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How does the auditor evaluate management's going concern assessment?

Intermediate

Answer

The auditor evaluates management's assessment (usually cash-flow forecasts covering at least 12 months): testing the reliability of underlying data, challenging key assumptions, checking arithmetic and sensitivity, considering the feasibility of mitigating plans (e.g., refinancing, asset sales), reviewing subsequent events and post-year-end results, and obtaining written representations about future plans.
Real-world example The auditor stress-tests the forecast's sales assumptions and confirms a claimed refinancing is realistically committed.

Common follow-ups: What period should the forecast cover? | How do you test mitigating plans?