What characterizes a review engagement conducted by a CPA?

A review engagement conducted by a CPA is characterized by the inclusion of inquiry and analytical procedures to provide a limited assurance on the financial statements. This type of engagement does not verify every detail or transactions, but instead focuses on performing a series of analytical procedures and inquiries to obtain a general understanding of the financial statements and to identify any areas that may require further investigation. The goal is to offer a moderate level of assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

The nature of a review engagement means that the CPA is not providing absolute assurance, as would be the case in an audit; rather, they are performing procedures that are less comprehensive than those in an audit. Therefore, it does not involve a detailed examination of all financial processes, but rather a more high-level overview through the specified procedures to arrive at their conclusion. This aligns with the characteristics of a review engagement, where the focus is on obtaining sufficient evidence to support the limited assurance provided.