Distinguish among tests of details of balances, tests of controls, and substantive tests of transactions for the sales and collection cycle. Explain how the tests of controls and substantive tests of transactions affect the tests of details of balances.
16-2 (OBJECTIVE 16-1) Cynthia Roberts, CPA, expresses the following viewpoint: “I do not believe in performing tests of controls and substantive tests of transactions for the sales and collection cycle. As an alternative, I send a lot of negative confirmations on every audit at an interim date. If I find a lot of misstatements, I analyze them to determine their cause.
If internal controls are inadequate, I send positive confirmations at year end to evaluate the amount of misstatements. If the negative confirmations result in minimal misstatements, which is often the case, I have found that the internal controls are effective without bothering to perform tests of controls and substantive tests of transactions, and the confirmation requirement has been satisfied at the same time. In my opinion, the best test of internal controls is to go directly to third parties.” Evaluate her point of view.
