A limited review of financial statements is an audit restricted to an examination either for a limited period or of a limited part of the records. A review does not contemplate obtaining an understanding of the entity's internal control; assessing fraud risk; tests of accounting records by obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence through inspection, observation, confirmation, or the examination of source documents (for example, cancelled checks or bank images); and other procedures ordinarily performed in an audit. Accordingly, a review does not provide assurance that we will become aware of all significant matters that would be disclosed in an audit. Therefore, a review provides only limited assurance that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for the statements to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
The definition of nonattest services is very inclusive. It includes, for example, preparation of the client's depreciation schedule and preparation of journal entries even if management has approved the journal entries. I have confirmed these examples directly with the AICPA ethics division. The definition of nonattest services includes preparation of tax returns.
An engagement letter is a formal written agreement between a client and an accounting firm in Hawaii outlining the terms and scope of the engagement to review their financial statements. This document plays a crucial role in establishing the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties involved. The Hawaii Engagement Letter for the Review of Financial Statements by an Accounting Firm is a key component of the accountant-client relationship. It is vital for ensuring a clear understanding of the purpose and objectives of the engagement, as well as the extent of the accountant's responsibilities and the client's obligations. In Hawaii, there may be different types of engagement letters for the review of financial statements by accounting firms. Some common variants include: 1. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements: This is a standard engagement letter used for the review of financial statements requested by a client in Hawaii. It covers the general terms and conditions for the engagement, such as the scope of the work, the estimated timeline, and the fee structure. 2. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Non-Profit Organizations: This engagement letter is specifically tailored for accounting firms conducting financial statement reviews for non-profit organizations in Hawaii. It may include additional clauses related to compliance with specific regulations governing nonprofits, such as the Internal Revenue Code or the Hawaii Charities Act. 3. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Government Entities: This engagement letter is designed for accounting firms engaged in reviewing financial statements for government entities in Hawaii. It may contain provisions related to compliance with governmental accounting standards, such as those issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GAS). 4. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Small Businesses: This engagement letter caters to accounting firms providing financial statement review services for small businesses in Hawaii. It may incorporate clauses addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by small businesses, such as limited resources or specialized industry requirements. Overall, the Hawaii Engagement Letter for the Review of Financial Statements by an Accounting Firm is a crucial contractual document that serves to protect the interests of both the client and the accounting firm. By clearly outlining the responsibilities, expectations, and scope of work, it helps establish a professional relationship built on trust and understanding.An engagement letter is a formal written agreement between a client and an accounting firm in Hawaii outlining the terms and scope of the engagement to review their financial statements. This document plays a crucial role in establishing the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties involved. The Hawaii Engagement Letter for the Review of Financial Statements by an Accounting Firm is a key component of the accountant-client relationship. It is vital for ensuring a clear understanding of the purpose and objectives of the engagement, as well as the extent of the accountant's responsibilities and the client's obligations. In Hawaii, there may be different types of engagement letters for the review of financial statements by accounting firms. Some common variants include: 1. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements: This is a standard engagement letter used for the review of financial statements requested by a client in Hawaii. It covers the general terms and conditions for the engagement, such as the scope of the work, the estimated timeline, and the fee structure. 2. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Non-Profit Organizations: This engagement letter is specifically tailored for accounting firms conducting financial statement reviews for non-profit organizations in Hawaii. It may include additional clauses related to compliance with specific regulations governing nonprofits, such as the Internal Revenue Code or the Hawaii Charities Act. 3. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Government Entities: This engagement letter is designed for accounting firms engaged in reviewing financial statements for government entities in Hawaii. It may contain provisions related to compliance with governmental accounting standards, such as those issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GAS). 4. Hawaii Engagement Letter for Review of Financial Statements for Small Businesses: This engagement letter caters to accounting firms providing financial statement review services for small businesses in Hawaii. It may incorporate clauses addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by small businesses, such as limited resources or specialized industry requirements. Overall, the Hawaii Engagement Letter for the Review of Financial Statements by an Accounting Firm is a crucial contractual document that serves to protect the interests of both the client and the accounting firm. By clearly outlining the responsibilities, expectations, and scope of work, it helps establish a professional relationship built on trust and understanding.