Three Common Audit Mistakes You Need to Avoid
Here are some common audit mistakes you should keep in mind.
1. Routine and Incoherent Reporting
At the end of the audit process, auditors must submit a report containing the important details and the outcome of the audit. Just like the audit itself, the report follows a certain standard, including a format and an outline, depending on the nature of the audit.
Following such a demanding format often restricts auditors, resulting in monotonous and repetitive reporting. Reports like these are often burdensome for their clients to read since they read the same reports with the same outline time and time again. Gӧkhan Yilmaz, President of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) in Turkey, suggests that auditors must update and redesign their report formats to prevent reader’s fatigue on the part of their clients. He also recommends the use of visuals in order to keep the reader’s attention on the report.
2. Miscommunication with Audit Clients
From the start of the process, auditors should keep in mind that the audit is being done to help the company’s management achieve their goals. However, even after a tedious audit planning, things can still get out of hand. The audit committee convened by the company might lack oversight and may not be supportive of audit activities. On the other hand, audit reports can result in inadequate inputs on how the company can optimize its processes and get more results efficiently.
Also, it is important to maintain clear communication with the audit committee all throughout the process. Proper communication will help you work on the audit efficiently and help you understand your client better. This will eventually reflect on how well your reports will be written and how useful the contents are.
3. Lack of Investment in Training
Failure to do so may result
Keeping yourself aware of these audit mistakes is the first step towards becoming a much better audit professional. Remember that mastering your craft will require more than just avoiding these mistakes, you will also have to learn along the way and continue updating yourself through relevant training.
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