Research Question

Auditor's Report

The new auditing standard ASA701 Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor's Report is developed in the wake of the global financial crisis. This development is in response to calls from shareholders to know more about the companies they invest in. Further, investors have also requested earlier warnings of potential issues that may exist with respect to an entity's ability to continue as a Going Concern which resulted in the revision of ASA 570 (ISA 570) Going Concern.

Students are required to research into the rationale for the new auditing standard ASA 701, explain clearly what it is and select an industry, eg. banking, mining, etc and analyse Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor's reports of all companies in that industry in ASK Top 100 listed companies as part of your evaluation of this new standard.

Required
Using reference materials available on the internet, research the topic and prepare a report, fully referenced (including the Annual Reports of companies selected for your assignment) and up to 2,500 words (assignment in excess of 2,500 words will be penalized). Minimum of 8 academic references is required.