Practical Statistical Sampling For Auditors

In a clear, readable style, this timely volume provides the information needed to design and execute audit samples for the appraisal, evaluation, and validation of financial and accounting data. With this material, auditors and analysts can accomplish such required functions as evaluating program performance and determining the reliability of financial records and statements more quickly and accurately. Designed as a practical, reliable, on-the-job reference -- with a minimum of statistical theory and formulas -- Practical Statistical Sampling for Auditors blends statistical sampling with other acceptable auditing techniques ... emphasizes the significance of error analysis and audit appraisal ... examines audit and statistical stratification ... advocates the use of minimum samples ... emphasizes the use of replication to support audit decisions ... and outlines the advantages and limitations of various audit sampling schemes. Further, Practical Statistical Sampling for Auditors offers such handy features as chapter summaries, computer printouts, real-life examples, a time-saving table of minimum sample sizes, an easy-to-use glossary, a detailed index, and numerous literature citations, helping auditors; accountants; program, budget, and management analysts; comptrollers; and financial managers to apply statistical methods in consonance with Auditing Standards. Book jacket.

This book is aimed at those with responsibilities for audit, risk and control - auditors of course - but also finance directors, audit committee members, project accountants, systems designers and other professionals too. Working under pressure, these people often need to take account of theory and best practice but strike a balance with the practical demands of their workplace. This book’s practical emphasis on meeting the ever-changing needs of clients and auditees will benefit a wide audience by helping readers to: ¢ select a suitable, practical sampling approach ¢ appreciate the statistical implications ¢ evaluate the results of audit testing ¢ take account of risk and control evaluation in targeting valuable audit resources. It does this by laying out the principles behind a concept and then grounding them in ’real life’ cases for the reader to work through. These are accompanied by suggested solutions which, while not definitive answers, do provide valuable advice and guidance. Finally the range of appendices, including a complete copy of the statement of auditing standards, SAS 430, make this book an essential resource for everyone concerned about modern auditing.

This book is about how to reduce large data sets down to the critical few high-risk subsets.

This book’s practical emphasis on meeting the ever-changing needs of clients and auditees will benefit a wide audience by helping readers to: ¢ select a suitable, practical sampling approach ¢ appreciate the statistical implications ¢ evaluate the results of audit testing ¢ take account of risk and control evaluation in targeting valuable audit resources.

The fifth edition of AUDIT SAMPLING continues to provide an important bridge between basic introductory auditing texts and the level of highly technical professional knowledge necessary to handle audit sampling applications in actual practice. Written from the standpoint of internal and external auditors, the information is easy-to-understand by entry-level auditing students, yet also appropriate for an advanced or graduate level auditing course. Updated to reflect the rapidly changing audit environment, the fifth edition offers the following new features: * The latest information on new technology and techniques for testing controls * Reflects the revisions of SAS No. 55 made by SAS No. 94. * Significant discussion of setting materiality and relating that to tolerable misstatement, including a discussion of SAB No. 99 * Information on changes in practice regarding the use of nonstatistical sampling * New examples and cases The book companion web site includes data sets for cases particularly appropriate for solving with Excel. The actual cases are identified by an icon in the text. The web site also contains an Instructor's Resource Manual.

This reference book guides readers in the application of statistical and nonstatistical sampling-to auditing financial statements, testing internal control, and assessing compliance with laws and regulations. Featuring simple discussions of all types of audit sampling, the book contains practice aids for planning, performance, and evaluation.

Updated as of December 1, 2019, this guide continues to be an indispensable resource packed with information on sampling requirements and methods. It introduces statistical and nonstatistical sampling approaches, and features case studies illustrating the use of different sampling methods, including classical variables sampling and monetary unit sampling, in real-world situations.