Scope and Objective

Special purpose audit report is tailored to meet specific frameworks, regulatory requirements, or contractual obligations. These audits focus on financial statements or components prepared according to defined criteria, offering an independent auditor’s opinion on whether the financial data is fairly presented in line with the identified framework. As an integral part of the auditing process, audit companies ensure that the audit report complies with ISA 800 (Revised), which governs audits under special purpose frameworks. This standard lays out the auditor’s responsibilities, including assessing the suitability of the framework, verifying compliance with the specified criteria, and providing an opinion based on thorough evidence.

Common Applications

Special purpose audit reports are widely used across various industries and contexts, including but not limited to:

1. Regulatory Compliance Audits - Auditors examine an entity's compliance with specific regulatory requirements, such as:

2. Grant and Funding Audits - Donor agencies or government bodies often require assurance on the utilization of grants and funds. Audit companies verify whether the funds were used for intended purposes and in compliance with grant agreements.

3. Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements - Under ISRS 4400 (Revised): Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements, audit companies perform procedures specified by the user (e.g., verifying certain transactions or balances) and provide factual findings without offering an opinion.

4. Single Financial Statement or Component Audits - As per ISA 805: Special Considerations—Audits of Single Financial Statements and Specific Elements, Accounts, or Items of a Financial Statement, auditors focus on individual financial statements (e.g., a statement of cash flows) or specific accounts (e.g., revenue or inventory).

5. Contractual Compliance Audits - These engagements involve verifying compliance with contractual obligations, such as loan covenants, royalty agreements, or performance benchmarks.

Special Purpose Frameworks

A special purpose framework refers to a financial reporting framework designed to meet specific needs of users. Common examples include:

When using such frameworks, accountants and auditors in UAE must evaluate whether they are suitable for the intended purpose, as required by ISA 200: Overall Objectives of the Independent Auditor and the Conduct of an Audit in Accordance with International Standards on Auditing.

Key Audit Considerations

When conducting a Special Purpose Audit, auditors must pay attention to the following factors:

1. Understanding the Engagement - Under ISA 210: Agreeing the Terms of Audit Engagements, the auditor and the client must agree on the nature and scope of the audit, the applicable framework, and the intended users of the report.

2. Materiality Assessment - As outlined in ISA 320: Materiality in Planning and Performing an Audit, materiality is determined in the context of the special purpose framework and the specific needs of the intended users.

3. Risk Assessment – Audit companies identify and assess risks of material misstatement in accordance with ISA 315 (Revised): Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement Through Understanding the Entity and Its Environment.

4. Audit Evidence - Sufficient and appropriate audit evidence must be obtained to support the auditor’s opinion, as required by ISA 500: Audit Evidence.

5. Reporting Considerations - The auditor’s report must clearly describe:

Auditor’s Report: General Structure and Content

A special purpose audit report generally starts with a title that clearly indicates its special-purpose nature, such as "Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance with [Framework/Regulations]." It is then addressed to a specific user, such as a regulator, funding agency, or contractual party, depending on the purpose of the audit. In the opinion section, the auditor provides an assessment of whether the financial information complies with the identified framework, ensuring transparency and adherence to standards.

Auditing companies in UAE also include a "Basis for Opinion" section, which outlines key audit procedures followed and confirms compliance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). If there are any specific issues or limitations encountered during the audit, auditors may include an "Emphasis of Matter" or "Other Matter" paragraph, in accordance with ISA 706 (Revised). Furthermore, the report will include a section that clarifies the restrictions on use and distribution, explicitly stating that it is meant for specific users, such as regulators or business stakeholders, and not for general-purpose distribution.

Challenges in Special Purpose Audits

Special purpose audit reports provide valuable assurance for stakeholders with specific informational needs. By adhering to the principles outlined in ISA 800 (Revised) and other relevant standards, licensed auditors ensure the credibility and reliability of these reports while meeting the unique requirements of each engagement. The auditor’s meticulous approach not only fosters trust but also strengthens the entity’s accountability and transparency.