Final answer:
An auditor can take several steps to investigate an increase in rent expense, including testing rent cutoff, vouching rent payments, vouching for larger items, and performing tests of controls.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an auditor performs analytical procedures on rent expense and finds that rent expense has increased by 50%, there are several steps they can take to investigate further:
- Test rent cutoff: This involves examining the records to determine if all rent has been recorded in the correct period. It helps ensure that rent expenses have been accurately reported.
- Vouch rent payments to underlying documents: This step involves verifying the rent payments by checking the receipts or invoices to ensure that all vouchers have received reports. It helps confirm the accuracy of the rent expense.
- Vouch larger items in rent expense: In this step, the auditor examines larger items within the rent expense to search for any unrecorded finance leases. This helps identify any potential undisclosed financial obligations related to rent.
- Perform tests of controls: The auditor may also perform tests of controls to ensure that all rent transactions are properly authorized. This helps assess the effectiveness of the internal controls related to rent expenses.