Audit, Risk & Controls
The terms behind keeping the numbers honest: audits, internal controls, and the checks that catch problems before they compound.
23 terms
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01
Audit Process
Accountant's Report
A formal document issued by an independent accountant or accounting firm that communicates their professional opinion about an organization's financial statements.
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02
Audit Process
Adverse Opinion
The most serious type of modified audit opinion, indicating that an auditor believes the financial statements are materially misstated and do not fairly represent the company's financial position.
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03
Audit Process
Analytical Procedure
Evaluative techniques used by auditors and accountants to assess financial information by studying plausible relationships between financial and non-financial data.
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04
Audit Process
Audit
A systematic examination of an organization's financial statements, internal controls, and accounting procedures performed by independent professionals to provide assurance about the fairness and reliability of financial reporting.
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05
Audit Process
Audit Engagement
A formal agreement between an independent auditor and a client organization that defines the scope, objectives, and terms of the audit services to be provided.
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06
Audit Process
Audit Trail
An audit trail is the chronological record of every action taken on a transaction or financial record: who created it, who changed it, who approved it, and when.
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07
Roles & Credentials
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
A professional credential for specialists in fraud prevention, detection, and investigation, combining expertise in accounting, law, and forensic techniques.
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08
Roles & Credentials
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
A globally recognized certification for internal audit professionals, demonstrating expertise in risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.
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09
Audit Process
Compilation
A basic level of financial statement preparation service where an accountant assists in presenting financial information without providing assurance about accuracy or completeness.
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10
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Control Risk
The risk that material misstatements in financial statements won't be prevented or detected by an entity's internal control system.
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11
Roles & Credentials
Controller
A senior financial manager responsible for overseeing an organization's accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls.
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12
Audit Process
Due Diligence
A comprehensive investigation or review performed before entering into a business transaction or agreement.
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13
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Ethics
Professional principles and moral obligations guiding behavior in business and accounting practices.
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14
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Fiduciary
A person or entity holding a position of trust and responsibility to act in the best interests of another party.
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15
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Forensic Accounting
A specialized field of accounting focused on investigating financial fraud, disputes, and complex transactions for legal purposes.
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16
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Internal Control
A system of policies, procedures, and checks designed to protect assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency.
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17
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Litigation Support/Dispute Resolution
Professional services providing financial expertise in legal disputes, including damage calculations, valuation disputes, and fraud investigations.
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18
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Negligence
Failure to exercise reasonable care and professional competence expected in performing duties, potentially resulting in harm or losses to others.
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19
Regulatory & Oversight
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
An independent regulatory body established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to oversee audits of public companies and broker-dealers.
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20
Fraud, Risk & Ethics
Risk Management
The systematic process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to an organization's capital and earnings.
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21
Regulatory & Oversight
Sarbanes Oxley Act
Comprehensive legislation enacted in 2002 to improve corporate accountability and financial reporting accuracy.
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22
Regulatory & Oversight
SEC Filings
Required documents submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission by public companies, providing detailed financial and operational information.
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23
Audit Process
Special Report
A customized financial report prepared for specific purposes or users, deviating from standard financial statement formats.