Short-Term Borrowing Audit
The purpose of the short-term borrowing audit is to assess the internal controls and loan repayment ability of the auditee. This type of audit focuses on the overall adherence to applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies and procedures, and the accuracy and performance of the loan documents.
The audit assesses the adequacy of the borrower’s internal financial controls, including documentation of loan origination activities and collection of operational data pertaining to the loan. The audit assesses the adequacy and proper use of the funds, including the accuracy of the cash flow forecasts. The audit also evaluates the contractual agreements, including the interest rate, maturity date, repayment plan, and any other loan covenants.
The auditor evaluates the control environment for short term borrowing, including all of the operations in the loan origination and repayment process. The auditor verifies that the necessary due diligence was exercised to assess borrower’s ability to reimburse the loan. The auditor also evaluates the timeliness of repayment, amount of interest charged and documentation of loan costs.
The auditor reviews all of the loan documentation, including the loan agreement and collateral documentation. The auditor verifies that all of the parties to the agreement have been identified and thoroughly evaluated. The auditor evaluates any schedules, or underlying guarantees that are part of the loan agreement to ensure the terms are applied consistently.
The auditor tests the accuracy of the accounting records pertaining to loans, and confirms that they accurately reflect the loan agreement and related transactions. The auditor also analyzes the borrower’s financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows. The audit also may include onsite observation of the borrower’s operations.
The audit of short-term borrowing helps to identify any material deficiencies or instances of non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The audit also serves to provide assurance to the lenders that the loan terms and repayment schedule will be honored. The results of the audit can be used to refine lending policies, improve internal procedures and enhance the quality of loan origination and repayment.