Definition

Noun: A detailed, structured list or plan outlining the specific procedures, tests, and steps that auditors must perform to complete an audit of an organization's financial statements or processes. It serves as a roadmap for the audit engagement.

Usage

An audit programme is a formal document used in accounting and finance. It is developed by audit firms or internal audit departments to ensure an audit is thorough, consistent, and compliant with relevant standards (e.g., Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS). It assigns tasks to audit team members and provides a record of work performed.

Examples

• The senior manager reviewed the audit programme before the team began fieldwork.
• A well-designed audit programme helps ensure all significant financial statement areas are tested.
• The audit programme included steps for testing the valuation of inventory and the existence of accounts receivable.

Advanced Usage

• Risk-based audit programme: An audit programme specifically tailored to focus procedures on areas identified as having higher risks of material misstatement.
• Compliance audit programme: An audit programme designed to test and verify an organization's adherence to specific laws, regulations, or internal policies, rather than financial statements.

Variants and Related Words

• Audit program: The American English spelling of 'audit programme'.
• Audit plan: A broader term that may encompass the overall strategy, timing, and scope of the audit, of which the audit programme is a key component.
• Audit procedures: The individual checks, tests, and verification steps that make up the audit programme.

Synonyms

• Audit checklist
• Audit work programme

Related Phrases

• To execute/follow an audit programme: To carry out the steps outlined in the plan.
  • The team must diligently execute the audit programme.
• To develop/prepare an audit programme: To create the plan.
  • Preparing the audit programme is a critical planning stage.

Noun

1. a listing of audit procedures to be performed in completing an audit