──Zhang Wei
Performance Audit Mentor
Performance Audit Learning Outcomes
Performance audit learning outcomes start with reflections on the value and benefits of performance audit. Through the five papers, the SAI Auditor is expected to develop knowledge and skills related to, the principles of performance audit and the process of conducting a high quality performance audit as per ISSAIs.
Paper 1
Performance audit: concepts, principles and process
By studying this paper the SAI Auditor will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Identify the concepts of economy, efficiency and effectiveness, outline the general principles of performance auditing, including SAI and auditor´s responsibilities related to them, outline the performance audit process, identify its challenges, and identify ways in which performance audits contribute to SAI outputs, outcomes and impact.
Paper 2
Performance audit: tools and techniques
By studying this paper the SAI Auditor will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Map tools and techniques to the performance audit process and select a set for a performance auditor´s toolkit.
- Conduct stakeholder, SWOT, RACI and risk analysis.
- Select a sample for PA.
- Analyse and document information from interviews and observations.
- Select appropriate survey and focus groups questions.
- Use root cause analysis techniques.
- Apply content analysis, descriptive statistics, regression, trend analysis and correlation in performance audit.
Paper 3
Performance audit planning
By studying this paper the SAI Auditor will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Identify cross-cutting considerations (materiality, documentation, communication) in planning a performance audit.
- Identify the key decisions to be taken in developing a strategic audit portfolio for PA and determine criteria and appropriate data collection methods for audit topic selection.
- Determine audit approach and criteria, decide on audit scope, develop audit objectives and questions.
- Formulate strategy to manage audit risks.
- Document an audit plan and identify challenges and drivers for planning performance audits.
Paper 4
Conducting a performance audit
By studying this paper the SAI Auditor will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Identify cross-cutting considerations (materiality, documentation, communication) in conducting a performance audit
- Determine sufficiency and appropriateness of audit evidence
- Document audit findings, develop conclusions and formulate recommendations
- Identify challenges and drivers for conducting performance audits
Paper 5
Performance audit report and follow-up for impact
By studying this paper the SAI Auditor will achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Identify cross-cutting considerations (materiality, documentation, communication) in reporting and following up on a performance audit
- Identify the attributes of a PA report, write key messages, analyse parts of a report and outline the communication process to convey audit results
- Identify the strategies for follow-up and facilitate audit impact
- Identify challenges and drivers for reporting and following up on performance audits
