset or business, such as covenants that limit those transactions in loan
or similar agreements, or encumbrances against the asset or business
ii. Marketability of the asset or business that management plans to sell
iii. Possible direct or indirect effects of disposal of the asset or business
b. Plans to borrow money or restructure debt
i. Availability and terms of new debt financing or availability and terms of existing debt refinancing, such
as term debt, lines of credit, or arrangements for factoring receivables or sale-leaseback of assets
ii. Existing or committed arrangements to restructure or subordinate debt or to guarantee loans to the
entity
Page 30 of 33
iii. Possible effects on management's borrowing plans of existing restrictions on additional borrowing or
the sufficiency of available collateral
c. Plans to reduce or delay expenditures
i. Feasibility of plans to reduce overhead or administrative expenditures, to postpone maintenance or
research and development projects, or to lease rather than purchase assets
ii. Possible direct or indirect effects on the entity and its cash flows of reduced or delayed expenditures
d. Plans to increase ownership equity
i. Feasibility of plans to increase ownership equity, including existing or committed arrangements to raise
additional capital
ii. Existing or committed arrangements to reduce current dividend requirements or to accelerate cash
infusions from affiliates or other investors
fn4
The FASB ASC Master Glossary defines probable as “the future event or events are likely to occur.”
fn5
“Pending Content” in FASB ASC 205-40-55-3.
Consideration of Financial Statement Effects
.A116 .A121 In considering the adequacy of disclosure, some of the information that might may be disclosed,
depending on the requirements of the financial reporting framework, includes the following:
• Principal conditions and events that raise substantial doubt giving rise to the assessment of an
uncertainty about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time
• The possible effects of such conditions and events
• Management's evaluation of the significance of those conditions and events in relation to the entity’s
ability to meet its obligations and any mitigating factors
• Possible discontinuance of operations
• Management's plans (including relevant prospective financial information) that are intended to
mitigate the conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue
as a going concern for a reasonable period of time
• Information about the recoverability or classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts or
classification of liabilities
Consideration of the Effects on the Accountant’s Review Report (Ref: par. .6867)
.A117 If, after considering the evidence or information from paragraph .65 and management’s consideration of
the possible effects of the going concern uncertainty on the financial statements from paragraph .66, the
accountant concludes that management has adequately disclosed the issue, the accountant may include an
emphasis-of-matter paragraph in the accountant’s review report pursuant to paragraphs .52–.53 and .54. The
accountant is not required to include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph with respect to a going concern uncertainty.
Page 31 of 33
.A118A122 The following is an illustration of an going concern emphasis-of-matter paragraph when (a) the
accountant may include in the accountant’s review report when the accountant concludes that substantial doubt
exists about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time, (b)
management’s plans do not alleviate the substantial doubt, and (c) the entity is required under the applicable
financial reporting framework to include a statement in the notes to the financial statements that management
has adequately disclosed that substantial doubt exists an uncertainty about the entity’s ability to continue as a
going concern for a reasonable period of time and determines to include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph with
respect to the going concern uncertainty:
Emphasis of Matter Regarding Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will
continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, the Company has
suffered recurring losses from operations, and has a net capital deficiency, and has stated that
substantial doubt exists that raises an uncertainty about the Company’s its ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's evaluation of the events and conditions and management’s plans
in regarding to these matters are also described in Note X. The financial statements do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. Our conclusion is not
modified with respect to this matter.
.A123 The following is an illustration of a going concern emphasis-of-matter paragraph when (a) the
accountant concludes that substantial doubt exists about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for
a reasonable period of time, (b) management's plans do not alleviate the substantial doubt, and (c) the entity
is not required under the applicable financial reporting framework to include a statement in the notes to the
financial statements that substantial doubt exists.
Emphasis of Matter Regarding Going Concern
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will
continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, the Company has
suffered recurring losses from operations and has a net capital deficiency, which raises substantial
doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management's evaluation of the events and
conditions and management's plans regarding these matters are also described in Note X. The
financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this
uncertainty. Our conclusion is not modified with respect to this matter.
.A124 If conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, have been identified that raise substantial doubt
about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time but, based on
the review evidence obtained, the accountant concludes that substantial doubt has been alleviated by
management’s plans, the accountant may include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph making reference
to management’s disclosures related to the conditions and events and management’s plans related to
those conditions or events. The following is an illustration of an emphasis-of-matter paragraph when
management has disclosed (a) conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raised substantial
doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time; (b) its
evaluation of the significance of those conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, in relation to
the entity's ability to meet its obligations; and (c) that the substantial doubt about the entity's ability to
continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time has been alleviated by management's plans.
Emphasis of Matter Regarding Going Concern
Page 32 of 33
As discussed in Note X to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from
operations and has a net capital deficiency. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions
and management’s plans to mitigate these matters are also described in Note X. Our conclusion is
not modified with respect to this matter.
.A119A125 Examples of inappropriate wording use of conditional language in an emphasis-of-matter paragraph
when the accountant concludes that management has adequately disclosed that conditions or events have
been identified and substantial doubt exists an uncertainty about the entity’s ability to continue as a going
concern for a reasonable period of time and determines to include an emphasis-of-matter paragraph with
respect to the going concern uncertainty include the following:
• If the company entity continues to suffer experience recurring losses from operations and continues
to have a net capital deficiency, there may be an uncertainty substantial doubt about its ability to
continue as a going concern.
• The company entity has been unable to renegotiate its expiring credit agreements. Unless the
company entity is able to obtain financial support, there is an uncertainty substantial doubt about its
ability to continue as a going concern.
[Extant paragraphs .A120–.A127 are renumbered to paragraphs .A126–.A129. The content is unchanged.]
Reference to the Work of Other Accountants in an Accountant’s Review Report (Ref: par. .7877)
.A128A130 The accountant of the reporting entity may make reference to any or all other accountants who
audited or reviewed significant components. For example, if a significant component is audited or
reviewed by an other accountant and a second significant component is audited or reviewed by a different
other accountant, the accountant of the reporting entity may decide to make reference to one of the other
accountants, both of the other accountants, or neither. The decision is solely at the discretion and judgment
of the accountant of the reporting entity.
.A129A131 The disclosure of the magnitude of the portion of the financial statements audited or reviewed by
other accountants may be achieved by stating the dollar amounts or percentages of total assets, total
revenues, other appropriate criteria, or a combination of these, whichever most clearly describes the
portion of the financial statements audited or reviewed by other accountants. When two or more other
accountants participate in the audit or review, the dollar amounts or the percentages covered by the other
accountants may be stated in the aggregate.
.A130A132 Exhibit C contains an example of appropriate reporting in the accountant’s review report when
reference is made to the audit or review of significant components, such as consolidated and
unconsolidated subsidiaries and investees, by other accountants.
Determining Whether the Other Accountants Are Familiar with SSARSs or Auditing Standards Generally
Accepted in the United States of America, as Applicable (Ref: par. .79b)
.A133 An other accountant’s review report stating that the review was conducted in accordance with SSARSs
or an auditor’s report stating that the audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards (GAAS) is sufficient to make the determination required by paragraph .79b. When
the other accountant has performed a review of the component financial statements in accordance with
standards other than SSARSs or an audit of the component financial statements in accordance with
auditing standards other than GAAS, the accountant of the reporting entity may evaluate, exercising
Page 33 of 33
professional judgment, whether the engagement performed by the other accountant meets the relevant
requirements of SSARSs or GAAS, as applicable. For the purposes of complying with paragraph .79b,
relevant requirements of SSARSs or GAAS are those that pertain to planning and performing the
engagement on the component financial statements and do not include those related to the form of the
accountant’s review or the auditor's report. Reviews performed in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements 2400 (Revised), Engagements to Review Historical Financial
Statements, and audits performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), both
of which are promulgated by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), are
likely to meet the relevant requirements of SSARSs and GAAS, respectively. The other accountants may
perform additional procedures in order to meet the relevant requirements of SSARSs or GAAS. The
accountant of the reporting entity, having determined that all relevant requirements of SSARSs or
GAAS have been met by the other accountant, may decide to make reference to the review or audit of
that other accountant in the accountant’s review report on the reporting entity’s financial statements.
.A134 When the other accountants are not subject to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, compliance by
the other accountants with the ethics and independence requirements set forth in the International
Ethics Standards Board’s Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants is sufficient to fulfill the other
accountants’ ethical responsibilities.
Determining Whether to Make Reference When the Financial Reporting Framework Is Not the Same (Ref: par.
.80b)
.A135 The greater the number of differences or the greater the significance of the differences between the
criteria used for measurement, recognition, presentation, and disclosure of all material items in the
component’s financial statements in accordance with the financial reporting framework used by the
component and the financial reporting framework used by the reporting entity, the less similar the financial
reporting frameworks. Financial statements prepared and presented in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Financial Reporting Standard for Small- and
Medium-Sized Entities, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, are generally viewed as
similar to financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (GAAP). In most cases, special purpose frameworks are not similar to GAAP.
[Extant paragraphs .A131–.A150 are renumbered to paragraphs .A136–.A155. The content is unchanged.]
