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3065 Team Members
Jul-2017

Overview

The audit team, including specialists engaged to assist the audit, is required to collectively possess the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to carry out the audit effectively.

This section explains the responsibilities of team members.

OAG Policy

Team members shall have an understanding of generally accepted auditing standards appropriate to their role on the team. [Nov-2011]

OAG Guidance

The quality of the audit is directly related to the knowledge, competence, and capabilities of its team members. The team members need to collectively have

  • knowledge of the audit concepts and techniques and ability to apply that knowledge and professional judgment;
  • the skill and experience to understand the subject matter of the audit and analyze the related evidence gathered;
  • an understanding of the audited entity and the environment in which it functions, including a general knowledge of the federal government;
  • an understanding of any applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and
  • an understanding of OAG audit quality control policies and procedures.

Responsibilities of team members

Team members are assigned various roles on an engagement. With the appropriate oversight and coaching by the engagement leader, one member of the team typically assists in the design of the audit strategy and plans and coordinates its implementation on a day-to-day basis. This team member supports the engagement leader and helps the engagement leader fulfill his or her roles and responsibilities. The team member contributes to the Office by managing projects and resources on a daily basis.

More experienced team members may take on a wider range of responsibilities, as assigned. Other team members have primary responsibility for completing individual sections of the audit assigned to them and working closely with the larger team to ensure they achieve the intended objectives of their work. A team member who performs the work on a higher risk area is likely to be more experienced than others.

The general responsibilities of team members are as follows:

During the planning stage:

  • assess and make the engagement leader aware of any real or potential conflicts of interest that could threaten the actual or perceived independence of the auditor;
  • develop technical, industry subject matter knowledge;
  • document personal assignment objectives at the start of the engagement and seek regular feedback during the engagement; and
  • understand the audit objectives of all work to be performed and how the work fits into the overall audit approach before its execution.

During the engagement:

  • execute one or more audit sections according to the detailed audit program;
  • use professional skepticism;
  • communicate with the team, seek guidance and direction when audit issues are identified, and discuss upfront matters arising from the audit procedures performed, including any potential amendments to the audit program;
  • effectively communicate and raise issues with senior members of the team on a timely basis, keeping them regularly informed of the work done, audit findings, overall progress, any constraints or difficulties encountered, and other relevant information;
  • contribute to the definition of the audit approach and identify opportunities to improve the audit approach or specific audit procedures during the course of the engagement;
  • document on a timely basis the results of the work performed completely and according to professional standards and Office policies (OAG Audit 1121); and
  • conclude on the work performed.

At the reporting stage:

  • perform a critical self-review (OAG Audit 3071) of work performed and its documentation before review by the assigned reviewer and assess that audit documentation is complete and ready for review;
  • be receptive to coaching and file review by others, participate in team meetings, and share information that is significant to the work of other team members;
  • promptly and thoroughly respond to review notes raised during the review process;
  • monitor progress against budgets and engagement deadlines and promptly communicate any difficulties encountered; and
  • develop and maintain sound professional relationships with the audit entity.

Related Sections

OAG Audit 1031 Ethical requirements relating to an assurance engagement
OAG Audit 3031 Independence
OAG Audit 1121 Timely preparation of audit documentation
OAG Audit 3071 Review of audit work and documentation