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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title Auditing and Professional Ethics
Module Code AC512
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

Level 5 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims

To familiarise students with the regulatory framework of, and the principles underlying auditing;

To give students an understanding of modern auditing procedures; 

To provide students with an understanding of business and professional ethics.



Learning Outcomes 
  1. Discuss the purpose, role and fundamental principles of auditing
    
     
    
    
  2. Discuss the importance of business and professional ethics in auditing
    
     
    
    
  3. Outline the main steps of the audit process, including audit planning, risk assessment, controls testing and substantive testing
    
     
    
    
  4. Identify and apply relevant audit regulation and standards
    
     
    
    
  5. Identify and evaluate risk factors attaching to a prospective or continuing audit engagement
    
     
    
    
  6. Discuss the importance of audit planning and complete an appropriate audit strategy and audit plan, with regard to a prospective or continuing audit engagement
    
     
    
    
  7. Critically assess an internal control system and associated control risk factors
    
     
    
    
  8. Discuss current issues in external financial audit, including auditor independence and expectations gap
    
     


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 36
Tutorials 10
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 29
Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Fundamental Auditing Principles: Definition of auditing and distinction between auditing and accounting; Primary and secondary objectives of an audit; The concepts of materiality, audit evidence, audit risk, confidentiality, auditor independence, and a "true and fair" view.

Professional, Legal and Ethical Framework of Auditing: Appointment and remuneration of auditors; Letters of engagement; Powers, duties and rights of auditors; Professional ethics and rules of professional conduct; Removal of auditors; Case Law; Professional indemnity insurance.  Planning, Controlling and Recording of Audit Work: Audit approach; Audit planning; The conduct of an audit; Recording audit evidence; Controlling and administering audit work.

Systems of Accounting and Internal Control: Meaning of internal controls; Limitations on the effectiveness of internal controls; Understanding, recording, evaluating and testing systems of accounting and internal controls; Reports to management; Reliance on internal audit.

Audit Testing, Procedures and Techniques: Objectives of audit testing techniques. Audit of Bank and Cash, Sales and Debtors, Purchases and Creditors, Payroll.

Current issues and developments in Auditing reflecting the important issues of the time of teaching. Topics include regulatory framework of Auditing Profession, recent legislation impacting on the work of auditors, Expectations gap etc.

Business and Professional Ethics: Fundamental principles of business ethics; Social responsibility.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment0% Examination Weight100%
Indicative Reading List

1. Cosserat, G.,  'Modern Auditing',  3rd edition Wiley 2004.

2. Beasley, M et al: Auditing Cases - 'An interactive Learining Approach',  3rd edition Pearson 2006.

3. Gray, I. and Manson, S., 'The Audit Process Principles',  Practice and Causes, 3rd edition 2005.

4. Porter, B., Simon, I. and Hatherly, D., 'Principles of External Auditing',  Wiley 2003.

5. Woolf, E.,' Auditing Today'.  Prentice Hall 1997.

6. Dunn, J. Auditing: 'Theory & Practice' 2nd edition 1996.

Programme or List of Programmes
MBSMBS in Accounting
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