What should auditors do between year-end and signing off the audit report?

Auditors should seek written management representation on events that occur after the year-end but before signing off the audit report. This practice is essential for providing an additional level of assurance about the accuracy and completeness of financial statements. Written representations from management can address various matters, including the disclosure of any subsequent events, which are important for the auditor's understanding of any events that could impact the financial statements.

Management is typically in the best position to provide information regarding subsequent events and any issues that have arisen since the year-end. By obtaining these representations, auditors can gather evidence to support their audit conclusions and verify that management is aware of and has considered the implications of any significant changes or events.

This approach aligns with the auditing standards that emphasize the importance of obtaining sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to support the auditor's opinion. It also underscores the principle that management has a responsibility for the financial statements, which includes identifying events that may affect them.

In contrast, performing no additional procedures would not ensure that the auditor has addressed all relevant information that could impact the audit opinion. Documenting all subsequent events strictly may not capture the tailored context that written representations from management provide. Lastly, only assessing risks inherent in previous statements does not capture any new information or circumstances that could affect the financial