Audit & Assurance (AA)

Master the principles and practices of auditing and develop professional assurance skills.

Skill Level Essential Paper Global Pass Rate: 40%
Audit & Assurance

About AA

Audit and Assurance (AA) introduces you to the principles and practices of auditing and develops your understanding of the audit process from planning to completion.

AA provides knowledge and understanding of the process of carrying out the assurance engagement and its application in the context of the professional regulatory framework. You'll learn how to demonstrate professional skepticism, exercise professional judgment, and evaluate audit evidence.

Why AA is Important

AA is fundamental for anyone pursuing a career in auditing, accounting, or finance. It provides the essential knowledge needed to:

  • Understand the audit process and regulatory environment
  • Apply auditing techniques to different business scenarios
  • Evaluate internal control systems and audit evidence
  • Understand professional ethics and their application in auditing

Exam Details

Duration: 3 hours
Pass Mark: 50%
Availability: March, June, September, December
Format: Computer-based exam

AA Syllabus Areas

Audit Framework & Regulation

  • The concept of audit and other assurance engagements
  • External audits and regulatory environment
  • Corporate governance and professional ethics
  • Internal audit and differences with external audit
  • The scope of the internal audit function

Planning & Risk Assessment

  • Obtaining and accepting audit engagements
  • Audit planning and documentation
  • Assessing audit risks
  • Understanding the entity and its environment
  • Materiality and performance materiality

Internal Control

  • Internal control systems and components
  • The use and evaluation of internal control systems
  • Tests of controls and substantive procedures
  • Communication on internal control
  • Audit implications of IT systems

Audit Evidence

  • Financial statement assertions and audit evidence
  • Audit procedures for obtaining evidence
  • Sampling and other testing approaches
  • The audit of specific items
  • Audit evidence for specific account balances

Review & Reporting

  • Subsequent events and going concern
  • Management representations
  • Audit finalization and the final review
  • Auditor's reports and types of opinions
  • Reporting to management and those charged with governance

Professional Ethics

  • Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
  • Fundamental ethical principles
  • Threats and safeguards approach
  • Confidentiality and conflicts of interest
  • Professional skepticism and professional judgment

Professional Skills Developed

Audit Process Understanding

Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end audit process

Professional Judgment

Ability to apply professional judgment in audit scenarios

Risk Assessment

Skills to identify and assess audit risks in various scenarios

Analytical Skills

Ability to analyze financial information and identify anomalies

Ethical Reasoning

Application of ethical principles to audit situations

Reporting Skills

Ability to formulate appropriate audit opinions and reports

Start Your AA Journey Today

Master audit and assurance fundamentals with our comprehensive AA course