The “5 C’s” of auditing are a set of principles that help guide auditors in conducting an effective and efficient audit. They are as follows:
- Competence: The auditor must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform the audit effectively.
- Confidentiality: The auditor must maintain confidentiality of all information obtained during the course of the audit.
- Consistency: The auditor must apply consistent methods and procedures throughout the audit.
- Cooperation: The auditor must work cooperatively with the auditee to obtain the necessary information and access to records.
- Communication: The auditor must communicate the results of the audit effectively to the appropriate parties, including management and stakeholders.
These 5 C’s help ensure that audits are conducted in a professional, effective, and consistent manner, and provide a framework for auditors to follow in order to achieve the desired outcomes of the audit.