Many organizations are audited by independent public accountants. The purpose of an audit is to express an opinion on the fairness of presentation of financial information prepared by management. An audit enhances the value of financial information by making it more trustworthy and credible.

In this course, we learn how public accountants plan and execute an audit. We begin with an overview of the financial statement audit itself and move on to a look at audit process, evidence, risk models and core audit principles. Next, we'll talk about internal controls and fraud controls, including the COSO framework, testing controls, fraud schemes and more. We'll wrap up by discussing auditing cycles and audit completion.

Learning Objectives
  • Discover the purpose and nature of a financial statement audit, identify the players in the auditing industry, and recognize ethical considerations in auditing
  • Identify different forms of auditor’s reports and discover the three phases of the audit process: planning, execution, and completion
  • Identify management assertions
  • Discover the various forms of audit evidence and the audit risk model
  • Discover how to assess inherent risk and calculate financial statement materiality
  • Identify different types of manual and electronic internal controls and fraud risks and controls
  • Discover approaches for assessing control risk, testing approaches for internal controls, and audit planning and the preparation of audit programs
  • Identify approaches to auditing for fraud and auditing the sales cycle
  • Discover substantive audit procedures
  • Recognize how to conduct audit completion procedures
Last updated/reviewed: August 7, 2023
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136 Reviews (606 ratings)

Reviews

4
Anonymous Author
This course had a LOT of good information in it for someone who hasn't been exposed to the auditing side of accounting. The presentation itself was very quick and sometimes difficult to keep up. I found myself having to stop and rewind several times to make sure I didn't miss anything. It would be really helpful if the videos were presented as slides so that it would be easier to go back for review. It felt like I wasted a lot of time trying to rewind to just the right place to try to hear what he was saying.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative course on the fundamental principles and practices of auditing. The course instructor was very informative with regards to all aspects of this course. I especially enjoyed the lesson on fraud controls. All in all a very worthwhile course. Don't stop until you get to the top and when you get to the top don't stop.

4
Anonymous Author
Good review of auditing principles as well as relevance to financial statements and reporting. The instructor effectively presented key concepts; however, the supporting materials for this course were less intuitive for knowledge retention and future reference than other courses offered. Nonetheless, a good refresher.

4
Anonymous Author
Great information shared about the overall audit process and each of its components. The instructor provides examples for each type of evidence gathered in an audit as well as what auditors look for when determining audit risk. There are not PowerPoint documents available, so remember to take notes.

5
Member's Profile
This instructor is very effective in sharing his knowledge of auditing; his sense of humor makes a somewhat dry subject much more easy to absorb. I enjoyed the class - it was a great refresher course on the audit process. The section on fraud was my favorite part of the course.

5
Anonymous Author
Very comprehensive information for learning the basics on audit mechanisms and controls. I especially liked the presenters energy and enthusiasm. I only wished that there was a downloadable handout with even some basic bullet points. Otherwise great info/presentation.

5
Anonymous Author
Great high-level course as a refresher on auditing principles - thorough videos along with course supporting materials. The course was a great opportunity to review previously learned auditing terminology and principles. Highly recommend!

5
Member's Profile
I like the Mentor's sense of humor. He kept the "28 videos" moving fast enough to be interesting. Also, I appreciated the discussion of US and Canadian standards. Thank you, Blair! P.S. Yes, advertising DOES work.

5
Anonymous Author
This course was an audit basics overview. Having not worked in the public accounting arena, but going through 30+ audits over the years, it was a good insight into what principles guide the auditors work and opinions.

5
Member's Profile
This is an excellent refresher course that I would recommend. It is a good suggestion to keep the slide materials for future reference and is also great for recertification of the CPP. I highly recommend this course.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent content. This course really did a good job at getting to the meat and potatoes of the content. The content, context, and multiple modes of representation they provide is highly effective and enjoyable!

5
Anonymous Author
It is a good course to refresh one's memory regarding the basics of auditing. However, it's always helpful to have slides or supporting documents which one can skim through at the end of the course.

4
Member's Profile
The course was a good refresher of basic auditing principles. However, it should be kept in mind that terminology can vary slightly based on co.urse provider (e.g. Becker has different terminology)

5
Member's Profile
Every year companies go through the audit process. This course helps teach you what they're looking for when assisting with the audit practices of most companies. This course was very helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a fantastic course teaching me about auditing. I went into this course with very little knowledge and now have a deeper understanding of the importance and procedures of an audit.

4
Anonymous Author
Thanks for Mr.Blair's professional course. I have some difficult in mastering the subject, which sometime annoys me. After I listened the couser, I was updated my knowledge on aduiting.

5
Anonymous Author
I enjoyed this course. It really helped me to refresh my audit knowledge. This course gave a very comprehensive overview of the complete audit process, which I found to be very helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent detailed explanation of financial statements with regards to auditing and the issued reports. In addition, importance of internal controls and auditors role is discussed.

5
Anonymous Author
При ответе на тесты пришлось не легко, поскольку не все ответы удалось усвоить в процессе обучения

3
Member's Profile
The information on the exam was great and there was a lot of detail in the presentation but I wasn't able to view a summary of topics to have on hand to do a quick skim or review.

4
Anonymous Author
The course was very instructive and covered a lot of detail in a short amount of time. I learned a lot about general auditing procedures, although they are mostly Canadian based.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course. Stated prerequisite requirements were appropriate and sufficient. Program materials were relevant and contributed to the achievement of the learning objectives.

5
Anonymous Author
Really great course. A good refresher for someone a few years in. I like how it went through the process from beginning to end. Great job in collecting the glossary. Enjoyed it!

4
Anonymous Author
Course touches on basic areas of the auditing process which is very helpful in understanding the auditing process conducted by an external independent auditing firm.

4
Member's Profile
This was a good review of audit basics that helped me to re-establish the principles of audit. This brought back key concepts which I learned during university.

5
Anonymous Author
Very good course. I took notes throughout the discussion so that I could refer back to them during the test instead of having to find the details in the video.

4
Anonymous Author
The course was very good. The speaker was very good. He provided a lot of inputs and valuable insights. The material was well organized and well structured.

5
Anonymous Author
Good overall review of Auditing standards and accounting principles. The instructor did a great job teaching and was very knowledgeable in the subject matter.

5
Member's Profile
Course Contents: – The professional standards and guidelines applicable to an audit – The nature and purpose of auditing – Audit approach and planning

5
Member's Profile
Very well structured. The course materials provided a great overview of the topic and very clear. The pace allowed for a proper understanding of the topic.

4
Member's Profile
Course was good overall. One thing that was kinda of annoying is that it was split into like 30 subsections and there was outro and intro every 10 minutes.

4
Member's Profile
dozens of 5-minute modules, with same music and catch phrases got really annoying after while. Otherwise, the material and the presenter were very good.

5
Member's Profile
This webinar brings better understanding to our year in audit. However the supporting materials would not open, making it harder to pass the test.

5
Member's Profile
If you didn't take auditing in college/never worked in public or just need a refresher - this is your course! loaded with all the auditing basics.

5
Member's Profile
Easy to listen to the instructor and very informative! I would recommend this course to anyone! Good information for anyone who is doing auditing

2
Anonymous Author
sound quality wasn't good. Wasted time during transitions. Put in his own can't stop won't stop til you get to the top which was super annoying

4
Anonymous Author
As others have mentioned, I had a little difficulty understanding the speaker. If you can get past that, there is some good information here.

5
Anonymous Author
Instructive and informative course that provided a thoughtful overview of the audit cycle, including a refresher on some forgotten material.

5
Member's Profile
Unfortunately, I was unable to see the attached supporting materials. What i saw is only the glossary being repeated on all the attachments.

4
Anonymous Author
Strong auditing is so critical in our society, as there is lots of knowledge that isn't always effectively passed along within management.

5
Anonymous Author
This is a great review course for those with audit experience, but also a great course for those who have little or no audit experience.

4
Member's Profile
Good course to refresh auditing skills and knowledge. Appreciate the inclusion of the stages of the audit, as well as internal control.

5
Anonymous Author
This is a good course on auditing steps, processes and purpose. It looks at different sides of audits and is laid out in a good manner.

5
Member's Profile
Nice audit review. It would be nice, however, to have slides included with the source materials to refer to as the course moves along.

5
Member's Profile
This course was challenging and very educating. I learned a lot from this course, tools that i can see myself using in the job field.

5
Member's Profile
Blair Cook was quite extensive in his audit teachings and obviously very experienced and knowledgeable. I quite enjoyed the course.

5
Anonymous Author
Even though I have an audit background, this was a very useful overview and refresher on the key components and principles of audit.

4
Member's Profile
Good audit overview. I liked the way content was presented. I would recommed this class to other people with interest in auditing.

5
Member's Profile
Even though I don't perform audits in my current position, this was a good review of things that I may have forgotten. Thank you.

3
Member's Profile
Provided lots of good information. Maybe supporting materials on the side to help visual learners to print and review.

5
Anonymous Author
The course materials were dense yet very helpful for the overall understanding of audit principles and actual practices.

3
Member's Profile
just enough hours for help complete my cpe for my cia nnd cpa license without having an overwhelming amount of questions

5
Anonymous Author
good class and was able to pass test on 1st try will definitely recommend please take the course you will not regret it

5
Anonymous Author
Good content but wish I could have pulled the power point for further review. the zip file I got was only a glossary.

5
Member's Profile
Absolutely amazing audit course. Truly enjoyed the clear explanations on how a proper audited should be completed.

5
Anonymous Author
Very clear and informational. I suggest this course for every new internal auditor. The instructor loves to teach.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course! I really like this instructor. Good summary of auditing principles, controls and the audit process.

5
Member's Profile
Great overview of basic auditing principles and practices. Useful for new and inexperienced associates to review.

4
Anonymous Author
The speaker was not easy to listen to however he covered a great detail and was thorough and easy to understand.

5
Anonymous Author
Very informative course by Blair. Do not stop until you get to the top and when you get to the top do not stop.

5
Anonymous Author
Wonderful course, can't say enough good things about it. Highly valuable information for anyone that needs it.

5
Member's Profile
Good examples, enthusiastic presenter, lots of experience, tried to keep a normally dull subject interesting.

5
Anonymous Author
This course is great for anyone interested in learning about auditing principles. Would highly recommend.

5
Member's Profile
Very comprehensive overview of the audit process of financial statements. Good step by step explanation.

5
Anonymous Author
I learned a lot about Auditing. Great Class! It made me realize that I do not want to be an auditor.

5
Anonymous Author
This was an excellent course to give both an overview and some important details of the audit process

5
Anonymous Author
This course is great for any auditor or individual needing to brush up on their auditing knowledge.

5
Anonymous Author
What you would expect for a foundation level course. The questions proved to be a nice refresher.

5
Member's Profile
Course met my expectations given description of the course and was a good review of audit items.

5
Anonymous Author
We just went through an audit and found that this course helped me better understand the process.

4
Anonymous Author
Great quick review of the audit process. Blair is one of the reasons I subscribed to Illumeo.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent insight into the audit process. Will help in working with our own outside auditors.

5
Member's Profile
After having been away from auditing for many years, this was an excellent refresher course.

5
Member's Profile
I enjoyed this course thoroughly and felt as though I learned a lot and gained perspective.

4
Anonymous Author
This course is pretty thorough considering the material it covers within a short time frame.

5
Anonymous Author
Good course, I appreciate the auditor point of view. Material was interesting and memorable.

5
Anonymous Author
Course was very thorough and easy to follow and digest. Provided a good review of materials.

5
Anonymous Author
course should be listened to completely. written materials are not downloaded to reference.

5
Member's Profile
I liked everything about this course, I'll recommend it to other students or colleagues

5
Member's Profile
Deep dive into audit principles and good test for anyone working in the audit field.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of auditing principles and practices. Good examples, lengthy material.

5
Member's Profile
Excellent 4 hour course with lots of good info for the non-auditor or new auditor.

5
Member's Profile
There was a lot of information in this course. It felt great to pass the final!

5
Anonymous Author
Blair is the best in the business at CPA CPE and instruction. I appreciate it!

5
Member's Profile
I would rate this as a good course for refresher on many topics control related

4
Anonymous Author
Great refresher on auditing. Basic for people that worked in public accounting.

5
Member's Profile
This was a great overview of general auditing topics and specifics for auditors

5
Anonymous Author
An excellent presentation. A good recap of the basics. Thank you Mr. Cook!

4
Anonymous Author
Comprehensive course clearly outlining auditing principles put into practice.

2
Anonymous Author
zip file would not open. very hard to refer back to material if you need to.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overall refresher to auditing after being out of it for several years.

5
Anonymous Author
Very thorough and helpful course. Good refresher on all aspects of an audit.

4
Anonymous Author
The class was a good refresher if you've been on the sidelines for a while.

5
Anonymous Author
Great course on Auditing principles, refresher or fundamental understanding

5
Anonymous Author
Did a really great job going over the basics of auditing. Highly reccommend

5
Member's Profile
Excellent course!!! Well designed with adequate coverage of all key areas.

5
Member's Profile
Well organized and comprehensive. Anyone teaching auditing would benefit.

5
Anonymous Author
Very good refresher on audit. Blair puts it in a simple logical approach

5
Anonymous Author
very good the info of the course as a reminder. thank you so much Blair

5
Member's Profile
Interesting examples and very clear explanation of the Audit basics.

5
Member's Profile
Very Informative, I highley recommend for anyone needing a refresher.

5
Member's Profile
I would like that the video could have had subtitle/ closed captions.

5
Anonymous Author
The information in this course was presented clearly and concisely.

4
Anonymous Author
Extremely comprehensive course. A great refresher. highly recommend.

5
Anonymous Author
The written materials were weak but the review and quiz was helpful.

5
Anonymous Author
Good course for new auditors and a good review for experienced ones.

5
Member's Profile
This was an excellent course and covered a number of solid topics.

4
Anonymous Author
Great course, good refresher on the audit process. Would recommend

5
Anonymous Author
very very interesting class. I really enjoyed it and learned alot.

4
Anonymous Author
Good review of the audit process and very thorough.

4
Anonymous Author
Good overview of Audit procedures, that provided a good refresher.

5
Anonymous Author
Great informative course. Great teacher. Great learning potential.

3
Anonymous Author
Good course with some basic concepts. A good course! Excellent!

4
Anonymous Author
Great Instructure, the executive foot warmer should get a raise.

5
Anonymous Author
Well-presented and clear refresher on the overall audit process.

4
Anonymous Author
Test was very easy to take and videos were easy to follow along.

5
Member's Profile
Little quick, but it was fine. We learned. Is this long enough.

5
Anonymous Author
Good course for overview of auditing principles and procedures.

4
Anonymous Author
The tutorial was very well produced. Material was just enough.

5
Anonymous Author
Great instructor, had good examples. No one topic was too long.

4
Anonymous Author
As a former auditors, this was a good review of audit concepts.

4
Anonymous Author
Thorough review and refresher course for auditing essentials.

4
Anonymous Author
Good beginner course for an overview of auditing key concepts

1
Anonymous Author
The only supplemental material provided was the glossary...

5
Member's Profile
amazing course! loved this. very informative, lots to learn

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course- detailed explanation of the audit process

5
Member's Profile
The videos were a little long/dry, but I learned a lot!

4
Anonymous Author
The videos were informative and detailed,it was through

5
Anonymous Author
Hot topic for today - fraud risk. Useful presentation.

5
Anonymous Author
4 easy CPE hours for anyone who has audit experience.

4
Member's Profile
Good coverage of various topics and audit techniques

5
Anonymous Author
Good brush up of the basics. It was a nice refresher.

4
Anonymous Author
Great refresher of auditing terminology and standards

5
Anonymous Author
Material was informative and delivered succinctly.

2
Anonymous Author
what happened to the materials...only for MAC IOS?

4
Anonymous Author
The course was very informative. I learned a lot.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
  Auditing Financial Statements Part I: An overview of the Financial Statement Audit47:36
  Auditing Financial Statements Part II: Auditing principles1:04:30
  Auditing Financial Statements Part III: Internal Controls and Fraud Controls53:50
  Auditing Financial Statements Part IV: Auditing cycles and audit completion56:34
Supporting Materials
  Auditing Principles and Practices Supporting MaterialsZIP
REVIEW AND TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam