An attestation engagement is one in which a CPA is engaged to issue a report on subject matter, or an assertion about subject matter that is the responsibility of another party. This type of engagement is commonly used in financial reporting, compliance audits, and other areas where an independent assessment is needed. In this article, we will explore five interesting facts about attestation engagements, as well as answer 14 common questions related to this topic.
Fact 1: Types of Attestation Engagements
There are three main types of attestation engagements: examination, review, and agreed-upon procedures. In an examination engagement, the CPA provides a high level of assurance on the subject matter being examined. A review engagement provides a moderate level of assurance, while an agreed-upon procedures engagement involves the CPA performing specific procedures agreed upon by the parties involved.
Fact 2: Purpose of Attestation Engagements
The primary purpose of an attestation engagement is to provide stakeholders with assurance about the reliability of the information being attested to. This can help users of the information make informed decisions based on the results of the CPA’s assessment. Attestation engagements are often required by regulatory bodies, lenders, and other stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial information.
Fact 3: Independence and Objectivity
One of the key principles of attestation engagements is the requirement for the CPA to be independent and objective. This means that the CPA must maintain a professional level of skepticism and impartiality throughout the engagement, in order to provide an unbiased assessment of the subject matter. Independence is critical to ensuring the credibility of the CPA’s report and the information being attested to.
Fact 4: Reporting Requirements
In an attestation engagement, the CPA is required to issue a report that communicates the results of their assessment. The report will typically include the CPA’s opinion on the subject matter, as well as any findings or observations that were made during the engagement. The format and content of the report will vary depending on the type of engagement and the specific requirements of the stakeholders involved.
Fact 5: Continuing Professional Education
CPAs who perform attestation engagements are required to undergo continuing professional education in order to maintain their skills and knowledge in this area. This helps ensure that CPAs are up to date on the latest accounting standards, auditing procedures, and regulatory requirements that may impact their work. Continuing education is essential for CPAs to provide high-quality attestation services to their clients.
Now, let’s move on to some common questions related to attestation engagements:
1. What is the difference between an attestation engagement and a financial statement audit?
An attestation engagement involves providing assurance on subject matter other than historical financial statements, while a financial statement audit specifically focuses on the fairness of the financial statements.
2. Who typically requests an attestation engagement?
Attestation engagements are often requested by third parties such as lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders who require assurance on the accuracy and reliability of certain information.
3. How long does an attestation engagement typically take to complete?
The timeline for completing an attestation engagement can vary depending on the complexity of the subject matter and the scope of the engagement, but it generally takes several weeks to a few months to complete.
4. What qualifications are required to perform attestation engagements?
CPAs who perform attestation engagements must hold a valid CPA license and have the necessary experience and expertise to conduct the engagement in accordance with professional standards.
5. Can a CPA provide attestation services to their own company?
In most cases, CPAs are not allowed to provide attestation services to their own company due to independence and objectivity requirements. This helps ensure the credibility and reliability of the CPA’s assessment.
6. How is the cost of an attestation engagement determined?
The cost of an attestation engagement is typically based on factors such as the complexity of the subject matter, the level of assurance required, and the amount of work involved in conducting the engagement.
7. What are the potential risks of not engaging a CPA for attestation services?
Without a CPA’s assurance on the subject matter, stakeholders may be exposed to inaccurate or unreliable information that could lead to financial losses, regulatory penalties, or other negative consequences.
8. Can a CPA provide attestation services remotely?
Yes, CPAs can perform attestation engagements remotely using technology such as video conferencing, secure document sharing, and electronic communication tools to conduct the engagement.
9. Are there specific standards that CPAs must follow when performing attestation engagements?
Yes, CPAs must adhere to the standards set forth by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and other regulatory bodies when conducting attestation engagements.
10. What are some examples of subject matter that may be the focus of an attestation engagement?
Subject matter for attestation engagements can include internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, financial forecasts, sustainability reports, and other types of information that require independent assessment.
11. Can a CPA be held liable for errors or omissions in an attestation report?
CPAs can be held liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of attestation engagements, which is why it is important for CPAs to maintain a high level of professionalism and adherence to professional standards.
12. How often should attestation engagements be performed?
The frequency of attestation engagements will depend on the specific requirements of the stakeholders involved and the nature of the subject matter being assessed. Some engagements may be performed annually, while others may be conducted on a more frequent basis.
13. What are the benefits of engaging a CPA for attestation services?
Engaging a CPA for attestation services can provide stakeholders with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the information being attested to, as well as assurance that the assessment was conducted by a qualified and independent professional.
14. How can stakeholders use the results of an attestation engagement?
Stakeholders can use the results of an attestation engagement to make informed decisions, assess the credibility of the information being attested to, and comply with regulatory requirements that may mandate independent assurance on certain information.
In summary, an attestation engagement is a critical service provided by CPAs to assess the reliability and accuracy of information for various stakeholders. By following professional standards, maintaining independence and objectivity, and conducting thorough assessments, CPAs play a vital role in ensuring the credibility of the information being attested to. If you are in need of attestation services, be sure to engage a qualified and experienced CPA to provide you with the assurance you need.