The “golden rules” of auditing refer to a set of principles that guide auditors in conducting effective and efficient audits. While the specific golden rules may vary depending on the context and type of audit, some common ones include:
Professionalism: The auditor must maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity, and avoid conflicts of interest.
Objectivity: The auditor must remain objective and impartial, and avoid being influenced by outside factors or interests.
Due diligence: The auditor must exercise due diligence in the performance of their duties, and take all necessary steps to ensure that their conclusions are based on sufficient and appropriate evidence.
Planning: The auditor must plan the audit in a manner that allows for a systematic and thorough examination of the information being audited.
Evidence: The auditor must gather sufficient and appropriate evidence to support their conclusions, and use professional judgment in evaluating the reliability of the evidence obtained.
Documentation: The auditor must maintain accurate and complete records of their work, including all evidence obtained and conclusions reached.
Reporting: The auditor must provide a clear and concise report of their findings, including any recommendations for improvement, and communicate their conclusions effectively to the appropriate parties.
These golden rules provide a framework for auditors to follow in conducting effective and efficient audits, and help ensure that audits are conducted in a professional and consistent manner.