This comprehensive textbook covers all essential auditing concepts and practices, providing students with a solid foundation in the field. Combining theoretical insights with practical examples and regulatory frameworks ensures a holistic understanding of the subject, preparing students for academic success and professional excellence.

It is designed specifically for undergraduate students at the University of Delhi, aligning with the syllabus requirements for B.Com. (Hons.) and B.Com. courses.

The Present Publication is the 2024 Edition, based on the New Education Policy (NEP). This book is authored by Dr Aruna Jha and CA (Dr) Anuj Bhatia, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Concept Clarity] Concepts are explained in a lucid and concise manner, facilitating easy understanding for students at all levels of proficiency
• [Practical Examples] Includes a large number of real-life examples to elucidate theoretical concepts and demonstrate their practical applications, bridging the gap between theory and practice
• [Visual Aids] The book extensively uses tables, figures, and diagrams to enhance comprehension and retention of complex auditing principles
• [Regulatory Analysis] Relevant Standards on Auditing issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India are integrated at suitable places to ensure students are well-versed with current professional standards
• [Landmark Cases] References to landmark cases with significant implications for auditing provide a contextual understanding of theoretical concepts within practical scenarios
• [Legislative Provisions] Key provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, relating to accounts and audits are explained clearly and concisely, aiding students in understanding complex legislative requirements
• [Chapter-end Questions] Important questions are provided at the end of each chapter to test students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, promoting self-assessment and revision

The detailed contents of the book are as follows:

• Introduction
  • This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the fundamentals of auditing. It begins by defining auditing and outlining its primary objectives, focusing on the goals of financial audits. The chapter analyses various types of errors and frauds that auditors might encounter and discusses the broad scope of auditing practices. It also highlights the advantages of auditing while acknowledging the inherent limitations outlined in Standard on Auditing (SA) 200. Essential principles guiding audit practices are also discussed, providing a comprehensive introduction to the subject
• Classification of Audit
  • This chapter categorizes audits based on different criteria, providing a structured understanding of the various types of audits. It starts with an introduction to audit classification and then examines audits based on organizational structure, specific objectives, and time. Each classification type is discussed in detail to help students understand the diverse nature and purposes of audits
• Audit Planning and Documentation
  • Focusing on the initial steps of an audit, this chapter covers the critical considerations for commencing an audit. It explains the components of an audit programme and the purpose of an audit notebook. Additionally, it discusses the importance of thorough audit documentation to ensure a systematic and effective audit process
• Internal Control Systems
  • This chapter discusses the components and significance of internal control systems within an organization. It explains the nature and purpose of internal checks and internal audits and examines the inter-relationships between internal control, internal checks, and internal audits. The chapter also includes specific transactions to highlight practical applications
• Audit Evidence and Audit Sampling
  • Understanding the significance of audit evidence is crucial for effective auditing. This chapter explains the nature and importance of audit evidence as outlined in SA 500. It also covers methods such as test checking and selective verification and introduces the concept of audit sampling, highlighting its role in the audit process
• Vouching
  • Vouching is a fundamental aspect of auditing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of its meaning, objectives, and importance. It details the procedures for routine checking and vouching and discusses the different types of vouchers. Specific sections cover vouching for credit sales, sales returns, purchase transactions, and entries on both the debit and credit sides of the cash book
• Verification of Assets
  • This chapter analyses the concept of asset verification, distinguishing it from vouching and valuation. It outlines the objectives and procedures for verifying specific assets and liabilities, emphasizing the auditor’s duties in this context. The chapter provides detailed guidelines for the verification of various types of assets and liabilities
• Company Auditor | Appointment and Removal
  • Focusing on the legal and procedural aspects of appointing and removing company auditors, this chapter covers eligibility criteria, appointment processes, compulsory reappointments, and ceilings on the number of audits an auditor can undertake. It also discusses the remuneration, rights, duties, and liabilities of auditors as outlined in various sections of the Companies Act 2013
• Auditor’s Report
  • This chapter discusses the audit report as a crucial means of communication between the auditor and stakeholders. It explains the revised SA 700 series and the elements of an audit report, differentiating between various types of reports. Special attention is given to audit reports for limited companies
• Liabilities of Auditor
  • Understanding the liabilities associated with the auditing profession is essential for auditors. This chapter introduces the classification of liabilities, including civil liabilities under common law and liabilities under the Companies Act 2013. It provides a detailed examination of the potential legal repercussions auditors may face
• National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)
  • This chapter provides an in-depth look at the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), including its evolution, background, powers, functions, and duties. It discusses the companies and auditors governed by NFRA and the composition of the authority. The chapter also examines the rise of NFRA and its relationship with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
• Audit of Banking Companies
  • This chapter focuses on the unique aspects of auditing banking companies. It starts with an introduction to the banking system in India and the peculiarities of banks. The chapter covers different types of bank audits and the framework for auditing banking companies, with special emphasis on auditing key financial items in a bank’s financial statements
• Audit of Insurance Companies
  • Auditing insurance companies require specific knowledge and approaches. This chapter outlines the framework for auditing insurance companies, the preparation of auditor’s reports for such companies, and the auditing of key financial items in the insurance business
• Forensic Audit
  • Forensic auditing is a specialized area within auditing, and this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of its background, definition, and importance. It distinguishes forensic audits from financial audits and discusses the use of the fraud triangle by forensic auditors, relevant laws, standards, compliance issues, and the limitations of forensic auditing.
• Audit in a Computerized Environment
  • This chapter addresses the challenges and strategies associated with auditing in a computerized environment. It covers audit strategies and approaches, computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs), types of internal control in computerized information systems (CIS)/electronic data processing (EDP) environments, audit trails, and the implications of auditing in a computerized setting based on SA 315 and SA 330.