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. You have made some good points there. I looked on the
    web to learn more about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.

  2. Howdy! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew
    where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding
    one? Thanks a lot!

  3. I’m not sure where you are getting your information,
    but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this info for my mission.

  4. Hey there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this
    post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.
    I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read.
    Thank you for sharing!

  5. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve take into accout
    your stuff prior to and you’re simply too wonderful.

    I really like what you have obtained right here, certainly like
    what you’re saying and the way by which you say it.
    You’re making it enjoyable and you still care for
    to stay it sensible. I cant wait to read much more from you.
    That is really a wonderful site.

  6. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative
    in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done
    a outstanding job!

  7. Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us
    so I came to check it out. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting
    this to my followers! Fantastic blog and terrific design and style.

  8. A person essentially lend a hand to make significantly articles I’d state.
    This is the first time I frequented your website page and so far?
    I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual
    post extraordinary. Wonderful job!

  9. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m planning to start my own blog in the near
    future but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  10. Au88 – TRANG GAME GI?I TRÍ ??NG C?P HOÀNG GIA S?
    M?T AU88.COM
    Au88 là nhà cái tr?c tuy?n uy tín s? h?u kho game h?p d?n nh?: casino,
    th? thao, x? s?, b?n cá, n? h?. ???c c?p phép ho?t
    ??ng b?i PAGCOR công nh?n là sân ch?i cá c??c h?p d?n uy tín – minh b?ch – an toàn.
    Au88 mang ??n tr?i nghi?m gi?i trí tr?c tuy?n ??ng c?p hoàng gia….https://qrss.ru.com/

  11. Pretty component to content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and
    in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact loved account your blog posts.
    Any way I will be subscribing in your feeds and even I achievement you get
    right of entry to constantly fast.

  12. Greetings! I’ve been following your blog for some time now and finally got the
    bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Tx!

    Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!

  13. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who
    had been conducting a little homework on this.

    And he in fact ordered me breakfast simply because I found it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your web site.

  14. You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve read a
    single thing like that before. So nice to find another person with original thoughts on this subject.
    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is something
    that’s needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

  15. Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing many
    months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?

  16. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  17. continuously i used to read smaller articles or reviews
    that as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading at this place.

  18. Someone essentially lend a hand to make severely posts I’d
    state. That is the first time I frequented your web page
    and so far? I surprised with the research you made to create
    this particular submit incredible. Fantastic activity!

Leave a Comment

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

Scroll to Top