Basic Audit Staff Training: Audit Analytical Procedures

Author: Robert K Minniti

This online course introduces new and developing audit professionals to the core concepts, standards, and practical applications of analytical procedures under U.S. GAAS and PCAOB requirements. Participants will learn how analytical procedures support risk assessment, substantive testing, and final review, and how they enhance audit efficiency, effectiveness, and professional skepticism.

The course emphasizes real-world application through examples, case scenarios, and data‑driven techniques including ratio analysis, trend evaluation, expectation development, regression, and data visualization. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how modern audit teams incorporate technology, data analytics, and AI‑assisted tools to strengthen analytical procedures and identify red flags that may indicate fraud, errors, or misstatements.

By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge needed to design, perform, and document analytical procedures in compliance with auditing standards—building confidence, improving audit quality, and reinforcing critical thinking skills early in their audit careers.

Publication Date: March 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for early‑career and developing audit professionals, as well as individuals seeking a foundational understanding of analytical procedures.

Topics Covered

• Purpose and authority of analytical procedures under U.S. GAAS and PCAOB standards
• Types of analytical procedures: planning, substantive, and final review
• Developing expectations and determining acceptable variances
• Common analytical techniques: ratios, trends, reasonableness testing, regression, data visualization
• Using technology and data analytics to enhance analytical procedures
• Identifying anomalies, red flags, and fraud indicators
• Documentation requirements and best practices
• Case studies for audit staff: practical analytical procedure scenarios

Learning Objectives

• Identify professional standards and requirements governing analytical procedures under U.S. GAAS and PCAOB standards
• Differentiate between planning, substantive, and final analytical procedures and determine when each is appropriate
• Apply foundational and intermediate analytical techniques to evaluate financial statement data and develop expectations
• Recognize anomalies, unusual trends, and red flags that may indicate errors, fraud, or heightened audit risk
• Integrate technology‑enabled tools, including data analytics and emerging AI applications, into analytical procedures
• Recognize how to document analytical procedures and conclusions in accordance with auditing standards and firm methodology

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Auditing (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None