Audit
Definition
An official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body.
Deep Dive
An audit is an independent examination of financial records, statements, or other operational data of an individual or organization, typically conducted by an objective, competent body. The primary purpose of an audit is to provide assurance that the information presented is accurate, complete, and complies with established standards, regulations, and legal requirements. For businesses, this often means verifying that financial statements adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and present a true and fair view of the entity's financial position and performance.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1An independent accounting firm conducts an annual audit of a publicly traded corporation's financial statements to ensure they are free from material misstatement and comply with accounting standards, culminating in an audit opinion.
- 2The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) performs an audit on an individual's tax return to verify the accuracy of reported income, deductions, and credits.