Definition of auditing

According to International Standard on Auditing (ISA) objective and common principles governing an audit of financial statements, the purpose of a financial statements audit is to allow the auditor to state an opinion whether the financial statements are ready, in all material respects, in accordance with a recognized financial reporting framework.

The phrases employed to state the auditor's opinion is "give a true and fair vision" or "present moderately, in all substance respects," that are equivalent terms. A similar objective exerts to the audit of financial or other information arranged in accordance with suitable criteria.

The independent examination of an expression of opinion on, the financial statements of an endeavour by an appointed auditor in pursuance of that appointment and in compliance with any related statutory compulsion.