ISA 320 · Construction

Materiality Calculator for Construction

Pre-configured for construction entities with considerations for IFRS 15 over-time revenue recognition, contract modifications, and work-in-progress valuation.

Industry

↳ Revenue reflects long-term contract activity and estimation complexity.

Benchmark

ISA 320.A6: When PBT is volatile or contains exceptional items, normalise by removing one-off gains or losses.

Performance Materiality (ISA 320.11)

Reduces the probability that uncorrected misstatements exceed overall materiality.

Clearly Trivial (ISA 450.A2)

Misstatements below this need not be accumulated unless qualitatively material.

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ISA 320.10: Determine materiality for the financial statements as a whole when establishing the overall audit strategy.

ISA 320.11: Determine performance materiality for assessing risks and determining further audit procedures.

ISA 320.A4: Common benchmarks: PBT, revenue, gross profit, total expenses, total equity, or net asset value.

Benchmark guidance

Construction and engineering companies recognise revenue over time under IFRS 15 using input or output methods to measure progress toward completion. This creates inherent estimation risk in both revenue and contract asset balances.

Choosing the right benchmark

Revenue at 0.5–1% is the standard range for construction entities. For large contractors with stable order books, the lower end is appropriate.

Key audit considerations

Revenue recognition over time under IFRS 15 — percentage of completion — is the primary area of estimation uncertainty.

Contract modifications, claims, and variation orders create additional measurement complexity.

Onerous contract provisions require assessment of estimated total contract costs against expected revenue.

Retention receivables and their recoverability may warrant specific attention.

Joint venture and consortium arrangements are common — IFRS 11 classification and related party implications should be considered.

Frequently asked questions

What benchmark should I use for construction audits?
Revenue at 0.5–1% is the standard range for construction entities. For large contractors with stable order books, the lower end is appropriate.
What are the key materiality considerations for construction?
Revenue recognition over time under IFRS 15 — percentage of completion — is the primary area of estimation uncertainty. Contract modifications, claims, and variation orders create additional measurement complexity. Onerous contract provisions require assessment of estimated total contract costs against expected revenue. Retention receivables and their recoverability may warrant specific attention. Joint venture and consortium arrangements are common — IFRS 11 classification and related party implications should be considered.
How does ISA 320 define materiality?
ISA 320 requires auditors to determine materiality for the financial statements as a whole when establishing the overall audit strategy. The benchmark chosen and the percentage applied depend on the nature of the entity, the needs of financial statement users, and the auditor's professional judgment.

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