väliskontrolli

Väliskontroll, often translated as external control or external audit, refers to an independent examination of an organization's financial statements, internal controls, or compliance with specific regulations. This type of control is typically performed by an outside party that has no vested interest in the organization being reviewed. The primary purpose of väliskontroll is to provide assurance to stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and the public, that the information presented by the organization is reliable and accurate.

In the context of financial reporting, väliskontroll most commonly refers to an independent audit of financial statements. Certified public accountants or similar professionals conduct these audits to ensure that the financial statements comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or other relevant accounting standards. This process involves reviewing accounting records, testing internal controls over financial reporting, and performing other audit procedures to gather sufficient appropriate audit evidence. The outcome of a financial audit is an auditor's opinion, which states whether the financial statements present a true and fair view of the organization's financial position and performance.

Beyond financial audits, väliskontroll can also encompass other forms of independent review. This might include compliance audits to verify adherence to laws, regulations, or contractual obligations, or operational audits to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's processes. The key characteristic remains the independence of the reviewer, ensuring objectivity and credibility in their findings and conclusions. Organizations engage in väliskontroll to enhance transparency, mitigate risks, and build trust with their stakeholders.