ABSTRACT
In this chapter a start is made on constructing an auditing theory by considering the objectives of auditing which express, as in the objectives chapter of the conceptual framework, what is desired from the practice. The objectives of the auditor in International Standards on Auditing (ISA) 200 do not strike one as identifying something with a desirability characterisation. Given the explanation of the kind of auditing theory explored in this book, it is clear that this auditing standard is really part of an auditing theory. One way of tackling the expectations gap in auditing would be to agree on the objectives of auditing as part of the development of a conceptual framework for auditing or, what is taken as equivalent in this book, an auditing theory. Exploring what is wanted from auditing in the kind of theorising undertaken in this book is exploring the objectives of auditing. The objectives of auditing stated in ISA 200 are identified.
