Final answer:
d. Obtaining a management representation letter.
The last auditing procedure is typically obtaining a management representation letter, which provides assurance from management on the completeness and accuracy of the financial statements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The auditing procedure that is ordinarily performed last is d. Obtaining a management representation letter. This step is typically taken at the very end of the audit process.
An auditor requests a management representation letter from the company's management to confirm that they have provided all relevant information and that the financial statements are complete and accurate.
This letter serves as a form of assurance from management and is a key part of the auditor's evidence collection in the finalization of an audit.
Other procedures like confirming accounts payable, testing the purchasing function, and reading the minutes of directors' meetings are performed at various stages throughout the audit but are generally completed before the management representation letter is obtained.
The auditing procedure that is ordinarily performed last is d. Obtaining a management representation letter. This is because obtaining a management representation letter is typically the final step in the audit process, where the auditor requests a written statement from management confirming their belief that all information provided is accurate and complete.