Final answer:
The rate of moderate technological change is the least likely factor to indicate a risk requiring special audit consideration, as it does not present immediate complexities or risks compared to complex calculations, fraud potential, or subjective accounting methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factor least likely to indicate to an auditor that an identified risk of misstatement requires special audit consideration is 2) The rate of technological change is moderate in the industry. When an industry experiences a moderate rate of technological change, it does not inherently complicate the audit process as much as other factors, such as complex calculations, the potential for fraud, or the subjectivity in applying key accounting policies.
Auditors consider various factors when assessing the risk of misstatement. Complex calculations and a high potential for fraud generally demand special attention because they directly affect the reliability of financial reporting. Additionally, when subjective methods are used in accounting policies, the likelihood for inconsistent application or misinterpretation increases, warranting a more detailed examination.
On the other hand, a moderate rate of technological change does not typically pose the same level of risk because it is less likely to result in sudden and significant changes that could lead to errors or misstatements in financial documents. This scenario is less urgent compared to the other listed factors that have more immediate and direct implications for financial reporting accuracy.