Internal Audit
Internal Audit
Internal Audit
Internal audit work is a continues throughout of It is done annually at the end of the fiscal
the year year
Internal auditor has not to submit any report to External auditor submit report to the
shareholders shareholders
Internal auditor checks all the transaction External auditor may apply test check
Internal auditor gives suggestions to the External auditor has no need to give
management for the betterment of the business suggestions unless he is asked
Internal auditor primary duty is to find the fraud External auditor has to report about final
and errors accounts whether these are true or false
Many organizations have audit committees that oversee the audit process and
provide an additional layer of corporate governance. These committees are
responsible for ensuring the independence and effectiveness of the audit
function.
11. Fiduciary Duty:
Directors and officers of companies owe a fiduciary duty to the organization and
its shareholders. Audits help fulfill this duty by ensuring that financial and
operational decisions are made in the best interests of the company.
12. Public Trust:
In the public sector, audits are essential for maintaining public trust.
Government agencies and non-profit organizations are often required to
undergo audits to demonstrate responsible stewardship of public funds.
Objective of an Audit:
The primary objective of an audit is to provide an independent and objective assessment of an
organization's financial statements, internal controls, and operations. The overarching goals of
an audit are as follows:
2. To Ensure Compliance: Auditors assess whether the financial statements are prepared
in compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations, and legal requirements.
This helps ensure that the organization is adhering to accepted accounting principles
and statutory guidelines.
3. To Detect Errors and Fraud: Auditors are responsible for identifying errors,
irregularities, or fraud in financial records. They perform procedures to detect material
misstatements or fraudulent activities that could impact the integrity of the financial
statements.
Role of an Auditor:
The role of an auditor is critical in fulfilling the objectives of an audit. Auditors perform various
tasks and responsibilities to achieve the objectives, including:
1. Independence: Auditors must maintain independence from the organization they are
auditing to ensure an unbiased assessment.
2. Planning: Auditors plan the audit engagement, including the scope, objectives, and audit
approach. They develop an audit plan to guide the examination process.
3. Risk Assessment: Auditors identify and assess risks associated with financial reporting,
including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud or errors.
7. Reporting: Auditors issue an audit report that includes their opinion on the financial
statements. This report is provided to shareholders and other stakeholders, along with
any recommendations for improvements in internal controls or financial reporting.
9. Ethical Conduct: Auditors are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics and
professional standards, including honesty, integrity, and confidentiality.
10.Continuous Learning: Auditors must stay current with changing accounting standards
and auditing practices to maintain their professional competence.
The auditor's role is not only to verify the financial statements but also to provide valuable
insights and recommendations to help the organization improve its financial reporting and
internal controls. Auditors act as independent gatekeepers, ensuring the integrity and reliability
of financial information.