Describes the internal audit function in a joint venture company. Auditing joint ventures is a fascinating topic, particularly when it involves the nuclear power industry and partnership between China and a foreign collaborator. The internal audit function was established right at the outset and...

On every engagement, auditors are required to obtain a sufficient understanding of the internal control structure to plan the audit and determine the nature, timing and extent of audit tests. The evaluation of control weaknesses is important for error and fraud detection and for the avoidance of...

First of two articles outlining the role of Internal Audit (IA) in acquisitions activity. The independence and objectivity of IA mean that it can contribute significantly to acquisitions activity, provided it has sufficient organizational status, and business awareness. In screening acquisition...

The second of two articles on the audit of acquisitions examines “good practice” in the review by internal audit of newly acquired subsidiaries. Control of acquisitions can be difficult to achieve due to resistance from the subsidiary, and diffidence from the parent. These barriers must be...

Total Quality Management (TQM) will have major implications for the internal audit function. Argues that TQM concepts, such as people empowerment, are incompatible with traditional notions of compliance with prescribed internal controls, policies and procedures. Suggests that the fundamental...

There have been new interests in internal control and the COSO report represents a milestone in the evolution of internal control. The business community and accounting profession reactions to the COSO report have been positive in the USA. The provisions of the COSO report help organizations to...

Auditors′ belief revisions are found to be influenced by the presentation order of audit evidence. The Belief Adjustment model developed by Hogarth and Einhorn predicts recency effects when certain task variables are present. An unanswered question remains: Do individual psychological...

Professional accounting associations in various countries and governmental and other quasi‐official bodies have played an important role not only in the evolution of internal control reporting on a global scale, but also in educating management, investors, financial institutions, accountants,...

Charities are now big business in the UK, responsible for delivering major welfare services. The regulatory structure has been improved and a new radical accounting standard has been introduced. Little research, however, has occurred on the number of large charities that have internal audit and...

Is the “profession” of internal audit really delivering? Will it serve the needs of commerce/industry in the new millennium? Is it yet a profession? There is a growing sense of disquiet in companies over the increasing failure of internal control systems. Auditors seem reluctant to accept or...