Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS

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Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS'

A set of systematic guidelines used by auditors when conducting audits on companies' finances, ensuring the accuracy, consistency and verifiability of auditors' actions and reports.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS'

By relying on GAAS, auditors can minimize the probability of missing material information. GAAS are divided into these main sections:

1) General standards
2) Standards of fieldwork
3) Standards of reporting

Each section is littered with requirements that the auditor and the subject company must meet. In short, an auditor must adequately plan the audit in advance, be independent of the client at all times, and always obtain reliable evidence. The companies must present their financial statements in accordance with GAAP, remain consistent in their reporting, and explicitly disclose all pertinent information.

Related Definitions

  • All-Inclusive Income Concept

    A method of income reporting that includes the total non-owner changes in equity on a company's financial statements. It excludes investments by owners and distributions to owners. ...
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  • Audit

    1. An unbiased examination and evaluation of the financial statements of an organization. It can be done internally (by employees of the organization) or externally (by an outside firm). ...
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  • Auditor's Report

    Recorded in the annual report, the auditor's report tests to see that a corporation's financial statements comply with GAAP. This is sometimes referred to as the clean opinion.
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