Internal Audit vs. External Audit: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Internal Audit is conducted by a company's own employees to improve internal processes, while External Audit is performed by independent auditors to certify financial statements.
Key Differences
Internal Audit focuses on evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes within an organization. External Audit aims to provide an independent opinion on the truth and fairness of a company's financial statements.
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Dec 11, 2023
Internal Audit's scope is broad, covering operational effectiveness, internal controls, and compliance with laws and policies. External Audit primarily focuses on verifying the accuracy of financial records and ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
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Dec 11, 2023
Internal Audit is conducted by the organization's own employees or hired consultants, and they report to management or the audit committee. External Audit is carried out by independent, external auditors who are accountable to shareholders and regulatory bodies.
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Dec 11, 2023
Internal Audit is typically ongoing or performed at regular intervals throughout the year, adapted to the organization's needs. External Audit is usually an annual exercise, aligning with the company's financial reporting cycle.
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Dec 11, 2023
Internal Audit results in recommendations for improving processes and controls. External Audit concludes with an audit report, expressing an opinion on the financial statements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Objective
To enhance and improve organizational processes and controls.
To attest to the accuracy of financial statements.
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Scope of Work
Broad, encompassing operational efficiency and compliance.
Focused mainly on financial records and reporting.
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Report's Recipients
Internal management and sometimes the board of directors.
Shareholders, investors, and regulatory agencies.
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Frequency
Can be continuous or at regular intervals.
Typically annual, aligned with fiscal reporting.
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Conducting Entity
Either in-house auditors or external consultants.
Independent external auditing firms.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Internal Audit and External Audit Definitions
Internal Audit
It involves the examination and evaluation of an organization's internal controls and corporate governance.
Following the Internal Audit, changes were made to enhance financial control measures.
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External Audit
External Audit involves evaluating the fairness of a company's financial statements in accordance with GAAP or IFRS.
The External Audit ensured that the financial reporting met international accounting standards.
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Internal Audit
Internal Audit is a tool for identifying and mitigating operational and financial risks.
The Internal Audit highlighted areas of potential financial risk that needed immediate attention.
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External Audit
External Audit is an independent examination of financial statements by an external auditor to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
The company's financial statements were given a clean bill of health in the External Audit.
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Internal Audit
Internal Audit assesses risk management strategies and practices within a company.
The Internal Audit revealed gaps in the risk management framework, prompting a review.
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External Audit
External Audit serves as a check on the accuracy of a company's financial reporting to protect the interests of investors and creditors.
The External Audit provided creditors with the assurance needed to continue their funding.
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Internal Audit
Internal Audit is an independent, objective assurance activity designed to add value to an organization's operations.
The Internal Audit team identified significant inefficiencies in the supply chain process.
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External Audit
It provides assurance to stakeholders that the company's financial reports are fair and reliable.
Investors gained confidence in the company's financial health following a positive External Audit.
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Internal Audit
It aims to provide insights and recommendations based on analyses and assessments of data and business processes.
The Internal Audit report provided several recommendations for operational improvements.
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External Audit
It aims to detect any misstatements, fraud, or non-compliance within the financial records of an organization.
The External Audit uncovered discrepancies that led to revised financial statements.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Who performs Internal Audit?
Either the organization’s own employees or hired consultants.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is External Audit?
An independent examination of financial statements conducted by external auditors to verify their accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
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How often is Internal Audit conducted?
It can be continuous or at regular intervals, depending on the organization's needs.
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What is the main focus of Internal Audit?
To improve organizational processes, internal controls, and compliance with regulations.
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Dec 11, 2023
What is Internal Audit?
An ongoing process within an organization to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
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Dec 11, 2023
To whom does Internal Audit report?
Typically to management and sometimes to the audit committee or board of directors.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can External Audit detect all types of financial fraud?
While it aims to detect fraud, it may not uncover all types, especially if carefully concealed.
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Is Internal Audit mandatory?
It depends on the organization's policy and sometimes regulatory requirements.
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Can Internal Audit help in strategic decision-making?
Yes, through its insights and recommendations on business processes and risk management.
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How often is External Audit conducted?
Usually annually, aligned with the fiscal year.
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Is External Audit mandatory?
Yes, for publicly traded companies and certain other entities, as per legal and regulatory requirements.
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What qualifications do Internal Auditors need?
Often a background in accounting, finance, or a related field, sometimes with specific certifications like CIA (Certified Internal Auditor).
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What qualifications do External Auditors need?
Typically a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or equivalent in other countries, with a background in accounting.
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What is the main focus of External Audit?
To certify the accuracy and fairness of the company's financial statements.
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Dec 11, 2023
Can an External Auditor perform Internal Audit for the same company?
Typically no, to maintain independence, an external auditor should not perform internal audits for the same company.
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To whom does External Audit report?
To the shareholders, investors, and regulatory agencies.
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Does External Audit advise on business strategy?
No, its primary role is to attest to the financial statements' accuracy, not to provide business advice.
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Can Internal Audit identify financial fraud?
Yes, it can identify potential fraud and suggest preventive measures.
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Can an Internal Auditor switch to External Audit?
Yes, with appropriate qualifications and experience, an internal auditor can transition to external auditing.
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Dec 11, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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