SPECIFIC TYPES OF RELATED PARTIES AND TRANSACTIONS WITH THEM IN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ON AUDITING 550: IMPACT ON THE ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF MATERIAL MISSTATEMENT AND ESTABLISHING THE ENTITY’S ACCOUNTING POLICY

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of specific types of related parties, which are allocated in International Standards on Auditing 550 “Related Parties”, not only on the organization of the audit of financial statements in the context of assessing the risk of material misstatement, but also on the organization of accounting in enterprises. To achieve the goal set in the work, a complex of general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, abstraction) and methodical techniques (systematization, generalization, review, comparison) based on the provisions of International Standards of Auditing was used. In the study of the essence of related parties transactions and elaboration their classification method of system analysis, logical method, and method of modeling were used. There are three major tasks within the overall responsibility of the auditor while fulfilling such engagement as audit of the financial statements have been determined. It is substantiated that two different phrases (“has a responsibility to perform audit procedures” and “needs to obtain an understanding”) which are used in International Standards on Auditing 550 “Related Parties” requires a separate approach to formation a set of optimal audit procedures. Specific types of related parties based on the International Standards 550 “Related Services” that should be considered when performing audit of financial statements has been identified. Classification of related parties transactions according to their riskiness and connection with the normal course of business into four different types has been elaborated. Two groups of inquiries concerning related parties transactions have been analyzed. It has been proved that making inquiries the auditor should provide as much information as possible in order to avoid misunderstandings, which may lead to difficulties in forming an opinion. It is noted that determining the characteristics of the dominant influence and significant transactions will allow effective communication and cooperation between auditors, management staff and those responsible for governance in formation inquires and answers for them. Using proposed classification in the process of audit of financial statements and in developing regulatory documents for accounting at the entity will allow appropriate assessing of risk of material misstatement and increasing the effectiveness of internal control at the entity. It has been substantiated that the objectives of accounting policy not only in terms of meeting the interests of the company as an entity that prepares financial statements and interacts with related parties, but also in terms of meeting the interests of the entity as a responsible party, interacting with the auditor, that seeks to establish an internal control system that will ensure reducing its own risks.