It is common industry knowledge that an audit plan provides the specific guidelines auditors must follow when conducting an external audit. External public accounting firms conduct external audits to ensure outside stakeholders that the companys financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Use the Internet to select a public company that appeals to you. You may also use the company dossier in the Nexi Uni database to find company information.

Imagine that you are a senior partner in a public accounting firm hired to complete an audit for the chosen public company.

1. Outline the critical steps inherent in planning an audit and designing an effective audit program. Based upon the type of company selected, provide specific details of the actions that the company should undertake during planning and designing the audit program.
2. Examine at least two performance ratios that you would use in order to determine which analytical tests to perform. Identify the accounts that you would test, and select at least three analytical procedures that you would use in your audit.
3. Analyze the balance sheet and income statement of the company that you have selected and outline your method for evidence collection which should include, but not be limited to, the type of evidence to collect and the manner in which you would determine the sufficiency of the evidence.
4. Discuss the audit risk model and ascertain which sampling or non-sampling techniques you would use in order to establish your preliminary judgment about materiality. Justify your response.
5. Assuming that the end result is an unqualified audit report, outline the primary responsibilities of the audit firm after it issues the report in question.
6. Use at least two quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other similar websites do not qualify as academic resources.