auditoria que es

What is an audit: definition, types and meaning

By /

Do you know what an audit is and what types of audits exist? It is a process that a company will probably go through more than once in its life. Although it may not be the same type of audit every time.

Is that positive or negative? The truth is that it depends on the type of audit, who carries it out and why. And although it may sound a bit strange, you will find out more about this when you learn about the wide diversity of types of audits.

But let’s start from the beginning: the definition of audit.

What is an audit: definition and basic types

What is an audit?

It is the compendium of the investigation and collection of data and evidence on an aspect related to a company or entity carried out by an auditor in order to verify its status and/or compliance with specific norms, standards or rules.

There are basically two types of audits: internal and external.

What is an internal audit and an external audit?

What is an internal audit? An internal audit is one that is carried out within the company, entity or organisation itself.

What is an external audit? An external audit is one that is carried out by a third party. In other words, it is carried out by people outside the audited company, entity or enterprise. To ensure that it is a quality job, it is advisable that it is planned and carried out by professionals. By firms, entities or companies specialised and qualified in the evaluation of the type of audit to be carried out.

In this case we can also speak of two different types of audits: voluntary and mandatory.

Voluntary audits, for example, are commissioned by the entity itself to ascertain the real state of its accounts. Or in organisational development, to obtain quality certification that accredits its compliance with recognised standards

The mandatory audit is that which, for example, may be ordered by a court or the Tax Agency to check the accounts and movements carried out within the audited company or entity. And that would be used to check the legality or illegality of the same.

But there is even more to consider when we talk about what an audit is. Depending on what aspects you analyse or audit, there are a variety of different types of audits.

types of audits

Common types of audits and what they are used for

What is process auditing?

A process auditing analyses and collects data to identify the risks and opportunities of that company or entity. The aim is to have real information about the company or entity in order to develop strategic actions to improve internal management.

At Nextport we know it well because it is one of our services.

Financial audit

What is a financial audit? A financial audit is an examination of the accounts of a company or entity. Its purpose is to verify that the accounting data are consistent and not misrepresented. It includes an investigation into the actual state of the accounts and the financial situation of the audited entity at all levels.

Quality audit

What is a quality audit and what is it for? Its objective is to verify that the quality system implemented by a company achieves the established standards or objectives. And that it has the capacity to maintain them over time.

It is used, for example, to assess whether you can receive a certain quality certification or a recognised qualification. For example, an ISO certification or a Q for quality.

Equal pay audit

The equal pay audit aims to verify whether there is a pay gap between men and women in the company. And whether the equality rights required by law are being respected in the company.

What is an energy audit and what does it consist of?

It analyses and collects information on energy consumption in the company or in one of its processes, buildings or systems. Efficiency and energy flows should be studied through inspections and the collection of data on energy consumption.

Marketing audit

It analyses and evaluates strategies, actions or programmes related to marketing. The aim is to detect mistakes and successes and their profitability. The goal is to develop strategies to achieve better results in a more cost-effective way.

what is an audit

Social

It consists of an analysis of the balance of its social action and ethical behaviour. It also evaluates the efficient use of economic, technical and human resources. Its main functions are to verify the transparency of the entity or company in these aspects.

What is an environmental audit?

Another of the most common is the environmental one. It can be commissioned or carried out for different purposes. For example, to check whether environmental legislation is being complied with. Or if you are eligible for environmental quality certification. Or to identify failures and to find out what needs to be improved in this area. Or to show the public that you really are a sustainable company or have ECO values, among other purposes.

But what is an environmental audit? One that evaluates the audited organisation’s or company’s environmental performance, achievements and position of respect and care for the environment.

Communication audit

It evaluates and diagnoses the organisation’s communication capacities, its actions and how they are perceived by the people to whom they are addressed. The purpose is usually to identify failures and successes in order to implement improvements in the company in this aspect.

What is an innovation audit?

That which assesses the company’s current situation regarding innovation. It usually consists of an analysis of the company’s innovative activities, if they exist. And what their development and results are.

Tax Audit

Its purpose is to verify that the organisation complies with the tax laws of the country or countries in which it operates. And that it is paying its taxes correctly and legally.

Other common types of audits

  • Legal
  • Administrative
  • Web accessibility
  • Forensic
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Prevention
  • Accessibility
  • Integral
  • Human resources

And there is more. Now you know what an audit is, and which are the most frequent ones. Do you think your organisation needs any of them?

Related Posts

25,100 thoughts on “What is an audit: definition, types and meaning”

  1. jeux plinko avis

    Suite à pu passé pas mal de heures à tester diverses itérations
    de plinko online, je me dois d’ reconnaître que c’est
    un loisir vraiment singulier. Ce qui me interpelle
    le plus, il s’agit de la maîtrise de l’ aléa ; on se croit aux commandes de
    son sort tout en réglant le jeux plinko avis afin de augmenter ses probabilités de victoire.
    Cependant, il faut toujours garder en tête le fait que chaque plinko ball demeure imprévisible et que
    les séries de petits chocs savent comment se montrer souvent frustrantes.

    Je me demandé si le thème graphique agissait vraiment sur notre ressenti,
    parce que certaines plateformes paraissent beaucoup plus dynamiques comparées
    au reste. De votre côté, avez-vous déjà pu élaborer une vraie logique
    dans le but de anticiper la trajectoire ultime, ou alors considérez-vous que cela reste uniquement une question de main du destin pure ?
    Donnez-moi vos expériences, ça m’intrigue vraiment ! https://marvelvsdc.faith/wiki/User:EverettePoupinel

  4. read more about it

    After sunset in mountainous areas, cool, dense air moves
    downslope into valleys, a phenomenon known as “katabatic” or
    “gravity” drainage flo
    Read more

    Mountains

    What is a smoky haziness that soften outlined in paintings?

    Asked by Anonymous

    A smoky haziness in paintings refers to a technique often used to create a soft, atmospheric effect
    that blurs the edges of forms and outlines. This
    technique c
    Read more

    Mountains

    What two countries are separated by mountains?

    Asked by Anonymous

    France and Spain are separated by mountains. https://www.nuovasmi.it/prodotto/helpsuite-v2/

  5. Pingback: helpful article

  16. 비아그라

    I am really enjoying the theme/design of your weblog. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?

    A small number of my blog readers have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
    Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?

  17. lastPostAnchor

    I recently came across an detailed article about Paybis and honestly
    I didn’t expect much at first but it impressed me.

    The guide shared insights on how crypto platforms can be used more effectively,
    and it wasn’t full of complicated jargon.
    After reading it, I recommended it to my uncle, and he
    started learning more about crypto. Within the next month, he became
    much more confident with finances.
    He didn’t just sit around — he started testing things carefully.
    Eventually, he even pushed towards 200k depending on timing
    — not overnight, but through smart decisions.
    What surprised me most is how his lifestyle changed. He even upgraded his lifestyle, something like a
    BMW 3 Series, and became more confident. He even built
    a new social circle around success.
    Of course results can vary, but the story is true from what I’ve seen, and that article definitely opened new perspectives.

    There’s actually a source included here, and I’d seriously recommend taking a look.

    You never know what small discovery can change things.

  19. pornofilmsex.com

    Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re
    utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster
    then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider
    at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!

  21. commercial towing

    Great post. I used to be checking continuously this
    weblog and I’m impressed! Extremely helpful information specifically the last
    section 🙂 I take care of such information much.
    I was seeking this certain info for a very long time.

    Thank you and good luck.

  22. Pingback: vanity tron

  26. Pingback: Info Beasiswa

  32. Pingback: Korean

  38. Pingback: อัปเดตสาระน่ารู้

  39. Pingback: callgirlscity.com

  42. Pingback: mouse click the following internet site

  44. 성남출장마사지

    성남출장마사지 안마 서비스는 24시간 연중무휴로 운영됩니다.
    늦은 밤이나 새벽에도 이용 가능하며, 성남 전 지역에 대기 중인 관리사가 있어
    언제든 편한 시간에 예약 가능합니다

  45. Simplebet8

    Tremendous issues here. I am very glad to see your article.
    Thanks so much and I’m looking forward to contact you.
    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  46. ae888

    Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply nice and i can assume
    you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed
    to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry
    on the enjoyable work.

  48. Pingback: intimatefriend.click

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top