1. Michael Moreland & Kathryn Beseau Partners Moreland & Associates, Inc.
SAS 114 THE AUDITORS COMMUNICATION WITH THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE
Michael Moreland & Kathryn Beseau Partners Moreland & Associates, Inc.

2. STATEMENTS ON AUDITING STANDARDS (SAS’S)
Issued by the AICPA
Apply to all industries
Deal with the way an audit is conducted, not accounting issues

3. EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICABILITY
Effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2006
Applicable to communications in relation to an audit of financial statements

4. DEFINITION
Those with the Power of Governance means the persons with responsibility for overseeing the strategic direction of the entity and obligations related to the accountability of the entity. This includes overseeing the financial reporting process.

5. ANOTHER DEFINITION
Management means the persons responsible for achieving the objectives of the entity and who have the authority to establish policies and make decisions by which objectives are to be pursued. Management is responsible for the financial statements, including designing, implementing, and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting.

6. IDENTIFYING THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE
When those charged with governance is a collective responsibility, a subgroup, such as an audit committee or even an individual, may be charged with specific tasks to assist the governing body in meeting its responsibilities.
When those charged with governance are not clearly identifiable, agreement must be reached.

7. COMMUNICATING WITH SUBGROUPS
Consider the responsibilities of the subgroup and the governing body
The nature of the matters to be communicated
Whether there is also a need to communicate the information to the governing body

8. PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATION
Communicate the responsibilities of the auditor in relation to the financial statement audit (an overview of the scope and timing of the audit)
Obtain information relevant to the audit
Provide timely observations arising from the audit that are relevant to their responsibility in overseeing the financial reporting process
Communicate in writing, significant findings

9. COMMUNICATING AUDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Matters communicated may include:
How the auditor proposes to address significant risks due to fraud or error
The auditor’s approach relating to internal control
The concept of materiality
The extent of reliance on an internal audit effort

10. QUALIFICATIONS OF THOSE CHARGED WITH GOVERNANCE
Requirements to be on the City Council:
Residency
Age
Receive the most votes
(not the ability to oversee the financial reporting process)

11. INEFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT
Ineffective oversight is an indicator of a control deficiency that should be regarded as at least a significant deficiency and a strong indicator of a material weakness in internal control.

12. LACK OF TWO-WAY COMMUCICATIONS
If the auditor believes the two-way communication is inadequate, he should consider:
Modifying the auditor’s opinion of the basis of a scope limitation
Obtaining legal advice about the consequences of different courses of action
Withdrawing from the engagement

13. HELP IS ON THE WAY
An article in the November issue of Western City Magazine
Part of January’s New Mayors and Council Members Academy program offered by the League of California Cities
CCMA has recommended that finance directors learn about this requirement before their City Council members

14. IS MORE NEEDED?
The League program was for 45 minutes. This was not enough time.
Most Mayors and City Council members will not be interested.
A separate stand-alone program should be offered by the League for those who have interest.
What are your thoughts?