ACCA Audit and Assurance (F8) Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of an Audit Strategy?

1. To set the scope and direction of the audit

2. To detail the specific audit procedures to be performed

3. To assess the financial statements

4. To determine the auditor's independence

The correct answer is: To set the scope and direction of the audit

The primary purpose of an audit strategy is to set the scope and direction of the audit. This strategic document outlines how the audit will be conducted, providing a framework that guides the planning and execution of the audit process. By establishing the overall objectives and parameters, the audit strategy ensures that the audit is tailored to the specific needs of the client and the inherent risks associated with their business environment. Having a clear audit strategy allows the auditor to allocate resources efficiently and focus on key areas that require attention. It also helps in coordinating the efforts of the audit team and aligning their activities with the objectives of the audit engagement. While detailing specific audit procedures is important for the execution stage, these procedures are developed based on the overarching strategy. Assessing the financial statements is a fundamental outcome of the audit process, but is not the primary purpose of the strategy itself. Finally, determining the auditor's independence is crucial for ensuring ethical compliance, but it falls under a different aspect of audit planning and governance rather than the strategic orientation of the audit.