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Susan Betts and Patrick Faughnan

This module provides a solid understanding of audit as a key tool available to a tax administration to promote and enforce compliance. The module explains international good practices in designing and managing an effective audit program including the necessary legal powers, audit-related organization, and governance arrangements as well as the staff expertise and resources needed for audit as well as auditor performance evaluation. The module focuses on practical issues such as how audit cases are selected, the different types and scope of audit, and audit methods that are available to staff. It also discusses the concepts of audit integrity, audit quality assurance, and the Random Audit Program as well as electronic audit tools and how they can be used in conducting audits. The module introduces a potential annual operational performance dashboard that can be implemented to allow program monitoring throughout the fiscal year. Finally, the module highlights the key components of an audit process.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Upon completion, learners will be able to
  • Explain how audit plays a role in enforcing compliance.
  • Contrast the different types of treatments available to manage compliance.
  • Identify the legislative provisions needed to support an audit and verification program.
  • Distinguish the key elements of effective organization and governance for an audit and verification program.
  • Assess the staffing requirements for an audit and verification program, including the number of audit staff, training needs, skillsets, and how to evaluate individual performance.
  • Understand why segregation of duties is important and the role of headquarters in managing the audit and verification program.
  • Recognize the tools and systems required for the implementation of an audit program, including case selection, audit types and methods, audit case management and audit quality assurance.
  • Establish the different data requirements for performance measurement and analysis.
  • Define the audit process, including planning, conducting, recording, and finalizing an audit.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops key skills for implementing, managing, and monitoring an audit program
Explores practical issues faced by auditors in the field, including case selection, scope of audits, and audit methods
Provides a comprehensive overview of the audit process, from planning to finalization
Examines the role of technology in auditing, including electronic audit tools and performance measurement
Introduces best practices for ensuring audit quality assurance
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in audit and tax administration

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in VITARA - Audit with these activities:
Create an Audit Reference Binder
Organize and compile relevant audit materials to have on hand for reference and easy access during the course.
Show steps
  • Gather and review course materials, including syllabi, lecture notes, and readings.
  • Sort and categorize materials into different sections, such as audit planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Create a system for easy retrieval and reference of materials.
Form a Study Group
Connect with peers to discuss course concepts, clarify understanding, and provide mutual support throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Identify classmates with similar interests or schedules.
  • Establish regular meeting times and create a study schedule.
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
Explore Audit Software and Tools
Gain familiarity with industry-standard audit software and tools to enhance your practical skills and employability.
Show steps
  • Research and identify commonly used audit software programs.
  • Access tutorials or online courses on using these software programs.
  • Complete practice exercises and simulations to develop proficiency.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Audit Case Analysis Exercises
Reinforce your understanding of audit procedures and decision-making through practical case analysis exercises.
Show steps
  • Obtain audit case studies or scenarios from the course materials or online resources.
  • Analyze the cases, considering audit planning, risk assessment, and audit execution.
  • Develop and document your audit findings and recommendations.
  • Compare your results with model solutions or discuss with classmates.
Attend an Audit Simulation Workshop
Engage in interactive simulations to experience real-life audit scenarios and develop practical skills.
Show steps
  • Locate and register for an audit simulation workshop.
  • Actively participate in the simulation exercises and discussions.
  • Reflect on the lessons learned and apply them to your understanding of auditing.
Draft an Audit Plan
Apply your knowledge to create a comprehensive audit plan for a hypothetical organization, solidifying understanding of the audit process.
Show steps
  • Identify the audit objectives and scope.
  • Determine the audit procedures to be performed.
  • Estimate the time and resources required for the audit.
  • Document the audit plan in a clear and concise format.
Read "International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing"
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the international standards guiding internal auditing, which will be essential for your course and professional development.
Show steps
  • Obtain the book and set aside dedicated time for reading.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts as you read.
  • Reflect on the implications of the standards for auditing practices.

Career center

Learners who complete VITARA - Audit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies, assesses, and manages risks. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of risk management, including how to conduct audits and make recommendations for mitigating risks.
Tax Auditor
A Tax Auditor reviews tax returns and ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of tax auditing.
Auditor
An Auditor conducts audits and provides assurance. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of conducting audits. This includes assessing the effectiveness and compliance of risk management, control, and governance processes.
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer develops and enforces policies and procedures to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of auditing compliance.
Forensic Auditor
A Forensic Auditor investigates fraud and financial misconduct. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of forensic accounting and auditing.
Internal Auditor
An Internal Auditor evaluates the effectiveness of internal controls and makes recommendations for improvements. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of internal auditing, including risk management and internal control.
Treasury Analyst
A Treasury Analyst manages the financial resources of an organization. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of financial management, including risk management and internal control.
Tax Consultant
A Tax Consultant provides advice on tax laws and regulations. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of tax law, including how to conduct tax audits and make recommendations on tax planning.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant provides advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. This course may be helpful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of business analysis and process improvement, including how to conduct audits and make recommendations for improvements.
Taxation Specialist
A Taxation Specialist provides specialized tax advice to individuals and organizations. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of taxation, including how to conduct tax audits and make recommendations on tax planning.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates and makes recommendations on investments. This course may be helpful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of financial analysis, including the accounting and financial statements that are reviewed during audits.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager plans and oversees the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of business operations, including financial management and risk management.
Budget Analyst
A Budget Analyst prepares and manages budgets for organizations. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of financial management, including risk management and internal control.
Forensic Accountant
A Forensic Accountant investigates fraud and financial misconduct. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of detecting and investigating fraud.
Tax Manager
A Tax Manager oversees the tax function of an organization. This course may be useful for preparing to enter this field since it would help build a foundation in the fundamentals of tax management, including how to conduct tax audits and make recommendations on tax planning.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in VITARA - Audit.
Comprehensive guide to auditing. It covers all aspects of the audit process, from planning to reporting.
This textbook provides a risk-based approach to auditing. It helps students and practitioners understand how to identify and assess risks, and how to design and perform audits that are effective in mitigating those risks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of government auditing standards. It is an excellent resource for students and practitioners who want to gain a deep understanding of the auditing process in the government sector.
Provides a comprehensive overview of auditing for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. It is an excellent resource for auditors and other stakeholders who want to gain a deep understanding of the audit process in these sectors.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. It is an excellent resource for auditors and other stakeholders who want to gain a deep understanding of the role of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the audit process.
Useful reference tool. It contains the complete set of International Standards on Auditing (ISA) issued by the IAASB.
Is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions. It provides comprehensive coverage of internal auditing.
Useful reference tool. It provides guidance on audit evidence.

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