factual

When auditing Checkersrallys' financial statements, is the auditor required to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control?

Checkersrallys Franchise · 2025 FDD

Answer from 2025 FDD Document

In performing an audit in accordance with US GAAS, we:

  • Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
  • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.
  • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
  • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
  • Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.

We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.

Source: Item 21 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (FDD page 91)

What This Means (2025 FDD)

According to Checkersrallys' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the auditor is not required to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control. The audit is conducted to assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements and to design audit procedures accordingly. While the auditor obtains an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit, it is not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on its effectiveness.

This means that the auditor's focus is on whether the financial statements are fairly presented, not on whether Checkersrallys' internal controls are robust. However, the auditor is required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters identified during the audit.

For a prospective franchisee, this implies that the financial statements provide an overview of Checkersrallys' financial position and performance, but do not offer assurance about the strength of its internal controls. A potential franchisee may want to independently assess Checkersrallys' internal controls or seek additional information from the company regarding its risk management practices.

Disclaimer: This information is extracted from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document and is provided for research purposes only. It does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with a franchise attorney before making any investment decisions.