## SA 230 – Audit Documentation
### What is Audit Documentation?
Audit documentation is the record of:
1. Audit procedures performed
2. Audit evidence obtained
3. Audit conclusions reached
---
### Why Audit Documentation Matters — Seven Purposes
| Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Evidence of planning & performance | Demonstrates audit was conducted per SA and applicable laws |
| Supervision, direction & review | Assists the EP in managing the engagement team |
| External inspection | Enables regulatory review of the auditor's work |
| QC review | Supports the firm's quality control process |
| Basis for conclusions | Records how overall audit objectives were achieved |
| Matters of continuing significance | Captures issues relevant to future audit engagements |
| Accountability | Clear record of who performed each procedure |
---
### Factors Affecting Form, Content, and Extent
- Size and complexity of the entity
- Nature of audit procedures to be performed
- Identified Risks of Material Misstatement (ROMM)
- Significance of the audit evidence obtained
- Nature and extent of exceptions identified
- Audit methodology and tools used
> More complex entities and higher ROMM → more extensive documentation required.
---
### Ownership
- Audit documentation is the property of the auditor (unless law specifies otherwise)
- Auditor may, at their discretion, share portions or extracts with clients — but there is no obligation to do so
### Retention Period
7 years from the date of the audit report