As a tax-first firm, CoPilot Tax understands the importance of staying up-to-date with ever-changing financial regulations and standards. One such standard, the Canadian Standard on Related Services (CSRS) 4200, is critical for those preparing financial statements. In this blog post, we’ll explore what CSRS 4200 is, its requirements, and provide examples of financial statements prepared under this standard. Our goal is to help you better understand this critical aspect of financial reporting and ensure your financial statements are in compliance.

What is CSRS 4200?

CSRS 4200 is a standard issued by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and is applicable to the compilation of financial statements. It provides guidance on the professional responsibilities of accountants when engaged to compile financial information. The standard applies to engagements where the accountant is not required to provide assurance on the financial statements, such as an audit or review engagement.

Key Requirements of CSRS 4200

The primary objective of CSRS 4200 is to set the framework for accountants when compiling financial statements. The key requirements include:

1. Understanding the client’s needs and establishing the terms of the engagement in writing.

2. Obtaining a sufficient understanding of the client’s business, accounting systems, and internal controls.

3. Identifying and addressing material inconsistencies or misstatements in the financial information.

4. Disclosing the basis of accounting used in the preparation of the financial statements.

5. Including a notice to reader on each page of the compiled financial statements, indicating that the accountant has not audited, reviewed, or otherwise attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of the financial information.

CSRS 4200 Financial Statements Example

To provide a better understanding of how CSRS 4200 financial statements should look, let’s review an example. For the sake of illustration, we’ll use a fictional small business, “TechGenius Inc.”

1. Balance Sheet:

The balance sheet should include assets, liabilities, and equity as of the reporting date. The notice to reader should be clearly visible on the page, as required by CSRS 4200.

1. Income Statement:

The income statement should display revenue, expenses, and net income for the reporting period. Again, the notice to reader must be present on the page.

1. Statement of Retained Earnings:

This statement should show the changes in retained earnings, including the beginning balance, net income, and any dividends paid during the reporting period. The notice to reader should be included as well.

1. Statement of Cash Flows:

The statement of cash flows should detail the cash inflows and outflows from operating, investing, and financing activities. As with the other statements, the notice to reader must be present.

1. Notes to Financial Statements:

The notes to financial statements should provide additional information and clarification on the figures and policies used in the financial statements. They should also disclose the basis of accounting used in the preparation of the financial statements, as required by CSRS 4200.

Wrapping it up

Complying with CSRS 4200 is crucial for businesses preparing financial statements in Canada. By understanding its requirements and following the provided examples, you can ensure your financial statements are in compliance with this standard. At CoPilot Tax, our team of experts is well-versed in a wide range of tax laws and regulations, including CSRS 4200. If you need assistance in preparing your financial statements or have any questions about tax-related issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance and support.