auditoria que es

What is an audit: definition, types and meaning

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?

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

  1. Pingback: granat88

  2. Pingback: https://intech101.in

  3. Pingback: knowing it

  4. Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?

    I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.
    I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  5. Appreciating the time and energy you put into your
    website and detailed information you provide. It’s awesome to come across a
    blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Fantastic read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  6. Pingback: read this blog post from Hottips

  7. Pingback: Film & Series

  8. Buenas a todos, deseo recomendar una página que leí hace unos días y que realmente disfruté.

    Es un contenido bastante detallado sobre la historia del
    fútbol argentino, desde los primeros clubes hasta los títulos mundiales.

    Como aficionado al fútbol, me gusta aprender sobre cómo
    nació y evolucionó la cultura futbolística en Argentina.

    El contenido presenta con mucho detalle la llegada del fútbol
    al país, los primeros pasos de este deporte, así como el crecimiento de los clubes que marcaron generaciones.

    Lo que encontré más interesante es que no solo enumera acontecimientos,
    sino que también habla de la relación entre los clubes
    y los barrios. Aprendí bastante sobre instituciones históricas,
    rivalidades clásicas y la forma en que el fútbol pasó
    de ser un deporte importado a convertirse en un símbolo cultural argentino.

    También, el texto dedica espacio a íconos del fútbol mundial como Maradona, Messi y otras estrellas
    argentinas. El análisis de sus contribuciones ayuda a comprender por qué son admirados en todo el mundo.

    Otro aspecto que me pareció excelente es la sección dedicada a los
    clubes argentinos y a los torneos internacionales. Se nota que el autor investigó el tema
    y permite entender mejor la importancia de la Copa Libertadores.

    Si disfrutas leyendo sobre grandes tradiciones futbolísticas, te sugiero
    dedicar unos minutos a este artículo. Aunque no seas un experto
    en el tema, encontrarás datos interesantes, contexto histórico y curiosidades.

    Para concluir, pienso que este contenido vale la pena.

    Aprendí bastante sobre la evolución del deporte en Argentina y la compartiré
    con otros aficionados al fútbol. Muy recomendable.

  9. I appreciate, lead to I discovered just what I used to be having a look for.
    You’ve eended my four day lentthy hunt! God Bless yyou man. Have a great day.
    Bye

  10. Pingback: billiards ball

  11. Pingback: eden ivy full porn

  12. Pingback: ของกิน

  13. Pingback: ของใช้เด็กอ่อน

  14. Pingback: alexistogel

  15. Just want to say your article is as surprising.
    The clarity in your post is just great and i can assume you are an expert
    on this subject. Well with your permission let me
    to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
    post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  16. Hello There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This is a really smartly written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info.
    Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

  17. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written much better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to send this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!

  18. I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether
    this post is written by him as nobody else
    know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing!
    Thanks!

  19. Pingback: xm66

  20. Pingback: simply click the following internet site

  21. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through issues with your RSS.
    I don’t understand why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else having
    similar RSS problems? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

  22. Pingback: click the up coming website

  23. Pingback: https://graph.org/數位娛樂新趨勢全面解析線上娛樂城的運作與挑選指南-05-12

Leave a Comment

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

Scroll to Top