Attestation Reporting Under SSAE: How to Write and Interpret Examination, Review, and AUP Reports

Attestation Engagement

A service where a practitioner reports on subject matter or assertions about the subject matter that is the responsibility of another party.

Subject Matter / Assertion

The specific topic being evaluated or measured in an attestation engagement.

Responsible Party

The party, typically management, that holds responsibility for the subject matter being reported.

Suitable Criteria

The standards used to measure or evaluate the subject matter in an attestation engagement.

SSAE

Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements, a framework for attestation standards in the U.S.

Examination Engagement

An attestation engagement providing reasonable assurance, usually Expressed as a positive opinion.

Review Engagement

An attestation engagement providing limited assurance, expressed as negative assurance.

Reasonable Assurance

A high level of assurance provided in an examination engagement that allows for a positive opinion.

Limited Assurance

A lower level of assurance provided in a review engagement, typically expressed as negative assurance.

Positive Opinion

An opinion that indicates the subject matter is fairly stated or compliant in all material respects.

Negative Assurance

A statement that the practitioner is not aware of any material modifications needed for the subject matter.

Engagement Acceptance/Continuance

The process of confirming ethical requirements, competence, and suitability of criteria prior to starting an engagement.

Evidence Gathering

The process of collecting information to support the opinion in an examination engagement.

Reporting Problems

Issues that arise when the criteria used for evaluation are vague, missing, or not disclosed to users.

AUP Engagement

An attestation service where practitioners agree on specific procedures to perform and report findings without providing an opinion.

Specified Parties

The individuals or entities that determine the procedures to be performed in an AUP engagement.

Findings in AUP Engagement

Results reported from the agreed-upon procedures without expressing any form of assurance.

Transparency in AUP

The concept that AUP reports are intended to clearly communicate performed procedures and findings without assurance.

Scope Limitation

A situation arising when a practitioner cannot obtain sufficient appropriate evidence, affecting report conclusions.

Material Misstatement

A term used when the subject matter or assertion is found not to be in accordance with the criteria.

Examining Evidence

The process of evaluating the gathered evidence to determine if it is sufficient and appropriate for forming an opinion.

Criteria Problems in Reporting

Challenges arising when criteria are insufficient or unclear, leading to difficulties in reporting.

Engagement Procedures

The specific steps a practitioner outlines to assess a subject matter or assertion in an engagement.

Opinion Anchor

The concept of tying conclusions in attestation reporting back to the applicable criteria.

Common Exam Pitfall in Reporting

Mistakes such as using examination language in review reports or failing to identify suitable criteria.

Negative Assurance Language

Wording used in review reports indicating a lack of awareness of material modifications to the subject matter.

Reperforming Procedures

A method of evidence gathering where the practitioner repeats work previously performed to verify accuracy.