Develop an expectation of interest expense for the period, disaggregate as necessary by loan type and/or terms. Base expectation on key factors and relationships of outstanding borrow/loan/debt amount, interest rate (fixed or variable) and period.
• Assess the reliability and appropriateness of data used to set expectation (e.g., trace interest rates and balances used in the calculation to source documentation).
• Calculate the expected amount.
• Compare the recorded amount with expectation and ensure differences falls within the acceptable difference of +/-5%. Investigate differences that fall outside the range of acceptable difference through inquiry with management. Obtain appropriate evidence to corroborate management's explanations.
• Revise expectation and acceptable difference, if appropriate, and compare revised expectation with recorded amount.