小編導(dǎo)讀：2015年ACCA考試大綱發(fā)布，根據(jù)簡章獲悉，2015年ACCA F8審計(jì)與認(rèn)證業(yè)務(wù)考試大綱出現(xiàn)了哪些小變化？針對這些變化，高頓網(wǎng)校小編為您進(jìn)行詳細(xì)解讀分析。
　   ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　Audit and Assurance （F8）
　　December 2014 to June
　　2015
　　This syllabus and study guide is designed to help
　　This syllabus and study guide is designed to help
　　with planning study and to provide detailed
　　information on what could be assessed in
　　any examination session.
　　THE STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS AND
　　STUDY GUIDE
　　Relational diagram of paper with other papers
　　This diagram shows direct and indirect links
　　between this paper and other papers preceding or
　　following it. Some papers are directly underpinned
　　by other papers such as Advanced Performance
　　Management by Performance Management. These
　　links are shown as solid line arrows. Other papers
　　only have indirect relationships with each other
　　such as links existing between the accounting and
　　auditing papers. The links between these are shown
　　as dotted line arrows. This diagram indicates where
　　you are expected to have underpinning knowledge
　　and where it would be useful to review previous
　　learning before undertaking study.
　　Overall aim of the syllabus
　　This explains briefly the overall objective of the
　　paper and indicates in the broadest sense the
　　capabilities to be developed within the paper.
　　Main capabilities
　　This paper’s aim is broken down into several main
　　capabilities which divide the syllabus and study
　　guide into discrete sections.
　　Relational diagram of the main capabilities
　　This diagram illustrates the flows and links between
　　the main capabilities （sections） of the syllabus and
　　should be used as an aid to planning teaching and
　　learning in a structured way.
　　Syllabus rationale
　　This is a narrative explaining how the syllabus is
　　structured and how the main capabilities are linked.
　　The rationale also explains in further detail what the
　　examination intends to assess and why.
　　Detailed syllabus
　　This shows the breakdown of the main capabilities
　?。╯ections） of the syllabus into subject areas. This is
　　the blueprint for the detailed study guide.
　　Approach to examining the syllabus
　　This section briefly explains the structure of the
　　examination and how it is assessed.
　　Study Guide
　　This is the main document that students, learning
　　and content providers should use as the basis of
　　their studies, instruction and materials.
　　Examinations will be based on the detail of the
　　study guide which comprehensively identifies what
　　could be assessed in any examination session.
　　The study guide is a precise reflection and
　　breakdown of the syllabus. It is divided into sections
　　based on the main capabilities identified in the
　　syllabus. These sections are divided into subject
　　areas which relate to the sub-capabilities included
　　in the detailed syllabus. Subject areas are broken
　　down into sub-headings which describe the detailed
　　outcomes that could be assessed in examinations.
　　These outcomes are described using verbs
　　indicating what exams may require students to
　　demonstrate, and the broad intellectual level at
　　which these may need to be demonstrated
　?。?see intellectual levels below）。
　　INTELLECTUAL LEVELS
　　The syllabus is designed to progressively broaden
　　and deepen the knowledge, skills and professional
　　values demonstrated by the student on their way
　　through the qualification.
　　The specific capabilities within the detailed
　　syllabuses and study guides are assessed at one of
　　three intellectual or cognitive levels:
　　LevelⅠ: Knowledge and comprehension
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　2
　　LevelⅡ: Application and analysis
　　LevelⅢ: Synthesis and *uation
　　Very broadly, these intellectual levels relate to the
　　three cognitive levels at which the Knowledge
　　module, the Skills module and the Professional level
　　are assessed.
　　Each subject area in the detailed study guide
　　included in this document is given a 1, 2, or
　　3 superscript, denoting intellectual level, marked at
　　the end of each relevant line. This gives an
　　indication of the intellectual depth at which an area
　　could be assessed within the examination. However,
　　while level 1 broadly equates with the Knowledge
　　module, level 2 equates to the Skills module and
　　level 3 to the Professional level, some lower level
　　skills can continue to be assessed as the student
　　progresses through each module and level. This
　　reflects that at each stage of study there will be a
　　requirement to broaden, as well as deepen
　　capabilities. It is also possible that occasionally
　　some higher level capabilities may be assessed at
　　lower levels.
　　LEARNING HOURS AND EDUCATION
　　RECOGNITION
　　The ACCA qualification does not prescribe or
　　recommend any particular number of learning hours
　　for examinations because study and learning
　　patterns and styles vary greatly between people and
　　organisations. This also recognises the wide
　　diversity of personal, professional and educational
　　circumstances in which ACCA students find
　　themselves.
　　As a member of the International Federation of
　　Accountants, ACCA seeks to enhance the education
　　recognition of its qualification on both national and
　　international education frameworks, and with
　　educational authorities and partners globally. In
　　doing so, ACCA aims to ensure that its qualifications
　　are recognized and valued by governments,
　　regulatory authorities and employers across all
　　sectors. To this end, ACCA qualifications are
　　currently recognized on the education frameworks in
　　several countries. Please refer to your national
　　education framework regulator for further
　　information.
　　Each syllabus contains between 23 and 35 main
　　subject area headings depending on the nature of
　　the subject and how these areas have been broken
　　down.
　　GUIDE TO EXAM STRUCTURE
　　The structure of examinations varies within and
　　between modules and levels.
　　The Fundamentals level examinations contain
　　100% compulsory questions to encourage
　　candidates to study across the breadth of each
　　syllabus.
　　The Knowledge module is assessed by equivalent
　　two-hour paper based and computer based
　　examinations.
　　The Skills module examinations F5-F9 are all paper
　　based three-hour papers containing a mix of
　　objective and longer type questions. The Corporate
　　and Business Law （F4） paper is a two- hour
　　computer based objective test examination which is
　　also available as a paper based version from the
　　December 2014 examination session.
　　The Professional level papers are all three-hour
　　paper based examinations, all containing two
　　sections. Section A is compulsory, but there will be
　　some choice offered in Section B.
　　For all three hour examination papers, ACCA has
　　introduced 15 minutes reading and planning time.
　　This additional time is allowed at the beginning of
　　each three-hour examination to allow candidates to
　　read the questions and to begin planning their
　　answers before they start writing in their answer
　　books. This time should be used to ensure that all
　　the information and exam requirements are properly
　　read and understood.
　　During reading and planning time candidates may
　　only annotate their question paper. They may not
　　write anything in their answer booklets until told to
　　do so by the invigilator.
　　The Essentials module papers all have a Section A
　　containing a major case study question with all
　　requirements totalling 50 marks relating to this
　　case. Section B gives students a choice of two from
　　three 25 mark questions.
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　3
　　Section A of both the P4 and P5 Options papers
　　contain one 50 mark compulsory question, and
　　Section B will offer a choice of two from three
　　questions each worth 25 marks each.
　　Section A of each of the P6 and P7 Options papers
　　contains 60 compulsory marks from two questions;
　　question 1 attracting 35 marks, and question 2
　　attracting 25 marks. Section B of both these
　　Options papers will offer a choice of two from three
　　questions, with each question attracting 20 marks.
　　All Professional level exams contain four
　　professional marks.
　　The pass mark for all ACCA Qualification
　　examination papers is 50%.
　　GUIDE TO EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
　　ACCA reserves the right to examine anything
　　contained within the study guide at any examination
　　session. This includes knowledge, techniques,
　　principles, theories, and concepts as specified.
　　For the financial accounting, audit and assurance,
　　law and tax papers except where indicated
　　otherwise, ACCA will publish examinable
　　documents once a year to indicate exactly
　　what regulations and legislation could potentially be
　　assessed within identified examination sessions
　　For paper based examinations regulation issued or
　　legislation passed on or before 31st August
　　annually, will be examinable from 1st September of
　　the following year to 31st August t of the year after
　　that. Please refer to the examinable documents for
　　the paper （where relevant） for further information.
　　Regulation issued or legislation passed in
　　accordance with the above dates may be
　　examinable even if the effective date is in the future.
　　The term issued or passed relates to when
　　regulation or legislation has been formally approved.
　　The term effective relates to when regulation or
　　legislation must be applied to an entity transactions
　　and business practices.
　　The study guide offers more detailed guidance on
　　the depth and level at which the examinable
　　documents will be examined. The study guide
　　should therefore be read in conjunction with the
　　examinable documents list.
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　4
　　Syllabus
　　AIM
　　To develop knowledge and understanding of the
　　process of carrying out the assurance engagement
　　and its application in the context of the professional
　　regulatory framework.
　　MAIN CAPABILITIES
　　On successful completion of this paper, candidates
　　should be able to:
　　A Explain the concept of audit and assurance and
　　the functions of audit, corporate governance,
　　including ethics and professional conduct,
　　describing the scope and distinguishing
　　between the functions of internal and external
　　audit
　　B Demonstrate how the auditor obtains and
　　accepts audit engagements obtains an
　　understanding of the entity and its
　　environment, assesses the risk of material
　　misstatement （whether arising from fraud or
　　other irregularities） and plans an audit of
　　financial statements
　　C Describe and *uate internal controls,
　　techniques and audit tests, including IT
　　systems to identify and communicate control
　　risks and their potential consequences, making
　　appropriate recommendations
　　D Identify and describe the work and evidence
　　obtained by the auditor and others required to
　　meet the objectives of audit engagements and
　　the application of the International Standards
　　on Auditing
　　E Explain how consideration of subsequent
　　events and the going concern principle can
　　inform the conclusions from audit work
　　and are reflected in different types of audit
　　report, written representations and the final
　　review and report.
　　RELATIONAL DIAGRAM OF MAIN CAPABILITIES
　　AA
　　（F8）
　　AAA
　?。≒7）
　　CL （F4） FR （F7）
　　PA
　?。≒1）
　　Review and reporting （E）
　　Planning and Risk assessment （B）
　　Internal control （C） Audit evidence （D）
　　Audit framework and regulation （A）
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　5
　　RATIONALE
　　The Audit and Assurance syllabus is essentially
　　divided into five areas. The syllabus starts with the
　　nature, purpose and scope of assurance
　　engagements both internal and external, including
　　the statutory audit, its regulatory environment, and
　　introduces governance and professional ethics
　　relating to audit and assurance. It then leads into
　　planning and risk assessment audit. The syllabus
　　then covers a range of areas relating to an audit of
　　financial statements including the scope of internal
　　control. These include, *uating internal controls,
　　audit evidence, and a review of the financial
　　statements. The final section then deals with
　　reporting, including statutory audit reports,
　　management reports, and internal audit reports.
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　6
　　DETAILED SYLLABUS
　　A. Audit framework and regulation
　　1. The concept of audit and other assurance
　　engagements
　　2. External audits
　　3. Corporate governance
　　4. Professional ethics and ACCA’s Code of Ethics
　　and Conduct
　　5. Internal audit and governance and the
　　differences between external audit and internal
　　audit
　　6. The scope of the internal audit function,
　　outsourcing and internal audit assignments
　　B. Planning and risk assessment
　　1. Obtaining and accepting audit engagements
　　2. Objective and general principles
　　3. Assessing audit risks
　　4. Understanding the entity and its environment
　　5. Fraud, laws and regulations
　　6. Audit planning and documentation
　　C. Internal control
　　1. Internal control systems
　　2. The use and *uation of internal control
　　systems by auditors
　　3. Tests of control
　　4. Communication on internal control
　　D. Audit evidence
　　1. Financial statement assertions and audit
　　evidence
　　2. Audit procedures
　　3. Audit sampling and other means of testing
　　4. The audit of specific items
　　5. Computer-assisted audit techniques
　　6. The work of others
　　7 Not-for-profit organisations
　　E. Review and reporting
　　1. Subsequent events
　　2. Going concern
　　3. Written representations
　　4. Audit finalisation and the final review
　　5. Audit reports
　　APPROACH TO EXAMINING THE SYLLABUS
　　The syllabus is assessed by a three-hour paperbased
　　examination, All questions are compulsory.
　　Section A of the exam comprises 8 two mark
　　questions and four one mark multiple choice
　　questions giving a total of 20 marks for that section.
　　Section B of the exam comprises four 10 mark
　　questions and two longer 20 mark questions.
　　The 20 mark questions will predominantly examine
　　one or more aspects of audit and assurance from
　　planning and risk assessment, internal control or
　　audit evidence, although topics from other syllabus
　　areas may also be included
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　7
　　Study Guide
　　A AUDIT FRAMEWORK AND REGULATION
　　1. The concept of audit and other assurance
　　engagements
　　a） Identify and describe the objective and general
　　principles of external audit engagements.[2]
　　b） Explain the nature and development of audit
　　and other assurance engagements.[1]
　　c） Discuss the concepts of accountability,
　　stewardship and agency.[2]
　　d） Define and provide the objectives of an
　　assurance engagement.[1]
　　e） Explain the five elements of an assurance
　　engagement.[2]
　　f） Describe the types of assurance engagement[2]
　　g） Explain the level of assurance provided by an
　　external audit and other review engagements
　　and the concept of true and fair presentation.[1]
　　2. External audits
　　a） Describe the regulatory environment within
　　which external audits take place.[1]
　　b） Discuss the reasons and mechanisms for the
　　regulation of auditors.[1]
　　c） Explain the statutory regulations governing the
　　appointment, rights, removal and resignation of
　　auditors.[1]
　　d） Explain the regulations governing the rights and
　　duties of auditors[1]
　　e） Describe the limitations of external audits.[1]
　　f） Explain the development and status of
　　International Standards on Auditing （ISAs）。[1]
　　g） Explain the relationship between International
　　Standards on Auditing and national
　　standards.[1]
　　3. Corporate governance
　　a） Discuss the objectives, relevance and
　　importance of corporate governance.[2]
　　b） Discuss the provisions of international codes of
　　corporate governance （such as OECD） that are
　　most relevant to auditors.[2]
　　c） Describe good corporate governance
　　requirements relating to directors’
　　responsibilities （e.g. for risk management and
　　internal control） and the reporting
　　responsibilities of auditors.[2]
　　d） Analyse the structure and roles of audit
　　committees and discuss their benefits and
　　limitations.[2]
　　e） Explain the importance of internal control and
　　risk management.[1]
　　f） Discuss the need for auditors to communicate
　　with those charged with governance.[2]
　　4. Professional ethics and ACCA’s Code of Ethics
　　and Conduct
　　a. Define and apply the fundamental principles of
　　professional ethics of integrity, objectivity,
　　professional competence and due care,
　　confidentiality and professional *.[2]
　　b） Define and apply the conceptual framework,
　　including the threats to the fundamental
　　principles of self-interest, self-review,
　　advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation.[2]
　　c） Discuss the safeguards to offset the threats to
　　the fundamental principles.[2]
　　d） Describe the auditor’s responsibility with regard
　　to auditor independence, conflicts of interest
　　and confidentiality.[1]
　　5. Internal audit and governance, and the
　　differences between external audit and internal
　　audit
　　a） Discuss the factors to be taken into account
　　when assessing the need for internal audit.[2]
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　8
　　b） Discuss the elements of best practice in the
　　structure and operations of internal audit with
　　reference to appropriate international codes of
　　corporate governance.[2]
　　c） Compare and contrast the role of external and
　　internal audit.[2]
　　6. The scope of the internal audit function,
　　outsourcing and internal audit assignments
　　a） Discuss the scope of internal audit and the
　　limitations of the internal audit function.[2]
　　b） Explain outsourcing.[1]
　　c） Explain the advantages and disadvantages of
　　outsourcing the internal audit function.[1]
　　d） Discuss the nature and purpose of internal
　　audit assignments including value for money,
　　IT, financial, regulatory compliance, fraud
　　investigations and customer experience.[2]
　　e） Discuss the nature and purpose of operational
　　internal audit assignments [2]
　　f） Describe the format and content of audit
　　review reports and make appropriate
　　recommendations to management and those
　　charged with governance[2]
　　B PLANNING AND RISK ASSESSMENT
　　1. Obtaining and accepting audit engagements
　　a） Discuss the requirements of professional ethics
　　in relation to the acceptance of new audit
　　engagements [2]
　　b） Explain the preconditions for an audit [2]
　　c） Explain the process by which an auditor
　　obtains an audit engagement [2]
　　d） Justify the importance of engagement letters
　　and their contents [1]
　　2. Objective and general principles
　　a） Identify the overall objectives of the auditor and
　　the need to conduct an audit in accordance
　　with ISAs.[2]
　　b） Explain the need to plan and perform audits
　　with an attitude of professional scepticism, and
　　to exercise professional judgment.[2]
　　3. Assessing audit risks
　　a） Explain the components of audit risk.[1]
　　b） Explain the audit risks in the financial
　　statements and explain the auditor’s response
　　to each risk.[2]
　　c） Define and explain the concepts of materiality
　　and performance materiality.[2]
　　d） Explain and calculate materiality levels from
　　financial information.[2]
　　4. Understanding the entity and its environment
　　a） Explain how auditors obtain an initial
　　understanding of the entity and its
　　environment.[2]
　　b） Describe and explain the nature, and purpose
　　of, analytical procedures in planning.[2]
　　c） Compute and interpret key ratios used in
　　analytical procedures.[2]
　　5. Fraud, laws and regulations
　　a） Discuss the effect of fraud and misstatements
　　on the audit strategy and extent of audit
　　work.[2]
　　b） Discuss the responsibilities of internal and
　　external auditors for the prevention and
　　detection of fraud and error.[2]
　　c） Explain the auditor’s responsibility to consider
　　laws and regulations.[2）
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　9
　　6. Audit planning and documentation
　　a） Identify and explain the need for and
　　importance of planning an audit.[2]
　　b） Identify and describe the contents of the overall
　　audit strategy and audit plan.[2]
　　c） Explain and describe the relationship between
　　the overall audit strategy and the audit plan.[2]
　　d） Explain the difference between interim and
　　final audit.[1]
　　e） Describe the purpose of an interim audit, and
　　the procedures likely to be adopted at this
　　stage in the audit.[2]
　　f） Describe the impact of the work performed
　　during the interim audit on the final audit.[2]
　　g） Explain the need for, and the importance of,
　　audit documentation. [1]
　　h） Describe the form and contents of working
　　papers and supporting documentation.[2]
　　i） Explain the procedures to ensure safe custody
　　and retention of working papers.[1]
　　C INTERNAL CONTROL
　　1. Internal control systems
　　a） Explain why an auditor needs to obtain an
　　understanding of internal control relevant to
　　the audit.[1]
　　b） Describe and explain the five components of
　　internal control[2]
　　i） the control environment
　　ii） the entity’s risk assessment process,
　　iii） the information system, including the
　　related business processes, relevant to
　　financial reporting, and communication
　　iv） control activities relevant to the audit
　　v） monitoring of controls
　　2. The use and *uation of internal control
　　systems by auditors
　　a） Explain how auditors record internal control
　　systems including the use of, narrative notes,
　　flowcharts, internal control questionnaires and
　　internal control *uation questionnaires. [2]
　　b） Evaluate internal control components,
　　including deficiencies and significant
　　deficiencies in internal control.[2]
　　c） Discuss the limitations of internal control
　　components [2]
　　3. Tests of control
　　a） Describe computer systems controls including
　　general IT controls and application controls {2}
　　b） Describe control objectives, control procedures,
　　activities and tests of control in relation to:
　　i） The sales system;
　　ii） The purchases system
　　iii） The payroll system
　　iv） The inventory system
　　v） The cash system
　　vi） Non-current assets
　　4. Communication on internal control
　　a） Discuss and provide examples of how the
　　reporting of significant deficiencies in internal
　　control and recommendations to overcome
　　those significant deficiencies are provided to
　　management.[2]
　　D AUDIT EVIDENCE
　　1. Financial statement assertions and audit
　　evidence
　　a） Explain the assertions contained in the
　　financial statements about:[2]
　　（i） Classes of transactions and events;
　?。╥i） Account balances at the period end;
　　（iii） Presentation and disclosure
　　b） Describe audit procedures to obtain audit
　　evidence , including inspection , observation,
　　external confirmation, recalculation, re?
　　ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　10
　　performance, analytical procedures and
　　enquiry[2]
　　c） Discuss the quality and quantity of audit
　　evidence[2]
　　d） Discuss the relevance and reliability of audit
　　evidence [2]
　　2. Audit procedures
　　a） Discuss substantive procedures for obtaining
　　audit evidence [2]
　　b） Discuss and provide examples of how
　　analytical procedures are used as substantive
　　procedures[2]
　　c） Discuss the problems associated with the audit
　　and review of accounting estimates.[2]
　　d） Describe why smaller entities may have
　　different control environments and describe the
　　types of evidence likely to be available in
　　smaller entities.[1]
　　e） Discuss the difference between tests of control
　　and substantive procedures[2]
　　3. Audit sampling and other means of testing
　　a） Define audit sampling and explain the need for
　　sampling.[1]
　　b） Identify and discuss the differences between
　　statistical and non-statistical sampling.[2]
　　c） Discuss and provide relevant examples of, the
　　application of the basic principles of statistical
　　sampling and other selective testing
　　procedures. [2]
　　d） Discuss the results of statistical sampling,
　　including consideration of whether additional
　　testing is required.[2]
　　4. The audit of specific items
　　For each of the account balances stated in this subcapability:
　　Explain the audit objectives and the audit
　　procedures in relation to:
　　a） Receivables: [2]
　　i） direct confirmation of accounts receivable
　　ii） other evidence in relation to receivables
　　and prepayments, and
　　iii） completeness and occurrence of sale
　　b） Inventory: [2]
　　i） inventory counting procedures in relation
　　to year-end and continuous inventory
　　systems
　　ii） cut-off
　　iii） auditor’s attendance at inventory counting
　　iv） direct confirmation of inventory held by
　　third parties,
　　v） valuation
　　vi） other evidence in relation to inventory.
　　c） Payables and accruals: [2]
　　i） supplier statement reconciliations and
　　direct confirmation of accounts payable,
　　ii） obtain evidence in relation to payables
　　and accruals, and
　　iii） purchases and other expenses.
　　d） Bank and cash: [2]
　　i） bank confirmation reports used in
　　obtaining evidence in relation to bank and
　　cash
　　ii） other evidence in relation to bank and
　　iii） other evidence in relation to cash.
　　e） Tangible and intangible non-current assets [2]
　　i） evidence in relation to non-current assets
　　and
　　ii） depreciation
　　iii） profit/loss on disposal
　　f） Non-current liabilities, provisions and
　　contingencies[2]
　　i） evidence in relation to non-current
　　liabilities
　　ii） provisions and contingencies
　　g） Share capital, reserves and directors’
　　emoluments: [2]
　　i） evidence in relation to share capital,
　　reserves and directors’ emoluments
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　11
　　5. Computer-assisted audit techniques
　　a） Explain the use of computer-assisted audit
　　techniques in the context of an audit.[1]
　　b） Discuss and provide relevant examples of the
　　use of test data and audit software .[2]
　　6. The work of others
　　a） Discuss why auditors rely on the work of
　　others.[2]
　　b） Discuss the extent to which external auditors
　　are able to rely on the work of experts,
　　including the work of internal audit.[2]
　　c） Explain the audit considerations relating to
　　entities using service organisations [2]
　　d） Explain the extent to which reference to the
　　work of others can be made in audit reports.[1]
　　7. Not-for-profit organisations
　　a） Apply audit techniques to not-for-profit
　　organisations.[2]
　　E REVIEW AND REPORTING
　　1. Subsequent events
　　a） Explain the purpose of a subsequent events
　　review.[1]
　　b） Explain the responsibilities of auditors
　　regarding subsequent events.[1]
　　c） Discuss the procedures to be undertaken in
　　performing a subsequent events review.[2]
　　2. Going concern
　　a） Define and discuss the significance of the
　　concept of going concern.[2]
　　b） Explain the importance of and the need for
　　going concern reviews.[2]
　　c） Explain the respective responsibilities of
　　auditors and management regarding going
　　concern.[1]
　　d） Identify and explain potential indicators that an
　　entity is not a going concern. 2]
　　e） Discuss the procedures to be applied in
　　performing going concern reviews.[2]
　　f） Discuss the disclosure requirements in relation
　　to going concern issues.[2]
　　g） Discuss the reporting implications of the
　　findings of going concern reviews.[2]
　　3. Written representations
　　a） Explain the purpose of and procedure for
　　obtaining written representations.[2]
　　b） Discuss the quality and reliability of written
　　representations as audit evidence.[2]
　　c） Discuss the circumstances where written
　　representations are necessary and the matters
　　on which representations are commonly
　　obtained. [2]
　　4. Audit finalisation and the final review
　　a） Discuss the importance of the overall review of
　　evidence obtained.[2]
　　b） Describe procedures an auditor should perform
　　in conducting their overall review of financial
　　statements. [2]
　　c） Explain the significance of uncorrected
　　misstatements.[1]
　　d） Evaluate the effect of dealing with uncorrected
　　misstatements.[2]
　　5. Audit reports
　　a） Identify and describe the basic elements of the
　　auditor’s report[1]
　　b） Explain unmodified audit opinions in the
　　auditor’s report.[2]
　　c） Explain modified audit opinions in the audit
　　report.[2]
　　d） Describe the format and content of emphasis of
　　matter and other matter paragraphs.[2]
　　? ACCA 2014 All rights reserved.
　　12
　　SUMMARY OF CHANGES TO F8
　　ACCA periodically reviews its qualification
　　syllabuses so that they fully meet the needs of
　　stakeholders such as employers, students,
　　regulatory and advisory bodies and learning
　　providers.
　　From December 2014, the main changes to the
　　examination are structural. From this session the
　　exam will be structured in two sections. Section A
　　will contain 8 two mark and four one mark objective
　　test questions assessing the breadth of the syllabus.
　　Section B will contain four 10 mark questions and
　　two 20 mark questions.
　　The other changes relate to the syllabus itself. The
　　syllabus has been slightly re-structured and
　　simplified to reduce overlap and duplication. There
　　are now five sections to the syllabus and some
　　outcomes have been re-assigned or consolidated
　　with others within these five sections as
　　appropriate.
　　The main areas that have been changed in the
　　syllabus are shown in the Table 1 below:
　　Table 1 – Amendments to F8
　　Section and subject area Syllabus content
　　A1e） Explain reporting as a means of
　　communication to different stakeholders.[1]
　　Deleted
　　A3i） Compare the responsibilities of management
　　and auditors for the design and operation of
　　systems and controls.[2]
　　Deleted
　　B2a） Identify the overall objectives of the auditor
　　and the need to conduct an audit in
　　accordance with ISAs.[2]
　　Old C1a） and c） combined
　　E2g） Explain the auditor’s responsibilities and
　　describe procedures to be applied in relation to
　　opening balances and comparative
　　information.[2]
　　Deleted
　　E6c） Discuss the extent to which auditors are able
　　to rely on the work of internal audit.[2]
　　Combined with D6b
　　E7b） Explain how the audit of not-for-profit
　　organisations differs from the audit of for-profit
　　organisations
　　Deleted