CPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Certified Public Accountant Auditing and Attestation examination.

Basic Concepts

Audit Evidence & Documentation

What Counts as Audit Evidence?

Audit evidence includes all the information auditors use to support their conclusions. This can be physical, documentary, electronic, or testimonial.

Gathering Evidence

Common procedures:

  • Inspection: Reviewing documents or assets.
  • Observation: Watching processes in action.
  • Inquiry: Asking questions.
  • Confirmation: Verifying with third parties.
  • Recalculation: Checking math accuracy.

Documentation

Auditors must document their work in detailed files. Good documentation:

  • Shows what work was done
  • Supports audit conclusions
  • Allows review by others

Quality of Evidence

Sufficiency (quantity) and appropriateness (quality) are key. Reliable evidence is obtained from independent sources and direct auditor observation.

Examples

  • An auditor inspects invoices to verify sales.

  • A CPA documents the steps taken to test inventory counts.

In a Nutshell

Audit evidence supports conclusions; documentation shows work performed.

Audit Evidence & Documentation - CPA Auditing and Attestation (AUD) Content | Practice Hub