As auditors, we are trained to investigate beyond appearances to determine the underlying factsin other words, to look beneath the surface. From the Enron and WorldCom scandals of the early 2000s to the financial crisis of 20072008 to present-day issues and challenges related to significant estimation uncertainty, understanding the auditors responsibility related to fraud, maintaining a clear perspective, probing for details, and understanding the big picture are indispensable to effective auditing. With the availability of greater levels of qualitative and quantitative information (big data), the need for technical skills and challenges facing todays auditor is greater than ever. The author team of Louwers, Blay, Sinason, Strawser, and Thibodeau has dedicated years of experience in the auditing field to this new edition of Auditing & Assurance Services, supplying the necessary investigative tools for future auditors.
