ACCA Audit and Assurance (F8) Practice Exam

What distinguishes an Interim Audit from a Final Audit?

1. Interim Audit focuses solely on financial statements

2. Final Audit is mandatory

3. Interim Audit is a review of year-to-date activities

4. Final Audit is carried out before the Interim Audit

The correct answer is: Interim Audit is a review of year-to-date activities

The distinguishing feature of an Interim Audit is that it involves a review of year-to-date activities. This type of audit is typically conducted partway through the financial year, allowing auditors to evaluate the financial performance and controls before the year-end. The Interim Audit enables organizations to identify any issues early on, adjust processes, and instill confidence for the remaining part of the financial year. Conducting an Interim Audit helps auditors understand how the organization is tracking against its budget and allows for timely adjustments if significant variances are detected. It is not just a snapshot of financial statements but rather an ongoing evaluation of activities, internal controls, and compliance throughout the year. In contrast, the Final Audit is a comprehensive review that takes place after the financial year-end and encompasses the entirety of the financial statements. It serves to validate the complete set of financial records and ensure they are prepared in accordance with relevant accounting standards and regulations. The relevance of a Final Audit being mandatory can depend on jurisdictional requirements but is not a defining characteristic that differentiates it from an Interim Audit. Additionally, the order of these audits is not that the Final Audit is conducted before the Interim Audit, as the Interim Audit precedes the Final Audit in the annual audit cycle.