An Audit Scope Checklist

An audit checklist contains a list of sources for evidence during an audit.

An audit scope checklist is a document created during the planning stages of an audit. It lists all the tasks that must be completed during the audit. This checklist is normally created by a senior auditor who is responsible for the whole audit. An audit scope checklist typically contains five different sections: scope, evidence collection, audit tests, analysis of the results, and the conclusion.

Scope

The scope of an audit checklist outlines the main details of the audit. It contains information about the client, any concerns that could be factors, the focus of the audit, the time line and the required outcome. Many times, the scope also allocates the resources that will be used during the audit. The resources will describe which departments or divisions will be involved in the audit, and what roles they will play.

Evidence Collection

The next section in an audit checklist is for evidence collection. This is where the auditor determines the sources from which to collect information. Depending on any known concerns, there are many places in an organization that the auditor will collect information from for a financial audit. These include accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory records and banking information. All places from which information will be collected are marked on the audit checklist, focusing on any areas with concerns.

Audit Tests

Audit tests is the next section on the checklist. This section is labeled similarly to the evidence collection section, listing all areas that are sources of evidence. Each area in this section is listed, along with the type of tests used for that specific area. This section shows the auditor the type of testing required for each area.

Analysis of Results

This section of the audit checklist contains a place to organize the results found in the audit. The results are organized by section, and the checklist is given to the senior auditor.

Conclusion

The conclusion section to an audit checklist contains room for the auditor to write his opinion. In this section the auditor describes the methods used in the audit, along with the results, and he gives any opinions about the conclusion of the audit.

References

• California State PTA Toolkit: Audit Checklist
• Quality-Assurance-Solutions: Quality Audit Checklist
• Business Dictionary: Audit Scope