module specification

AC6062 - Assurance Services (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Assurance Services
Module level Honours (06)
Credit rating for module 15
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Total study hours 150
 
30 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
120 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Individual report - 1500 words
Unseen Examination 50%   2 hour closed book exam
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

Module summary

The module is a Level 6, 15-credit module running in the Autumn semester.

Module aims:

1.  To provide an understanding of the internal and external audit review and reporting functions in the context of the regulatory frameworks and professional and ethical dimensions of audit practice,
2.  To critically appraise and evaluate the audit process and select appropriate techniques and judgements in performing and reporting on audit and assurance services,
3.  To develop advanced skills in forming judgements and opinions whilst exercising an appropriate degree of professional judgement and professional scepticism in audit and assurance engagements

Syllabus

1. Nature and function of the external audit process, LO1

2. Legal, regulatory and corporate governance frameworks of audit and assurance services, international audit standards and code of ethics, LO1

3. Internal control; Auditing business processes, LO2/LO3

4. Substantive procedures, computer-assisted audit techniques, LO2/LO3

5. Audit review and finalisation- completing the audit and reporting responsibilities. LO2/LO3

6. Current issues in audit; the audit report LO3

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Scheduled teaching activity is a weekly two-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar. Independent study is supported by practical seminar examples, case studies, past exam questions and current articles and video clips from online accountancy and audit journals, ft.com, ICAEW economia website, FRC and professional accountancy bodies and the websites of the professional accountancy and audit firms.

Learning outcomes

On completing of the module students will be able to:

LO1: Critically evaluate the regulatory, ethical and professional frameworks of the external audit function and internal review within which audit and assurance services are undertaken,

LO2: Critically analyse and evaluate comprehensive and appropriate audit procedures and techniques in the statutory audit of financial statements and other relevant information,

LO3: Form an opinion and exercise professional judgement in a variety of practical audit contexts and evaluate current and emerging issues in the audit and assurance services environment and evaluate the requirements of a range of assurance services offered to clients.

Bibliography

Textbooks:

Essential readings:

Eilifsen A., Messier W., Glover S. and Prawitt D. ( 2014 )  Auditing and Assurance Services  ( Third International Edition )   McGraw Hill

Other Texts:  Cosserat G. and Rodda N.  ( 2017 )   Modern Auditing   Fourth edition    Blackwell’s

Recommended readings:

Gray S., Manson S. and Crawford L.  ( 2015 )   The Audit Process – Principles, Practice and Cases  Sixth edition   Cengage Learning

Porter B., Simon J. and Hatherly D. ( 2014 )   Principles of External Auditing  Fourth edition  Wiley

Websites: 
Financial Reporting Council                    www.frc.org.uk
ICAEW                                                    www.icaew.com
ACCA                                                      www.accaglobal.com
ICAEW online journal                              www.accountancymagazine.com
Accountancy Age                                    www.accountanyage.com
Financial Times                                       www.ft.com

Electronic Databases:  FAME