Module catalogue

AC6062 - Assurance Services (2021/22)

Module specification

Module approved to run in 2021/22

Module title

Assurance Services

Module level

Honours (06)

Credit rating for module

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 2021/22

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)

Period	Campus	Day	Time	Module Leader
Autumn semester	North	Thursday	Afternoon

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.

Assessment strategy

Individual report based on a case study of a UK plc, 1500 words. 2 hour closed book exam, one compulsory scenario-based 60 mark question, two from three 20 mark questions (professional requirement to assess all LO’s in exam)

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