Which concept refers to susceptibility of an assertion to material misstatement before considering internal controls?

The concept that refers to the susceptibility of an assertion to material misstatement before considering internal controls is known as inherent risk. Inherent risk arises from the nature of the business and the characteristics of the specific assertion being audited. It reflects the risk that a material misstatement could occur in the absence of any related internal controls put in place to prevent or detect such misstatements.

Understanding inherent risk is crucial for auditors as it helps them assess the potential areas of risk within the financial statements. When auditors evaluate inherent risk, they consider factors such as the complexity of transactions, the industry environment, and prior audit findings. Recognizing areas with high inherent risk allows auditors to allocate their resources effectively and develop a more targeted audit strategy.

Detection risk, on the other hand, pertains to the risk that the auditor will not detect a material misstatement in the financial statements. It is related to the effectiveness of the audit procedures. Control risk refers to the risk that a material misstatement will not be prevented or detected by the entity's internal controls. Audit risk is a broader concept that encapsulates inherent risk, control risk, and detection risk, representing the overall risk the auditor accepts when forming an opinion on the financial statements.