CPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Certified Public Accountant Auditing and Attestation examination.

Basic Concepts

Audit Fundamentals

What is Auditing?

Auditing is the process of evaluating financial statements to ensure they are accurate and comply with accounting standards. It serves as the backbone of trust in financial information, giving confidence to investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Types of Audits

  • Financial Statement Audit: Examines if the financial statements are presented fairly.
  • Compliance Audit: Checks adherence to laws and regulations.
  • Operational Audit: Assesses efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

The Audit Process

The audit process typically includes:

  • Planning and risk assessment
  • Collecting evidence
  • Evaluating evidence
  • Reporting findings

Why Audits Matter

Audits help prevent fraud, maintain public trust, and support sound financial decisions.

Examples

  • A CPA reviews a company's annual report to provide an opinion for investors.

  • An auditor checks if a non-profit uses donations according to regulations.

In a Nutshell

Auditing provides assurance that financial statements are fair, accurate, and reliable.

Key Terms

Audit
A systematic examination of financial records and statements.
Assurance
Confidence provided by auditors that information is reliable.
Evidence
Information collected to support audit findings.