A auditing in accounting is much more than just checking the numbers. It is a strategic process that guarantees your company's financial integrity, protects its interests and offers credibility to stakeholders, investors and regulatory bodies.
But do you really know how it works? And, more importantly, how it can transform the financial management of your business? In this article we'll explore everything you need to know about accounting auditing, from its fundamental concepts to its practical application in companies of different sizes.
Join us and find out why this practice has become indispensable for companies seeking sustainable growth and operational security.
What auditing is and how it works in accounting
A auditing in accounting is a systematic process of analyzing, verifying and evaluating a company's accounting records, financial documents and operations.
Carried out by independent and qualified professionals, it seeks to validate that the information presented is correct, complete and in accordance with current accounting standards.
It works in well-defined stages: planning the audit, collecting evidence, analyzing the records in detail, identifying possible inconsistencies and issuing a conclusive report.
During this process, the auditor examines documents, tests transactions, checks accounting balances and assesses the company's internal controls.
The aim is to ensure that the financial statements reflect the true economic and asset situation of the business, offering security and reliability to the information used to make strategic decisions.
What does an accounting auditor do?
An accounting auditor is a specialized professional responsible for examining, analyzing and validating the integrity of a company's accounting and financial records.
His job goes far beyond simply checking figures; he acts as a qualified investigator who seeks to ensure the compliance, accuracy and reliability of financial information.
The main duties of an auditor include: reviewing accounting and tax documentation, verifying that transactions have been recorded correctly, evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, identifying possible fraud or irregularities, analyzing compliance with laws and regulations, and issuing a technical opinion on the company's financial situation.
In addition, the accounting auditor carries out substantive tests on the accounts, examines proof of expenditure and income, validates bank balances, checks the adequacy of provisions and assesses whether the accounting principles have been applied correctly.
During the auditing in accounting, The professional also identifies opportunities to optimize processes, reduce costs and improve internal controls.
A good auditor doesn't just point out problems, but offers strategic recommendations to strengthen financial management.
Their independence and impartiality are fundamental to ensuring that the accounting audit is reliable and useful for making business decisions.
What are the types of audits in accounting?
There are different types of auditing in accounting, Each one has specific objectives and scopes. Understanding these variations is essential to choosing the modality best suited to your company's needs.
Independent audit
The independent audit is carried out by professionals from outside the company, with no links to management.
Its objective is to offer an impartial opinion on whether the financial statements comply with accounting standards.
It is often required for publicly traded companies, financial institutions and other regulated organizations.
This type of audit offers greater credibility with third parties, such as investors and creditors.
Internal audit
Carried out by professionals linked to the company itself, internal auditing focuses on assessing the effectiveness of internal controls, operational processes and compliance with internal policies.
Unlike independent audits, they act continuously and preventively, identifying risks and opportunities for improvement before they become major problems.
Government audit
This type of audit examines public accounts and the use of government resources.
Carried out by bodies such as Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), it ensures that public resources are used appropriately and in accordance with the law.
Operational audit
Focused on assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes, operational auditing analyzes whether resources are being used optimally.
It goes beyond accounting figures and examines management procedures, systems and practices.
Accounting audit rules
Accounting audits in Brazil are regulated by technical standards and specific legislation that guarantee the quality and reliability of the work carried out. Knowing these rules is essential for companies that have to undergo audits.
The main rules governing auditing in accounting are the Brazilian Accounting Standards (NBC), especially the NBC TA (Technical Auditing Standards), These establish standards for the execution, documentation and reporting of audits.
These standards require the auditor to have technical competence, independence and objectivity in their work.
In addition, Law No. 11.638/2007 and Law No. 11.941/2009 establish guidelines on company accounting and auditing.
For publicly traded companies, CVM Instruction 308/1999 defines specific requirements for independent audits. Complementary Law 123/2006, which deals with Simples Nacional, also establishes rules on when auditing is mandatory.
NBC TA 200 states that the auditor must obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement.
NBC TA 315 establishes that the auditor must understand the entity and its environment, including its internal controls. Audit documentation must be kept for at least five years, in accordance with legal requirements.
Accounting audits must also follow the Accountant's Code of Professional Ethics, which reinforces principles such as integrity, objectivity, confidentiality and technical competence.
Objectives of the accounting audit
The objectives of the accounting audit are clear and strategic, aimed at guaranteeing the reliability of financial information and strengthening business management:
- Validate the accounting compliance: Verify that the accounting records are in accordance with the technical standards and legislation in force
- Ensuring the accuracy of financial information: Confirm that the statements reflect the true economic and financial situation of the company
- Identify irregularities and fraud: Detect possible errors, inconsistencies or fraudulent acts in accounting records
- Evaluating internal controls: Analyze the effectiveness of the processes and controls that protect the company's assets
- Offering security to stakeholders: Provide confidence to investors, creditors, regulators and other stakeholders
- Recommend operational improvements: Suggest optimizations in accounting and financial processes
- Ensuring legal compliance: Checking compliance with tax obligations, labor and regulatory
- Strengthening corporate governance: Contributing to more transparent and accountable management
What are the advantages for companies and accountants?
Accounting audits offer significant benefits for both companies and accounting professionals. Understanding these advantages helps us understand why this practice is increasingly adopted by organizations seeking operational excellence.
One auditing in accounting well executed transforms the way a company manages its finances, offering security, compliance and opportunities for strategic growth. For companies and accountants, the benefits are multiple and impactful.
Advantages for companies
- Greater legal and fiscal certaintyReduces the risk of fines, lawsuits and problems with regulatory bodies
- Credibility with investors and creditors: Demonstrates transparency and financial solidity, facilitating access to credit and investments
- Identifying fraud and irregularitiesDetects deviations, errors and possible fraudulent acts before they cause major damage.
- Optimization of financial processes: Offers recommendations to improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen internal controls
- Better decision-making: Provides reliable information and strategic analysis for management decisions
- Strengthening corporate governance: Promotes transparency, responsibility and trust among stakeholders
- Regulatory compliance: Ensures compliance with accounting, tax and legal obligations
Advantages for accountants
- Professional validation: Confirms the quality of the accounting work carried out
- Reducing responsibilities: Shares responsibilities with independent auditors, offering professional protection
- Continuous improvement: Receives technical feedback that contributes to improving processes and practices
- Market differentiation: Accountants working in auditing gain credibility and position themselves as experts
- Professional liability insurance: Many auditors offer cover that protects accountants against claims
How CLM Controller's accounting audit is carried out
A CLM Controller performs the auditing in accounting through a methodological process, structured and guided by experts.
Each step is carefully planned to ensure accuracy, compliance and the delivery of strategic insights that add value to your business.
Planning and risk assessment
The process begins with detailed planning, where our auditors assess the company's profile, its operational risks, accounting complexity and regulatory environment.
In this phase, we define the scope of the audit, identify critical areas and establish the work strategy. This stage is fundamental for auditing in accounting effective and focused on the points that really matter to your business.
Analysis of internal controls
We assess the effectiveness of the company's internal controls, checking that processes are properly structured to prevent errors and fraud.
We test segregation of duties, authorizations, reconciliations and documentation, identifying points for improvement that strengthen operational security.
Substantive tests and verification of records
We carry out detailed tests on the accounting accounts, examining documents, vouchers and records.
We check bank balances, accounts receivable, inventories, expenses and income, validating that they are correctly recorded and comply with accounting standards.
Report and recommendations
At the end, we issue a full report with our conclusions, identification of irregularities (if any), compliance with standards and strategic recommendations.
Our experts also offer advice on how to optimize processes, reduce risks and improve financial management.
Invest in security and strategy with CLM Controller
A auditing in accounting is not just a legal obligation or a bureaucratic formality. It is a strategic investment that protects your business, offers regulatory compliance and provides valuable insights for smarter financial decisions.
In CLM Controller, We carry out specialized accounting audits, with a focus on companies in the Real and Presumed Profits, combining technical rigor with strategic orientation.
Our experienced auditors identify optimization opportunities, strengthen your internal controls and ensure full compliance with legal requirements.
Talk to an expert of CLM Controller and discover how a well-structured accounting audit can transform the financial management of your business.
Request a strategic diagnosis and find out about our customized solutions for companies seeking sustainable growth and operational security.