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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of auditing?
What is the primary purpose of auditing?
What does the term 'audit' derive from?
What does the term 'audit' derive from?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the audit process?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the audit process?
What distinguishes external auditors from internal auditors?
What distinguishes external auditors from internal auditors?
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According to Flint, why does the audit function exist?
According to Flint, why does the audit function exist?
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Which of the following is NOT an aspect of the audit function?
Which of the following is NOT an aspect of the audit function?
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What role does auditing play in organizational accountability?
What role does auditing play in organizational accountability?
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Which statement best reflects the utility of auditing as described by Flint?
Which statement best reflects the utility of auditing as described by Flint?
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What year was the independent office of the Auditor General established in Jamaica?
What year was the independent office of the Auditor General established in Jamaica?
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Which section of the Constitution pertains to the functions of the Auditor General?
Which section of the Constitution pertains to the functions of the Auditor General?
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What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Auditor General as per the Financial Administration and Audit Act?
What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Auditor General as per the Financial Administration and Audit Act?
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What is the duty of the Auditor General concerning public money expenditures?
What is the duty of the Auditor General concerning public money expenditures?
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How many Auditor Generals had served before the current one, Pamela Monroe Ellis?
How many Auditor Generals had served before the current one, Pamela Monroe Ellis?
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What does the Auditor General have to ascertain about the accounts maintained by the government?
What does the Auditor General have to ascertain about the accounts maintained by the government?
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What is an essential role of the Auditor General in relation to government property?
What is an essential role of the Auditor General in relation to government property?
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Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Auditor General?
Which of the following is NOT a duty of the Auditor General?
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What is the primary responsibility of external auditors?
What is the primary responsibility of external auditors?
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Which statement best describes auditor independence?
Which statement best describes auditor independence?
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What role do internal auditors play in a company?
What role do internal auditors play in a company?
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What is the primary role of external auditors?
What is the primary role of external auditors?
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What is meant by accountability in a business context?
What is meant by accountability in a business context?
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Which accounting standards do external auditors follow in the U.S.?
Which accounting standards do external auditors follow in the U.S.?
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How does corporate governance contribute to a company's operations?
How does corporate governance contribute to a company's operations?
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What distinguishes external auditors from internal auditors in their approach?
What distinguishes external auditors from internal auditors in their approach?
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Which of the following is NOT typically a part of the external audit process?
Which of the following is NOT typically a part of the external audit process?
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What do external auditors typically discuss with management during an exit conference?
What do external auditors typically discuss with management during an exit conference?
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What is the assurance provided by external auditors known as in the U.K.?
What is the assurance provided by external auditors known as in the U.K.?
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What is one of the key differences between internal and external audits?
What is one of the key differences between internal and external audits?
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What is a common purpose of auditing services beyond financial statement audits?
What is a common purpose of auditing services beyond financial statement audits?
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What is the purpose of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)?
What is the purpose of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)?
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Which factor indicates that the audit function needs to adapt?
Which factor indicates that the audit function needs to adapt?
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What role can an internal auditor transform into when external auditors identify significant issues?
What role can an internal auditor transform into when external auditors identify significant issues?
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What is one of the steps internal audit must take to enhance its function?
What is one of the steps internal audit must take to enhance its function?
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How can internal audit improve its effectiveness?
How can internal audit improve its effectiveness?
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What document do external auditors provide to management after identifying issues?
What document do external auditors provide to management after identifying issues?
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What primary benefit does external auditing provide to financial information?
What primary benefit does external auditing provide to financial information?
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Which of the following is NOT a goal for internal audit to become a strategic player?
Which of the following is NOT a goal for internal audit to become a strategic player?
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What is one of the functions of the Auditor General under Section 25(1)?
What is one of the functions of the Auditor General under Section 25(1)?
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What must be presented alongside the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure?
What must be presented alongside the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure?
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How soon must the Auditor General report to the Houses of Parliament after the Fiscal Policy Paper is laid?
How soon must the Auditor General report to the Houses of Parliament after the Fiscal Policy Paper is laid?
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Which of the following is NOT a reason for the Auditor General to recommend a surcharge under the FAA Act?
Which of the following is NOT a reason for the Auditor General to recommend a surcharge under the FAA Act?
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What does the Auditor General need to determine regarding public bodies in the specified public sector?
What does the Auditor General need to determine regarding public bodies in the specified public sector?
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What is a primary aim of reviewing the Fiscal Policy Paper?
What is a primary aim of reviewing the Fiscal Policy Paper?
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Under which section of the FAA Act can the Auditor General recommend a surcharge?
Under which section of the FAA Act can the Auditor General recommend a surcharge?
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Which of the following is a function of the Auditor General regarding public expenditure?
Which of the following is a function of the Auditor General regarding public expenditure?
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Study Notes
Audit Practice and Procedures II - Week One
- Audit Function: History, Importance, and Dynamics
- Auditor General's Department: Established in 1829 as a part-time office, an independent office was established in 1851.
- Current Auditor General: Pamela Monroe Ellis, FCCA, FCA, CISA, 2008 – Present (There were 12 previous Auditor Generals)
- Duties and Responsibilities: Defined in the Jamaican Constitution and the Financial Administration and Audit Act. Responsible for assessing the effectiveness of financial management systems and compliance with policies/guidelines.
- Section 25(1): Auditor General must determine if accounts are kept faithfully; rules and procedures are sufficient for assessment and allocation; all money used for designated purposes and avoid waste/extravagance; compliance with Government property procedures; and effectiveness of programs/services.
- Additional Functions: Related to Government accounts; supervision and control of public funds; accounts of any government authority within Jamaica.
- FAA Act: Requires the Minister of Finance to present a Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP) to Parliament with the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, with an accompanying report to Parliament from the Auditor General within 2 weeks. This report assesses the government's fiscal outcomes and conformance to prudent financial principles.
Audit Functions
- Definition of Auditing: Accumulation and evaluation of evidence to assess the correspondence of information with established criteria. Done by competent personnel.
- History and Utility of Auditing: Latin word audire meaning "to hear." A social phenomenon designed for its utility, specifically to reduce risk and improve performance for organizations/individuals who lack firsthand knowledge (or confidence in the accuracy or propriety) of the procedures or performance of the organization/individual in question.
- Internal Audit Functions: Internal auditors are employed by the organization and take a continuous view of organization efficiency. They ensure risk management practices, corporate governance, and fraud detection are optimal. Internal auditors focus on continuous improvement and support the organization's strategic goals.
- External Audit Functions: External Auditors are independent firms hired to assess financial statements and compliance by examining a company's records (e.g., balance sheets, statements of procedures) looking backward to confirm accuracy, compliance with specified standards; and identifying and reporting related issues and suggested improvements). The scope of this work is determined by the organization.
- Internal vs. External Audit Comparative: Provides a table outlining the differences between internal and external audit functions in terms of purpose, relationship to the company, focus, audience, perspective, timing, and professional designation.
Terminology
- Accountability: The obligation of an individual or organization to account for activities, accept responsibility, and disclose results transparently.
- Audit Evidence: Verifiable information related to audit criteria (e.g., GAAP, IFRS), including records, statements, and other data.
- Corporate Governance: The framework of rules and practices by which a board of directors ensures accountability, fairness, and transparency in a company's relationship with its stakeholders.
- Auditor Independence: Refers to the independence of external auditors ensuring a neutral and unbiased assessment of financial information.
- External Auditors: Inspect financial statements to express an opinion as to whether information is presented fairly in accordance with established standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS). Auditors work for independent firms.
- Internal Auditors: Employees of a company charged with delivering objective evaluations across the company's financial and operational business activities, including corporate governance.
Understanding the Dynamics
- Transformation: Internal audit needs to align itself with the organization's core objectives, which implies improvement in efficiency, and cost savings. Internal audits should also cover broader risks and actively anticipate future risks. Improving audit skills and leveraging external expertise is a key element of this process, too.
- Three Key Steps: (1) Link internal audit to business value agenda; (2) Build business case for change; (3) Create plan focusing on value measurement and accountability.
References (sources not included, but mentioned in presentation):
- Various URLs related to the Jamaican Auditor General, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and other cited sources.
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Description
This quiz covers the history, importance, and dynamics of the audit function, with a focus on the Auditor General's Department in Jamaica. Explore key duties, responsibilities, and the roles of past and present auditors. Test your knowledge on the legislative framework governing auditing in Jamaica.