Audits are an external review of a company’s financial reporting accuracy. Most audits are conducted by public accounting firms at specified time periods, such as quarterly or annual accounting periods.
Facts
Material findings in an audit report indicate significant errors or risks in the company’s financial information. Auditors issue a qualified opinion, stating the discovery of material audit findings.
Types
Material audit finds may include limitations in the scope of the audit, deviations from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), or concerns of the company’s ability to remain in business.
Effects
Companies that receive a qualified audit opinion with material findings may be required to undergo a second audit, called a remedial audit. The purpose of this audit is to ensure that corrections have been made in the company’s accounting policy.
Warning
Failure to correct or change accounting policies found during an audit may limit a company’s ability to seek outside financing for future business operations. Outside lenders and investors look negatively on material findings in an audit.
Expert Insight
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) issues Generally Accepted Audited Standards (GAAS) for auditors and companies to use when auditing financial information.
References
- AICPA: Generally Accepted Auditing Standards
- St. Louis Fed: Red Flags for your Audit Committee
- Securities and Exchange Commission. "SEC Implements Internal Control Provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley Act; Adopts Investment Company R&D Safe Harbor." Accessed August 10, 2020.
- AICPA. "Generally Accepted Auditing Standards," Page 1599. Accessed August 10, 2020.
- Securities and Exchange Commission. "Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)." Accessed August 10, 2020.
- IAASB. "International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board." Accessed August 10, 2020.
- Internal Revenue Service. "IRS Audits." Accessed August 10, 2020.