Audit and Assurance
Providing high quality audits by evaluating information systems and internal controls, gathering evidence and performing procedures to meet the objectives of advisory, audit and assurance engagements.
What this means:
- The ACCA qualification offers Audit and Assurance as a Strategic Professional exam
- Audit and assurance is a compulsory element of the ACCA Qualification regardless of the area they aspire to work in as the skills are transferable to wider business advisory engagements
- The Audit exams cover areas such as due diligence, forensic audit, public sector audit and other assurance engagements.
Developing the Audit and Assurance competency
Explore the competency statements to discover how the ACCA Qualification develops this competency through a combination of exams, experience and ethics. Browse related jobs to find relevant finance roles and opportunities.
A. Advises on and communicates effectively the role and scope of audit and assurance engagements to relevant stakeholders.
-
See more detail
A1. Differentiates between various types of engagements in audit and assurance and any relevant considerations before accepting these.
A2. Understands the purpose and objectives of engagements, including the regulatory and reporting requirements and the comparative levels of assurance needed for different engagements; reporting these to stakeholders in an understandable manner.
A3. Advises on the life-cycle of an audit engagement including planning, risk assessment, obtaining evidence, evaluation and review.
A4. Advises on the principles of corporate governance, professionalism and ethics in the context of audit and assurance engagements.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | A1, A2 | PO18 a | |
Advanced Audit and Assurance | A1, A3, F1, F2, F3, F4 |
B. Applies regulatory, legal, professional and ethical standards relating to audit and assurance engagements.
-
See more detail
B1. Applies relevant, laws, regulations, standards and other guidance for audit, assurance and related services.
B2. Evaluates current and emerging issues In providing audit and assurance services relating to professional, ethical, social, IT, environmental and global issues.
B3. Complies with ACCA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct and applies professional judgement and professional scepticism when conducting audit and assurance engagements.
B4. Applies best practice in operations of engagements such as:
- internal and external audits
- audit-related services
- specific assignments
- social, environmental and integrated reporting audits
- the audit of performance information in the public sector.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | A3, A4, B5 | PO18 b, c | |
Advanced Audit and Assurance | B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3 | Unit 1 - section 6 |
C. Plans and prepares for audit and assurance engagements.
-
See more detail
C1. Applies best practice and code of ethics to the process of obtaining and accepting audit and assurance engagements communicating professionally with stakeholders and previous auditors.
C2. Obtains a thorough understanding of the entity and its environment to support engagement planning and work.
C3. Carries out the risk assessment process relating to financial and IT systems using professional judgement to determine materiality.
C4. Uses the determined level of risk to develop an appropriate audit plan and formulate the work required to meet the objectives of the audit assignment.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6 | PO18 d, e | |
Advanced Audit and Assurance | D1, F2, F3, F4 |
D. Performs effective audit and assurance engagements.
-
See more detail
D1. Carries out and documents appropriate substantive tests of control and other audit work to meet the objectives of the engagement and comply with the International Standards on Auditing (ISA).
D2. Evaluates evidence and investigates areas of concern during the audit demonstrating professional scepticism, ensuring documentation and evidence is sufficient and appropriate and that it highlights any significant issues for engagement and partner resolution.
D3. Supports the reaching of judgements and forming an opinion identifying and communicating the main factors to be considered by the engagement partner.
D4. Manages audit risk, people and time to achieve engagement objectives, manages audit risk. people and time and where relevant recommends innovative audit practices.
D5. Exploits of the capabilities of computer-assisted audit techniques and other digital technology tools to support audit work.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, E1, E2, E3, E4 | PO18 e | |
Advanced Audit and Assurance | D2, D3, D4, D5, F2, F3, F4 | PO19 (all) |
E. Reviews and reports on the findings of audit and assurance engagements.
-
See more detail
E1. Reviews how the audit has been carried out ensuring evidence is accurate, complete, sufficient and appropriate.
E2. Identifies and facilitates resolution of audit issues to ensure there are no outstanding queries.
E3. Communicates the findings and implications of an audit with management and governance teams.
E4. Drafts written representations and reports significant control deficiencies to management and governance teams.
E5. Prepares timely auditor’s reports for approval by the engagement partner in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and standards.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | E1, E2, E3, E4, E5 | PO20 (all) | |
Advanced Audit and Assurance | E1, E2, E3, E4, F5 |
F. Guiding efficient and effective operations.
-
See more detail
F1. Provides assurance of compliance to company directors, through monitoring the operation of internal control and system review to ensure the achievement of an organisation’s objectives and to safeguards its assets.
F2. Evaluates the effectiveness of management reporting, risk management, internal controls and review systems.
F3. Identifies and evaluates risks of inefficiencies and non-compliance.
To focus on these risk areas, if necessary, will make changes to the audit plan.F4. Collects accurate and complete evidence discussing review findings and improvements with management and non-executive directors.
F5. Produces reports on internal controls and ensures adequate and timely information flows to the Audit Committee or those with governance for the purposes of effective governance.
Swipe to view table
Exams | Syllabus | Experience | Ethics |
---|---|---|---|
Audit and Assurance | C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 | PO18 b, d, e; PO19 a, b, c, d, e; PO20 a, b, c |
Related professional quotients
Swipe to view quotients
Technical skills and ethics
Auditors apply audit and assurance regulations, legal, professional and ethical standards through using technical and ethical knowledge.
Digital
Digital knowledge ensures auditors takes advantage of computer-assisted audit techniques and other technology such as Big Data and data analysis.
Creative
Creativity is required to plan and prepare for audits, and to review and communicate the findings of a professional engagement.