module specification

This module builds upon the approaches to internal and external audit developed in the Autumn period module Audit and Risk Management.  It focuses on the wider strategic, ethical, professional and environmental developments in the UK and international audit and assurance services frameworks.

AC6052 Audit and Risk Management

1.  to provide an understanding of the internal and external audit review and reporting functions in the context of the regulatory frameworks and professional and ethical dimensions of audit practice
2.  to critically appraise and evaluate the audit process and select appropriate techniques and judgements in performing and reporting on audit and assurance services
3.  to develop advanced skills in forming judgements and opinions whilst exercising an appropriate degree of professional scepticism in audit and assurance engagements

The module also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular:
- academic writing skills;
- problem solving and decision making;
- application of knowledge and presenting data :
-  numeracy/ quantitative methods :
- commercial awareness.

1.  nature and function of the external audit process
2.  legal, regulatory and corporate governance frameworks of audit and assurance services, international audit standards and code of ethics
3.  risk based approach to external audit, going concern, materiality and the audit risk model
4.  the role of internal audit, IT control systems and assurance services
5.  audit reporting and current issues in audit, the audit profession and corporate governance

The 1 hour lecture will introduce the themes and content of the module and this will be developed through interactive workshops and case studies using the core textbook and web based resources.  Opportunities for reflective learning will be provided through the group presentations and the individual report.

On completing the module students will be able to :

1.  critically evaluate the regulatory, ethical and professional frameworks of the external audit function and internal review within which audit and assurance services are undertaken
2.  identify and apply comprehensive and appropriate audit procedures and techniques in the statutory audit of financial statements and other relevant information
3.  evaluate the requirements of a range of assurance services offered to clients
4.  form an opinion and exercise professional judgement in a variety of practical audit contexts and evaluate current and emerging issues in the audit and assurance services environment

The module will be assessed by a case study group presentation ( formative ), an individual 1500-word report ( 50% ) and an end of module examination  ( 50% ) .   The assessments will focus on the practical approaches to audit and assurance and to current issues in the auditing profession.

Core textbook :

Eilifsen A., Messier W., Glover S. and Prawitt D.     Auditing and Assurance Services  ( International Edition )  2010  Mc Graw Hill

Additional reading :

Cosserat G. and Rodda N.    Modern Auditing   Third edition   2009  Wiley

Gray S. and Manson S.          The Audit Process – Principles, Practice and Cases  Fifth edition  2011  Cengage Learning

Porter B., Simon J. and Hatherly D.    Principles of External Auditing  Third edition  2008  Wiley

Websites :

Financial Reporting Council               www.frc.org.uk
ICAEW                                                    www.icaew.com
ACCA                                                      www.accaglobal.com
ICAEW  Accountancy magazine        www.accountancymagazine.com
Accountancy Age                                www.accountanyage.com