Chapter 14 – PFI Complete Summary
Prospective Financial Information – Complete revision guide covering forecasts, projections, ISAE 3400, and examination procedures.
Prepared on best-estimate assumptions – what management expects to happen. More verifiable, lower risk.
Prepared on hypothetical assumptions – "what if" scenarios. Less evidence, higher risk.
- Intended use – Internal vs external users affects risk
- Distribution – General (high risk) vs limited (lower risk)
- Nature of assumptions – Best-estimate vs hypothetical
- Period covered – Longer = more uncertainty
- Management competence – Track record at forecasting
Only limited (moderate) assurance can be offered due to inherent uncertainty of future events.
Conclusion expressed as negative assurance: "Nothing has come to our attention to suggest the assumptions do not provide a reasonable basis."
- Compare forecast to historical performance
- Compare to actual results for elapsed periods
- Inspect supporting documentation (contracts, agreements)
- Enquire of management about assumptions
- Recalculate arithmetic accuracy
- Obtain written representations
Read the question! Is it a profit forecast or cash flow forecast? This determines which items are relevant.
Depreciation is included in profit forecasts but NOT cash flow forecasts.
Written representations are required but never sufficient on their own.