What are different types of audit reports or auditor’s reports?

The nature and type of reports issued by the practitioner depends on the type of assurance engagement. However we will be speaking strictly in context of audit engagement as the question is about the types audit reports.

We can classify audit reports in number of ways but usually audit reports are classified n TWO broad categories which are then further classified as follows:

Unmodified audit report

  • Unmodified report with unmodified opinion

Modified audit report

  • Unmodified opinion
    • Modified report with unqualified opinion AND emphasis of matter paragraph and/or other matter paragraph
  • Modified opinion
    • Qualified opinion (qualified report)
    • Adverse opinion (adverse report)
    • Disclaimer of opinion (disclaimer report)

In short there are in total FIVE different types of audit reports that auditor can issue depending on the circumstances of the audit engagement.

Lets understand each type of audit report in detail

1 Unmodified audit report

When auditor on the basis of examination and the evidence obtained expresses his opinion that financial statements of the entity are prepared in all material respects in accordance with applicable financial reporting framework or financial statements give true and fair view than such audit report or auditor’s report is called unmodified or unqualified report. ISA 700 describes the contents and format of the unmodified report in detail.

2 Modified audit report

Auditor’s report is said to be modified if the contents of the unmodified report as stated under ISA 700 are changed:

  • either because of the addition of emphasis of matter paragraph or other matters paragraph where opinion is still unmodified (modified report with unmodified opinion)
  • or because of the modified opinion i.e. (modified report with modified opinion):
    • Qualified opinion
    • Adverse opinion
    • Disclaimer of opinion

It is important to understand that audit report is not always modified because of the modified opinion. In simple words audit reports with modified opinion are always modified audit reports but modified audit reports are not always with modified opinion.

2.1 Modified report with unmodified opinion

This is called modified report because the contents of the unmodified report are modified as additional paragraph(s) is (are) added. Additional paragraphs can be either or both of the following:

  • Emphasis of matter paragraph
  • Other matter paragraph

2.1.1 Emphasis of Matter Paragraph

Auditor includes an emphasis of matter paragraph (EMP) when auditor considers that it is necessary to draw the attention of users of financial statements to the matter that is already disclosed or reported in the financial statements and understanding of the specified matter is important in understanding of the financial statements. EMP is included after the opinion paragraph in the audit report. However students must be clear that inclusion of EMP DOES NOT mean that auditor’s opinion is modified.

2.1.2 Other Matter Paragraph

Auditor includes an other matter paragraph (OMP) when auditor considers that it is necessary to communicate a matter other than those that are presented or disclosed in the financial statements and in auditor’s judgment understanding that matter is vital for users’ understanding of the audit, the auditor’s responsibilities or the auditor’s report and this is not prohibited by law or regulation. OMP is included after opinion paragraph and any EMP in the auditor’s report or somewhere else in the auditor’s report if the content of the Other Matter paragraph is relevant to the Other Reporting Responsibilities section.

2.2 Modified report with modified opinion

Auditor modify his opinion when he concludes that it will not be appropriate to express an unmodified/unqualified opinion. Auditor reaches such conclusion when:

  • The auditor concludes that, based on the audit evidence obtained, the financial statements as a whole are not free from material misstatement; or
  • The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to conclude that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement.

The modification to the audit opinion is determined by the auditor by applying his professional judgment on the circumstances at hand. He may modify his opinion to express a qualified opinion, an adverse opinion or a disclaimer.

2.2.1 Qualified opinion

Audit report containing a qualified opinion is also called qualified report.

Auditor expresses a qualified opinion when:

  • The auditor, having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence, concludes that misstatements, individually or in the aggregate, are material, but not pervasive, to the financial statements; or
  • The auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion, but the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be material but not pervasive.

2.2.2 Adverse opinion

Audit report containing an adverse opinion is also called adverse report.

The auditor shall express an adverse opinion when the auditor, having obtained sufficient appropriate audit evidence, concludes that misstatements, individually or in the aggregate, are both material and pervasive to the financial statements.

2.2.3 Disclaimer

Audit report containing a disclaimer of opinion is also called disclaimer report

The auditor shall disclaim an opinion when the auditor is unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence on which to base the opinion, and the auditor concludes that the possible effects on the financial statements of undetected misstatements, if any, could be both material and pervasive

Summary of modification of opinion

Nature of Matter Giving Rise to the Modification Auditor’s Judgment about the Pervasiveness of the Effects or Possible Effects on the Financial Statements
Material but Not Pervasive Material and Pervasive
Financial statements are materially misstated Qualified opinion Adverse opinion
Inability to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence Qualified opinion Disclaimer of opinion

6 COMMENTS

  1. Hi

    Despite several requests for information, auditee is reluctant to provide information.Should audit be closed?

  2. Simply greate and well explained …..
    Thanks a lot

  3. What are the types of report the internal audit and government audit produces?

  4. Its a nice,well explained, clear and eas.y to understand material…
    It’s well detailed.
    Thanks Alot.

  5. help me please

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