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Codification of Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements: 2020 Aicpa

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Number 20

As of January 2020

Reprinted from AICPA Professional Standards

U.S. Attestation Standards—AICPA (Clarified) (as of January 2020)

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PREFACE

Thispublication,issuedbytheAccountingandReviewServicesCommitteeandtheAuditingStandardsBoard(ASB),isacodificationofStatementson StandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEs)andtherelatedattestationinterpretationsapplicabletothepreparationandissuanceofattestationreports forallnonissuers.A nonissuer isanyentitynotsubjecttotheSarbanes-Oxley Actof2002ortherulesoftheSEC.

Thispublicationcontainsthecodifiedattestationstandardsissuedthrough SSAENo.20, AmendmentstotheDescriptionoftheConceptofMateriality,and relatedattestationinterpretations.Supersededportionshavebeendeletedand allapplicableamendmentshavebeenincluded.

SSAEsareissuedbyseniorcommitteesoftheAICPAdesignatedtoissue pronouncementsonattestationmattersapplicabletothepreparationandissuanceofattestationreportsforentitiesthatarenonissuers.The"Compliance WithStandardsRule"(ETsec.1.310.001)oftheAICPACodeofProfessional ConductrequiresanAICPAmemberperforminganattestationengagement foranonissuer(apractitioner)tocomplywithstandardspromulgatedbysuch seniorcommittees.Apractitionermustcomplywithanunconditionalrequirementinallcasesinwhichsuchrequirementisrelevant.Apractitioneralso shouldcomplywithapresumptivelymandatoryrequirementinallcasesin whichsuchrequirementisrelevant;however,inrarecircumstances,thepractitionermaydepartfromapresumptivelymandatoryrequirementprovidedthat thepractitionerdocumentsthejustificationforthedepartureandhowthealternativeproceduresperformedinthecircumstancesweresufficienttoachieve theintentofthatrequirement.

ExhibitsandinterpretationstoSSAEsareinterpretivepublications,asdefinedinAT-Csection105, ConceptsCommontoAllAttestationEngagements AT-Csection105requiresthepractitionertoconsiderapplicableinterpretive publicationsinplanningandperforminganattestationengagement.Interpretivepublicationsarenotattestationstandards.Interpretivepublicationsare recommendationsontheapplicationoftheSSAEsinspecificcircumstances, includingengagementsforentitiesinspecializedindustries.Aninterpretive publicationisissuedundertheauthorityoftherelevantseniortechnicalcommitteeafterallmembersofthecommitteehavebeenprovidedanopportunity toconsiderandcommentonwhethertheproposedinterpretivepublicationis consistentwiththeSSAEs.AttestationinterpretationsareincludedintheATCsectionsofAICPA ProfessionalStandards.AICPAGuidesandAttestation StatementsofPositionarelistedinAT-CappendixA,"AICPAGuidesandStatementsofPosition,"ofAICPA ProfessionalStandards.

AUDITINGSTANDARDSBOARD

MichaelJ.Santay, Chair

RobertDohrer,ChiefAuditor—AICPA

Statement

Statementson Standardsfor Attestation Engagements (SSAE)No.19

WHAT’SNEWINTHISEDITION

STANDARDSRECENTLYISSUED

Agreed-UponProcedures Engagements

SSAENo.20 Amendmentstothe DescriptionoftheConcept ofMateriality

ADDITIONS

Section Change

AT-C105AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.19,becomeseffective.

AT-C9105AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.19,becomeseffective.

AT-C205AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.20,becomeseffective.

AT-C9205AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.20,becomeseffective.

AT-C210AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.20,becomeseffective.

AT-C215AAdditionofsectiontoretaincurrentlyeffectiveguidance untilSSAENo.19,becomeseffective.

CHANGES

Section Change

AT-C105AmendedbySSAENo.19. AT-C205.A17AmendedbySSAENo.20.

AT-C210.A16AmendedbySSAENo.20.

Section

AT-CCross-ReferencestoSSAEs

PartI—StatementsonStandardsforAttestation EngagementsandSourcesofSectionsinCurrentText StatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements*

SourcesofSectionsinCurrentText

* ThistablelistsStatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEs)issuedsubsequenttoSSAENo.18, AttestationStandards:ClarificationandRecodification,whichwasissuedin April2016.RefertopartII,"ListofStatementonStandardsforAttestationEngagementsNos.1–17," ofthissectionforSSAEsissuedpriortoSSAENo.18.

1 SSAENo.18createdvarioussectionsthroughout U.S.AttestationStandards—AICPA(Clarified).Seethefollowingsection,"SourcesofSectionsinCurrentText,"forafulllist.

2 SSAENo.19hasbeenintegratedwithinparagraphs105.02–.03,.09–.10,.25,.A2–.A3,.A28, .A35,.A37,.A39,.A41,and.A56.

SSAENo.19iseffectiveforagreed-uponproceduresreportsdatedonorafterJuly15,2021.

3 SSAENo.20hasbeenintegratedwithinsections205.A17and210.A16.

SSAENo.20iseffectiveforpractitioners'examinationreportsandreviewreportsdatedonor afterDecember15,2020.

315 ComplianceAttestation

320 ReportingonanExaminationofControlsat aServiceOrganizationRelevanttoUser Entities'InternalControlOverFinancial Reporting SSAENo.18

395 DesignatedforATSection701, Management'sDiscussionandAnalysis SSAENo.104

4 SSAENo.18doesnotsupersedechapter7,"Management'sDiscussionandAnalysis,"ofSSAE No.10, AttestationStandards:RevisionandRecodification,whichiscurrentlycodifiedasATsection 701.TheAuditingStandardsBoard(ASB)hasnotclarifiedATsection701becausepractitionersrarely performattestengagementstoreportonmanagement'sdiscussionandanalysispreparedpursuant totherulesandregulationsadoptedbytheSEC.Therefore,theASBdecidedthatitwouldretainAT section701initscurrentunclarifiedformatasAT-Csection395untilfurthernotice.

Impaired

AT-CIntroduction

Foreword

AttestationClarityProject

Toaddressconcernsovertheclarity,length,andcomplexityofitsstandards,the AuditingStandardsBoard(ASB)establishedclaritydraftingconventionsand undertookaprojecttoredraftallthestandardsitissuesinclarityformat.The redraftingofStatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEsor attestationstandards)inSSAENo.18, AttestationStandards:Clarificationand Recodification,representstheculminationofthatprocess.Thissectionredrafts allSSAEs,exceptforthefollowing:

• Chapter7,"Management'sDiscussionandAnalysis,"ofSSAENo. 10, AttestationStandards:RevisionandRecodification (ATsec. 701)

TheASBdecidednottoclarifyATsection701becausepractitionersrarelyperformattestationengagementstoreportonmanagement'sdiscussionandanalysispreparedpursuanttotherulesand regulationsadoptedbytheU.S.SecuritiesandExchangeCommission.Therefore,theASBdecidedthatATsection701shouldbe retainedinitscurrentunclarifiedformatassection395untilfurthernotice.

• SSAENo.15, AnExaminationofanEntity'sInternalControlOver FinancialReportingThatIsIntegratedWithanAuditofItsFinancialStatements,andrelatedAttestationInterpretationNo.1, "ReportingUnderSection112oftheFederalDepositInsurance CorporationImprovementAct"(ATsec.501and9501)

TheASBconcludedthatbecauseengagementsperformedunder ATsection501arerequiredtobeintegratedwithanauditoffinancialstatements,thecontentofATsection501shouldbemoved totheStatementsonAuditingStandards(SASs).Asaresult,in October2015,theASBissuedSASNo.130, AnAuditofInternal ControlOverFinancialReportingThatIsIntegratedWithanAuditofFinancialStatements (AU-Csec.940).ATsection501and therelatedinterpretationwillbewithdrawnwhenSASNo.130 becomeseffective;theeffectivedateforSASNo.130isforintegratedauditsforperiodsendingonorafterDecember15,2016.

TheattestationstandardsaredevelopedandissuedintheformofSSAEsand arecodifiedintosections.Thissectionrecodifiesthe"AT"sectionnumbersdesignatedbySSAENos.10–17usingtheidentifier"AT-C"todifferentiatethe sectionsoftheclarifiedattestationstandards("AT-Csections")fromtheattestationstandardsthataresupersededbySSAENo.18("ATsections").TheAT sectionsremaineffectivethroughApril2017,bywhichtimesubstantiallyall engagementsforwhichtheATsectionswerestilleffectiveareexpectedtobe completed.

Theattestationstandardshavebeenredraftedinaccordancewiththeclarity draftingconventions,whichincludethefollowing:

• EstablishingobjectivesforeachAT-Csection

• Includingadefinitionssection,whererelevant,ineachAT-Csection

• Separatingrequirementsfromapplicationandotherexplanatory material

• NumberingapplicationandotherexplanatorymaterialparagraphsusinganA-prefixandpresentingtheminaseparatesectionthatfollowstherequirementssection

• Usingformattingtechniques,suchasbulletedlists,toenhance readability

• Including,whenappropriate,specialconsiderationsrelevantto auditsofsmaller,lesscomplexentitieswithinthetextoftheAT-C section

• Including,whenappropriate,specialconsiderationsrelevantto examination,review,oragreed-uponproceduresengagementsfor governmentalentitieswithinthetextoftheAT-Csection

Convergence

ItistheASB'sgeneralstrategytoconvergeitsstandardswiththoseoftheInternationalAuditingandAssuranceStandardsBoard.Accordingly,thefoundation forsection105, ConceptsCommontoAllAttestationEngagements;section205, ExaminationEngagements;andsection210, ReviewEngagements,isInternationalStandardonAssuranceEngagements(ISAE)3000(Revised), Assurance EngagementsOtherThanAuditsorReviewsofHistoricalFinancialInformation.ManyoftheparagraphsinthissectionhavebeenconvergedwiththerelatedparagraphsinISAE3000(Revised),withcertainchangesmadetoreflect U.S.professionalstandards.Othercontentincludedinthissectionisderived fromtheextantSSAEs.

TheASBdecidednottoadoptcertainprovisionsofISAE3000(Revised),for example,inthissection,apractitionerisnotpermittedtoissueanexamination orreviewreportifthepractitionerhasnotobtainedawrittenassertionfrom theresponsibleparty,exceptwhentheengagingpartyisnottheresponsible party.IntheISAEs,anassertion(orrepresentationaboutthesubjectmatter againstthecriteria)isnotrequiredinorderforthepractitionertoreport.

Section215, Agreed-UponProceduresEngagements,isbasedonaredrafting ofextantATsection201, Agreed-UponProceduresEngagements,inclarified format.ISAE3000(Revised)doesnotaddressagreed-uponproceduresengagements.

AuthorityoftheSSAEs

1 Seethedefinitionoftheterm nonissuer intheAU-CGlossary.[Footnoteadded,February2017, tobetterreflecttheAICPACouncilResolutiondesignatingthePublicCompanyAccountingOversight Boardtopromulgatetechnicalstandards.]

whichsuchrequirementisrelevant.Apractitioneralsomustcomplywitha presumptivelymandatoryrequirementinallcasesinwhichsuchrequirement isrelevant.However,if,inrarecircumstances,apractitionerjudgesitnecessarytodepartfromarelevantpresumptivelymandatoryrequirement,the practitionermustdocumentthejustificationforthedepartureandhowthealternativeproceduresperformedinthecircumstancesweresufficienttoachieve theintentofthatrequirement.

ExhibitsandinterpretationstoSSAEsare interpretivepublications,asdefined insection105.Section105requiresthepractitionertoconsiderapplicableinterpretivepublicationsinplanningandperformingtheattestationengagement. Interpretivepublicationsarenotattestationstandards.InterpretivepublicationsarerecommendationsontheapplicationoftheSSAEsinspecificcircumstances,includingengagementsforentitiesinspecializedindustries.Aninterpretivepublicationisissuedundertheauthorityoftherelevantseniortechnical committeeafterallmembersofthecommitteehavebeenprovidedanopportunitytoconsiderandcommentonwhethertheproposedinterpretivepublication isconsistentwiththeSSAEs.AttestationinterpretationsareincludedinATCsections.AICPAGuidesandAttestationStatementsofPositionarelistedin AT-CappendixA,"AICPAGuidesandStatementsofPosition."

AUDITINGSTANDARDSBOARD

MichaelJ.Santay, Chair RobertDohrer,ChiefAuditor—AICPA

AT-CPreface*

PrefacetotheAttestationStandards

.01 TheStatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEs orattestationstandards)establishrequirementsandprovideapplicationguidanceforperformingandreportingonexamination,review,andagreed-upon proceduresengagements(attestationengagements).Examplesofsubjectmatterforattestationengagementsareascheduleofinvestmentreturns,theeffectivenessofanentity'scontrolsoverthesecurityofasystem,orastatement ofgreenhousegasemissions.

.02 Theattestationstandardsareissuedunderthe"ComplianceWith StandardsRule"(ETsection1.310.001)oftheAICPACodeofProfessionalConduct,whichrequiresanAICPAmemberwhoperformsanattestationengagementtocomplywithstandardspromulgatedbybodiesdesignatedbyAICPA council.AICPAcouncilhasgrantedtheAuditingStandardsBoardauthorityto promulgatetheattestationstandards,whichareissuedthroughadueprocess thatincludesdeliberationinmeetingsopentothepublic,publicexposureof proposedattestationstandards,andaformalvotebyanauthorizedstandardsettingbody.

.03 Thisprefaceprovidesanoverviewoftheattestationstandardsbutdoes notestablishrequirementsanddoesnotcarryanyauthority.Itisintendedto behelpfulinunderstandingattestationengagements.

.04 Theattestationstandardsaredevelopedandissuedintheformof SSAEsandarecodifiedintosections.Theidentifier"AT-C"isusedtodifferentiatethesectionsoftheclarifiedattestationstandardsissuedinApril2016 (AT-Csections)fromthesectionsoftheattestationstandardstheysupersede (identifiedasATsections).

StructureoftheAttestationStandards

.05 Theattestationstandardsapplytothreelevelsofservice— examination,review,andagreed-uponprocedures—andcanbeappliedto innumerabletypesofsubjectmatter.TheapplicabilityofspecificAT-Csections toanengagementdependsonboththelevelofserviceprovidedandthesubject matteronwhichthepractitionerisengagedtoreport.

.06 Section105, ConceptsCommontoAllAttestationEngagements,containsconceptsthatarerelevanttoanyattestationengagement.Thelevelofservicesectionsaresection205, ExaminationEngagements;section210, Review Engagements;andsection215, Agreed-UponProceduresEngagements,which containadditionalrequirementsandapplicationguidancespecifictoexamination,review,oragreed-uponproceduresengagements,respectively.Underthe attestationstandards,theapplicablerequirementsandapplicationguidance foranyattestationengagementarecontainedinatleasttwosections:section 105andsection205,210,or215,dependingonthelevelofservicebeingprovided.Inaddition,incrementalperformanceandreportingrequirementsand applicationguidanceuniquetospecificsubjectmatters,suchasprospectivefinancialinformationorcompliancewithlawsandregulations,arecontainedin

∗ Thissectioncontainsan"AT-C"identifier,insteadofan"AT"identifier,toavoidconfusionwith referencestoexisting"AT"sections,whichremaineffectivethroughApril2017.

thesubject-mattersections.Theapplicablerequirementsandapplicationguidanceforasubject-matter-specificengagementiscontainedinthreesections: section105;section205,210,or215,asapplicable;andtheapplicablesubjectmattersection.

PurposeoftheEngagementandPremiseonWhich anAttestationEngagementIsConducted

.07 Thepurposeofanattestationengagementistoprovideusersofinformation,generallythirdparties,withanopinion,conclusion,orfindingsregardingthereliabilityofsubjectmatteroranassertionaboutthesubjectmatter, asmeasuredagainstsuitableandavailablecriteria.(Anexaminationengagementresultsinanopinion;areviewengagementresultsinaconclusion;and anagreed-uponproceduresengagementresultsinfindings.)Thepractitioner's reportisintendedtoenhancethedegreeofconfidencethatintendeduserscan placeinthesubjectmatter.

Responsibilities

.08 Anengagementinaccordancewiththeattestationstandardsisconductedonthepremisethattheresponsiblepartyisresponsiblefor

• thesubjectmatter(and,ifapplicable,thepreparationandpresentationofthesubjectmatter)inaccordancewith(orbasedon)the criteria

• itsassertionaboutthesubjectmatter;

• measuring,evaluating,and,whenapplicable,presentingsubject matterthatisfreefrommaterialmisstatement,whetherdueto fraudorerror;and

• providingthepractitionerwith

—accesstoallinformationofwhichtheresponsiblepartyis awarethatisrelevanttothemeasurement,evaluation,or disclosureofthesubjectmatter;

—accesstoadditionalinformationthatthepractitionermay requestfromtheresponsiblepartyforthepurposeofthe engagement;and

—unrestrictedaccesstopersonswithintheappropriate party(ies)fromwhomthepractitionerdeterminesitisnecessarytoobtainevidence.

.09 Practitionersareresponsibleforcomplyingwiththerelevantperformanceandreportingrequirementsestablishedintheattestationstandards whentheyareengagedtoissue,ordoissue,anexamination,review,oragreeduponproceduresreportonsubjectmatteroranassertionaboutsubjectmatter thatistheresponsibilityofanotherparty(theresponsibleparty).Although apractitionermayassisttheresponsiblepartyindevelopingorpresenting thesubjectmatter,theresponsiblepartyremainsresponsibleforthesubject matter.

Performance

.10 Inallservicesprovidedundertheattestationstandards,practitioners areresponsiblefor

• havingtheappropriatecompetenceandcapabilitiestoperform theengagement,

• complyingwithrelevantethicalrequirements,

• maintainingprofessionalskepticism,and

• exercisingprofessionaljudgmentthroughouttheplanningand performanceoftheengagement.

.11 Toexpressanopinioninanexamination,thepractitionerobtainsreasonableassuranceaboutwhetherthesubjectmatter,oranassertionaboutthe subjectmatter,isfreefrommaterialmisstatement,whetherduetofraudorerror.Toobtainreasonableassurance,whichisahighbutnotabsolutelevelof assurance,thepractitioner

• planstheworkandproperlysupervisesothermembersoftheengagementteam.

• identifiesandassessestherisksofmaterialmisstatement, whetherduetofraudorerror,basedonanunderstandingofthe subjectmatter,itsmeasurementorevaluation,thecriteria,and otherengagementcircumstances.

• obtainssufficientappropriateevidenceaboutwhethermaterial misstatementsexistbydesigningandimplementingappropriate responsestotheassessedrisks.Examinationproceduresmayinvolveinspection,observation,analysis,inquiry,reperformance,recalculation,orconfirmationwithoutsideparties.

.12 Toexpressaconclusioninareview,thepractitionerobtainslimited assuranceaboutwhetheranymaterialmodificationshouldbemadetothe subjectmatterinorderforitbeinaccordancewith(orbasedon)thecriteriaor toanassertionaboutthesubjectmatterinorderforittobefairlystated.Ina review,thenatureandextentoftheproceduresaresubstantiallylessthanin anexamination.Toobtainlimitedassuranceinareview,thepractitioner

• planstheworkandproperlysupervisesothermembersoftheengagementteam.

• focusesproceduresinthoseareasinwhichthepractitionerbelievesincreasedrisksofmisstatementsexist,whetherdueto fraudorerror,basedonthepractitioner'sunderstandingofthe subjectmatter,itsmeasurementorevaluation,thecriteria,and otherengagementcircumstances.

• obtainsreviewevidence,throughtheapplicationofinquiryand analyticalproceduresorotherproceduresasappropriate,toobtainlimitedassurancethatnomaterialmodificationsshouldbe madetothesubjectmatterinorderforittobeinaccordancewith (orbasedon)thecriteria.

.13 Toreportontheapplicationofagreed-uponprocedures,thepractitionerappliesproceduresdeterminedbythespecifiedpartieswhoaretheintendedusersofthepractitioner'sreportandwhoareresponsibleforthesufficiencyoftheproceduresfortheirpurposes.Asaresultoftheengagement, thepractitionerreportsontheresultsoftheengagementbutdoesnotprovide anopinionorconclusiononthesubjectmatterorassertion.Inanagreed-upon proceduresengagement,thepractitioner

• planstheworkandproperlysupervisesothermembersoftheengagementteam.

• appliestheproceduresagreedtobythespecifiedpartiesandreportsontheirresults.

Reporting

.14 Basedonevidenceobtained,thepractitionerexpressesanopinionin anexamination,expressesaconclusioninareview,orreportsfindingsinan agreed-uponproceduresengagement.Inthecaseofanexamination,thepractitioner'sreportprovidesanopinionaboutwhetherthesubjectmatter,asmeasuredagainstthecriteria,isinaccordancewith(orbasedon)thecriteria(or whethertheassertionaboutthesubjectmatterisfairlystated),inallmaterial respects.Inareview,thereportexpressesaconclusionaboutwhether,basedon thelimitedprocedures,thepractitionerisawareofanymaterialmodification thatshouldbemadetothesubjectmatterinorderforittobeinaccordancewith (orbasedon)thecriteriaortotheassertioninorderforittobefairlystated. Inanagreed-uponproceduresreport,thepractitionerdescribesthespecified proceduresthatwereappliedtothesubjectmatterandtheresultsofthose procedures.

AT-CGlossary

GlossaryofTerms1

Appropriateparty. Referencetothistermshouldbereadasthe responsible party orthe engagingparty,asappropriate.Alsosee engagingparty and responsibleparty

Appropriatenessofevidence(inthecontextofsection205, ExaminationEngagements). Themeasureofthequalityofevidence,thatis,its relevancyandreliabilityinprovidingsupportforthepractitioner'sopinion.Alsosee evidence.

Appropriatenessofreviewevidence(inthecontextofsection210, ReviewEngagements). Themeasureofthequalityofreviewevidence,that is,itsrelevancyandreliabilityinprovidingsupportforthepractitioner's conclusion.Alsosee reviewevidence.

Assertion. Anydeclarationorsetofdeclarationsaboutwhetherthesubject matterisinaccordancewith(orbasedon)thecriteria.

Attestationengagement. Anexamination,review,oragreed-uponprocedures engagementperformedundertheattestationstandardsrelatedtosubject matteroranassertionthatistheresponsibilityofanotherparty.Thefollowingarethethreetypesofattestationengagements:

• Examinationengagement.Anattestationengagementinwhich thepractitionerobtainsreasonableassurancebyobtainingsufficientappropriateevidenceaboutthemeasurementorevaluationofsubjectmatteragainstcriteriainordertobeabletodraw reasonableconclusionsonwhichtobasethepractitioner'sopinion aboutwhetherthesubjectmatterisinaccordancewith(orbased on)thecriteriaortheassertionisfairlystated,inallmaterialrespects.

• Reviewengagement.Anattestationengagementinwhichthepractitionerobtainslimitedassurancebyobtainingsufficientappropriatereviewevidenceaboutthemeasurementorevaluationof subjectmatteragainstcriteriainordertoexpressaconclusion aboutwhetheranymaterialmodificationshouldbemadetothe subjectmatterinorderforitbeinaccordancewith(orbasedon) thecriteriaortotheassertioninorderforittobefairlystated.

• Agreed-uponproceduresengagement.Anattestationengagement inwhichapractitionerperformsspecificproceduresonsubject matteroranassertionandreportsthefindingswithoutprovidinganopinionoraconclusion.

Alsosee specifiedparty and attestationstandards

1 Thisglossaryliststermsdefinedinthe"Definitions"sectionsoftheattestationstandardsaswell ascertaintermsdefinedorexplainedinothersectionsoftheattestationstandards.Termsdefinedfor purposesofaspecificsectionaredenotedassuch.Termsmayappearinmorethanonesection.

Attestationrisk. Inanexaminationorreviewengagement,theriskthatthe practitionerexpressesaninappropriateopinionorconclusion,asapplicable,whenthesubjectmatterorassertionismateriallymisstated.

Attestationstandards. TheStatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEs),whicharealsoknownasthe attestationstandards, establishrequirementsandprovideguidanceforperformingandreporting onexamination,review,andagreed-uponproceduresengagements(attestationengagements).Examplesofsubjectmatterforattestationengagementsareascheduleofinvestmentreturns,theeffectivenessofanentity's controlsoverthesecurityofasystem,orastatementofgreenhousegas emissions.TheSSAEsapplyonlytoattestationengagementsperformed undertheSSAEs.Theyareissuedunderthe"ComplianceWithStandards Rule"(ETsec.1.310.001)oftheAICPACodeofProfessionalConduct,which requiresanAICPAmemberwhoperformsanattestationengagementto complywithstandardspromulgatedbybodiesdesignatedbyAICPACouncil.AICPACouncilhasgrantedtheAuditingStandardsBoardauthorityto promulgatetheattestationstandards,whichareissuedthroughadueprocessthatincludesdeliberationinmeetingsopentothepublic,publicexposureofproposedattestationstandards,andaformalvotebyanauthorized standard-settingbody.Alsosee attestationengagement.

Carve-outmethod(inthecontextofsection320, ReportingonanExaminationofControlsataServiceOrganizationRelevanttoUser Entities’InternalControlOverFinancialReporting). Methodofaddressingtheservicesprovidedbyasubserviceorganization,wherebymanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystemidentifiesthenatureoftheservicesperformedbythesubserviceorganizationandexcludes fromthedescriptionandfromthescopeoftheserviceauditor'sengagementthesubserviceorganization'srelevantcontrolobjectivesandrelated controls.

Complementarysubserviceorganizationcontrols(inthecontextof section320). Controlsthatmanagementoftheserviceorganizationassumes,inthedesignoftheserviceorganization'ssystem,willbeimplementedbythesubserviceorganizationsandarenecessarytoachievethe controlobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem.

Complementaryuserentitycontrols(inthecontextofsection320). Controlsthatmanagementoftheserviceorganizationassumes,inthedesignoftheserviceorganization'ssystem,willbeimplementedbyuserentitiesandarenecessarytoachievethecontrolobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem.

Compliancewithspecifiedrequirements(inthecontextofsection315, ComplianceAttestation). Anentity'scompliancewithspecifiedlaws, regulations,rules,contracts,orgrants.

Controlobjectives(inthecontextofsection320). Theaimorpurposeof specifiedcontrolsattheserviceorganization.Controlobjectivesaddress therisksthatcontrolsareintendedtomitigate.

Controlsataserviceorganization(inthecontextofsection320). The policiesandproceduresataserviceorganizationlikelytoberelevantto userentities'internalcontroloverfinancialreporting.Thesepoliciesand proceduresaredesigned,implemented,anddocumentedbytheserviceorganizationtoprovidereasonableassuranceabouttheachievementofthe

controlobjectivesrelevanttotheservicescoveredbytheserviceauditor's report.

Inthecontextofsection320,thepoliciesandproceduresincludeaspects oftheinformationandcommunicationscomponentofuserentities'internalcontrolmaintainedbytheserviceorganizationandcontrolactivities relatedtotheinformationandcommunicationscomponentandmayalso includeaspectsofoneormoreoftheothercomponentsofinternalcontrol ataserviceorganization.Forexample,thedefinitionof controlsataserviceorganization mayincludeaspectsoftheserviceorganization'scontrol environment,riskassessment,monitoringactivities,andcontrolactivities whentheyrelatetotheservicesprovided.Suchdefinitiondoesnot,however,includecontrolsataserviceorganizationthatarenotrelatedtothe achievementofthecontrolobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescription oftheserviceorganization'ssystem,forexample,controlsrelatedtothe preparationoftheserviceorganization'sownfinancialstatements.

Criteria. Thebenchmarksusedtomeasureorevaluatethesubjectmatter. Criteriaforthepreparationofproformafinancialinformation(inthe contextofsection310, ReportingonProFormaFinancialInformation). Thebasisdisclosedintheproformafinancialinformationthat managementusedtodeveloptheproformafinancialinformation,includingtheassumptionsunderlyingtheproformafinancialinformation.Paragraph.11ofsection310containstheattributesofsuitablecriteriaforan examinationorreviewofproformafinancialinformation.

Documentationcompletiondate. Thedateonwhichthepractitionerhas assembledforretentionacompleteandfinalsetofdocumentationinthe engagementfile.

Engagementcircumstances. Thebroadcontextdefiningtheparticularengagement,whichincludesthetermsoftheengagement;whetheritisan examination,review,oragreed-uponproceduresengagement;thecharacteristicsofthesubjectmatter;thecriteria;theinformationneedsofthe intendedusers;relevantcharacteristicsoftheresponsiblepartyand,ifdifferent,theengagingpartyandtheirenvironment;andothermatters,for example,events,transactions,conditionsandpractices,andrelevantlaws andregulations,thatmayhaveasignificanteffectontheengagement.

Engagementdocumentation. Therecordofproceduresperformed,relevant evidenceobtained,and,inanexaminationorreviewengagement,conclusionsreachedbythepractitioner,orinanagreed-uponproceduresengagement,findingsofthepractitioner.(Termssuchas workingpapers or workpapers arealsosometimesused).

Engagementpartner. Thepartnerorotherpersoninthefirmwhoisresponsiblefortheattestationengagementanditsperformanceandforthepractitioner'sreportthatisissuedonbehalfofthefirmandwho,whenrequired, hastheappropriateauthorityfromaprofessional,legal,orregulatorybody. Engagementpartner, partner,and firm refertotheirgovernmentalequivalentswhenrelevant.Alsosee firm and practitioner

Engagementteam. Allpartnersandstaffperformingtheengagementand anyindividualsengagedbythefirmoranetworkfirmwhoperformattestationproceduresontheengagement.Thisexcludesapractitioner'sexternal specialistandengagementqualitycontrolreviewerengagedbythefirm oranetworkfirm.Theterm engagementteam alsoexcludesindividuals withintheclient'sinternalauditfunctionwhoprovidedirectassistance.

Engagingparty. Theparty(ies)thatengagesthepractitionertoperformthe attestationengagement.Alsosee appropriateparty and responsible party.

Entity(inthecontextofsection305, ProspectiveFinancialInformation). Anyunit,existingortobeformedforwhichfinancialstatements couldbepreparedinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingprinciplesorspecialpurposeframeworks.Forexample,anentitycanbean individual,partnership,corporation,trust,estate,association,orgovernmentalunit.

Evidence. Informationusedbythepractitionerinarrivingattheopinion,conclusion,orfindingsonwhichthepractitioner'sreportisbased.Alsosee appropriatenessofevidence and sufficiencyofevidence

Financialforecast(inthecontextofsection305). Prospectivefinancial statementsthatpresent,tothebestoftheresponsibleparty'sknowledge andbelief,anentity'sexpectedfinancialposition,resultsofoperations,and cashflows.Afinancialforecastisbasedontheresponsibleparty'sassumptionsreflectingconditionsitexpectstoexistandthecourseofactionit expectstotake.Afinancialforecastmaybeexpressedinspecificmonetaryamountsasasingle-pointestimateofforecastedresultsorasarange, whentheresponsiblepartyselectskeyassumptionstoformarangewithin whichitreasonablyexpects,tothebestofitsknowledgeandbelief,theitem oritemssubjecttotheassumptionstoactuallyfall.Ifaforecastcontains arange,therangeisnotselectedinabiasedormisleadingmanner(for example,arangeinwhichoneendissignificantlylessexpectedthanthe other).

Financialprojection(inthecontextofsection305). Prospectivefinancialstatementsthatpresent,tothebestoftheresponsibleparty'sknowledgeandbelief,givenoneormorehypotheticalassumptions,anentity's expectedfinancialposition,resultsofoperations,andcashflows.Afinancialprojectionissometimespreparedtopresentoneormorehypotheticalcoursesofactionforevaluation,asinresponsetoaquestionsuchas, "Whatwouldhappenif...?"Afinancialprojectionisbasedontheresponsibleparty'sassumptionsreflectingconditionsitexpectswouldexistandthe courseofactionitexpectswouldbetaken,givenoneormorehypothetical assumptions.Aprojection,likeaforecast,maycontainarange.

Firm. AformoforganizationpermittedbylaworregulationwhosecharacteristicsconformtoresolutionsoftheCounciloftheAICPAandthatisengaged inthepracticeofpublicaccounting.Alsosee engagementpartner and practitioner.

Forecast(inthecontextofsection305). Usedalone,thistermmeansforecastedinformation,whichcanbeeitherafullpresentation(afinancialforecast)orapartialpresentation.Alsosee financialforecast

Fraud. Anintentionalactinvolvingtheuseofdeceptionthatresultsinamisstatementinthesubjectmatterortheassertion.

Generaluse. Useofapractitioner'sreportthatisnotrestrictedtospecified parties.

Generaluseofprospectivefinancialstatements(inthecontextofsection305). Referstotheuseofthestatementsbypersonswithwhomthe responsiblepartyisnotnegotiatingdirectly,forexample,inanoffering statementofanentity'sdebtorequityinterests.Alsosee limiteduseof

prospectivefinancialstatements and prospectivefinancialstatements.

Guide(inthecontextofsection305). TheAICPAGuide ProspectiveFinancialInformation.

Hypotheticalassumption(inthecontextofsection305). Anassumption usedinafinancialprojectionorinapartialpresentationofprojectedinformationtopresentaconditionorcourseofactionthatisnotnecessarily expectedtooccurbutisconsistentwiththepurposeoftheprojection.

Inclusivemethod(inthecontextofsection320). Methodofaddressingthe servicesprovidedbyasubserviceorganizationwherebymanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystemincludesadescriptionofthe natureoftheservicesprovidedbythesubserviceorganizationaswellas thesubserviceorganization'srelevantcontrolobjectivesandrelatedcontrols.

Internalauditfunction. Afunctionofanentitythatperformsassuranceand consultingactivitiesdesignedtoevaluateandimprovetheeffectivenessof theentity'sgovernance,riskmanagement,andinternalcontrolprocesses. Internalcontrolovercompliance(inthecontextofsection315). An entity'sinternalcontrolovercompliancewithspecifiedrequirements.The internalcontroladdressedinsection315mayincludepartof,butisnotthe sameas,internalcontroloverfinancialreporting.

Interpretivepublications. Interpretivepublicationsarenotattestation standards.Interpretivepublicationsarerecommendationsontheapplicationoftheattestationstandardsinspecificcircumstances,includingengagementsforentitiesinspecializedindustries.Aninterpretive publicationisissuedundertheauthorityoftherelevantseniortechnical committeeafterallmembersofthecommitteehavebeenprovidedanopportunitytoconsiderandcommentonwhethertheproposedinterpretive publicationisconsistentwiththeattestationstandards.Examplesofinterpretivepublicationsareinterpretationsoftheattestationstandards,exhibitstotheattestationstandards,attestationguidanceincludedinAICPA guidesandattestationStatementsofPosition(SOPs).Interpretationsof theattestationstandardsandexhibitsareincludedwithinthesectionsof theattestationstandards.AICPAguidesandattestationSOPsarelisted inAT-CappendixA,"AICPAGuidesandStatementsofPosition,"ofthe attestationstandards.Alsosee otherattestationpublications.

Keyfactors(inthecontextofsection305). Thesignificantmatterson whichanentity'sfutureresultsareexpectedtodepend.Suchfactorsare basictotheentity'soperationsand,thus,encompassmattersthataffect, amongotherthings,theentity'ssales,production,service,andfinancing activities.Keyfactorsserveasafoundationforprospectivefinancialinformationandarethebasesfortheassumptions.

Limiteduseofprospectivefinancialstatements(inthecontextofsection305). Referstotheuseofprospectivefinancialstatementsbytheresponsiblepartyaloneorbytheresponsiblepartyandthirdpartieswith whomtheresponsiblepartyisnegotiatingdirectly.Examplesincludeuse innegotiationsforabankloan,submissiontoaregulatoryagency,anduse solelywithintheentity.Alsosee generaluseofprospectivefinancial statements and prospectivefinancialstatements.

Management'sdescriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaserviceauditor'sreportonthatdescriptionandonthesuitabilityof

thedesignofcontrols(referredtointhecontextofsection320as a type1report).Aserviceauditor'sreportthatcomprisesthefollowing:

i.Management'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem

ii.Awrittenassertionbymanagementoftheserviceorganization aboutwhether,basedonthecriteria

(1)management'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization's systemfairlypresentstheserviceorganization'ssystem thatwasdesignedandimplementedasofaspecifieddate

(2)thecontrolsrelatedtothecontrolobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem weresuitablydesignedtoachievethosecontrolobjectives asofthespecifieddate

iii.Aserviceauditor'sreportthatexpressesanopiniononthemattersin(ii)(1)–(ii)(2)

Management'sdescriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaserviceauditor'sreportonthatdescriptionandonthesuitabilityof thedesignandoperatingeffectivenessofcontrols(referredtoin thecontextofsection320asa type2report).Aserviceauditor'sreport thatcomprisesthefollowing:

i.Management'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem ii.Awrittenassertionbymanagementoftheserviceorganization aboutwhether,basedonthecriteria

(1)management'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization's systemfairlypresentstheserviceorganization'ssystem thatwasdesignedandimplementedthroughoutthespecifiedperiod

(2)thecontrolsrelatedtothecontrolobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystem weresuitablydesignedthroughoutthespecifiedperiodto achievethosecontrolobjectives

(3)thecontrolsrelatedtothecontrolobjectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization'ssystemoperatedeffectivelythroughoutthespecifiedperiod toachievethosecontrolobjectives

iii.Aserviceauditor'sreportthat

(1)expressesanopiniononthemattersin(ii)(1)–(ii)(3)

(2)includesadescriptionofthetestsofcontrolsandtheresultsthereof

Materialnoncompliance(inthecontextofsection315). Afailuretofollow compliancerequirementsoraviolationofprohibitionsincludedinthespecifiedrequirementsthatresultsinnoncompliancethatisquantitativelyor qualitativelymaterial,eitherindividuallyorwhenaggregatedwithother noncompliance.

Misstatement. Adifferencebetweenthemeasurementorevaluationofthe subjectmatterbytheresponsiblepartyandthepropermeasurementor evaluationofthesubjectmatterbasedonthecriteria.Misstatementscan beintentionalorunintentional,qualitativeorquantitative,andinclude omissions.Incertainengagements,amisstatementmaybereferredtoas a deviation, exception,or instanceofnoncompliance.Alsosee riskofmaterialmisstatement.

Modifiedopinion(inthecontextofsection205). Aqualifiedopinion,an adverseopinion,oradisclaimerofopinion.

Monitoringofcontrols(inthecontextofsection320). Aprocesstoassess theeffectivenessofinternalcontrolperformanceovertime.Itinvolvesassessingtheeffectivenessofcontrolsonatimelybasis,identifyingandreportingdeficienciestoappropriateindividualswithintheserviceorganization,andtakingnecessarycorrectiveactions.

Networkfirm. Afirmorotherentitythatbelongstoanetwork,asdefinedin ETsection0.400, Definitions.

Noncompliancewithlawsorregulations. Actsofomissionorcommission bytheentity,eitherintentionalorunintentional,thatarecontrarytothe prevailinglawsorregulations.Suchactsincludetransactionsenteredinto by,orinthenameof,theentityoronitsbehalfbythosechargedwith governance,management,oremployees. Noncompliance doesnotinclude personalmisconduct(unrelatedtothesubjectmatter)bythosecharged withgovernance,management,oremployeesoftheentity.

Nonparticipantparty(inthecontextofsection215, Agreed-UponProceduresEngagements). Anadditionalspecifiedpartythepractitioneris requestedtoaddasauserofthereportsubsequenttothecompletionof theagreed-uponproceduresengagement.Alsosee specifiedparty.

Otherattestationpublications. Publicationsotherthaninterpretivepublications.TheseincludeAICPAattestationpublicationsnotdefinedasinterpretivepublications;attestationarticlesinthe JournalofAccountancy and otherprofessionaljournals;continuingprofessionaleducationprograms andotherinstructionmaterials,textbooks,guidebooks,attestationprograms,andchecklists;andotherattestationpublicationsfromstateCPA societies,otherorganizations,andindividuals.Otherattestationpublicationshavenoauthoritativestatus;however,theymayhelpthepractitioner understandandapplytheattestationstandards.Thepractitionerisnotexpectedtobeawareofthefullbodyofotherattestationpublications.Also see interpretivepublications.

Otherpractitioner. Anindependentpractitionerwhoisnotamemberofthe engagementteamwhoperformsworkoninformationthatwillbeusedas evidencebythepractitionerperformingtheattestationengagement.An otherpractitionermaybepartofthepractitioner'sfirm,anetworkfirm,or anotherfirm.

Partialpresentation(inthecontextofsection305). Apresentationof prospectivefinancialinformationthatexcludesoneormoreoftheapplicableitemsrequiredforprospectivefinancialstatementsasdescribedin chapter8,"PresentationGuidelines,"oftheAICPAGuide ProspectiveFinancialInformation.

Pervasive(inthecontextofsection205). Describestheeffectsonthesubjectmatterofmisstatementsorthepossibleeffectsonthesubjectmatter ofmisstatements,ifany,thatareundetectedduetoaninabilitytoobtain sufficientappropriateevidence.Pervasiveeffectsonthesubjectmatterare thosethat,inthepractitioner'sprofessionaljudgment

a. arenotconfinedtospecificaspectsofthesubjectmatter;

b. ifsoconfined,representorcouldrepresentasubstantialproportionofthesubjectmatter;or

c. inrelationtodisclosures,arefundamentaltotheintendedusers' understandingofthesubjectmatter.

Practitioner. Thepersonorpersonsconductingtheattestationengagement, usuallytheengagementpartnerorothermembersoftheengagement team,or,asapplicable,thefirm.Whenasectionoftheattestationstandardsexpresslyintendsthatarequirementorresponsibilitybefulfilledby theengagementpartner,theterm engagementpartner,ratherthan practitioner,isused. Engagementpartner and firm aretobereadasreferring totheirgovernmentalequivalentswhenrelevant.Alsosee engagement partner and firm.

Practitioner'sspecialist. Anindividualororganizationpossessingexpertise inafieldotherthanaccountingorattestation,whoseworkinthatfieldis usedbythepractitionertoassistthepractitionerinobtainingevidencefor theservicebeingprovided.Apractitioner'sspecialistmaybeeitherapractitioner'sinternalspecialist(whoisapartnerorstaff,includingtemporary staff,ofthepractitioner'sfirmoranetworkfirm)orapractitioner'sexternalspecialist. Partner and firm refertotheirgovernmentalequivalents whenrelevant.

Presentationguidelines(inthecontextofsection305). Thecriteriafor thepresentationanddisclosureofprospectivefinancialinformation.

Presumptivelymandatoryrequirements. Thecategoryofprofessionalrequirementswithwhichthepractitionermustcomplyinallcasesinwhich sucharequirementisrelevant,exceptinrarecircumstancesdiscussedin paragraph.20ofsection105, ConceptsCommontoAllAttestationEngagements.Theattestationstandardsusetheword should toindicateapresumptivelymandatoryrequirement.Alsosee attestationstandards and unconditionalrequirements.

Proformafinancialinformation(inthecontextofsection310). Apresentationthatshowswhatthesignificanteffectsonhistoricalfinancialinformationmighthavebeenhadaconsummatedorproposedtransaction (orevent)occurredatanearlierdate.

Professionaljudgment. Theapplicationofrelevanttraining,knowledge,and experience,withinthecontextprovidedbyattestationandethicalstandardsinmakinginformeddecisionsaboutthecoursesofactionthatare appropriateinthecircumstancesoftheattestationengagement.

Professionalskepticism. Anattitudethatincludesaquestioningmind,being alerttoconditionsthatmayindicatepossiblemisstatementduetofraud orerror,andacriticalassessmentofevidence.

Projection(inthecontextofsection305). Thistermcanrefertoeithera financialprojectionorapartialpresentationofprojectedinformation.Also see financialprojection.

Prospectivefinancialinformation(inthecontextofsection305). Any financialinformationaboutthefuture.Theinformationmaybepresented ascompletefinancialstatementsorlimitedtooneormoreelements,items, oraccounts.

Prospectivefinancialstatements(inthecontextofsection305). Either financialforecastsorfinancialprojections,includingthesummariesofsignificantassumptionsandaccountingpolicies.Althoughprospectivefinancialstatementsmaycoveraperiodthathaspartiallyexpired,statements forperiodsthathavecompletelyexpiredarenotconsideredtobeprospectivefinancialstatements.Proformafinancialstatementsandpartialpresentationsarenotconsideredtobeprospectivefinancialstatements.Also

see generaluseofprospectivefinancialstatements and limiteduse prospectivefinancialstatements.

Reasonableassurance. Ahighbutnotabsolutelevelofassurance.

Reportreleasedate. Thedateonwhichthepractitionergrantstheengaging partypermissiontousethepractitioner'sreport.

Responsibleparty. Theparty(ies)responsibleforthesubjectmatter.Ifthe natureofthesubjectmatterissuchthatnosuchpartyexists,apartywho hasareasonablebasisformakingawrittenassertionaboutthesubject mattermaybedeemedtobetheresponsibleparty.Alsosee appropriate party and engagingparty.

Reviewevidence(inthecontextofsection210). Informationusedbythe practitionerinobtaininglimitedassuranceonwhichthepractitioner'sreviewreportisbased.Alsosee appropriatenessofreviewevidence and sufficiencyofreviewevidence.

Riskofmaterialmisstatement(inthecontextofsection205). Therisk thatthesubjectmatterisnotinaccordancewith(orbasedon)thecriteriainallmaterialrespectsorthattheassertionisnotfairlystated,inall materialrespects.Alsosee misstatement.

Serviceauditor(inthecontextofsection320). Apractitionerwhoreports oncontrolsataserviceorganization.

Serviceorganization(inthecontextofsection320). Anorganizationor segmentofanorganizationthatprovidesservicestouserentities,which arelikelytoberelevanttothoseuserentities'internalcontroloverfinancialreporting.

Serviceorganization'sassertion(inthecontextofsection320). Awrittenassertionaboutthemattersreferredtoinitemiiofthedefinitionof Management'sdescriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaservice auditor'sreportonthatdescriptionandonthesuitabilityofthedesignand operatingeffectivenessofcontrols,foratype2report,and,foratype1report,themattersreferredtoinpart(b)ofthedefinitionof Management's descriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaserviceauditor'sreport onthatdescriptionandonthesuitabilityofthedesignofcontrols.

Serviceorganization'ssystem(inthecontextofsection320). Thepoliciesandproceduresdesigned,implemented,anddocumentedbymanagementoftheserviceorganizationtoprovideuserentitieswiththeservices coveredbytheserviceauditor'sreport.Management'sdescriptionofthe serviceorganization'ssystemidentifiestheservicescovered,theperiodto whichthedescriptionrelates(orinthecaseofatype1report,thedateto whichthedescriptionrelates),thecontrolobjectivesspecifiedbymanagementoranoutsideparty,thepartyspecifyingthecontrolobjectives(ifnot specifiedbymanagement),andtherelatedcontrols.

Inthecontextofsection320,thepoliciesandproceduresrefertotheguidelinesandactivitiesforprovidingtransactionprocessingandotherservices touserentitiesandincludetheinfrastructure,software,people,anddata thatsupportthepoliciesandprocedures.

Specifiedparty. Theintendeduser(s)towhomuseofthepractitioner'swritten reportislimited.Alsosee nonparticipantparty.

StatementsonStandardsforAttestationEngagements(SSAEs). See attestationstandards.

Subjectmatter. Inanexaminationorreviewengagement,thephenomenon thatismeasuredorevaluatedbyapplyingcriteria.Inanagreed-upon proceduresengagement,thephenomenonuponwhichproceduresare performed.

Subserviceorganization(inthecontextofsection320). Aserviceorganizationusedbyanotherserviceorganizationtoperformsomeoftheservices providedtouserentitiesthatarelikelytoberelevanttothoseuserentities' internalcontroloverfinancialreporting.

Sufficiencyofevidence(inthecontextofsection205). Themeasureof thequantityofevidence.Thequantityoftheevidenceneededisaffectedby therisksofmaterialmisstatementandalsobythequalityofsuchevidence. Alsosee evidence

Sufficiencyofreviewevidence(inthecontextofsection210). Themeasureofthequantityofreviewevidence.Thequantityofthereviewevidence neededisaffectedbytherisksofmaterialmisstatementandalsobythe qualityofsuchevidence.Alsosee reviewevidence.

Suitablecriteria. Criteriathatexhibitallthefollowingcharacteristics:

• Relevance.Criteriaarerelevanttothesubjectmatter.

• Objectivity.Criteriaarefreefrombias.

• Measurability.Criteriapermitreasonablyconsistentmeasurements,qualitativeorquantitative,ofsubjectmatter.

• Completeness.Criteriaarecompletewhensubjectmatterpreparedinaccordancewiththemdoesnotomitrelevantfactorsthat couldreasonablybeexpectedtoaffectdecisionsoftheintended usersmadeonthebasisofthatsubjectmatter.

Testofcontrols(inthecontextofsection205). Aproceduredesignedto evaluatetheoperatingeffectivenessofcontrolsinpreventing,ordetecting andcorrecting,materialmisstatementsinthesubjectmatter.

Testofcontrols(inthecontextofsection320). Aproceduredesignedto evaluatetheoperatingeffectivenessofcontrolsinachievingthecontrol objectivesstatedinmanagement'sdescriptionoftheserviceorganization's system.

Type1report. See management'sdescriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaserviceauditor'sreportonthatdescriptionand onthesuitabilityofthedesignofcontrols

Type2report. See management'sdescriptionofaserviceorganization'ssystemandaserviceauditor'sreportonthatdescriptionand onthesuitabilityofthedesignandoperatingeffectivenessofcontrols.

Unconditionalrequirements. Thecategoryofprofessionalrequirements withwhichthepractitionermustcomplyinallcasesinwhichsuchrequirementisrelevant.Theattestationstandardsusetheword must toindicate anunconditionalrequirement.Alsosee attestationstandards and presumptivelymandatoryrequirements.

Userauditor(inthecontextofsection320). Anauditorwhoauditsand reportsonthefinancialstatementsofauserentity.

Immediate download Codification of statements on standards for attestation engagements: 2020 aicpa e

Codification of Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements: 2020 Aicpa

Lung Cancer: Standards of Care Goetz Kloecker

PREFACE

WHAT’SNEWINTHISEDITION

ADDITIONS

CHANGES

TABLEOFCONTENTS

U.S.AttestationStandards—AICPA(Clariﬁed)[AT-C]

AT-CCross-ReferencestoSSAEs

SourcesofSectionsinCurrentText

AT-CIntroduction

Foreword

AttestationClarityProject

Convergence

AuthorityoftheSSAEs

AUDITINGSTANDARDSBOARD

AT-CPreface*

PrefacetotheAttestationStandards

StructureoftheAttestationStandards

PurposeoftheEngagementandPremiseonWhich anAttestationEngagementIsConducted

Responsibilities

Performance

Reporting

AT-CGlossary

GlossaryofTerms1