Auditing & Assurance Services William Messier; Craig Emby

Innovative approach, content and technology distinguish this text from the competition: Messier responds to the growing market demand for a more conceptual text, suitable for both accounting majors and general business audiences (i.e., future auditors AND auditees). The text has a distinct overview section (Part II), which provides a conceptual understanding of the audit process by introducing the concepts of materiality, risk, and evidence. This approach facilitates student development of auditor judgement, a vital skill in today's auditing environment. This is the only textbook that combines risk analysis with a process (new CICA Handbook term, formerly "cycles") approach, introducing the audit risk model early and using it as an outline for all of the process chapters. (Chapter 3 introduces the Strategic Systems Approach to auditing, the new audit methodology being adopted by the larger public accounting firms.) The applications chapters (Part V, Chapters 9-15) continue the process orientation using the audit risk model. Messier stands apart from current offerings by reducing the detail to focus the students on concepts followed by the application of concepts to the various transaction cycles. In addition to including discussions of hot topics, such as assurance services and fraud, the text boasts a unique competitive advantage: the representation of computerized systems. While most texts downplay the role of technology in auditing, Messier assumes that accounting cycles are computerized. The text's design, content, and pedagogy reinforce the integration of technology.