Audit vs. Survey — What's the Difference?

Formal Examination of Accounts.

Collection of Data through Questionnaires.

Systematic Method to Evaluate Evidence.

Tool for Customer Satisfaction Measurement.

Assessment of Compliance with Standards.

Means to Explore Market Trends.

Certification of Compliance.

Research Method to Gather Opinions.

Verification of Processes.

Instrument for Academic Research.

Attend academic courses without getting credit

To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly

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 at or examine carefully and appraise

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

The act of surveying; a general view.

An adjustment or correction of accounts.

A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.

An examined and verified account.

The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.

A thorough examination or evaluation

A measured plan and description of any portion of country.

To examine, verify, or correct the financial accounts of

An examination of the opinions of a group of people.

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

A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.

To examine or evaluate (something) thoroughly

(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.

To conduct an audit.

(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.

A judicial examination.

To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook

An examination in general.

To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.

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

To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of

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

To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry

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

To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.

(obsolete) A general receptacle or receiver.

To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.

(obsolete) An audience; a hearing.

To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.

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

To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.

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

To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.

(Scientology) To counsel spiritually.

To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.

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

To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.

An audience; a hearing.

The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.

An examination in general; a judicial examination.

A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.

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

The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.

A general receptacle or receiver.

A detailed critical inspection

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.

Short descriptive summary (of events)

To settle or adjust an account.

The act of looking or seeing or observing;

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

Consider in a comprehensive way;

A methodical examination or review of a condition or situation;

Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;

Of accounts and tax returns; with the intent to verify

Keep under surveillance;

Hold a review (of troops)

Make a survey of; for statistical purposes

Plot a map of (land)

Surveys are crucial in market research as they provide insights into consumer behaviors, preferences, and trends, guiding product development and marketing strategies.

The main purpose of an audit is to evaluate an entity's compliance with specific standards, regulations, or conditions, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

An audit is a formal, often mandatory examination focusing on compliance and accuracy, while a survey is a voluntary method of gathering diverse information through questions.

Surveys collect data through questionnaires or interviews that include open-ended or closed-ended questions, targeting a specific population.

Yes, audits can have legal ramifications if non-compliance or significant discrepancies are found, potentially leading to fines or other penalties.

Survey results can inform decision-making, policy development, market strategies, and academic research by providing data on trends, attitudes, and behaviors.

Common types of audits include financial audits, compliance audits, and operational audits, each focusing on different aspects of an entity's operations.

While anyone can conduct a survey, effective survey design and analysis typically require understanding of research methods and statistical analysis.

Audits are conducted by trained auditors or regulatory professionals specialized in the field relevant to the audit's focus, such as finance or quality management.

If discrepancies are found, the audited entity may need to make financial adjustments, implement corrective actions, or face legal consequences.