No matter what kind of audit is being performed – internal, external, or government – audit sampling needs to be used so that auditors can complete their audits without wasting resources in checking every single item. The objectives of audit sampling are as follows:
- Gather enough evidence to conclude an audit opinion
- Reduce the number of resources used
- Provide the basis for auditors to issue a conclusive audit opinion
- Detect any errors or fraud that can occur
- Prove that auditors have completed their audit fully in accordance with auditing standards
- Used as a tool for investigating