State and explain the parties and their roles, duties, and rights in an assurance engagement, including the members of the assurance team.

In an assurance engagement, there are typically three main parties involved: the responsible party, the assurance provider, and the intended users.

1. Responsible Party: The responsible party is the entity or individual that is responsible for the subject matter of the assurance engagement. They are responsible for providing the assurance provider with all necessary information and access to relevant documents and personnel. The responsible party's role is to ensure that the information being provided is accurate and complete.

2. Assurance Provider: The assurance provider is the individual or firm that is engaged to conduct the assurance engagement. Their role is to provide an independent and objective assessment of the subject matter, based on agreed-upon criteria. The assurance provider's duties include planning and performing the engagement in accordance with relevant standards, gathering sufficient and appropriate evidence, and issuing a report on their findings.

3. Intended Users: The intended users are the individuals or entities for whom the assurance report is prepared. They rely on the assurance provider's report to make informed decisions about the subject matter being assessed. The intended users have the right to access the assurance report and rely on its conclusions.

Members of the Assurance Team: The assurance team is comprised of individuals within the assurance provider's firm who are responsible for conducting the engagement. This team may include partners, managers, and staff members with relevant expertise and experience. Each member of the assurance team has specific roles and responsibilities, such as planning and executing audit procedures, reviewing workpapers, and drafting the assurance report. The team works together to ensure that the engagement is conducted in accordance with professional standards and delivers a high-quality assurance report to the intended users.

Parties in an Assurance Engagement

1. Responsible Party:
- The entity or individual responsible for providing the subject matter being assured.
- They prepare the information and are responsible for its accuracy and completeness.

2. Assurance Provider:
- An independent professional or organization that performs the assurance engagement.
- They express an opinion or provide a conclusion on the subject matter based on their review.

Roles, Duties, and Rights of the Parties

Assurance Provider

- Role: To provide an impartial and independent assessment of the subject matter.
- Duties:
- Conduct the assurance engagement in accordance with professional standards.
- Exercise professional judgment and skepticism.
- Report on the results of their assessment, including any material findings or conclusions.
- Rights:
- To access relevant information and documentation.
- To meet with management and other relevant parties.
- To seek clarification or additional information as needed.

Responsible Party

- Role: To provide the necessary information and support to the assurance provider.
- Duties:
- Prepare and present the subject matter in a clear and complete manner.
- Respond to inquiries and provide clarifications.
- Establish and maintain an appropriate internal control system.
- Rights:
- To receive a timely and objective report from the assurance provider.
- To review and provide comments on the draft assurance report.
- To understand and be informed of the scope and limitations of the assurance engagement.

Members of the Assurance Team

In some assurance engagements, a team of professionals may be involved. Each member has specific responsibilities within the engagement. These may include:

- Engagement Partner: The senior-most member of the assurance team, responsible for overall engagement management and quality control.
- Assurance Manager: Manages the day-to-day planning and execution of the engagement.
- Senior Staff: Performs detailed audit or assurance procedures and supervises junior staff.
- Junior Staff: Assists with data gathering, testing, and documentation.