What should be recorded in the findings from the audit?

The findings from the audit should include all relevant details for stakeholders before completing the fieldwork because this step ensures transparency and conveys important information that may impact decision-making. By documenting detailed observations, the auditor assists stakeholders in understanding the context of the audit and the criteria used to evaluate the entity being audited. This may include specific risks identified, compliance issues, or areas needing improvement, thereby facilitating informed discussions and follow-up actions.

In contrast to this, suggestions for future audits, while valuable, do not constitute findings specific to the current audit and are more reflective of planning for subsequent audits rather than the results of the current assessment. Personal opinions of the auditors have no place in formal audit findings, as they could introduce bias and undermine the credibility of the audit. Similarly, statistical data unrelated to the findings would not contribute to the understanding of the audit's results and may detract from the focus on relevant issues. Thus, the emphasis on recording essential details ensures that the audit findings are objective, informative, and directly pertinent to stakeholders.