Which type of audit is requested by an outside party such as a customer or regulatory agency?

An external audit is conducted by an independent party, which can include customers or regulatory agencies, to evaluate the organization’s compliance with specific standards and regulations. This type of audit is important as it provides an objective assessment of an organization’s processes, controls, and overall adherence to industry benchmarks.

External audits assess various aspects, such as financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and operational effectiveness. They play a crucial role in building trust with stakeholders, as the findings can highlight areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

In contrast, internal audits are conducted by the organization itself, focusing on internal controls and operational efficiencies without external validation. Operational audits evaluate specific operational areas or processes rather than comprehensive compliance or financial assessments. Quality assurance audits emphasize the quality control processes rather than wider compliance aspects. Each of these types of audits serves different purposes, but when an external party is involved, it specifically points to an external audit.