Academic literature on the topic 'Appropriate audit evidence'

ABSTRACT: I use Adaptive Structuration Theory (DeSanctis and Poole 1994) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen 1991) to model the factors influencing whether auditors use audit support systems appropriately. Understanding the factors that influence appropriate use is important for audit firms to achieve efficient and effective audits from deploying audit support systems. Using a unique data set obtained from 569 auditors, I provide evidence that intention to use the system appropriately and external control increase appropriate use. I find that audit support system restrictiveness and the effectiveness of the audit review process are antecedents of external control. Team and firm consensus on appropriation are antecedents of perceived normative pressure, which, along with an auditor's attitude and self-efficacy, influence an auditor's intention to use the system appropriately. The model is relatively stable across different audit support system designs, but differences are evident across the audit team hierarchy.

Researchers have used audit studies to provide causal evidence of racial discrimination for nearly 60 years. Although audits are an excellent methodological tool to investigate the “what,” “where,” and “when” aspects of racial-ethnic discrimination, audits are less appropriate, by themselves, to investigate the “how” and “why” aspects of racial-ethnic discrimination. In this article, I review why audit studies are necessary to study racial-ethnic discrimination, the evidence from audit studies, and their limitations. I then argue that scholars should adopt a multimethod approach to audit studies to move from documenting the existence of racial-ethnic discrimination to examining how and why racial-ethnic discrimination occurs. Adoption of this multimethod approach will result in a deeper understanding of racial-ethnic discrimination with the potential to shape both opinions and policy surrounding discrimination.

ABSTRACT: We develop a model of audit production based on Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) using labor cost as input and hours spent on evidence-gathering activities that determine the level of assurance as output. Client characteristics are considered exogenous factors that affect audit production as a whole. We apply the model to a sample of U.S.-based engagements from an international accounting firm. Results indicate that a constrained DEA model using variable returns to scale is appropriate for modeling audit production. We find that audits are more efficient for clients that are larger, have a December year-end, and are highly automated. Audits are less efficient when the auditor relies on internal control, tax services are provided, and the client has subsidiaries. We also find that a well-specified regression-based production model can control for factors that influence auditor efficiency. Finally, we find that inefficiencies are impounded in fees for some industries and firm offices.

ABSTRACT: This case presents an introduction to conducting audit procedures and drafting audit observations as part of a business process audit. Using a book wholesaler as a context, the Blazer Communications procurement audit case is aimed at providing students with a realistic setting to conduct audit procedures expected of interns and entry-level auditors. Students execute a test plan as part of a procurement process audit, evaluate audit evidence, propose audit observations based on exceptions, and utilize subscription-based online internal audit/risk management services to participate in risk assessment planning activities and to suggest supplemental audit procedures. Audit evidence (interview recordings, policies and procedures manuals, process maps and narratives, transactional data) is provided in a variety of formats to increase assignment realism and allow flexibility in assignment completion. The case is appropriate for students with basic generalized audit software and database querying proficiency. The case is appropriate for undergraduate or graduate students in internal and external audit courses. Transactional data files are supplied in both Microsoft Access® and Excel® formats; interview files are supplied in MP3® file format.

Purpose This paper aims to answer the following two research questions: Do corruption cases present different features before and since the new administration in China? How are criminal penalties affected by these corruption features? Design/methodology/approach The investigation is based on the online disclosure of 269 state corruption audits and their consequences, which have been made public by China’s National Audit Office since 2011. By manual coding, these official reports were analyzed, and an appropriate-sized sample of corruption cases was chosen. The authors then adopted Welch’s t-test and regression model methods to test the research hypotheses relevant to the two research questions. Findings The authors find that larger embezzlement or bribery amounts and more organizational corruption cases have been detected and punished since the anti-corruption campaign was launched by the new administration. They also conclude that significantly tougher criminal penalties were given to corruption cases involving large monetary amounts, that bribery cases were more harshly punished compared to other occupational crimes and that individual perpetrators received tougher criminal penalties than organizational criminals. In addition, the authors observe a trend that criminal penalties for corruption have been increasingly harsher in recent years. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are quite clear as the Chinese corruption cases in this sample only include state corruption audit cases and does not refer to high-profile corruption cases investigated by the Central Commission of Discipline Inspection. However, this study suggests that state corruption audit results are a good research sample, which can be used to extend empirical tests to archival data acquired from state audit practices and can encourage more studies on public sector auditing and occupational financial crime. Practical implications State corruption audits can be an effective approach to successful anti-corruption campaigns, and the conclusions can be useful to policy makers and legislators in China and other developing countries. Originality/value This paper bridges some gaps in the existing financial crime literature. First, this study on corruption features is located within the context of a political administrative change; second, the state audit is highlighted as a supervising agency in the anti-corruption campaign; and third, the authors’ contribution adds to the empirical testing of data sets of state corruption audits within the existing financial crime literature.

SUMMARY We expand upon the traditional market share-based measure of industry specialization by auditors to address the following question: Are industry specialist auditors who obtain their market share by auditing varying proportions of clients in an industry similar in terms of product (audit) quality and price (audit fees)? Our analyses suggest that the audit market is characterized by a type of segmentation in which some specialists pursue product differentiation strategies, focusing more extensively on the acquisition of requisite expertise, while others pursue cost minimization strategies, producing lower cost, lower quality audits. We find that audit fees and quality are higher (lower) when the specialist gains significant market share by auditing a low (high) proportion of clients in that industry. Our evidence suggests that specialists pursue different strategies in different settings. In some cases, specialist auditors may actually be low-end producers, raising a question of whether the “specialist” label is even appropriate.

ABSTRACT: This instructional case involves charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Michael Marrie, an audit partner, and Brian Berry, a manager, for recklessly failing to comply with auditing standards relating to three areas: a $12 million write-off of accounts receivable, confirmation of accounts receivable, and sales returns and allowances. The SEC believed Michael and Brian did not exercise due professional care, nor did they employ an adequate level of professional skepticism when performing the audit. The SEC also believed that there was insufficient appropriate evidence to express an opinion. This case addresses the following auditing content: Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, professional skepticism, analytical procedures, estimates, fraud risks, confirmation of accounts receivable, and work papers.

The information base providing the audit evidence of going concern of a company is studied. The requirements on the quantity and quality of the audit evidence to be obtained by the audit of financial statements are determined. Particular attention is paid to the procedural provision for the assessment of the risk of company termination in the foreseeable future. In view of the current auditing practice, auditors demand the extension and adaptation of the going concern when preparing financial statements by management personnel, provisions and recommendations of the respective standard for solving problems related with the methodology for testing the validity of the abovementioned assumptions. The article’s objective is to study, systematize and implement provisions of International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and general theoretical organization and methodical approaches to obtaining audit evidence of the going concern of a company. According to ISA, the auditor’s purpose is to develop and fulfill the audit procedures in a manner allowing him to obtain the audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate for formulating justified conclusions laying the ground for the auditor’s opinion. A literature review shows that the modern theoretical and methodological framework of audit does not offer methodological tools for the effective assessment of the economic performance of a company for purposes of defining the termination risks. A study of the issue of testing the validity of the application of the going concern when preparing financial statements shows that the auditors are required to be competent in indicative economic parameters and items of financial statements, reflecting, first and foremost, the economic capabilities and economic performance of a company. The study of the application of the procedural provision recommended by ISA for identification and assessment of indicative performance parameters of a company is used to develop a combination of audit procedures and methods for evaluating the results of their implementation, which allows for the reliable assessment of the risk of the company’s termination in the foreseeable future.

This study empirically investigates whether a high-quality audit improves the reliability of the components of total accruals using earnings persistence and cash flow predictability. I find that, for firms audited by Big Four auditors, their current or noncurrent assets-related accruals, which are less reliable (“more subjective in measurement”), lead to higher earnings persistence and future cash flow predictability than those of firms audited by non-Big Four auditors. These results suggest that high-quality auditors more effectively evaluate the reasonableness of accrual measurement based on more sufficient and appropriate audit evidence, leading to enhanced accrual reliability.

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: Evidence has shown that non-attendance at clinics occurs for a variety of reasons and impacts negatively on client outcomes and effective use of clinic resources. This paper reports an audit of non-attendance at Care Plus and diabetes clinics undertaken between October 2007 and October 2008, in a large general practice in the Wellington region. ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEM: A retrospective and prospective audit of the non-attendance rate at nurse-led wellness clinics was completed using the Query Builder function in Medtech32, collecting data from 142 people who did not attend a scheduled appointment. RESULTS: Thirty-three people were unable to be contacted about their reason for not attending. Of those contacted, 68 did not attend because they were unaware of the appointment, confused regarding the appointment time, or simply forgot. Eighty-four people were aged between 18 and 65 years, yet of those contacted, only four cited work had prevented their attendance at the clinic. Difficulty with transport was reported by only two people. STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT: The audit highlighted the importance of administration processes for scheduling routine appointments and reminding patients about appointments. It provided evidence that administrative support for nurse-led clinics is necessary. LESSONS: Involvement in clinical audit was a new experience for many of the staff and the usefulness of the findings led to more positive views about how audit can be used. The importance of appropriate administrative support was highlighted. Lessons learned for future audits included the importance of a complete data set and consistent use of codes for data entry. KEYWORDS: Audit; primary care; non-attendance

Bakgrund: Going concern är en av grundprinciperna inom redovisning, vilket innebär att företagen ska fortsätta sin verksamhet under en överskådlig framtid. Under kriser kan osäkerheter uppstå för företag, vilket gör att revisorernas granskning av ett företags förmåga till fortlevnad blir extra intressant att studera. I tidigare forskning har studier gjorts om hur coronapandemin generellt påverkat revisorernas granskning, medan den här studien undersöker hur revisorernas granskning av going concern har förändrats under coronapandemin och finanskrisen. Det finns ingen tidigare forskning angående skillnader och likheter mellan coronapandemin och finanskrisen med avseende till revisorns granskning av going concern, vilket är anledningen till att det undersöks. Problemformuleringar: Hur och varför har revisorernas granskning av förmågan till fortsatt drift (going concern) förändrats under coronapandemin och finanskrisen? Vilka skillnader eller likheter finns det mellan coronapandemin och finanskrisen angående revisorernas granskning av förmågan till fortsatt drift (going concern)? Syfte: Syftet med studien är att få en förståelse över hur revisorerna granskar förmågan till fortsatt drift (going concern) under coronapandemin och finanskrisen och varför revisorernas granskning förändras under dessa kriser. I studien kommer det institutionella trycket hjälpa till att skapa en förståelse för varför revisorernas granskning förändras under kriser. Studien kommer även undersöka utifrån revisorernas perspektiv om det finns några skillnader eller likheter i väsentliga osäkerheter i företagen, ändamålsenliga revisionsbevis samt djupgående granskning mellan finanskrisen och coronapandemin. Resultat och slutsats: Studiens slutsatser är att revisorernas granskning av going concern har förändrats under coronapandemin och finanskrisen. Nya lagar och regler har tillkommit som revisorer i sin granskning behöver förhålla sig till, vilket studien indikerar att dessa förändringar kan förklaras av ett förändrat institutionellt tryck. Coronapandemin och finanskrisen har bidragit till mer djupgående granskning och revisorerna måste säkerställa att de inhämtade revisionsbevisen har en hög kvalitet. Studien har även identifierat att det finns skillnader och likheter angående revisorernas granskning av going concern mellan coronapandemin och finanskrisen, vilket härrör från väsentliga osäkerheter, ändamålsenliga revisionsbevis och djupgående granskning.
Background: Going concern is one of the basic principles in accounting, which means that companies must continue their operations in the foreseeable future. In previous research studies have been done on how the corona pandemic generally has affected the auditors review, while this study examines what the auditors' review of going concern has shown during the corona pandemic. There are already studies on the financial crisis linked to going concern, but there is no previous research regarding differences and similarities between the corona pandemic and the financial crisis. Research questions: How and why have the auditors' review of the ability to continue operating (going concern) changed during the corona pandemic and the financial crisis?What are the differences and similarities between the financial crisis and the corona pandemic regarding the auditors review of going concern? Purpose of study: The purpose of the study is to gain an understanding of how the auditors examine the ability to continue operations (going concern) during the corona pandemic and the financial crisis and why the auditors examine changes during these crises. In the study, the institutional pressure will help to create an understanding of why auditors examine change during crises. The study will also examine from the auditors' perspective whether there are any differences or similarities in significant uncertainties, appropriate audit evidence and an in-depth review between the financial crisis and the corona pandemic. Results and conclusion: The study's conclusions are that the auditors' review of the going concern has changed during the corona pandemic and the financial crisis, which contributes to the review not looking the same during a crisis. The corona pandemic and the financial crisis has led to the introduction of new laws and regulations, which auditors must follow and can be explained by institutional pressure. This has contributed to a more in-depth audit and also to the fact that the auditors must ensure that the audited evidence obtained is of a high quality. The study has identified that there are differences and similarities regarding the auditors' review of the going concern between the corona pandemic and the financial crisis, which stems from significant uncertainties, appropriate audit evidence and in-depth review.

Critical care nurses and the whole multidisciplinary team have a responsibility to ensure that they use the most appropriate treatments and care procedures, to continually evaluate the effectiveness and value of the interventions they perform and the care they give, and to aim for continuous improvement of their service. This chapter discusses how research should be applied in practice, key principles of audit, quality assurance and quality improvement, standard setting, illness severity scoring systems, and the prediction and measurement of patient outcomes. The challenges of managing long-term patients and ethical issues, such as treatment withdrawal, bereavement, and care of relatives, are also reviewed

The study is funded by Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a member of Qatar Foundation, and is a collaboration between the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration of London, Ontario; University of Guelph, Ontario; and University of Calgary, Alberta, all located in Canada; and the Doha International Family Institute, Qatar. The study received research ethics approval from the University of Guelph and the University of Calgary. This study aims to assess the impact of pre- and post-migration on marital relationships and family dynamics for Arab refugee families resettled in Canada. The study also examines the role of professional service providers in supporting these Arab refugee families. The unique experiences of Arab families displaced from their countries due to war and political conflict, and the various hardships experienced during their stay in transit countries, impact their family relations and interactions within the nuclear family context and their interconnectedness with their extended families. Furthermore, these families encounter various challenges within their resettlement process that interrupt their integration. Understanding the impact of traumatic experiences within the pre-migration journey as well as the impact of post-migration stressors on recently settled Arab refugee families in Canada provides insight into the shift in spousal and family relationships. Refugee research studies that focus on the impact of pre-migration trauma and displacement, the migration journey, and post-migration settlement on family relationships are scarce. Since the majority of global refugees in recent years come from Arab regions, mainly Syria, as a result of armed conflicts, this study is focused on the unique experiences of Arab refugee families fleeing conflict zones. The Canadian role in recently resettling a large influx of Arab refugees and assisting them to successfully integrate has not been without challenges. Traumatic pre-migration experiences as a result of being subjected to and/or witnessing violence, separation from and loss of family members, and loss of property and social status coupled with experiences of hardships in transit countries have a profound impact on families and their integration. Refugees are subjected to individual and collective traumatic experiences associated with cultural or ethnic disconnection, mental health struggles, and discrimination and racism. These experiences have been shown to impact family interactions. Arab refugee families have different definitions of “family” and “home” from Eurocentric conceptualizations which are grounded in individualistic worldviews. The discrepancy between collectivism and individualism is mainly recognized by collectivist newcomers as challenges in the areas of gender norms, expectations regarding parenting and the physical discipline of children, and diverse aspects of the family’s daily life. For this study, we interviewed 30 adults, all Arab refugees (14 Syrian and 16 Iraqi – 17 males, 13 females) residing in London, Ontario, Canada for a period of time ranging from six months to seven years. The study participants were married couples with and without children. During the semi-structured interviews, the participants were asked to reflect on their family life during pre-migration – in the country of origin before and during the war and in the transit country – and post-migration in Canada. The inter - views were conducted in Arabic, audio-recorded, and transcribed. We also conducted one focus group with seven service providers from diverse sectors in London, Ontario who work with Arab refugee families. The study used the underlying principles of constructivist grounded theory methodology to guide interviewing and a thematic analysis was performed. MAXQDA software was used to facilitate coding and the identification of key themes within the transcribed interviews. We also conducted a thematic analysis of the focus group transcription. The thematic analysis of the individual interviews identified four key themes: • Gender role changes influence spousal relationships; • Traumatic experiences bring suffering and resilience to family well-being; • Levels of marital conflict are higher following post-migration settlement; • Post-migration experiences challenge family values. The outcome of the thematic analysis of the service provider focus group identified three key themes: • The complex needs of newly arrived Arab refugee families; • Gaps in the services available to Arab refugee families; • Key aspects of training for cultural competencies. The key themes from the individual interviews demonstrate: (i) the dramatic sociocul - tural changes associated with migration that particularly emphasize different gender norms; (ii) the impact of trauma and the refugee experience itself on family relation - ships and personal well-being; (iii) the unique and complex aspects of the family journey; and (iv) how valued aspects of cultural and religious values and traditions are linked in complex ways for these Arab refugee families. These outcomes are consist - ent with previous studies. The study finds that women were strongly involved in supporting their spouses in every aspect of family life and tried to maintain their spouses’ tolerance towards stressors. The struggles of husbands to fulfill their roles as the providers and protec - tors throughout the migratory journey were evident. Some parents experienced role shifts that they understood to be due to the unstable conditions in which they were living but these changes were considered to be temporary. Despite the diversity of refugee family experiences, they shared some commonalities in how they experi - enced changes that were frightening for families, as well as some that enhanced safety and stability. These latter changes related to safety were welcomed by these fami - lies. Some of these families reported that they sought professional help, while others dealt with changes by becoming more distant in their marital relationship. The risk of violence increased as the result of trauma, integration stressors, and escalation in marital issues. These outcomes illustrate the importance of taking into consideration the complexity of the integration process in light of post-trauma and post-migration changes and the timespan each family needs to adjust and integrate. Moreover, these families expressed hope for a better future for their children and stated that they were willing to accept change for the sake of their children as well. At the same time, these parents voiced the significance of preserving their cultural and religious values and beliefs. The service providers identified gaps in service provision to refugee families in some key areas. These included the unpreparedness of professionals and insufficiency of the resources available for newcomer families from all levels of government. This was particularly relevant in the context of meeting the needs of the large influx of Syrian refugees who were resettled in Canada within the period of November 2015 to January 2017. Furthermore, language skills and addressing trauma needs were found to require more than one year to address. The service providers identified that a longer time span of government assistance for these families was necessary. In terms of training, the service providers pinpointed the value of learning more about culturally appropriate interventions and receiving professional development to enhance their work with refugee families. In light of these findings, we recommend an increased use of culturally integrative interventions and programs to provide both formal and informal support for families within their communities. Furthermore, future research that examines the impact of culturally-based training, cultural brokers, and various culturally integrative practices will contribute to understanding best practices. These findings with regard to refugee family relationships and experiences are exploratory in their nature and support future research that extends understanding in the area of spousal relationships, inter - generational stressors during adolescence, and parenting/gender role changes.

IT audit testing addresses auditable unit risks of the IT audit area. Selecting appropriate techniques, methods, and tools for conducting audit testing can be challenging. Sufficient evidential matter collection requires alignment with audit fieldwork standards that affect the type and means of acquisition by IT audit team members. When test audit evidence is unobtainable, the assigned IT auditor should attempt to acquire appropriate and sufficient evidence by activating alternative procedures directly related to the engagement test plan. Upon completion of an IT audit test, the assigned IT auditor determines whether errors in an auditable unit population exceed the tolerable error rate. Chapter 6 presents how to conduct, measure, and document IT audit area tests.

Ascertaining the degree of correspondence between audit area assertions or direct subject matter and audit criteria is a professional mandate. Under normal circumstances, audit area planning, study, and testing permit IT audit team members submitting working papers for review by the in-charge IT auditor. Preceding IT audit report preparation, the in-charge IT auditor must review documented inconsistencies and departures from applicable IT principles discovered during the engagement. Moreover, the in-charge IT auditor must apply an in-depth understanding of what constitutes appropriate audit evidence. Chapter 7 conveys evidential working papers expectations that assist in ensuring appropriate audit engagement fieldwork. Chapter 7 also discusses the assessment of audit findings and the evaluation of audit working papers.

This chapter covers quality governance, clinical audit, evidence-based healthcare, the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF), patient and public experience, complaints procedures, and clinical risk management. It includes professional conduct, the provision of anti-discriminatory healthcare, and consent. Professional accountability is outlined, as well as the role of chaperones, methods of whistleblowing, correct record keeping and access to records, confidentiality, and client- and patient-held records. Health and safety at work for both employers and employees is discussed, together with specific issues that arise with lone working in the context of community nursing. Personal safety measures such as hand washing and personal protective equipment are covered. Occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses and the appropriate response is described, as well as notifiable diseases, managing healthcare waste, and the management of sharps waste.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of Knowledge Management (KM) and Human Capital Valuation (HCV) as it is applied in credit unions. Knowledge has been recognized as one of the most important assets, which if appropriately managed, provides a foundation for creating core competencies and competitive advantages for organizations. KM applications and strategies have become critical and significant in the credit union industry, as they operate in a highly competitive and knowledge-intensive financial marketplace. A few factors depict the level of KM maturity within an organization, the priority of implementation, and the availability and affordability of resources. HCV is the balance sheet metric from a development of systems and infrastructure, which can tie metrics of employee behavior of value offering back to the member owners (stakeholders). The case studies described in this chapter are based on the business experience of the author, a credit union CEO of 12 years and a business consultant to the Midwest-region of the United States, in the credit union industry for 6 years. A KM audit and an HCV were conducted in a mid-sized credit union. The appreciation of KM and HCV are developing in the credit union industry; however, it is found that organizations have not been able to capitalize on the expected benefits and leverage their performances with KM solutions and HC Strategies, unless it is priority and a planned event. This is a developing industry with signs of future improvement. There are examples siting various Midwest credit unions, where KM applications and HC Strategies are evident at various stages with opportunities for intellectual growth and learning.

The virtual practice has posed serious challenges and opened many dilemmas for the auditors. How to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence in the absence of communication with the client, to assess the risks of material misstatement, to recognize the symptoms of fraud, to check subsequent events, to assess the ability for ‘going concern’, to exercise the required level of professional skepticism, and how to write an audit report in which the auditor will offer a reasonable assurance to users of the opinion expressed. Health experts warn that even in the postCOVID-19 period, the social distance will be an integral part of our lives. In that regard, IFAC also points out the need to prepare auditors for work in the so-called "the new normal". The paper researches how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the audit profession in the Republic of North Macedonia. For that purpose, our research is based on a survey distributed to the certified auditors, members of IORRM (Institute of Certified Auditors of the Republic of North Macedonia). From the questions asked, we have concluded whether and how much the pandemic has changed the approach of auditors in conducting audit engagements, how auditors have managed to amortize the initial shock, whether they have prepared a strategy for virtual practice in the environment of the so-called "new normal" and what are the biggest challenges they expect to face in the post-COVID world. In general, it can be concluded that all challenges posed by the pandemic will be more easily overcome by joint and smart action of certified auditors and related associations and regulatory bodies, in order to find alternative ways of acting in a radically changed environment under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to analyzing data obtained from the survey, documents related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic worldwide are used, as well as other literature and scientific papers on how the audit profession responds to the COVID crisis.