The Issue with Audit Exceptions

The issue with audit exceptions is that many audit functions include exceptions as the primary theme of audit report reportable items. Okay, there I said it. Now to provide an example.

I was recently reading an internal audit report from a governmental agency in which the auditors reviewed the bank reconciliation process. The report read as follows:

During a

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External Auditors to “Assess” Internal Audit Functions?!?

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) recently released International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 610, Using the Work of Internal Auditors, which addresses the external auditor’s responsibilities when using the work of an internal audit function. It requires external auditors to “evaluate” the internal audit function. Specifically it states

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Big 4 Experience – Does it Guarantee A Good Employee

Lately many internal audit job postings either prefer or require Big 4 experience. The Big 4 are the four largest firms specializing in accounting or other professional services. They are PwC, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Deloitte), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. They are considered elite when it comes to industry exposure and training. Many new graduates can expect good salaries, long hours, lots of travel and lifelong contacts. Many will function as “external auditors” or financial statement auditors. The work consists of providing some assurance that the financial statements are fairly presented. Most will become familiar with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAA) and will definitely know how to interpret “the numbers” of an organization.

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A hard hat and a clipboard will get you everywhere!

It is a well known fact that carrying a clip board can get you into almost any business.  Depending on the circumstances, a clip board and a hard hat can get you into place that you may otherwise not be able to access.  Many con men have used this technique.  That is why, a recent news story about an attempted robbery of a Dunkin Donuts should be of no surprise to anyone.

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