auditing chapter I
auditing chapter I
Meaning of auditing
Auditing is the process of checking a company’s financial records and activities to make sure
everything is accurate, honest, and follows the rules. It helps confirm that the company’s
financial statements, like balance sheets and income reports, are correct and reliable.
Audits can be done by people inside the company (internal auditors) or by independent
professionals from outside (external auditors). The goal is to catch any mistakes or fraud and
ensure that the company is operating fairly and legally.
Definition
Mautz
Features ---
business
(5) Auditing is concerned with verification of results shown by profit and loss
account and the state of affairs shown by balance sheet
(8) Auditing is done with the help of vouchers, documents, information and
explanations received from the authorities.
(9) Auditing is undertaken in any entity both profit oriented and non profit
oriented.
Objectives of Auditing
The objectives of auditing are changing with the advancement of business techniques. Earlier
it was only to check the correctness of receipts and payments. The objectives of the auditing
have been classified under three heads: -
1) Main objective
2) Subsidiary objectives
1. Main Objective (primary objective):The main objective of the auditing is to find reliability
of financial position and profit and loss statements. The objective is to ensure that the
accounts reveal a true and fair view of the business and its transactions. The objective is to
verify and establish that at a given date balance sheet presents true and fair view of financial
position of the business and the profit and loss account gives the true and fair view of profit
or loss for the accounting period. It is to be established that accounting statements satisfy
certain degree of reliability. Thus the main objective of auditing is to form an independent
judgement and opinion about the reliability of accounts and truth and fairness of financial
state of affairs and working results.
b. Misappropriation of assets.
3.Specific objective
The last imprtant objective of an auditing is specific object.audit does not imply
finaccial audiy alone. Itmay include such areas like review of operation ,
performance, cost record, and so on . Accordfingly , threre will be specific objective
in respect of each type of such specific audit
Accounting vs auditing
BASIS FOR
ACCOUNTING AUDITING
COMPARISON
Meaning Accounting means systematically keeping the records of the Auditing means inspection of the books
accounts of an organization and preparation of financial of account and financial statements of
statements at the end of the financial year. an organization.
Purpose To show the performance, profitability and financial position To reveal the fact, that to which extent
of an organization. financial statement of an organization
gives true and fair view.
Start Accounting starts where bookkeeping ends. Auditing starts where accounting ends.
Period Accounting is a continuous process, i.e. day to day Auditing is a periodic process.
recording of transactions are done.
Advantages of Auditing:
1. Ensures Accuracy and Reliability:
Audits help verify the accuracy of financial records, ensuring that the financial
statements present a true and fair view of the company’s financial position.
2. Detects Errors and Fraud:
Auditing can uncover both unintentional errors and deliberate fraud, helping to
maintain the integrity of financial information.
3. Enhances Credibility:
Audited financial statements are more credible, which helps build trust with
stakeholders such as investors, creditors, and regulatory bodies.
4. Improves Internal Controls:
The audit process often highlights weaknesses in internal controls and provides
recommendations for improvement, helping the organization manage risk more
effectively.
5. Helps in Compliance:
Auditors check whether the company complies with laws, regulations, and
accounting standards, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
6. Assists in Decision-Making:
Reliable financial information from an audit helps management make informed
decisions about budgeting, investments, and business strategies.
7. Increases Efficiency:
Auditors often provide feedback that can help streamline processes and improve
operational efficiency by identifying areas of waste or inefficiency.
8. Boosts Investor Confidence:
Audited accounts reassure current and potential investors, giving them confidence
in the company’s financial health and stability.
Limitations of Auditing:
1. Possibility of Undetected Errors and Fraud:
Audits are not fool proof and may not detect all errors or fraud, especially if
sophisticated fraud schemes are in place or if collusion is involved.
2. Dependence on Sampling:
Auditors often rely on sampling techniques rather than checking every transaction,
which may result in missing some irregularities or errors.
3. Subjectivity in Judgment:
Auditors rely on their professional judgment, which can vary. Interpretation of
accounting policies or financial disclosures can sometimes lead to subjective
conclusions.
4. Costly and Time-Consuming:
Audits can be expensive and time-consuming, especially for small businesses. The
process involves detailed examination, which requires significant resources.
5. Limited Scope:
The scope of the audit is restricted to financial matters, and it may not cover
operational or strategic aspects of the business that could also be important.
6. Dependence on Information Provided:
Auditors depend on the information provided by management and staff. If
management withholds information or provides false data, the audit may not be
effective.
7. Historical Focus:
Audits focus on past financial transactions and may not provide insight into future
risks or challenges the business might face.
8. Not an Absolute Guarantee:
An audit opinion does not guarantee that the financial statements are completely
error-free. It only provides reasonable assurance that they are free from material
misstatement.
Classification of audit
Basis of Classification Type of Audit
1. Based on Purpose 1. Financial Audit
2. Compliance Audit
3. Operational Audit
4. Internal Audit
5. External Audit
2. Based on Timing 1. Continuous Audit
2. Interim Audit
3. Final Audit
3. Based on Scope 1. Complete Audit
2. Partial Audit
3. Balance Sheet Audit
4. Cost Audit
4. Based on Who Conducts it 1. Internal Audit
2. External Audit
5. Based on Legal Requirement 1. Statutory Audit
2. Non-Statutory Audit
6. Based on Specific Focus 1. Information Systems Audit
2. Forensic Audit
3. Social Audit
4. Performance Audit
Audit program
An audit program is a detailed plan that outlines the procedures and steps an auditor
will follow during an audit. It serves as a guide for what will be examined, how the
examination will be conducted, and the timeline for completing the audit
Appointment of Company Auditor:
Initial Appointment:
The first auditor of a company is typically appointed by the Board of Directors
within 30 days of the company's incorporation. If the Board fails to appoint, the
members of the company must appoint the auditor at an extraordinary general
meeting within 90 days.
Subsequent Appointments:
In subsequent years, the company’s auditor is appointed at the annual general
meeting (AGM) of the company. The appointment is usually for a term of five
years, subject to ratification by the shareholders.
Eligibility:
The appointed auditor must be a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) or a firm of
CAs, as per the relevant regulations and laws (e.g., Companies Act in India).
ASSURANCE STANDARDS
In this chapter let us study standards of auditing and assurance standards. This refers to the
standards on quality control, auditing review, other assurances and related services. They include
the pronouncements of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICA) on the audit of various
items of financial statements.
The Study group/Task Force is responsible for preparing the basic draft of the
Standards/Statement/General Clarification. In addition a separate group of experts
may be formed to advice the Study Group/Task Force
4. The AASB may also conduct projects jointly with regulators and / or others. In such
cases, the joint Study Group/Task Force is ordinarily chaired by the Convenor
appointed with mutual consent.
It is important to note that the auditor, in order to conduct his audit effectively, must have a
thorough understanding of the auditing practices which have been generally accepted as standard.
For this purpose, he is required to study and understand thoroughly the various professional
pronouncements on auditing. These pronouncements indicate a collective or common view of the
professional auditors on (a) principles and techniques of auditing and (b) their application in various
auditing situations.
In this chapter, I have briefly discussed in general the accounting standards and standard auditing
practices and other statements on accounting and auditing.
Various professional bodies of accountants and auditors in several countries of the world
have issued from time to time pronouncements on generally accepted auditing practices for the
guidance of their members. Most of these pronouncements deal with a number of auditing practices
mainly with a view to enabling the auditor to express his opinion on the financial statements.
Recently. pronouncements have also been issued by these professional bodies on other types of
audit such as cost audit, internal control audit, tax audit etc. Further, these pronouncements issued
by various professional bodies attempt to codify the various auditing practices and the auditor is
expected to observe them when he seeks to express his opinion on the financial statements.
The Institute of Chartered Accountant of India (ICAI) has İssued from time to time various
documents such as Guidance Notes and Statements on a number of matters which are important to
the auditors and accountants to enable them to discharge their duties and perform their functions
properly and effectively.
The statements deal with a number of matters which are very important to the auditors and
accountants in the discharge of their duties and hence they must be complied with by them. They
are mandatory in character.
With the setting up of the Auditing Practices Committee in 1982, the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India, has been issuing a series of Statements on Standard Auditing Practices (SAPs).
As on August 31, 1998, the Institute had issued the following 15 SAPs.
Statements
SAP 3 - Documentation
Auditing and assurance are closely related concepts in the field of financial reporting,
but they have distinct meanings and purposes. Here are the significant differences between
auditing standards and assurance standards:
1. Definition
Auditing Standards: These are specific guidelines that govern the process of
auditing financial statements. They outline the procedures auditors should follow to
ensure that the audit is conducted in a systematic, thorough, and objective manner.
2. Scope
3. Level of Assurance
Limited Assurance: Common in reviews where the auditor performs fewer procedures
than in an audit.
4. Regulatory Framework
5. Types of Engagements
Financial audits
Reviews of financial statements
Agreed-upon procedures
Assurance on sustainability reports or compliance with regulations
6. Outcome
Assurance Standards: The outcomes can vary based on the type of engagement but
generally include an assurance report that communicates the level of assurance
provided.
The IAPC was renamed as International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board
(IAASB) in 2002.
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) plays a crucial role
in establishing and maintaining high-quality auditing and assurance standards worldwide.
Here are its key functions:
2. Enhancing Quality: By setting these standards, the IAASB aims to improve the
quality of audits and enhance the credibility of financial reporting, which is vital for
maintaining trust in capital markets.
3. Global Consistency: The IAASB promotes the adoption of its standards across
different jurisdictions, helping to create a more uniform approach to auditing and
assurance globally.
5. Continuous Improvement: The IAASB regularly reviews and updates its standards
to reflect changes in the business environment, technology, and regulatory
frameworks, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
6. Capacity Building: The board supports initiatives that enhance the skills and
knowledge of auditors through training and educational resources, fostering a
competent and ethical auditing profession.