What are audits and how are they useful?

Answer 1

The general definition of an audit is an evaluation of a person, organization, system, process, enterprise, project or product. The term most commonly refers to audits in accounting, internal auditing, and government auditing, but similar concepts also exist in project management, quality management, water management, and energy conservation.

Auditing is defined as a systematic and independent examination of data, statements, records, operations and performances (financial or otherwise) of an enterprise for a stated purpose. In any auditing the auditor perceives and recognizes the propositions before him for examination, collects evidence, evaluates the same and on this basis formulates his judgment which is communicated through his audit report.

The purpose of an assessment is to measure something or calculate a value for it. Although the process of producing an assessment may involve an audit by an independent professional, its purpose is to provide a measurement rather than to express an opinion about the fairness of statements or quality of performance.

As a general rule, audits should always be an independent evaluation that will include some degree of quantitative and qualitative analysis whereas an assessment implies a less independent and more consultative approach. The outcome of the assessment should relate to the norms that were set for the task, product or event.

The audit process looks carefully at policy and practice. Written policies and operating procedures are matched against a set of agreed quality principles such as community participation, access, confidentiality in record-keeping etc. The audit process might be spread over 3 years. Initial reviews are conducted, reports are written and advice is given on where changes can be made to policies to improve operations. A follow-up audit is done periodically to ensure that the action plans that have been set by the service after the review report, are being implemented.