IAASB Releases EDs on Auditor Reporting

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, a unit of the International Federation of Accountants, is soliciting comments on a pair of exposure drafts designed to sharpen auditor reporting.Proposed International Standard on Auditing 701, The Independent Auditor's Report on Other Historical Financial Information, addresses auditors' reports for a variety of engagements, including reporting on a single financial statement, or a specific element of a financial statement.It also gives guidance on helping determine the acceptability of the financial reporting framework, and also examines relevant matters that an auditor must consider in forming an opinion on the financials.ISA 800, The Independent Auditor's Report on Summary Audited Financial Statements, recognizes that criteria for preparing and presenting summary financial statements may not exist. It also contains new standards and guidance on the criteria used and procedures performed in an engagement to report on summary financial statements.Comments on the exposure drafts are requested by Oct. 31, 2005. The exposure drafts may be viewed by going to www.ifac.org/EDs. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to EDComments@ifac.org.