Reference no: EM132461269

Devon, Inc., engaged Rao to examine its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. The financial statements of Devon, Inc., for the year ended December 31, 2017, were examined by Jones, whose March 30, 2018, auditor's report expressed an unqualified opinion. The report of Jones is not presented with the 2018-2017 comparative financial statements.

Rao's working papers contain the following information that is not reflected in footnotes to the 2018 financial statements as prepared by Devon, Inc.:

1. One member of Devon's board of directors, who was appointed in 2018, was formerly a partner in Jones' accounting firm. Jones' firm provided financial consulting services to Devon during 2016 and 2015, for which Devon paid approximately $1,600 and $9,000, respectively.
2. Devon refused to recognize certain liabilities relating to finance-lease obligations for equipment acquired in 2018. Recognizing the liabilities associated with the leases in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles would have increased assets and liabilities by $312,000 and $387,000, respectively; decreased retained earnings as of December 31, 2018, by $75,000; and decreased net income and earnings per share by $75,000 and $.75, respectively, for the year then ended.
3. During the year, Devon changed its method of valuing inventory from the first-in, first-out method to the last-in, first-out method. This change was made because management believes LIFO more clearly reflects net income by providing a closer matching of current costs and current revenues. The change had the effect of reducing inventory at December 31, 2018, by $65,000 and net income and earnings per share by $38,000 and $.38, respectively, for the year then ended. The effect of the change on prior years was immaterial; accordingly, the change had no cumulative effect. Rao supports the company's position, agreeing that it is justified.
4. After completing the fieldwork on February 28, 2019, Rao concludes that the expression of an adverse opinion is not warranted.

Question 1: Preparing the body of Rao's report, addressed to the board of directors, dated February 28, 2019, to accompany the 2018-2017 comparative financial statements. Include at least one CAM in the Critical Audit Matters section of the report. Rao has conducted an audit of Devon's internal controls over financial reporting based on the 2013 COSO framework. No material weaknesses were identified.