ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how auditors may confirm the results of the analysis with business owners and, when necessary, revise the audit approach and re-perform selected analyses as appropriate. The evaluation of evidence to ensure it is both factual and adequate is a major component of both data and results validation. Data validation is process by which the auditor verifies the accuracy and completeness of information obtained or derived prior to analysis. Data validation is intended to ensure that data obtained for analysis is reasonable, complete, and falls within acceptable boundaries. Results validation begins well in advance of the actual production of analytical results. Analytical testing should not be expected to achieve results identical to the auditor's expectation, but rather to produce evidence within a previously agreed upon acceptable tolerance of anticipated results. A critical area in verification of results is obtaining assurance that no auditor bias was introduced in either the data selection process or the choice of analytical techniques.
