AUDIT PROGRAM FOR INVENTORIES OVERVIEW Observe Inventory Plan inventory observation (1-10). Observe physical inventory (11-18). Establish Proper Cutoff Examine shipping and receiving activity near period-end (19) Test inventory received after period-end and items in transit (20). Review fluctuations in sales, purchases and returns (21). Test Inventory Summarization Obtain or prepare a comparative summary (22). Obtain detailed priced inventory listing(s) (23). Review inventory adjustments (24). Determine completeness of detailed priced inventory listing (25). Identify inventory in the custody of other divisions (26). Trace test counts to/from detailed inventory listing (27-28). Test raw material and purchased items costs (29). Trace unit costs to/from detailed priced inventory listing (30). Understand work-in-process and finished goods costing (31). Determine that cost allocations are appropriate (32). Test cost buildup (33). Review standard cost variances (34). Determine that inventory pricing is consistent (35). Trace unit prices to/from detailed priced listing (36). Test mathematical accuracy of detailed priced listing (37). Test Inventory Valuation Review the need for valuation provisions (38). Make or test work-in-process valuation provisions (39). Make or test finished goods valuation provisions (40). Consider valuation provisions for subassemblies and parts (41). Evaluate obsolete, slow-moving, scrapped or damaged items (42). Additional Procedures Obtain information for disclosure (43). Perform procedures when early tests are performed (44). Review inventory valuation provisions at period-end (45). Confirm inventory held by third parties (46). Account for inventory owned by other divisions (47-48). Review accounting for internal and intercompany profits (49). AUDIT PROGRAM INVENTORIES Observe Inventory PLAN INVENTORY OBSERVATION (1-10). 1. Determine the dates of observations. 2. Determine the location of and method adopted by the division for testing the existence of each category of inventory (e.g., raw materials, work-in-process, finished products, consignments). 3. Determine the extent to which physical inventory counts are to be observed. 4. Review the division's written inventory instructions for adequacy and clarity. Suggest changes as deemed necessary. Determine whether the instructions are reviewed and approved by a responsible official and effectively communicated to persons participating in the count. 5. Obtain lists of or identify the inventory count teams and determine whether they include: a. Persons able to identify the nature and quality of the items. b. Persons from departments that have no responsibility for the custody, movement, or recording of the inventory. If both (a) and (b) are not present, it may be necessary to revise the extent of work performed to ensure that a complete and accurate count is achieved and that slow-moving, obsolete, and damaged inventory is adequately identified. 6. Determine whether information needed for proper identification of the inventory and subsequent tracing of the test counts to the inventory listings exists in usable form (e.g., that it differentiates the various stages of work-in-process). 7. Determine whether procedures are adequate to control the use of inventory tags or sheets by the count teams (e.g., by using pre- numbered tags or sheets and accounting for all such tags or sheets, both used and unused) and consider the division of duties between persons responsible for tag or count sheet control, counting inventory and inputting completed tags or count sheets to inventory records. 8. Determine whether procedures are established to ensure proper cutoff. 9. Ask about the procedures that will be used to control movements of inventories during the count. Evaluate such procedures (which should cover incoming goods, outgoing shipments, and internal transfers) to determine their impact on the nature, timing, and extent of other substantive procedures. 10. Inquire whether there are inventories owned by the division in the custody of others or inventories owned by others on the division's premises. Determine the extent to which inspection and confirmation of these inventories is necessary. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: When determining locations of inventory the auditor should consider the nature of the division's business. For example, divisions with delivery operations may have inventories in various vehicles used for this purpose; also, consider the existence of goods-in-transit and items that may be at another division. OBSERVE PHYSICAL INVENTORY (11-18). 11. Inspect the premises to determine whether: a. The arrangement of inventory is such that an accurate count is possible. b. Scrap, obsolete, and damaged goods are adequately identified and segregated. c. Inventory owned by other divisions is adequately identified and segregated. d. Inventories appear to be adequately safeguarded against access by unauthorized persons and protected against deterioration. 12. In observing physical inventory counts, determine whether: a. The counts are carried out under proper supervision. b. Quantities and descriptions and, in the case of work-in-process, stages of completion are properly entered on the inventory tags or sheets. c. The methods used to determine quantities are reasonably accurate. d. There are adequate procedures for determining quantities of goods not susceptible to direct physical counting (e.g. certain ingredients). e. Count totals are adequately checked by persons other than the original counters. f. There are adequate procedures to ensure that all inventory (other than that on the company's premises owned by others) is counted and that no inventory is counted more than once. g. Inventory on the division's premises owned by others has been appropriately identified and counted. h. Tags or count sheets are signed by individuals carrying out the count, or other suitable means of identifying individuals carrying out the count have been established, such as assigning tags or count sheets to count teams. 13. Select items from the inventory tags or sheets and perform an independent count. Perform other counts of inventories and compare the results with those recorded on the inventory tags or sheets by division personnel. Follow up any differences noted in the counts. Record selected items counted for subsequent comparison with priced inventory listings. 14. Determine that procedures for accounting for all inventory tags and count sheets are followed and that all such tags and sheets have been accounted for, including used and unused tags and sheets, and that they are secured against alteration. 15. Determine whether slow-moving, obsolete, and damaged items are identified and recorded by the count teams. 16. Considering the procedures established for determining cutoff (step 8), visit the receiving and shipping departments and note the last receiving and shipping document numbers before the count. If the division's procedures are not based on prenumbered documents, then prepare a list of shipping and receiving documents for a period immediately before and after the end of the period. Include documents for returns to suppliers and from customers, if different documents are used. 17. Determine that procedures established to control inventory movements during the count are followed (see step 9). 18. Prepare a memorandum to document inventory observation procedures performed, and their results (see our inventory observation checklist). Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: Judgment should be exercised in determining the number of test counts to be made considering, among other things, inventory with special characteristics such as high value or susceptibility to theft, the adequacy of the division's controls over counting and the expertise and diligence of individuals making the counts. Sampling is not appropriate for determining the extent of tests because the auditor does not intend to project an error. Establish Proper Cutoff EXAMINE SHIPPING AND RECEIVING ACTIVITY NEAR PERIOD-END (19) 19. Using information obtained at the physical inventory observation and data from the sales cutoff procedures and the search for unrecorded liabilities, determine whether a proper inventory cutoff has been made: a. Examine sales transactions and supporting documentation for a period before the physical inventory and determine that goods shipped before the physical inventory have been included in sales and cost of sales, and that goods included in inventory are not included in sales and cost of sales. b. Select receiving reports for goods received before the physical inventory and determine that all goods received before the inventory have been included in inventory and liabilities. c. Review supporting documentation for goods not included in the physical count but included in the general ledger inventory control account (e.g., inventory in transit, duty and freight, returns) and determine that the goods are properly included in inventory. d. Examine purchase and sales transactions and detailed supporting documents for the period after the physical inventory to determine that they have been reflected in the proper period. e. Review records of returned goods and claims against suppliers and related debit (credit) memoranda for periods before and after the cutoff date to determine that returns and claims against suppliers made after the cutoff date have been entered in the appropriate period. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: The auditor usually performs substantive tests directed to the cutoff objective. In large divisions the auditor should consider whether the risk of cutoff errors could have a material effect on the financial statements. The control environment should also be considered, particularly the risk that management would deliberately override established cutoff procedures. INVENTORIES-3 This step requires a decision on the extent of testing. The auditor use judgment in determining the extent of tests after considering the assessments of control risk, special procedures such as nonroutine review and supervision of shipping and receiving activities near the cutoff date, movements of inventories during the physical count, the type and frequency of errors in prior periods and assurance expected from other tests, particularly the review of key performance indicators and other management information. TEST INVENTORY RECEIVED AFTER PERIOD-END AND ITEMS IN TRANSIT (20). 20. Determine that inventory received after period-end for which title had passed as of the balance sheet date was reflected in inventory in transit and in accounts payable. Determine that recorded inventory in transit was received after period-end. Done by Date ..../../.. REVIEW FLUCTUATIONS IN SALES, PURCHASES AND RETURNS (21). 21. Consider key performance indicators and management information that would indicate unusual fluctuations in sales, purchases and returns patterns before and after period-end and, if present, review for possible cutoff errors. Done by Date ..../../.. Test Inventory Summarization OBTAIN OR PREPARE A COMPARATIVE SUMMARY (22). 22. Obtain or prepare a comparative summary of inventory balances. Trace the totals to the general ledger and the previous audit's working papers. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: Divisions may use a number of different summarization methods; this program should be tailored to reflect the particular division's circumstances. OBTAIN DETAILED PRICED INVENTORY LISTING(S) (23). 23. Obtain detailed priced inventory listings. Trace totals from the detailed priced inventory listings to the totals of the summary obtained in step 22. Trace significant reconciling items to supporting documentation. Done by Date ..../../.. INVENTORIES-4 REVIEW INVENTORY ADJUSTMENTS (24). 24. Review adjustments to the general ledger and, if appropriate, the detailed inventory records resulting from the physical inventory. Investigate the reasons for significant adjustments. Done by Date ..../../.. DETERMINE COMPLETENESS OF DETAILED PRICED INVENTORY LISTING (25). 25. Ascertain that all inventory tags and count sheets have been included in the detailed priced inventory listings. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: The objective of this test is to ascertain that all inventory amounts that ultimately will be reflected in the accounts in the general ledger are entered in the records. Errors disclosed by this test should alert the auditor to potential completeness problems with inventory summarizations. IDENTIFY INVENTORY IN THE CUSTODY OF OTHER DIVISIONS (26). 26. Determine whether any inventory is in the custody of other divisions based on your knowledge of the division's business, inquiries of management, and review of purchase orders, receiving reports, purchase invoices, shipping records, or other documentation. Ascertain that such inventory has been included in the detailed priced inventory listings. Also consider further tests of inventory owned by other divisions (steps 47 and 48). Done by Date ..../../.. TRACE TEST COUNTS TO/FROM DETAILED INVENTORY LISTING (27-28). 27. Trace quantities of selected items included in the detailed priced inventory listings to inventory tags or count sheets and investigate discrepancies. 28. Trace the test counts recorded during the physical inventory observation (see step 13) to the detailed priced inventory listings. Done by Date ..../../.. TEST RAW MATERIAL AND PURCHASED ITEMS COSTS (29). 29. Obtain and document an understanding of methods and procedures for costing raw material and purchased items and perform audit procedures to ensure that the inventory costs are appropriate; when necessary refer to suppliers' invoices. Done by Date ..../../.. INVENTORIES-5 GUIDANCE: When testing costs by reference to the latest invoices, the auditor should ensure that these costs relate to the inventory units actually on hand. If the auditor plans to examine invoices to test costs of raw materials and purchased items, a decision on the extent of tests should be made. The auditor should use judgment in determining the extent of tests after considering the adequacy of the division's procedures, the type and frequency of errors in prior periods and management's use of the information in the operation of the business. These tests should be coordinated with the test in step 33, relating to pricing work-in-process and finished goods inventories, if that test is planned. TRACE UNIT COSTS TO/FROM DETAILED PRICED INVENTORY LISTING (30). 30. Trace unit costs of raw materials and purchased items to and from the detailed priced inventory listing. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: This step requires a decision on the extent of testing. The auditor should use judgment in determining the extent of tests after considering the adequacy of the division's procedures, the type and frequency of errors in prior periods and management's use of inventory information in the operation of the business. UNDERSTAND WORK-IN-PROCESS AND FINISHED GOODS COSTING (31). 31. Obtain and document an understanding of the methods and procedures for recording material, labor and overhead costs, and allocating these costs to work-in-process and finished goods inventories. Done by Date ..../../.. DETERMINE THAT COST ALLOCATIONS ARE APPROPRIATE (32). 32. Determine that the methods and procedures ensure that material, labor, and overhead costs used in recording work-in-process and finished goods cost allocations are appropriate and complete. For partly completed work-in-process that has been credited with the costs of completed items, determine whether the remaining costs can be reasonably attributed to the balance of work-in-process on hand. Done by Date ..../../.. TEST COST BUILDUP (33). 33. Test cost buildup and appropriateness of allocations to work-in-process and finished goods units by reference to suppliers' invoices, properly established pay rates, and overhead cost records. Done by Date ..../../.. INVENTORIES-6 GUIDANCE: This step requires a decision on the extent of testing. The auditor should use judgment in determining the extent of tests after considering the adequacy of the division's procedures, the type and frequency of errors in prior periods and management's use of inventory information in the operation of the business. These tests should be coordinated with the test in step 29 relating to pricing raw materials and purchased parts inventory, if that test is planned. REVIEW STANDARD COST VARIANCES (34). 34. Determine that standard costs approximate actual costs. Where there are significant unfavorable variances, determine whether they resulted from inefficiencies or abnormalities that would not require adjustment to the inventory valuation, or from unrealistic standards that do not reflect normal operations and that may require an adjustment to inventory costs. Determine whether appropriate adjustments have been made. Where there are significant favorable variances, determine the underlying reasons for them and determine whether appropriate adjustments to the inventory costs have been made. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: The auditor usually determines that standard costs approximate actual costs by reviewing: a. When standards were last updated. b. Whether they are still appropriate in the light of any changes in specifications or production methods since the standards were last updated. c. Relevant variances. DETERMINE THAT INVENTORY PRICING IS CONSISTENT (35). 35. Determine whether the method of inventory pricing (including by-products) is consistent with the prior period. Done by Date ..../../.. TRACE UNIT PRICES TO/FROM DETAILED PRICED LISTING (36). 36. Trace unit prices of work-in-process and finished goods to and from the detailed priced inventory listing. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: INVENTORIES-7 This step requires a decision on the extent of testing. The auditor should use judgment in determining the extent of tests after considering the adequacy of the division's procedures, the type and frequency of errors in prior periods and management's use of inventory information in the operation of the business. TEST MATHEMATICAL ACCURACY OF DETAILED PRICED LISTING (37). 37. Test the mathematical accuracy of the detailed priced inventory listing. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: The auditor commonly performs this test because inventory reports may be run infrequently or only at period-end and therefore there may be a risk that the computer program has been altered since its last use. The auditor should consider the reliability of the system generating the inventory report. It is often appropriate also to scan the listing for unusual quantities, prices and extensions. Test Inventory Valuation REVIEW THE NEED FOR VALUATION PROVISIONS (38). 38. In light of the accounting policies used by the company (appropriate to the division) consider whether any provisions are required, or whether provisions made are adequate, against inventories due to: a. increased costs of purchases or production (including adjustments of standard cost variances) that have not been fully reflected in the selling prices; b. falling selling prices; c. any decisions, as part of the company's marketing strategy, to manufacture and sell products at a loss; d. replacement or reproduction prices below cost. Done by Date ..../../.. GUIDANCE: Inventory valuation procedures should be performed at the physical inventory date and updated to period-end when appropriate. In making valuation judgments the auditor should consider the knowledge obtained about the division's business and industry, the control environment, financial and other operating information, and other appropriate information that could affect the valuation of inventories; for example: a. Processing advances that may render inventories obsolete; b. The sufficiency and reliability of management information for valuation tests; c. New product lines and future marketing forecasts and plans; d. The company's competitive position in the marketplace for its products; INVENTORIES-8 e. Economic conditions; f. Regulatory trends; and g. Other matters that may have an effect on inventory valuation decisions. MAKE OR TEST WORK-IN-PROCESS VALUATION PROVISIONS (39). 39. For items of work-in-process, compare costs to date and estimated costs of completion and disposition with order values or selling prices and determine whether provisions have been made for any expected losses on completion. Done by Date ..../../.. MAKE OR TEST FINISHED GOODS VALUATION PROVISIONS (40). 40. Compare carrying values of finished goods with expected selling prices and determine whether a provision is necessary. EVALUATE OBSOLETE, SLOW-MOVING, SCRAPPED OR DAMAGED ITEMS (42). 42. Determine whether slow-moving, obsolete, scrapped or damaged items have been adequately identified by: a. obtaining and reviewing a schedule of items that have shown little or no recent movement; b. reviewing detailed inventory records, bin cards, etc.; c. reviewing periodic reports to management concerning such information; d. discussing with management quantities held in the light of current production requirements, sales orders received and future marketing forecasts; examine documentation including, where appropriate, aged listings of inventory balances, substantiating the information obtained; e. discussing with management whether any substantial inventory amounts may not be realizable because of major delays or disputes, defective work, marketing difficulties, etc. Review the pricing of such stocks and determine whether they are priced in excess of net realizable value. Done by Date ..../../.. Additional Procedures REVIEW INVENTORY VALUATION PROVISIONS AT PERIOD-END (45). 45. Review the adequacy of inventory valuation provisions by: a. considering changes in inherent risk conditions, INVENTORIES-9 b. inquiring of management as to significant changes in the status of slow-moving, obsolete, scrapped or damaged inventories, marketing strategies and selling prices from the previous substantive test date. c. performing analytical procedures as feasible and appropriate. Done by Date ..../../.. ACCOUNT FOR INVENTORY OWNED BY OTHER DIVISIONS (47-48). 47. Inquire of management as to the existence of any inventory in which the passage of title is contingent on a future event. 48. If inventory counted on the division's premises is owned by others: a. Determine that the inventory has not been included on the detailed priced inventory listing. b. Confirm the nature and quantity of the inventory with the owners or examine reports to see that the liability is properly recorded. Done by Date ..../../.. REVIEW ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNAL AND INTERCOMPANY PROFITS (49). 49. Determine whether profit on interdivisional transfers of products or materials is eliminated from the inventories and that relevant details of intercompany profits are obtained for consolidation purposes. Done by Date ..../../..