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Accounting Vs Auditing - Definition, Differences & Overview

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CDA Audit
Accounting Vs Auditing - Definition, Differences & Overview

Accounting and auditing appear similar and hence confusing. Many misconstrue accounting as auditing. Notwithstanding, auditing is a different process from accounting. It is aimed at examining the flow of funds, misappropriations, and fallacies in calculations. Auditing helps in identifying the lacunae and resolving those. Auditing accounting offered by auditing services is helpful for business firms and companies in many ways.


Proper auditing is mandatory for any entity to remain financially healthy and grow. Although internal audits can offer insight into fund management, external audit is important to keep the accounts in check. External auditing also helps in maintaining the transactions up to date, which can be submitted as and when sought by the authorities. Reliable auditing services can aid you with professional auditing accounting and support in financial management.


What is auditing?


Auditing is performed after accounting normally. Auditing services are periodically undertaken to scrutinize the company’s financial records. To ensure that there are no anomalies in the funds reflected, amend unhealthy financial practices and unearth frauds (if any).

The auditor would go through each transaction in the given period, accounting practice being followed and check the money inflow and payables. Of course, committed auditing services offering auditing accounting will depute a team of professionals for the auditing. The size of the auditing team will depend on the size of the entity and its financial stature.


What is the purpose of auditing?


Auditing services are vital for confirming that there are no malpractices going on. And the company is exploring the business possibilities with respect to financial strength. Auditing will help in:


  • Complying with extant policies and regulations
  • Affirming that the company is abiding by the latest governmental orders
  • Detecting frauds
  • Improving the accounting system efficacy
  • Planning expansion and improving business prospects
  • Accurate budgeting


What is accounting?


Accounting monitors and records all the transactions happening, maintains the data of the financial assets, notes down the receivables and liabilities or payables, and observes cash flow constantly.


The accounting team should advise the management regarding the exact financial condition of the company regularly. They should pursue the accounting regulations directed by the governmental authorities. And should submit the financial data at the prescribed time schedule.


What is the purpose of accounting?


Unlike auditing services, accounting is just a measure to observe financial transactions. The purposes of accounting are:


  • Data on transactions
  • Monitoring receivables and payables
  • Maintaining financial records
  • Preparation of financial statements
  • Tax filing
  • Compliance of extant tax regulations
  • Financial forecasting
  • Suggestions in reducing expenditure
  • Advice on preventing budget overheads


What are the 3 types of audits?


Auditing services differ depending on the purpose each serves. Auditing accounting agencies would offer a comprehensive solution to the clients. Companies do not have to worry about financial aspects once they hire trustworthy accounting auditing services.


Generally, there are three types of audits. Those are:


External Audits – External audit is carried out by auditing services independent of the firm. The auditing accounting professionals would undertake a thorough scrutiny of all the financial data.


Internal Audits – In-house team from the company undertakes the internal audits. Internal audits may not be as efficient as external audits, as the team would be already overloaded with other finance-related tasks.


Authority Audit – The governmental authorities would undertake auditing of the firm to confirm that they are submitting accurate records. And are abiding by the rules and regulations of the land.


Further, auditing services can be categorized into four. The categories of audits are:


Financial Audits – Financial audits compare the company’s financial statements with its performance. The auditing services would examine whether the standard accounting policies are being followed or not. Financial audits would reveal how productively the firm has been performing in the specific period.


Compliance Audits – Compliance audits are generally undertaken in conjunction with the financial audit. The company’s financial policies, the accounting procedure, and internal financial regulations would be scrutinized as part of this. The compliance audit would confirm that the company is conforming to the laws and regulations of the land.


Economy and Efficiency Audits – Productivity of an entity would depend on the policies being followed, formulation of efficient methodologies and man and material management. Economy and efficiency audit would examine everything comprehensively to identify issues and provide suggestions. The auditing services would be instrumental in boosting the company’s efficiency. Moreover, the compliance with rules and regulations in each area also would be confirmed as part of this audit.


Result Audit – Result audit or program result audit would look into the projects and ascertain that those are reaping the intended results. Furthermore, suggestions to improve cost-effectiveness would be provided subsequent to the resulting audit.


What is the difference between auditing and accounting?


Accounting and auditing services would be providing both services. The auditing team comprises accountants with in-depth knowledge, experience and expertise in the field.


Auditing


  • Scrutinizes financial documents
  • Confirmation on the accuracy of financial data
  • Investigative accounting process, to unearth errors, frauds and issues
  • Periodic


Accounting


  • Maintains financial transactions
  • Accurate details on the expenses and receivables
  • Functional part of the organization
  • Frequent, ongoing, process


Why do accountants do audits?


Accountants have key knowledge about funds and financial transactions. Their experience in managing budgets, monitoring transactions and undertaking financial calculations are vital for auditing services. Auditing accounting is crucial for alleviating the possibility of errors and keeping the company financially healthy.


Do you have any questions regarding auditing accounting?


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