Testing the Existence Assertion
One of the most widely performed tests of existence is the confirmation of accounts receivable. This test involves direct written contact between the auditors and the client’s customers to confirm account balances and transactions. Statement on Auditing Standards No. 67 (SAS 67), The Confirmation Process, states that auditors should request confirmations of accounts receivable except in the following three situations: (1) accounts receivable are immaterial; (2) based on a review of internal controls, the auditor has assessed control risk to be low; or (3) the confirmation process will be ineffective.