Audit
Audit (Definition)
An audit is an independent examination and evaluation of an organizations financial records, transactions, and internal controls. It is typically conducted by a qualified professional to ensure accuracy, compliance, and fair representation of financial information.
Key aspects of audits include:
- Can be internal (conducted by employees) or external (performed by independent auditors)
- Aims to verify the accuracy and completeness of financial statements
- Assesses compliance with accounting standards and regulations
- Identifies weaknesses in internal control systems
- Provides assurance to stakeholders about the reliability of financial information
- Can be mandatory for certain types of businesses or voluntary
- Results in an audit report expressing an opinion on the financial statements Audits play a crucial role in maintaining financial transparency, detecting errors or fraud, and building trust with stakeholders.