Audit vs. Review — What's the Difference?

Formal examination of records to ensure accuracy.

General examination or assessment.

Assessment to determine adherence to standards.

Evaluation of content, like books or films.

Third-party verification of processes and accounts.

A periodic evaluation of knowledge or skills.

A validation method to ensure compliance.

A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as a movie (a movie review), video game (video game review), musical composition (music review of a composition or recording), book (book review); a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or softwares such as business software, sales softwares; or an event or performance, such as a live music concert, play, musical theater show, dance show or art exhibition. In addition to a critical evaluation, the review's author may assign the work a rating to indicate its relative merit.

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.

To look over, study, or examine again

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

To consider retrospectively; look back on

An adjustment or correction of accounts.

To examine with an eye to criticism or correction

An examined and verified account.

To write or give a critical report on (a new work or performance, for example).

A thorough examination or evaluation

(Law) To evaluate (a decision made by or action taken by a lower court) to determine whether any error was made.

To examine, verify, or correct the financial accounts of

To subject to a formal inspection, especially a military inspection.

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

To go over or restudy material

To examine or evaluate (something) thoroughly

To write critical reviews, especially for a newspaper or magazine.

To conduct an audit.

A reexamination or reconsideration.

A judicial examination.

A retrospective view or survey.

An examination in general.

A restudying of subject matter.

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

An exercise for use in restudying material.

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

A report or essay giving a critical estimate of a work or performance.

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

A periodical devoted to articles and essays on current affairs, literature, or art.

(obsolete) A general receptacle or receiver.

An inspection or examination for the purpose of evaluation.

(obsolete) An audience; a hearing.

A formal military inspection.

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

A formal military ceremony held in honor of a person or occasion.

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

(Law) An evaluation conducted by a higher court of a decision made or action taken by a lower court to determine whether any error was made.

(Scientology) To counsel spiritually.

A musical show consisting of often satirical skits, songs, and dances; a revue.

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

A second or subsequent reading of a text or artifact in an attempt to gain new insights.

An audience; a hearing.

An account intended as a critical evaluation of a text or a piece of work.

An examination in general; a judicial examination.

(legal) A judicial reassessment of a case or an event.

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

A stage show made up of topical sketches etc.

A general receptacle or receiver.

A survey of the available items or material.

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.

A periodical which makes a survey of the arts or some other field.

To settle or adjust an account.

A military inspection or display for the benefit of superiors or VIPs.

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

A forensic inspection to assess compliance with regulations or some code.

A methodical examination or review of a condition or situation;

To survey; to look broadly over.

Of accounts and tax returns; with the intent to verify

To write a critical evaluation of a new art work etc.; to write a review.

Attend academic courses without getting credit

To look back over in order to correct or edit; to revise.

Systematic inspection of books and accounts.

To look over again (something previously written or learned), especially in preparation for an examination.

(obsolete) To view or see again; to look back on.

(obsolete) To retrace; to go over again.

To view or see again; to look back on.

To go over and examine critically or deliberately.

To retrace; to go over again.

To look back; to make a review.

A second or repeated view; a reëxamination; a retrospective survey; a looking over again; as, a review of one's studies; a review of life.

An examination with a view to amendment or improvement; revision; as, an author's review of his works.

A critical examination of a publication, with remarks; a criticism; a critique.

A periodical containing critical essays upon matters of interest, as new productions in literature, art, etc.

An inspection, as of troops under arms or of a naval force, by a high officer, for the purpose of ascertaining the state of discipline, equipments, etc.

The judicial examination of the proceedings of a lower court by a higher.

A lesson studied or recited for a second time.

A new appraisal or evaluation

An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play)

A subsequent examination of a patient for the purpose of monitoring earlier treatment

(accounting) a service (less exhaustive than an audit) that provides some assurance to interested parties as to the reliability of financial data

A variety show with topical sketches and songs and dancing and comedians

A periodical that publishes critical essays on current affairs or literature or art

A summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion

(law) a judicial reexamination of the proceedings of a court (especially by an appellate court)

Practice intended to polish performance or refresh the memory

A formal or official examination;

Look at again; examine again;

Appraise critically;

Hold a review (of troops)

Refresh one's memory;

Look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events, etc.); remember;

A reconsideration or re-examination.

Summary or overview of a particular subject.

Generally, a Review is less formal and detailed than an Audit, but it depends on context.

An Audit usually takes longer due to its thoroughness, while a Review is often quicker.

Due to their detailed nature, Audit results are often seen as more authoritative than Review outcomes.

Yes, an Audit is generally more detailed and thorough than a Review.

Typically, an Audit requires trained professionals, while a Review can be done by anyone familiar with the subject.

A Review might be chosen for its speed, cost-effectiveness, or when a full Audit isn't deemed necessary.

Depending on context, Audit results might have legal implications, whereas a Review typically does not.

Yes, if inconsistencies are found during a Review, it may trigger a more detailed Audit.

No, while financial audits are common, Audits can relate to various fields. A Review can also span multiple subjects.

While Audit results are more commonly used as evidence, Review findings might be used depending on the situation.