Section 800Part 4A

Reports on Special Purpose Financial Statements That Include a Restriction on Use and Distribution (Audit and Review Engagements)

Introduction

800.1 Firms are required to comply with the fundamental principles, be independent and apply the conceptual framework set out in Section 120Section 120 to identify, evaluate and address threats to independence. 800.2 This section sets out certain modifications to Part 4A which are permitted in certain circumstances involving audits of special purpose financial statements where the report includes a restriction on use and distribution. In this section, an engagement to issue a restricted use and distribution report in the circumstances set out in paragraph R800.3 is referred to as an “eligible audit engagement.” Requirements and Application Material General R800.3 When a firm intends to issue a report on an audit of special purpose financial statements which includes a restriction on use and distribution, the independence requirements set out in Part 4A shall be eligible for the modifications that are permitted by this section, but only if:

(a)

The firm communicates with the intended users of the report regarding the modified independence requirements that are to be applied in providing the service; and

(b)

The intended users of the report understand the purpose and limitations of the report and explicitly agree to the application of the modifications. 800.3 A1 The intended users of the report might obtain an understanding of the purpose and limitations of the report by participating, either directly, or indirectly through a representative who has authority to act for the intended users, in establishing the nature and scope of the engagement. In either case, this participation helps the firm to communicate with intended users about independence matters, including the circumstances that are relevant to applying the conceptual framework. It also allows the firm to obtain the agreement of the intended users to the modified independence requirements.

R800.4

Where the intended users are a class of users who are not specifically identifiable by name at the time the engagement terms are established, the firm shall subsequently make such users aware of the modified independence requirements agreed to by their representative. 800.4 A1 For example, where the intended users are a class of users such as lenders in a syndicated loan arrangement, the firm might describe the modified independence requirements in an engagement letter to the representative of the lenders. The representative might then make the firm’s engagement letter available to the members of the group of lenders to meet the requirement for the firm to make such users aware of the modified independence requirements agreed to by the representative.

R800.5

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, any modifications to Part 4A shall be limited to those set out in paragraphs R800.7 to R800.14. The firm shall not apply these modifications when an audit of financial statements is required by law or regulation.

R800.6

If the firm also issues an audit report that does not include a restriction on use and distribution for the same client, the firm shall apply Part 4A to that audit engagement.

Public Interest Entities

R800.7

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, the firm does not need to apply the independence requirements set out in Part 4A that apply only to public interest entity audit engagements.

Related Entities

R800.8

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, references to “audit client” in Part 4A do not need to include its related entities. However, when the audit team knows or has reason to believe that a relationship or circumstance involving a related entity of the client is relevant to the evaluation of the firm’s independence of the client, the audit team shall include that related entity when identifying, evaluating and addressing threats to independence.

Financial

Interests, Loans and Guarantees, Close Business Relationships, and Family and Personal Relationships R800.10 When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement:

(a)

The relevant provisions set out in Sections 510Sections 510, 511, 520, 521, 522, 524 and 525 need apply only to the members of the engagement team, their immediate family members and, where applicable, close family members;

(b)

The firm shall identify, evaluate and address any threats to independence created by interests and relationships, as set out in Sections 510Sections 510, 511, 520, 521, 522, 524 and 525, between the audit client and the following audit team members:

(i)

Those who provide consultation regarding technical or industry specific issues, transactions or events; and

(ii)

Those who provide quality control for the engagement, including those who perform the engagement quality control review,; and

(c)

The firm shall evaluate and address any threats that the engagement team has reason to believe are created by interests and relationships between the audit client and others within the firm who can directly influence the outcome of the audit engagement. 800.10 A1 Others within a firm who can directly influence the outcome of the audit engagement include those who recommend the compensation, or who provide direct supervisory, management or other oversight, of the audit engagement partner in connection with the performance of the audit engagement including those at all successively senior levels above the engagement partner through to the individual who is the firm’s Senior or Managing Partner (Chief Executive or equivalent).

R800.11

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, the firm

shall evaluate and address any threats that the engagement team has reason to believe are created by financial interests in the audit client held by individuals, as set out in paragraphs R510.4(c) and (d), R510.5, R510.7 and 510.10 A5 and A9.

R800.12

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, the

firm, in applying the provisions set out in paragraphs R510.4(a), R510.6 and R510.7 to interests of the firm, shall not hold a material direct or a material indirect financial interest in the audit client.

Employment with an Audit Client

R800.13

When the firm performs an eligible audit engagement, the firm

shall evaluate and address any threats created by any employment relationships as set out in paragraphs 524.3 A1 to 524.5 A3.

Providing Non-Assurance Services

R800.14

If the firm performs an eligible audit engagement and provides

a non-assurance service to the audit client, the firm shall comply with Sections 410Sections 410 to 430 and Section 600Section 600, including its subsections, subject to paragraphs R800.7 to R800.9.