The Audit and Assurance syllabus is essentially divided into six areas. The syllabus starts with the nature, purpose and scope of assurance engagements, including the statutory audit, its regulatory environment, and introduces governance and professional ethics relating to audit and assurance.

It then leads into planning the audit and performing risk assessment.

The syllabus then covers a range of areas relating to an audit of financial statements including the scope of internal control and the role and function of internal audit. These include, evaluating internal controls, audit evidence, and a review of the financial statements.

In addition to final review procedures, the syllabus concentrates on reporting, including the form and content of the independent auditor’s report.

Finally, the syllabus contains outcomes relating to the demonstration of appropriate digital and employability skills in preparing for and taking the AA examination. This includes being able to interact with different question item types, manage information presented in digital format and being able to use the relevant functionality and technology to prepare and present response options in a professional manner. 

These skills are specifically developed by practicing and preparing for the AA exam, using the learning support content for computer-based exams available via the practice platform and the ACCA website and will need to be demonstrated during the live exam.

On successful completion of this exam, candidates should be able to:

A. Explain the concept of audit and assurance and the functions of audit, corporate governance, including ethics and professional conduct.

B. Demonstrate how the auditor obtains and accepts audit engagements, obtains an understanding of the entity and its environment, assesses the risk of material misstatement (whether arising from fraud or other irregularities) and plans an audit of financial statements

C. Describe and evaluate internal controls, techniques and audit tests, including IT systems to identify and communicate control risks and their potential consequences, making appropriate recommendations. Describe the scope, role and function of internal audit.

D. Identify and describe the work and evidence obtained by the auditor and others required to meet the objectives of audit engagements and the application of the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs)

E. Explain how consideration of subsequent events and the going concern principle can inform the conclusions from audit work and are reflected in different types of auditor’s report, written representations and the final review and report.

F. Demonstrate employability and technology skills