Current topics in Auditing

The course builds upon the foundational concepts introduced in Auditing I, offering a deeper exploration of audit processes, techniques, and methodologies applied by auditors in practice. Its objective is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of auditing theories and contemporary developments, enabling them to analyze and conduct audits with greater proficiency and professional insight.

The curriculum covers key topics such as audit quality, professional judgment and skepticism, IT and cybersecurity risks, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in auditing, and assurance of sustainability reporting. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on applying research-based knowledge and theoretical frameworks to current issues in auditing, ensuring that students develop both conceptual understanding and practical analytical skills.

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the legal framework and professional standards governing financial auditing and the assurance of sustainability reporting.
• Demonstrate knowledge of key techniques for applying professional judgment and professional skepticism in auditing and assurance engagements.
• Understand what audit quality is and identify the factors that influence audit quality at the auditor, client, and regulatory levels.
• Have knowledge of applying artificial intelligence (AI) in audit and how cyber risks, information technology (IT) influence audit risk assessment, audit quality, and the execution of audit and assurance tasks.
• Understand and explain current developments and emerging topics in auditing, including regulatory reforms, technological advancements, and sustainability assurance trends.

Competence and skills

• Be able to demonstrate an analytical mindset, apply research-based knowledge and critical thinking in argumentation, evaluation and reflection on regulatory requirements and practice
• Be able discuss methods, technology, and digital tools in audit and assurance
• Be able to identify and justify solutions to audit- and assurance problems
• Be able to reflect on the importance of judgment and professional scepticism in the performance of audit and assurance engagements

General competence

The course should contribute to the students developing general competence in accordance with the learning outcomes described at the program level, including the development of an analytical mindset and the ability to think critically.

Various forms of work and learning activities will be used, with a combination of lectures, own work with literature and other sources, and mandatory activity / participation in group work and seminars. The course is suitable for students who participate in learning activities on campus, and it is necessary to participate in mandatory activities on campus, to be allowed to sit for the exam. There will be 1 mandatory activity in the course, which consists of several sub-activities, including participation in prepared presentations and discussions. Dates for and more detailed requirements for mandatory participation will be announced early in the teaching semester. The language of instruction is English.