Form and content of documentation

The form and content of audit documentation should be designed to meet the circumstances of the particular
audit. The information contained in audit documentation constitutes the principal record of the work that the
auditors have performed in accordance with standards and the conclusions that the auditors have reached. The
quantity, type, and content of audit documentation are a matter of the auditors’ professional judgment. The Audit documentation therefore is not restricted to being only on papers, but can also be on electronic media. Generally the factors that determine the form and content of documentation for a particular engagement are:

(a) The nature of the engagement.

(b) The nature of the business activity of the client.

(c) The status of the client.

(d) Reporting format.

(e) Relevant legislations applicable to the client.

(f) Records maintained by the client.

(g) Internal controls in operation.

(h) Quality of audit assistants engaged in the particular assignment and the need to direct and supervise their work.