Industry
↳ PBT is the most commonly used benchmark for profit-making entities.
Benchmark
Performance Materiality
Reduces the probability that uncorrected misstatements exceed overall materiality.
Clearly Trivial
Misstatements below this need not be accumulated unless qualitatively material.
ISA 320 Decision Tree
One-page visual guide for benchmark selection — plus one practical audit insight per week.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Benchmark Guidance
Materiality is the cornerstone of every audit engagement. 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.
Choosing the Right Benchmark
For general profit-making entities, profit before tax from continuing operations is the most commonly used benchmark (ISA 320.A4). This reflects the fact that users of financial statements of commercial entities typically focus on profitability as the key performance measure. The commonly accepted range is 5–10% of PBT, with 5% being the most frequently applied starting point.
Key Audit Considerations
If PBT is volatile or the entity is near breakeven, consider using a normalised profit figure or an alternative benchmark such as revenue or total assets.
For group audits, component materiality must be set lower than group materiality in accordance with ISA 600.
Materiality should be reconsidered as the audit progresses if new information suggests the initial determination is no longer appropriate (ISA 320.12).
Qualitative factors may result in certain misstatement types being material at amounts lower than overall materiality — for example, related party transactions or director remuneration disclosures.
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.