Letter to Management (not required by GAAS] Management Letters Can Reveal Problems and Help Find Solutions Matthew Jahrsdorfer, CPA09.13.2016 The management letter can provide innovative ideas, based on industry best practices, about ways to improve internal control systems, streamline operations, and cut back on expenses. Auditors want to help their clients succeed, and the management letter should be viewed as a value-added "bonus" to the audited financial statement. Beyond Compliance Throughout the audit process, auditors typically compile a list of internal control weaknesses and operating inefficiencies that may warrant management's attention. AICPA standards specifically require auditors to communicate two types of deficiencies to management in writing Material weaknesses. These are defined as "a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the organization's financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis." Significant deficiencies. These are "less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance." Operating inefficiencies and other deficiencies in internal control systems aren't necessarily required to be communicated in writing. However, most auditors include these less significant items in their management letters to inform their clients about risks and opportunities to improve operations. Key Elements A management letter may cover a broad range of topics, including segregation of duties, account reconciliations, physical asset security, credit policies, employee performance, safety, Internet use. and expense reduction. In general, the write-up for each deficiency includes three elements: 1. Observation. The auditor describes the condition, identifies the cause (if possible), and explains why it needs improvement. 2. Impact. This section quantifies the problem's potential monetary effects and identifies any qualitative effects, such as decreased employee morale or delayed financial reporting. 3. Recommendation. Here, the auditor suggests a solution or lists alternative approaches if the appropriate course of action is unclear. REQUIRED: Select 4 internal control weaknesses from Proli Footwear and prepare a report to management that includes: Observation; Impact and Recommendation