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Mastering Statutory Audit Interviews: Comprehensive Questions and Answers

Preparing for a statutory audit interview can be challenging, especially with the wide array of technical and situational questions involved. To help you ace your interview, we’ve compiled a list of common interview questions along with detailed approaches and sample answers. This guide will prepare you for everything from situational dilemmas to technical audit concepts, ensuring you're confident on the big day.

December 31, 2024

 1. Situation-Based Questions

1.1 Handling Balance Confirmation Mismatches 

Question: How do you deal with balance confirmation mismatches during an audit? 

Approach:

  • Reconcile the client’s ledger with the third-party confirmation.
  • Review supporting documents like invoices and payment receipts.
  • Communicate with both parties to understand discrepancies.
  • Document unresolved issues in the audit report.
Sample Answer:
"When I encounter a mismatch in balance confirmation, I start by reconciling the ledger with the third-party confirmation. I examine supporting documents such as invoices and receipts to identify any errors or omissions. If discrepancies remain unresolved, I communicate with both parties to gather additional information. I document these findings and escalate unresolved issues to management for resolution. Any material discrepancies are included in the audit report with necessary disclosures."


 1.2 Verifying Stock Without Physical Verification 

Question: What will you do if it’s not possible to attend physical verification of stock? 

Approach:

  • Review inventory records, including stock registers and valuation sheets.
  • Perform analytical procedures such as turnover ratio analysis.
  • Use third-party confirmations like warehouse receipts, if applicable.
  • Verify procurement and sales records for consistency.
Sample Answer:
"If physical verification of stock is not possible, I rely on detailed inventory records and cross-verify them with purchase and sales invoices. Analytical procedures like turnover ratio comparisons help assess the reasonableness of inventory levels. When stocks are held in third-party warehouses, I request independent confirmations. These steps allow me to form a reasonable opinion on stock valuation and existence without physical verification."

1.3 Addressing Rate Mismatches in Purchase Orders and Invoices 

Question: What will you do if the rate as per Purchase Order (PO) and Invoice does not match? 

Approach:

  • Compare the rates in the PO and Invoice.
  • Review supplementary agreements or approvals for changes.
  • Escalate unresolved discrepancies to management.
Sample Answer:
"In cases of rate mismatches between a Purchase Order and Invoice, I begin by reviewing the terms in both documents. If discrepancies are noted, I check for supplementary agreements or approvals that justify the changes. If no such documents exist, I escalate the issue to management for clarification. I ensure that all findings are thoroughly documented, and material discrepancies are highlighted in the audit report." 

1.4 Fraud Detection 

Question: You identify a fraud of ₹2 crores. What procedure will you follow? 

Approach:

  • Identify the nature and extent of the fraud through evidence.
  • Assess the impact on financial statements.
  • Communicate the findings to management and those charged with governance.
  • Consider legal and regulatory implications.
Sample Answer:
"If I detect a fraud of ₹2 crores, I first gather evidence to understand its nature and extent. I assess the financial and operational impact of the fraud on the company’s statements. I immediately report my findings to management and the audit committee, ensuring confidentiality. If required, I involve legal counsel and regulatory authorities. Additionally, I evaluate the internal controls that failed to prevent the fraud and recommend improvements." 


2. Audit Basics

2.1 Understanding Audit Assertions 

Question: What are Audit Assertions? 

Approach:

  • Define Audit Assertions as representations made by management.
  • Discuss key types: Existence, Completeness, Valuation, Rights and Obligations, and Presentation.
Sample Answer:
"Audit Assertions are claims made by management about the accuracy of financial statements. They include key assertions like Existence (ensuring assets and liabilities are real), Completeness (all transactions are recorded), Valuation (items are accurately valued), Rights and Obligations (ensuring ownership or liabilities are valid), and Presentation (information is properly classified and disclosed). As an auditor, I design procedures to verify these assertions and ensure the financial statements are reliable." 


2.2 Materiality in Audits 

Question: How do you assess materiality during an audit? 

Approach:

  • Define materiality as the threshold for significant misstatements.
  • Base the threshold on benchmarks like revenue, profit, or assets.
  • Consider factors like industry standards and financial reporting objectives.
Sample Answer:
"Materiality is a threshold used to determine the significance of misstatements in financial statements. During an audit, I calculate materiality as a percentage of benchmarks like revenue, profit, or total assets. For example, in a high-revenue business, I may set materiality at 1% of total revenue. I also consider qualitative factors, such as the nature of transactions and their impact on stakeholder decisions. This helps me focus on areas with the highest risk of material misstatements." 

 

3. Technical and Practical Questions

3.1 IND AS 115, 116, and 109 

Question: Explain IND AS 115, 116, and 109. 

Approach:

  • IND AS 115: Revenue from contracts with customers.
  • IND AS 116: Accounting for leases.
  • IND AS 109: Financial instruments.
Sample Answer:
"IND AS 115 deals with revenue recognition and requires companies to recognize revenue when performance obligations are met. IND AS 116 provides guidance on accounting for leases, introducing the concept of recording leases as right-of-use assets and liabilities. IND AS 109 focuses on financial instruments, covering classification, measurement, and impairment. These standards ensure consistency and transparency in financial reporting." 


3.2 Use of Excel in Audits 

Question: How do tools like VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables help in audits? 

Sample Answer:
"Excel is a powerful tool in audits. VLOOKUP is used to match data across multiple sheets, helping identify discrepancies in large datasets. Pivot Tables allow me to summarize and analyze data, such as identifying trends in sales or expenses over time. These tools not only save time but also enhance accuracy in data analysis, making them invaluable for audit procedures." 


Conclusion

Statutory audit interviews test not just your technical knowledge but also your problem-solving and analytical skills. By preparing for these questions and understanding the underlying concepts, you can confidently showcase your expertise. Remember to articulate your answers clearly, demonstrate a structured approach, and provide practical examples where applicable. With this guide, you’re well on your way to acing your statutory audit interview!

Reference Links:-

Secretarial Audit in India

The Role and Significance of Certified Auditors in India


Vedika Beriwal
Aspiring Company Secretory | M.COM | Masters in Bharatanatyam | Sharing insights on professional growth and success in the CA CS journey.

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