Why do external auditors require the client to sign a "Representation Letter" ? Enlist the significant points to included in a representation letter.

Audit engagement letter/representation letter:

Auditors generally provide audit engagement letters as one of the final steps in the audit planning stage. The letter summarizes all the information the auditor has gained about the client, the client needs and audit objectives, as well as the scope of the audit and what the client is responsible for doing. Additionally, audit engagement letters clearly indicate the auditor assigned to the audit. They also may indicate additional information the auditor will need during the audit,, the auditor's fees, people with whom the auditor will need to speak and how much time the auditor has to finish his work. Also sometimes included are relevant financial and accounting regulations to which the auditors must adhere. A good audit engagement letter also recognizes that not all clients are familiar with audit procedures and therefore outlines those procedures for clarification. Audit engagement letters are very similar to work contracts in the way they are constructed in that they define duties and relationships, but based on their wording, they are not necessarily legally binding the way a formal contract is.

To confirm that what is stated in the reports within the limits of what was allowed to access it

agree with mr venkitaraman