Substantive test
Substantive test is a tool that allows you to assess the reliability of financial statements and financial documents under the account of errors and irregularities[1].
Carried out, a Substantive test can be defined as a procedure for verifying the validity and exclusion of irregularities in the financial statements. These tests are part of the financial audit, which is responsible for the regularity of the audit cash. Employees performing these tests must check each [2]: entry, document, transaction and direct evidence in detail. Substantive testing is an expensive activity due to the time investment necessary for checking every document and contact. The direct evidence must be examined in detail, recalculated and regenerated. This method differs from traditional signature search, important and key entries in computer registries. It is important to tests focus their strength on full system evaluation and perform compliance tests, if all conditions are met, where you can then rely on audit evidence. This method of testing is fully accurate if everything is done in accordance with the procedures [3].
In addition, the audit carried out involves the risk of the auditor's rejection of the report if irregularities are found[4].
The essence of substantive tests
These tests are responsible for [5][6]:
- catching the incorrect and erroneous documents
- obtaining evidence of the smooth and correct operation of financial transactions
- for the audit of the accounting balance of enterprises
- testing the risk of incorrect rejection and acceptance
- reducing audit risk in possible low level
- assisting in the selection of procedures for income accounts linked to other accounts, such as contractual obligations, cash or physical inventory.
Example how test works
For instantce examining validty of purchases recorded in the nominal ledger[7]:
- First action is taking random samples of purchase
- Second and the most important action is tracking samples of purchase on the goods received notes and invoices, checking documents, control procedues and evidence of sale and purchase
- Last action are conclusions and results from operation on the conformity of documents.
The same test can be used to check control procedues and compliance tests for initialling purchase invoices, because of the accounting authorisation and access to invoices constitute evidence that the deails of transation had been matched.
Substantive test advantages
The most common advantages below[8]:
- precise
- full
- accurate
- veracious
Substantive test disadvantages
The most common disadvantages below [9]:
- time-consuming
- laborious
- expensive
- Analytical Procedures: Analytical procedures are used to identify anomalies and relationships between financial data that can indicate potential errors or irregularities. These procedures involve comparing current or historical financial information to other data or comparing financial information to expected patterns.
- Tests of Details: Tests of details involve examining the evidence available to confirm transactions, account balances, and disclosures. This involves the use of techniques such as inspection, observation, confirmation, recalculation, and reperformance.
- Computer Assisted Audit Techniques: Computer assisted audit techniques (CAAT) are used to identify errors and irregularities by analyzing large volumes of data quickly. These techniques involve the use of specialized software programs to identify errors or irregularities.
- Inquiry: Inquiry involves gathering information from internal and external sources to assess the reliability of a company's financial statements. This includes asking questions of management, employees, customers, vendors, and other third parties.
In conclusion, substantive test is one of the most popular approaches used to assess the reliability of financial documents and statements, but other approaches such as analytical procedures, tests of details, computer assisted audit techniques, and inquiry can also be used in order to identify errors or irregularities.
Footnotes
| Substantive test — recommended articles |
| Negative confirmation — Audit evidence — Vendor analysis — Subsidiary account — Focus report — Aging schedule — Early warning system — Proof of posting — Accounting documents |
References
- Aicpa. (2019), Audit and Accounting Guide, John Wiley & Sons, Durham.
- Bagg S. (2017), Substantive testing , AccountingTools
- Delaney P.R, Whittington O.R.(2012),Wiley CPA Examination Review, Outlines and Study Guides, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken.
- Ghatalia S.V. (1989), Spicer & Pegler's Practical Auditing , Allied Publishers, New Delhi.
- Jones P. (1999), Statistical Sampling and Risk Analysis in Auditing, Gower Publishing.
- Krzywda D.(red) (2005), Rewizja Sprawozdań finansowych, Stowarzyszenie Księgowych w Polsce, Warszawa.
Author: Karolina Piwowarczyk
