University of California, Santa Barbara

How Audits Work

William Karalius

Instructor: William Karalius

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Evaluate audit risk and design appropriate control and substantive testing procedures

  • Determine the correct audit opinion and complete final audit and post-audit responsibilities

Details to know

Shareable certificate

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Recently updated!

March 2026

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the CPA Licensure Prep: Advanced Auditing and Attestation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, you'll explore the overall planning phase in an audit engagement where the auditor obtains necessary information to develop an overall audit plan along with the audit strategy. You'll develop a more thorough understanding of how auditors assess risks and how they respond to identified risks. By the end of this module, you'll have a clearer understanding of how risks are identified and how auditors develop a plan to respond to those risks.

What's included

5 videos3 readings2 assignments

In this module, you'll develop a deeper understanding about the various procedures auditors perform to gather sufficient, appropriate evidence to meet the requirements of auditing standards in the United States. You'll learn about the two key types of tests: control tests and substantive tests, as well as how analytical procedures are utilized by the engagement team. By the end of this module, you'll have a clearer picture of how evidence sets the stage for auditors to adequately reach a conclusion that results in the appropriate audit opinion.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

In this module, you'll explore the key activities that auditors are required to perform as the audit engagement comes to a close. You'll learn that before the audit report is released, there are certain tasks auditors must complete in order to comply with the auditing standards in the United States. By the end of the module, you'll learn how auditors ultimately reach a conclusion and form their opinion on a client's financial statements.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

This final module brings everything together. You’ll review key concepts from the course and apply what you’ve learned to real-world business situations. By stepping back and looking across an audit engagement, you will see all the key phases associated with ultimately reaching the conclusion that is presented in the audit report —skills that are essential for auditors and business professionals alike.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

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Instructor

William Karalius
University of California, Santa Barbara
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