What an auditor does and doesn't do: http://www.grfcpa.com/resources/publications/auditor-responsibilities/

"Auditor's Role and Responsibilities" Please respond to the following: Compare the primary auditor objectives in auditing historical financial statements to auditing internal controls over financial reporting. Identify at least two (2) objectives that are the most significant in reducing the risk of reporting errors or misstatements in financial statements. Provide a rationale for your response. Create a scenario where it would be acceptable for an external auditor to accept an audit engagement without having knowledge of a client's business environment. Ascertain the key legal ramifications and risk mitigation strategies associated with an auditor performing the audit. Support your position.