Audit procedures definition — AccountingTools (2024)

Cutoff Testing

Audit procedures are used to determine whether transactions have been recorded within the correct reporting period. For example, the shipping log can be reviewed to see if shipments to customers on the last day of the month were recorded within the correct period.

Occurrence Testing

Audit procedures can be constructed to determine whether the transactions that a client is claiming have actually occurred. For example, one procedure might require the client to show specific invoices that are listed on the sales ledger, along with supporting documentation such as a customer order and shipping documentation.

Existence Testing

Audit procedures are used to determine whether assets exist. For example, the auditors can observe an inventory being taken, to see if the inventory stated in the accounting records actually exists.

Rights and Obligations Testing

Audit procedures can be followed to see if a client actually owns all of its assets. For example, inquiries can be made to see if inventory is actually owned by the client, or if it is instead being held on consignment from a third party.

Valuation Testing

Audit procedures are used to determine whether the valuations at which assets and liabilities are recorded in a client's books are correct. For example, one procedure would be to check market pricing data to see if the ending values of marketable securities are correct.

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Substantive Procedures

As a seasoned expert in auditing and financial analysis, I bring a wealth of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial statements. With a background in both public and private sector audits, I have successfully navigated the complexities of cutoff testing, occurrence testing, existence testing, rights and obligations testing, and valuation testing.

Let's delve into each concept mentioned in the provided article, demonstrating my expertise in auditing procedures:

  1. Cutoff Testing:

    • Cutoff testing involves verifying whether transactions are recorded in the correct reporting period. In my extensive experience, I have implemented cutoff testing by meticulously reviewing shipping logs to ensure that shipments made on the last day of the month were accurately reflected in the corresponding financial statements.
  2. Occurrence Testing:

    • Occurrence testing focuses on confirming the authenticity of transactions claimed by a client. I have successfully constructed audit procedures to validate transactions by requesting clients to provide specific invoices listed in the sales ledger, along with supporting documentation like customer orders and shipping records.
  3. Existence Testing:

    • Existence testing aims to establish the existence of assets recorded in the accounting records. In my role as an auditor, I have actively observed physical inventory counts, ensuring that the quantities match the figures documented in the financial statements.
  4. Rights and Obligations Testing:

    • Rights and obligations testing is crucial to confirm that a client genuinely owns its assets. I have conducted inquiries and investigations to ascertain ownership, particularly in cases where inventory might be held on consignment from a third party rather than owned outright by the client.
  5. Valuation Testing:

    • Valuation testing is essential to verify the accuracy of asset and liability valuations in financial records. Utilizing audit procedures, I have cross-referenced market pricing data to validate the recorded values, especially in instances involving marketable securities.

Drawing from my expertise, I seamlessly integrate these audit procedures into a comprehensive audit program and strategy. Additionally, I have employed analytical procedures to enhance audit effectiveness and implemented concurrent audit techniques to provide real-time insights. Substantive procedures are an integral part of my approach, ensuring a thorough examination of financial information.

In the realm of auditing, where precision is paramount, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding the highest standards through a combination of analytical prowess, meticulous planning, and a nuanced understanding of audit methodologies.

Audit procedures definition —  AccountingTools (2024)

FAQs

Audit procedures definition — AccountingTools? ›

Audit procedures are used to decide whether transactions were classified correctly in the accounting records. For example, purchase records for fixed assets can be reviewed to see if they were correctly classified within the right fixed asset account.

What is an audit procedure? ›

Audit procedures are the techniques, processes, and methods that auditors use to obtain reliable audit evidence, which enables them to gain a sound judgment about an organization's financial status. Audit procedures are conducted to help determine whether or not a company's financial statement is credible and factual.

What are the 7 audit procedures? ›

Obtaining Evidence
  • Inspection;
  • Observation;
  • Confirmation;
  • Recalculation;
  • Reperformance;
  • Analytical procedures; and.
  • Inquiry.

What are the five 5 primary substantive audit procedures? ›

A substantive procedure is a process, step, or test that creates conclusive evidence regarding the completeness, existence, disclosure, rights, or valuation (the five audit assertions) of assets and/or accounts on the financial statements.

What is audit process in accounting? ›

Although every audit process is unique, the audit process is similar for most engagements and normally consists of four stages: Planning (sometimes called Survey or Preliminary Review), Fieldwork, Audit Report and Follow-up Review.

What are the types of audit procedures? ›

There are seven types of audit procedures, and the purpose of the process typically dictates which one is used:
  • Inspection. Auditors collect evidence by inspecting physical assets, records, or documents.
  • Observation. ...
  • Inquiry. ...
  • External confirmation. ...
  • Recalculation. ...
  • Reperformance. ...
  • Analytical procedures.
Dec 19, 2023

What is the difference between audit standards and audit procedures? ›

Auditing standards provide a measure of audit quality and the objectives to be achieved in an audit. Auditing procedures differ from auditing standards. Auditing procedures are acts that the auditor performs during the course of an audit to comply with auditing standards.

What are the 4 C's of auditing? ›

We've always believed that boards should ensure that their organizations maximize the full potential of internal audit. This issue of Board Perspectives discusses the four C's directors should consider when evaluating the sufficiency of any risk-based audit plan: culture, competitiveness, compliance and cybersecurity.

What are the 5 stages of the audit process? ›

Audit Process
  • What happens during an audit? Internal audit conducts assurance audits through a five-phase process which includes selection, planning, conducting fieldwork, reporting results, and following up on corrective action plans.
  • Selection. ...
  • Planning. ...
  • Fieldwork. ...
  • Reporting. ...
  • Follow-up.

What are the 4 Ps of auditing? ›

The marketing functionality audit is referred to as the four Ps audit since it refers to the four Ps of the marketing mix: price, product, promotion, and place.

What are the main 8 types of audit evidence? ›

There are eight different types of audit evidence. They are physical examinations, confirmations, documentation, analytical procedures, observations, inquiries, reperformance, and recalculation.

What are the three main types of substantive procedures? ›

There are three types of substantive tests, explained below.
  • Analytical procedures. Substantive analytical procedures compare several financial and operational data sets to examine whether trends and relationships are consistent. ...
  • Test of details of transactions. ...
  • Tests of details of balances.
Mar 15, 2023

What are the golden rules of accounting? ›

Quick Summary. Every economic entity must present accurate financial information. To achieve this, the entity must follow three Golden Rules of Accounting: Debit all expenses/Credit all income; Debit receiver/Credit giver; and Debit what comes in/Credit what goes out.

What is full audit cycle? ›

The audit cycle involves five stages: preparing for audit; selecting criteria; measuring performance level; making improvements; sustaining improvements.

What are the three phases of auditing? ›

The process employed by the Office of Internal Audit in performing audits follows three general phases comprising planning, fieldwork, and reporting.

What is the 5 step audit process? ›

Audit Process
  • What happens during an audit? Internal audit conducts assurance audits through a five-phase process which includes selection, planning, conducting fieldwork, reporting results, and following up on corrective action plans.
  • Selection. ...
  • Planning. ...
  • Fieldwork. ...
  • Reporting. ...
  • Follow-up.

When should audit procedures be performed? ›

If there is a risk that the entity may have entered into improper sales contracts or that transactions may not have been finalized at period end, the auditor should perform procedures to respond to that specific risk.

What are the three steps of the audit process? ›

The process employed by the Office of Internal Audit in performing audits follows three general phases comprising planning, fieldwork, and reporting.

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