How to Write a Final Audit Report

The purpose of an audit report is to evaluate a project a company is implementing or trying out. Projects can include new software systems, a new customer service approach or a new marketing campaign to attract customers. A final audit report is the last report in the auditing and implementation process to determine whether or not the project in question needs adjustments prior to implementation. The final audit report has the same sections and discussions as a regular audit report, as it needs to address the concerns brought up in earlier audit reports for the project in question.

Instructions

1. Compose a front page for the final audit report. Ensure that it has the title "Final Audit Report" and write the name of the project being discussed in the report. You should also include the name of the department and the person who is responsible for the auditing process. On the second page, start an index page, which should be updated as the report progresses.

2. Write an executive summary for the final audit report outlining the key points of the report. Write this section last, but place it after the index page. You should focus on the key points leading up to the final decision by highlighting the objectives of the audit project, final tests and results.

3. Compose a background section for the final audit report. The background section should focus on the purpose of the initial project, the information presented in previous audit reports and what changes have been made leading up to the final audit report. This should provide new readers with all of the background information leading up to this final report.

4. Compose a list of the objectives of the final audit report. The objective of a final audit report should focus on finding out what needs to be changed in order for the project to be completed. The objectives should be in the last stages of implementation, rather than focus on starting new projects.

5. Outline any new methods used in the final stages of the auditing process. Explain these new methods in detail and the justification of why these new methods were used, so readers understand how these methods feed off older results. If the methods are the same as the ones used in previous audit reports, then mention that fact.

6. Write the final results of the auditing process. The results should indicate whether the project in question is a success or something that is better left for a later date. For example, if the results of the various tests showed that not everyone was pleased with the new software system, it may not be the best idea to implement it until the concerns have been addressed. The final results should provide an answer, rather than raise questions for the reader.

7. Write a conclusion for the final audit report. The conclusion should indicate the final answer or approach of the project. If the project is a success, the conclusion should indicate the next step or implementation procedure. If the audit project is not a success, the conclusion should address the reasons why the project did not succeed and what can be changed so the project can be a success after adjustments have been made.

References

• Doc Stock: How to Write an Audit Report
• The Institute of Internal Auditors: Audit Report Writing