Simplify the answer - Essay Example

This additional expertise distinguishes auditors from accountants. GAAS are ten general guidelines that help auditors carry out their responsibilities. GAAS have: three general standards focusing on competence, independence, and due professional care; three on field work and four on reporting. GAAP on the other hand are specific rules for accounting for transactions in an enterprise. Examples of such include any of the opinions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). 4. The first standard of field work requires the performance of the audit by a person or persons having adequate technical training and proficiency as an auditor.

Discuss three ways in which auditors can fulfill the requirements of the standard? Auditors can obtain technical training and proficiency through formal education by specializing in auditing and accounting, enough practical experience and continuing professional education. They can show proficiency by becoming CPA licensed, which demands that the Uniform CPA Examination of the U.S. or the equivalent must be completed. Independence of mind means the auditor maintains an unbiased attitude throughout the audit.

Independence in appearance is based on others’ interpretation of the auditor’s independence of mind and hence their faith in him. Some of the activities that may only affect independence in mind are: These are appropriateness and sufficiency. Appropriateness is the relevance and reliability of evidence. Appropriateness relates to the audit procedures selected, and the timing of these procedures. Finally, sufficiency is the quantity of evidence and is related to sample size and items selected.

Business failure refers to the risk that a business will finically fail and hence be unable to pay its financial obligations. Audit risk refers to the risk that the auditor will conclude that the financial statements are stated fairly and hence an unmodified opinion can be used when in reality they are