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What is the primary purpose of the internal audit function?
What is the primary purpose of the internal audit function?
How does an effective internal audit function impact external audit procedures?
How does an effective internal audit function impact external audit procedures?
What is the main role of external auditors?
What is the main role of external auditors?
What document do external auditors provide if they identify significant issues with accounts?
What document do external auditors provide if they identify significant issues with accounts?
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Which of the following statements about internal audit effectiveness is correct?
Which of the following statements about internal audit effectiveness is correct?
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How does changing technology affect the audit function?
How does changing technology affect the audit function?
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What is the primary benefit of external audits for organizations?
What is the primary benefit of external audits for organizations?
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What does the internal audit function evaluate and improve?
What does the internal audit function evaluate and improve?
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What transformation can the role of internal auditor undergo?
What transformation can the role of internal auditor undergo?
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Which statement is true regarding the audit management letter provided by external auditors?
Which statement is true regarding the audit management letter provided by external auditors?
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What is one of the key steps internal audit can take to enhance its function?
What is one of the key steps internal audit can take to enhance its function?
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How do external auditors contribute to financial information?
How do external auditors contribute to financial information?
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Which option describes a goal of the internal audit function?
Which option describes a goal of the internal audit function?
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What should internal auditors focus on to provide a broader risk coverage?
What should internal auditors focus on to provide a broader risk coverage?
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What is NOT a step internal audit can take to become a value-driven strategic player?
What is NOT a step internal audit can take to become a value-driven strategic player?
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Which aspect is essential for internal audit to realize its transformation?
Which aspect is essential for internal audit to realize its transformation?
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What does auditing primarily involve according to established definitions?
What does auditing primarily involve according to established definitions?
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Why is the independence of the auditor considered crucial in the auditing process?
Why is the independence of the auditor considered crucial in the auditing process?
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What does the term 'established criteria' refer to in the context of auditing?
What does the term 'established criteria' refer to in the context of auditing?
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According to Flint's perspective, why does the audit function exist?
According to Flint's perspective, why does the audit function exist?
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What role can auditing play in governance?
What role can auditing play in governance?
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Which of the following statements best describes the evolution of the audit function?
Which of the following statements best describes the evolution of the audit function?
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What is indicated by the phrase 'without audit, no control' in the context of governance?
What is indicated by the phrase 'without audit, no control' in the context of governance?
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What is the primary purpose of executing an audit process?
What is the primary purpose of executing an audit process?
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What is one main responsibility of external auditors?
What is one main responsibility of external auditors?
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Which of the following statements accurately differentiates internal auditors from external auditors?
Which of the following statements accurately differentiates internal auditors from external auditors?
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Which auditing standards are external auditors generally required to follow?
Which auditing standards are external auditors generally required to follow?
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What is the primary content of an audit management letter provided by external auditors?
What is the primary content of an audit management letter provided by external auditors?
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How does technology primarily impact auditing processes?
How does technology primarily impact auditing processes?
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What would be a primary focus when transforming the internal auditor's role?
What would be a primary focus when transforming the internal auditor's role?
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How do external auditors enhance confidence in financial information?
How do external auditors enhance confidence in financial information?
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What is a key difference between internal and external audits?
What is a key difference between internal and external audits?
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What does an audit management letter typically contain?
What does an audit management letter typically contain?
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In what way can changing technology impact the audit function?
In what way can changing technology impact the audit function?
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Which aspect is vital for internal audit effectiveness according to the IPPF?
Which aspect is vital for internal audit effectiveness according to the IPPF?
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What is one potential benefit of the internal audit's transformation into a consultancy role?
What is one potential benefit of the internal audit's transformation into a consultancy role?
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Which of the following is a recommended step for internal audit enhancement?
Which of the following is a recommended step for internal audit enhancement?
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What is the primary function of external auditors in relation to financial statements?
What is the primary function of external auditors in relation to financial statements?
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How do external auditors differ from internal auditors in the timing of their work?
How do external auditors differ from internal auditors in the timing of their work?
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What is the significance of presenting a 'true and fair view' in external audits?
What is the significance of presenting a 'true and fair view' in external audits?
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Which of the following is included in the responsibilities of external auditors when they complete their work?
Which of the following is included in the responsibilities of external auditors when they complete their work?
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What role does technology play in the process of external auditing?
What role does technology play in the process of external auditing?
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What specific document do external auditors provide at the conclusion of their audit?
What specific document do external auditors provide at the conclusion of their audit?
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Which statement best describes the independence of external auditors?
Which statement best describes the independence of external auditors?
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What is a common misconception about the relationship between internal and external auditors?
What is a common misconception about the relationship between internal and external auditors?
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Which of the following is NOT classified as a transaction in the sales and collection cycle?
Which of the following is NOT classified as a transaction in the sales and collection cycle?
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What is the first step in the business functions of the sales and collection cycle?
What is the first step in the business functions of the sales and collection cycle?
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Which account is directly impacted when a bad debt expense is recognized?
Which account is directly impacted when a bad debt expense is recognized?
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What is the last stage of the sales and collection cycle?
What is the last stage of the sales and collection cycle?
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Which of the following transactions includes the action of reducing an account receivable?
Which of the following transactions includes the action of reducing an account receivable?
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Which of the following accurately represents the main purpose of processing customer orders?
Which of the following accurately represents the main purpose of processing customer orders?
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Which document is essential for recording a sale in the sales and collection cycle?
Which document is essential for recording a sale in the sales and collection cycle?
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In cash management, what is the primary goal of processing and recording cash receipts?
In cash management, what is the primary goal of processing and recording cash receipts?
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What function does the accounts receivable management serve in the sales and collection cycle?
What function does the accounts receivable management serve in the sales and collection cycle?
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Which of the following is a key area that includes management of financial transactions within the sales and collection cycle?
Which of the following is a key area that includes management of financial transactions within the sales and collection cycle?
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Which business function directly involves the authorization prior to billing?
Which business function directly involves the authorization prior to billing?
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What does the sales invoice serve as in the sales and collection cycle?
What does the sales invoice serve as in the sales and collection cycle?
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Which document is primarily used to record cash received from customers?
Which document is primarily used to record cash received from customers?
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Which of the following is not a key function in the sales and collection cycle?
Which of the following is not a key function in the sales and collection cycle?
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In the sales and collection cycle, which document is used to justify the write-off of uncollectible accounts?
In the sales and collection cycle, which document is used to justify the write-off of uncollectible accounts?
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What is a primary objective for designing tests of controls within the sales to meet transaction-related audit objectives?
What is a primary objective for designing tests of controls within the sales to meet transaction-related audit objectives?
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Which document primarily reflects the detailed listing of accounts receivable balances over a specified time?
Which document primarily reflects the detailed listing of accounts receivable balances over a specified time?
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Which function in the sales and collection cycle is most closely related to assessing customer creditworthiness?
Which function in the sales and collection cycle is most closely related to assessing customer creditworthiness?
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What does the sales returns and allowances journal primarily document?
What does the sales returns and allowances journal primarily document?
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Which method is essential in providing for bad debt in accounting practices?
Which method is essential in providing for bad debt in accounting practices?
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What is a primary step in assessing planned control risk for an organization?
What is a primary step in assessing planned control risk for an organization?
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Which internal control is primarily focused on ensuring accurate payroll disbursements?
Which internal control is primarily focused on ensuring accurate payroll disbursements?
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How should auditors address the risk associated with complex compensation arrangements?
How should auditors address the risk associated with complex compensation arrangements?
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In the context of auditing accounts receivable, what is a major concern for auditors?
In the context of auditing accounts receivable, what is a major concern for auditors?
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What is considered a significant risk in the payroll function of an organization?
What is considered a significant risk in the payroll function of an organization?
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Which of the following practices is crucial for the effective management of cash within an organization?
Which of the following practices is crucial for the effective management of cash within an organization?
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What type of documents are essential for maintaining adequate records in a sales and collection cycle?
What type of documents are essential for maintaining adequate records in a sales and collection cycle?
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Which accounts are primarily affected when uncollectible accounts receivable are written off?
Which accounts are primarily affected when uncollectible accounts receivable are written off?
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What is one method utilized to assess risks affecting payroll liability accounts?
What is one method utilized to assess risks affecting payroll liability accounts?
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Which of the following is a key component of internal verification procedures?
Which of the following is a key component of internal verification procedures?
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What is the primary purpose of designing tests of controls in the payroll and personnel cycle?
What is the primary purpose of designing tests of controls in the payroll and personnel cycle?
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In the context of a cutoff bank statement, what is the auditor primarily attempting to verify?
In the context of a cutoff bank statement, what is the auditor primarily attempting to verify?
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Which of the following best describes the process of requesting a cutoff bank statement for audit purposes?
Which of the following best describes the process of requesting a cutoff bank statement for audit purposes?
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Why are analytical procedures important in the audit of payroll liability accounts?
Why are analytical procedures important in the audit of payroll liability accounts?
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What type of accounts are primarily assessed through tests of details in a payroll audit?
What type of accounts are primarily assessed through tests of details in a payroll audit?
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Which document is typically included in a cutoff bank statement?
Which document is typically included in a cutoff bank statement?
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Which statement accurately defines the role of a bank reconciliation in the payroll audit process?
Which statement accurately defines the role of a bank reconciliation in the payroll audit process?
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What risk is associated with the payroll function that auditors must specifically test for?
What risk is associated with the payroll function that auditors must specifically test for?
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How does the auditor typically analyze the payroll liability accounts?
How does the auditor typically analyze the payroll liability accounts?
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What primary benefit does the auditor gain from reviewing the cutoff bank statement during the audit?
What primary benefit does the auditor gain from reviewing the cutoff bank statement during the audit?
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Study Notes
Audit Practice and Procedures II: The Audit Function
- Auditing is the collection and evaluation of evidence about information to determine and report on the degree of correspondence between the information and established criteria. Auditing should be done by a competent, independent person. (Arens, et al., 2012)
- Key words in the definition include:
- "competent"
- "independent"
- "established criteria" (e.g., IFRS)
- "information" (evidence)
- The word "audit" comes from the Latin word "audire," meaning "to hear."
- Auditing is a social phenomenon serving primarily a practical, utilitarian purpose. (Flint, 1988)
- The audit function evolved in response to a perceived need for individuals or groups to obtain information or reassurance about the performance of others. This is a method of social control. (Flint, 1988)
- Audit exists because interested individuals or groups cannot obtain required information for themselves. It thereby monitors conduct and performance, establishing accountability. (Flint, 1998)
- Without audit, there's no control, and without control, there's no power. An audit is critical to the welfare and stability of society. (Mackenzie, as cited in Normanton, 1996)
Execution and Types of Audit
- To fully understand the audit function, execution and the audit process need to be understood.
- Types of audits:
- Internal Audit
- External Audit
Internal Audit
- Defined in ISAs as a function of an entity that performs assurance and consulting activities to assess the effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal control.
- An effective internal audit can reduce the need for some external audit procedures, but it can never eliminate them.
- Effectiveness of internal audit influences how external auditors assess the whole control system and the assessment of audit risk.
- Even if deemed ineffective, internal audit conclusions can be helpful awareness for external auditors.
- External auditors decide on the nature and extent of work that can be used from the internal audit function
External Audit
- External auditors examine annual reports of organizations without involvement in daily operations.
- External auditors express opinions on whether financial statements reflect the financial position at a specific time. For example, are income and liabilities correctly recorded in the statements?
- External auditors identify significant issues with accounts and provide managers with an "audit management letter" outlining the issues and how they should be addressed.
- Their role is important to promote confidence and trust in financial information.
Dynamics of the Audit Function
- Internal audit needs to align with organizational objectives, improve efficiency, and offer broader risk coverage. This involves enabling cost efficiencies across business units, leveraging internal and external skills to create competitive advantage, and contributing to sustainable business improvements.
- Internal Audit can realize transformation by linking itself to business value agendas, building cases for change, and creating plans focused on measurability and accountability. Auditors must adapt to changing technologies and stakeholder requirements and stay abreast of new rules and regulations.
- The role of internal auditors can transform into a more consultative one, working with the company to improve and resolve significant issues identified by external auditors.
References
- Arens, et al. (2012): Auditing and Assurance Services
- Flint (1988): Social Phenomenon
- Flint (1998): Specific arguments in relation to the audit
- Mackenzie (as cited in Normanton, 1996): Accountability and Audit of Governments
- BPP Learning Media (2017): ACCA F8 Audit and Assurance
- Knowledge Grab (2019): Internal and External Auditors (Specific links to the data from knowledgegrab.com were not included)
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Description
Delve into the concepts and definitions surrounding the audit function with insights from key authors. Understand the importance of competence, independence, and established criteria in auditing. This quiz will enhance your comprehension of how auditing serves as a social control mechanism.