Examples of Specialists

Examples of specialists or experts whose work may be relied upon include:

1. For valuations such as land and buildings, machinery and plant, precious stones -value and works of art;
2. For the consideration of quantities of assets of physical condition for example: minerals stores in stock piles and petroleum reserves and underground minerals - geologists;
3. Determination of amounts using specialised techniques or methods for example: an actuarial valuation - Actuaries, on the liability to be included for pension scheme liabilities;
4. The measurement of work completed and to be completed on long term contracts in progress for the purpose of revenue recognition - Quantity Surveyors.
5. Legal opinions concerning interpretations of agreements, laws and regulations - Lawyers.
6. Determining the value of stock exchange securities - Stock Brokers.

Whether determination is use to the work of an expert the auditor should consider the materiality of the financial statement item being considered, the risk of misstatement based on the  nature and complexity of the item being considered and the quantity and quality of other audit evidence.