Audit vs. Investigation — What's the Difference?

An audit is an "independent examination of financial information of any entity, whether profit oriented or not, irrespective of its size or legal form when such an examination is conducted with a view to express an opinion thereon.” Auditing also attempts to ensure that the books of accounts are properly maintained by the concern as required by law. Auditors consider the propositions before them, obtain evidence, and evaluate the propositions in their auditing report.Audits provide third-party assurance to various stakeholders that the subject matter is free from material misstatement.

The action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research

An examination of records or financial accounts to check their accuracy.

The act or process of investigating

An adjustment or correction of accounts.

A careful examination or search in order to discover facts or gain information.

An examined and verified account.

The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination

A thorough examination or evaluation

The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.

To examine, verify, or correct the financial accounts of

An inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities;

To attend (a course) without requesting or receiving academic credit.

The work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically

To examine or evaluate (something) thoroughly

To conduct an audit.

A judicial examination.

An examination in general.

An independent review and examination of records and activities to assess the adequacy of system controls, to ensure compliance with established policies and operational procedures, and to recommend necessary changes in controls, policies, or procedures

The result of such an examination, or an account as adjusted by auditors; final account.

(Scientology) Spiritual counseling, which forms the core of Dianetics.

(obsolete) A general receptacle or receiver.

(obsolete) An audience; a hearing.

To examine and adjust (e.g. an account).

To conduct an independent review and examination of system records and activities in order to test the adequacy and effectiveness of data security and data integrity procedures, to ensure compliance with established policy and operational procedures, and to recommend any necessary changes

(Scientology) To counsel spiritually.

To attend an academic class without the opportunity to receive academic credit.

An audience; a hearing.

An examination in general; a judicial examination.

The result of such an examination, or an account as adjusted by auditors; final account.

A general receptacle or receiver.

To examine and adjust, as an account or accounts; as, to audit the accounts of a treasure, or of parties who have a suit depending in court.

To settle or adjust an account.

An inspection of the accounting procedures and records by a trained accountant or CPA

A methodical examination or review of a condition or situation;

Of accounts and tax returns; with the intent to verify

Attend academic courses without getting credit