Auditing

Tangible non-current assets, including property, plant, and equipment (PPE), are critical to an organization’s operational capabilities and financial stability. These assets often represent significant capital investments and require accurate accounting and auditing to ensure the integrity of financial statements. The primary objective of auditing tangible non-current assets is to verify their existence, ownership, valuation, completeness, and proper disclosure in accordance with accounting standards such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).… Read more

Internal controls are a fundamental component of an organization’s risk management framework, designed to ensure the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, safeguard assets, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Auditors are tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of these controls as part of their responsibility to provide assurance on financial statements. The International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 315 (Identifying and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement) and the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework provide guidance on internal control considerations in both auditing and organizational management.… Read more

Tangible non-current assets, also known as fixed assets, are physical assets that an organization uses in its operations to generate economic benefits over multiple periods, typically more than one year. These assets include property, plant, and equipment (PPE), such as land, buildings, machinery, vehicles, and furniture. Proper accounting, valuation, and auditing of tangible non-current assets are essential for accurate financial reporting, compliance with accounting standards like International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and effective asset management.… Read more

Non-current assets, also known as long-term assets, play a vital role in the financial health and operational capacity of an organization. These assets, which include property, plant, equipment, intangible assets, and long-term investments, are expected to provide economic benefits over periods longer than one year. Proper accounting, valuation, and auditing of non-current assets are critical to ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards such as the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).… Read more

When organizations outsource key services to third-party service organizations—such as payroll processors, IT providers, or transaction processors—the user auditor must evaluate how these services impact the financial statements and reporting process. The International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 402 (Audit Considerations Relating to an Entity Using a Service Organization) guides auditors on the procedures to follow when dealing with service organizations. User auditors are responsible for ensuring that any reliance on service organizations is appropriately disclosed and that sufficient audit evidence has been gathered to support the financial statements.… Read more

Responding appropriately to the assessed risks of material misstatement is a critical component of the audit process. Auditors are required to design and implement audit procedures that address the specific risks identified during the risk assessment phase. The International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 330 (The Auditor’s Responses to Assessed Risks) outlines the necessary steps for developing responses that ensure sufficient and appropriate audit evidence is obtained. By tailoring audit procedures to the nature, timing, and extent of identified risks, auditors can enhance the effectiveness of the audit and reduce the likelihood of undetected material misstatements.… Read more

In today’s business landscape, many organizations outsource critical functions to third-party service organizations, such as payroll processors, IT service providers, and data management companies. While outsourcing can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs, it also introduces risks related to data security, compliance, and financial reporting. For auditors, understanding the nature and extent of services provided by these third-party entities is essential to accurately assess audit risks and ensure the integrity of financial statements.… Read more

Service organizations play a critical role in modern business environments, providing outsourced services such as payroll processing, data hosting, and transaction processing to various entities. As companies increasingly rely on third-party service providers to manage essential business functions, understanding the risks and controls associated with these service organizations becomes crucial for both management and auditors. The International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 402 (Audit Considerations Relating to an Entity Using a Service Organization) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) guidelines outline the procedures auditors should follow when assessing service organizations.… Read more

Documentation is a cornerstone of the auditing process, providing a detailed record of the procedures performed, evidence obtained, and conclusions reached during an audit. Proper documentation enhances audit quality, facilitates accountability, and ensures compliance with professional standards such as the International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). It also serves as a critical tool for internal reviews, external inspections, and legal defense in case of disputes. This article explores the importance of audit documentation, the key elements that should be included, and best practices to ensure thorough, accurate, and compliant documentation in every audit engagement.… Read more

Leveraging the work of internal audit can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of external audits. Internal auditors provide valuable insights into an organization’s internal controls, risk management processes, and governance practices. By incorporating their work into the external audit process, external auditors can reduce duplication of efforts, streamline audit procedures, and gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s operations. The International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610 (Using the Work of Internal Auditors) outlines the conditions and procedures for using internal audit work, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the internal audit function’s objectivity, competence, and systematic approach.… Read more