Prüfungshandlungen

Prüfungshandlungen, which translates to "audit procedures" in English, are the actions taken by an auditor during an audit engagement. These procedures are designed to gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence to support the auditor's opinion on the financial statements or other subject matter being audited. The specific Prüfungshandlungen employed will vary depending on the nature of the audit, the risks identified, and the applicable auditing standards.

Common types of Prüfungshandlungen include inspection, observation, inquiry, confirmation, recalculation, and analytical procedures. Inspection involves examining records, documents, or tangible assets. Observation is watching a process or procedure performed by others. Inquiry consists of seeking information from knowledgeable persons within or outside the entity. Confirmation involves obtaining direct representations from third parties, such as customers or suppliers. Recalculation is checking the arithmetic accuracy of source documents and accounting records. Analytical procedures involve evaluating financial information by studying plausible relationships among both financial and non-financial data.

The selection and performance of Prüfungshandlungen are crucial for the effectiveness of an audit. Auditors must exercise professional judgment to determine which procedures are most appropriate to address the risks of material misstatement. The evidence obtained through these procedures allows the auditor to form a conclusion about whether the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework. The documentation of these procedures and the evidence gathered is also a critical component of the audit process.