Course Description

This course includes a consideration of the historical role of the auditor and the changing role in today's environment and the organization of the accounting profession. It introduces the participants to generally accepted auditing standards, professional ethics, and legal liability. A conceptual theory of auditing is discussed and practical examples of auditing techniques and work programs are used to illustrate the application of the theory. The course also covers the auditor's reporting standards and uses case studies and professional journal articles as bases for discussion and analysis. Audit comprises a fundamental component of the recurrent and strategic activities of nearly all professional occupations. While a small group of jobs focus exclusively on internal and external audit tasks, the majority of participants will utilize the principles and practices of risk assessment, internal control, systems evaluation and forensic accountability in their professional lives. This course thus aims to provide an introduction to the principles and practices of auditing. In this context, it will also outline and critically examine contemporary audit issues and challenges.