PAS discussion paper on combinations in public sector auditing with a focus on performance

The ISSAIs mention overlaps between different types of audits and combined audits, without elaborating on this in any detail. The main rule is to apply the principles or standards relevant for the audit work carried out. However, the standards also acknowledge that this may not always be possible, as different standards may contain different priorities, making it a matter of professional judgement which standards to apply depending on the primary objective of the audit. In the Performance Audit Subcommittee, we have observed that there are differences in opinion and perhaps some confusion in relation to the concept of “combined audits” and overlaps, not least when performance audits cover aspects of compliance.

To contribute to increased clarity on this issue, we discuss in this paper different combinations in public sector auditing with a focus on performance auditing and aspects of performance:

  • Public sector auditing and other engagements;
  • Combining issues within each main type of audit;
  • Overlaps between audit types;
  • Combined audits; and
  • Advantages and risks with different combinations.

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