Brenda Porter is Head of School of Accounting and Law at Victoria University, Wellington New Zealand.

SECTION 1: THE SOCIAL ROLE OF AUDITING
 
What is Auditing?
 
The Development of Auditing and Audit Objectives
 
SECTION 2: CONCEPTUAL UNDERPINNING OF THE AUDIT PROCESS
 
A Framework of Auditing Concepts
 
Threats to, and Safeguarding of, Auditors' Independence
 
SECTION 3: REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF AUDIT PRACTICE
 
Auditors' Legal, Regulatory and Professional Responsibilities
 
Auditors' Duties with Respect to Fraud and Non-compliance with Laws and Regulations
 
SECTION 4: ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF THE AUDIT PROCESS
 
Overview of the Audit Process, Audit Evidence, Staffing and Documenting an Audit
 
SECTION 5: THE AUDIT PROCESS
 
Commencing an Audit: Engagement Procedures, Understanding the Client and Identifying Risks
 
Planning the Audit: Materiality and Audit Risk
 
Internal Control and the External Audit
 
Testing Financial Statement Assertions: Substantive Testing
 
Audit Sampling and Computer-assisted Auditing Techniques (CAATs)
 
Completion and Review
 

Auditors' Reports to Users of Financial Statements and to Management
 
SECTION 6: IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING HIGH QUALITY AUDITS
 
Legal Liability of Auditors
 
Avoiding and Limiting Auditors' Liability
 
SECTION 7: TOPICAL AND EMERGING ISSUES
 
Corporate Responsibility Assurance Engagements
 
Future Developments
 
Index

Principles of External Auditing has become established as one of the leading textbooks for students studying auditing. Striking a careful balance between theory and practice, the book describes and explains, in non-technical language, the nature of the audit function and the principles of the audit process.
 
The book covers international auditing and accounting standards and relevant statute and case law. It explains the fundamental concepts of auditing and takes the reader through the various stages of the audit process. It also discusses topical aspects of auditing such as legal liability, audit risk, quality control, and the impact of information technology.
 
Brenda Porter is currently visiting Professor at Exeter University and Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.