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* ~ <br />What is a "reportable condition"? <br />The independent auditors typically perform ex- <br />tensive tests of controls as part of their effort to <br />obtain the evidence needed to support an opinion <br />on the fair presentation of the financial state- <br />ments. In the course of performing these tests, <br />auditors may become aware of significant defi- <br />ciencies in internal controls. GARS refer to such <br />deficiencies as reportable conditions and require <br />that auditors ensure that management is aware <br />of them. <br />What is an "unqualified opinion" <br />or "clean opinion"? <br />An unqualifced opinion or clean opinion is one in <br />which the independent auditor can state, with- <br />out reservation, that the financial statements <br />are fairly presented in all material respects in <br />conformity with generally accepted accounting <br />principles.3 <br />Management also is free, when obtaining audit <br />services, to set its own broader criteria for re- <br />portable conditions. For example, if management <br />had experienced problems with the processing of <br />travel claims, it could choose to make travel <br />claim compliance a reportable condition. In that <br />event, the auditor would be required by GAAS to <br />communicate to management any instances of <br />noncompliance with travel regulations encoun- <br />tered in the course of the audit, along with any <br />other reportable conditions. <br />3Technically speaking, the auditor also may issue an <br />unqualified opinion in accordance with a comprehensive <br />basis of accounting other than GAAP (e.g., cash basis <br />accounting). In that case, the auditor's opinion would have to <br />explain that this basis of accounting was not in conformity <br />with GAAP. <br />YS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL'S GUIDE TO AUDITING 31 <br />