Examples of alternative audit procedures the auditor may perform include:

• For accounts receivable balances – examining specific subsequent cash receipts, shipping documentation, and sales near the period-end.
• For accounts payable balances – examining subsequent cash disbursements or correspondence from third parties, and other records, such as goods received notes.

 
The nature and extent of alternative audit procedures are affected by the account and assertion in question.
 
 A non-response to a confirmation request may indicate a previously unidentified risk of material misstatement. In such situations, the auditor may need to revise the assessed risk of material misstatement at the assertion level, and modify planned audit procedures, in accordance with SA 315.
 
For example, fewer responses to confirmation requests than anticipated, or a greater number of responses than anticipated, may indicate a previously unidentified fraud risk factor that requires evaluation in accordance with SA 240.