AYN411 Audit and Assurance Services
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AYN411 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | AYN416 or enrolment in BS11 Accountancy major (BS11MJR-ACCOUNT) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN411 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 |
| Coordinator: | Yuyu Zhang | yuyu.zhang@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the audit and assurance function and its role in supporting accountability and decision-making in complex business environments. As a final-year student, you’ll consolidate your technical and professional capabilities by applying knowledge from earlier accounting units to evaluate audit risk, assess internal controls, and interpret audit evidence in line with professional and ethical standards. This unit also strengthens your digital capabilities and will cover the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, enhancing your readiness for assurance-related roles in a digitally evolving profession.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply auditing concepts, techniques, and professional standards to practical audit and assurance scenarios using digital technologies [KS1.2]
- Analyse and map the key phases of the audit process, professionally articulating their purpose in achieving audit objectives. [HO2.1]
- Evaluate regulatory, legal, and ethical developments in audit practice, and the auditor's role in addressing governance, accountability and assurance challenges. [SE 5.1]
- Construct well-reasoned written responses that communicate effective solutions to auditing issues. [PC3.1]
- Professionally communicate auditing issues through clear and effective oral responses that demonstrate understanding and propose appropriate solutions. [PC3.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore the regulatory, ethical, and professional frameworks that underpin audit and assurance services in Australia. These frameworks are globally relevant due to their alignment with international auditing standards. You will examine the role and responsibilities of auditors, the assurance engagement process, and the legal and ethical standards, including the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, that guide professional conduct and audit quality.
Your learning will progress through the audit lifecycle, from engagement acceptance and risk assessment to audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting. You will apply analytical techniques and use digital tools to evaluate internal controls and perform substantive testing across key business cycles. The unit also introduces other assurance services and emerging reporting frameworks, supporting your ability to adapt to evolving professional expectations.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit supports university study as self-directed search of knowledge. Weekly teaching activities and the unit resources are designed to assist in your learning experience. Therefore, you are encouraged to attend ALL learning sessions and read the required reading materials to fully grasp and appreciate the concepts of Auditing and Assurance services.
Teaching activities consist of two components:
- theoretical coverage of audit issues, standards, and concepts; and
- the application of auditing techniques to real-world scenarios using digital technology.
This strategy exposes you to all aspects of conducting an audit and associated auditing issues. Each week, you will complete a series of problem-solving tasks to further strengthen your comprehension of the theoretical and practical aspects of auditing.
You will consolidate your understanding of basic auditing concepts by critically evaluating auditing issues in your oral presentations. You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge of pertinent audit and assurance issues in the final exam.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will research a pertinent audit and assurance issue based on content from Weeks 1-4 of the semester, and submit your findings in a written report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Interactive Presentation (with QA)
This assignment is an oral exam to simulate a meeting with an audit team member/manager/partner to discuss business and audit risk. You are required to prepare and present solutions to a task that mimics a real-world issue using digital tools.
The interactive presentation contains two parts:
(1) Presentation: You will orally report the findings in the form of a presentation. To present, you will be required to submit your slides.
(2) Q&A session: You will then respond to critical comments and queries from the facilitator and the audience individually.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled session.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 1 to 12, including your ability to analyse both practical and theoretical auditing issues.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Leung et al. (2024), Audit and Assurance, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Reference book(s)
Australian Auditing Standards
Gay, G. and Simnett, R. (2023). Auditing and Assurance Services in Australia. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Sydney.
Moroney et al. (2020) - Auditing A Practical Approach, 4th edition - John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN411 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 |
Overview
In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the audit and assurance function and its role in supporting accountability and decision-making in complex business environments. As a final-year student, you’ll consolidate your technical and professional capabilities by applying knowledge from earlier accounting units to evaluate audit risk, assess internal controls, and interpret audit evidence in line with professional and ethical standards. This unit also strengthens your digital capabilities and will cover the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, enhancing your readiness for assurance-related roles in a digitally evolving profession.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply auditing concepts, techniques, and professional standards to practical audit and assurance scenarios using digital technologies [KS1.2]
- Analyse and map the key phases of the audit process, professionally articulating their purpose in achieving audit objectives. [HO2.1]
- Evaluate regulatory, legal, and ethical developments in audit practice, and the auditor's role in addressing governance, accountability and assurance challenges. [SE 5.1]
- Construct well-reasoned written responses that communicate effective solutions to auditing issues. [PC3.1]
- Professionally communicate auditing issues through clear and effective oral responses that demonstrate understanding and propose appropriate solutions. [PC3.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore the regulatory, ethical, and professional frameworks that underpin audit and assurance services in Australia. These frameworks are globally relevant due to their alignment with international auditing standards. You will examine the role and responsibilities of auditors, the assurance engagement process, and the legal and ethical standards, including the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, that guide professional conduct and audit quality.
Your learning will progress through the audit lifecycle, from engagement acceptance and risk assessment to audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting. You will apply analytical techniques and use digital tools to evaluate internal controls and perform substantive testing across key business cycles. The unit also introduces other assurance services and emerging reporting frameworks, supporting your ability to adapt to evolving professional expectations.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit supports university study as self-directed search of knowledge. Weekly teaching activities and the unit resources are designed to assist in your learning experience. Therefore, you are encouraged to attend ALL learning sessions and read the required reading materials to fully grasp and appreciate the concepts of Auditing and Assurance services.
Teaching activities consist of two components:
- theoretical coverage of audit issues, standards, and concepts; and
- the application of auditing techniques to real-world scenarios using digital technology.
This strategy exposes you to all aspects of conducting an audit and associated auditing issues. Each week, you will complete a series of problem-solving tasks to further strengthen your comprehension of the theoretical and practical aspects of auditing.
You will consolidate your understanding of basic auditing concepts by critically evaluating auditing issues in your oral presentations. You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge of pertinent audit and assurance issues in the final exam.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will research a pertinent audit and assurance issue based on content from Weeks 1-4 of the semester, and submit your findings in a written report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Interactive Presentation (with QA)
This assignment is an oral exam to simulate a meeting with an audit team member/manager/partner to discuss business and audit risk. You are required to prepare and present solutions to a task that mimics a real-world issue using digital tools.
The interactive presentation contains two parts:
(1) Presentation: You will orally report the findings in the form of a presentation. To present, you will be required to submit your slides.
(2) Q&A session: You will then respond to critical comments and queries from the facilitator and the audience individually.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled session.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 1 to 12, including your ability to analyse both practical and theoretical auditing issues.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Leung et al. (2024), Audit and Assurance, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Reference book(s)
Australian Auditing Standards
Gay, G. and Simnett, R. (2023). Auditing and Assurance Services in Australia. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Sydney.
Moroney et al. (2020) - Auditing A Practical Approach, 4th edition - John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN411 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 |
| Coordinator: | Yuyu Zhang | yuyu.zhang@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the audit and assurance function and its role in supporting accountability and decision-making in complex business environments. As a final-year student, you’ll consolidate your technical and professional capabilities by applying knowledge from earlier accounting units to evaluate audit risk, assess internal controls, and interpret audit evidence in line with professional and ethical standards. This unit also strengthens your digital capabilities and will cover the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, enhancing your readiness for assurance-related roles in a digitally evolving profession.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply auditing concepts, techniques, and professional standards to practical audit and assurance scenarios using digital technologies [KS1.2]
- Analyse and map the key phases of the audit process, professionally articulating their purpose in achieving audit objectives. [HO2.1]
- Evaluate regulatory, legal, and ethical developments in audit practice, and the auditor's role in addressing governance, accountability and assurance challenges. [SE 5.1]
- Construct well-reasoned written responses that communicate effective solutions to auditing issues. [PC3.1]
- Professionally communicate auditing issues through clear and effective oral responses that demonstrate understanding and propose appropriate solutions. [PC3.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore the regulatory, ethical, and professional frameworks that underpin audit and assurance services in Australia. These frameworks are globally relevant due to their alignment with international auditing standards. You will examine the role and responsibilities of auditors, the assurance engagement process, and the legal and ethical standards, including the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, that guide professional conduct and audit quality.
Your learning will progress through the audit lifecycle, from engagement acceptance and risk assessment to audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting. You will apply analytical techniques and use digital tools to evaluate internal controls and perform substantive testing across key business cycles. The unit also introduces other assurance services and emerging reporting frameworks, supporting your ability to adapt to evolving professional expectations.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit supports university study as self-directed search of knowledge. Weekly teaching activities and the unit resources are designed to assist in your learning experience. Therefore, you are encouraged to attend ALL learning sessions and read the required reading materials to fully grasp and appreciate the concepts of Auditing and Assurance services.
Teaching activities consist of two components:
- theoretical coverage of audit issues, standards, and concepts; and
- the application of auditing techniques to real-world scenarios using digital technology.
This strategy exposes you to all aspects of conducting an audit and associated auditing issues. Each week, you will complete a series of problem-solving tasks to further strengthen your comprehension of the theoretical and practical aspects of auditing.
You will consolidate your understanding of basic auditing concepts by critically evaluating auditing issues in your oral presentations. You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge of pertinent audit and assurance issues in the final exam.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will research a pertinent audit and assurance issue based on content from Weeks 1-4 of the semester, and submit your findings in a written report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Interactive Presentation (with QA)
This assignment is an oral exam to simulate a meeting with an audit team member/manager/partner to discuss business and audit risk. You are required to prepare and present solutions to a task that mimics a real-world issue using digital tools.
The interactive presentation contains two parts:
(1) Presentation: You will orally report the findings in the form of a presentation. To present, you will be required to submit your slides.
(2) Q&A session: You will then respond to critical comments and queries from the facilitator and the audience individually.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled session.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 1 to 12, including your ability to analyse both practical and theoretical auditing issues.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Leung et al. (2024), Audit and Assurance, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Reference book(s)
Australian Auditing Standards
Gay, G. and Simnett, R. (2023). Auditing and Assurance Services in Australia. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Sydney.
Moroney et al. (2020) - Auditing A Practical Approach, 4th edition - John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN411 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | AYN416 |
Overview
In this unit, you will deepen your understanding of the audit and assurance function and its role in supporting accountability and decision-making in complex business environments. As a final-year student, you’ll consolidate your technical and professional capabilities by applying knowledge from earlier accounting units to evaluate audit risk, assess internal controls, and interpret audit evidence in line with professional and ethical standards. This unit also strengthens your digital capabilities and will cover the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, enhancing your readiness for assurance-related roles in a digitally evolving profession.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply auditing concepts, techniques, and professional standards to practical audit and assurance scenarios using digital technologies [KS1.2]
- Analyse and map the key phases of the audit process, professionally articulating their purpose in achieving audit objectives. [HO2.1]
- Evaluate regulatory, legal, and ethical developments in audit practice, and the auditor's role in addressing governance, accountability and assurance challenges. [SE 5.1]
- Construct well-reasoned written responses that communicate effective solutions to auditing issues. [PC3.1]
- Professionally communicate auditing issues through clear and effective oral responses that demonstrate understanding and propose appropriate solutions. [PC3.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore the regulatory, ethical, and professional frameworks that underpin audit and assurance services in Australia. These frameworks are globally relevant due to their alignment with international auditing standards. You will examine the role and responsibilities of auditors, the assurance engagement process, and the legal and ethical standards, including the responsible use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools, that guide professional conduct and audit quality.
Your learning will progress through the audit lifecycle, from engagement acceptance and risk assessment to audit planning, evidence gathering, and reporting. You will apply analytical techniques and use digital tools to evaluate internal controls and perform substantive testing across key business cycles. The unit also introduces other assurance services and emerging reporting frameworks, supporting your ability to adapt to evolving professional expectations.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit supports university study as self-directed search of knowledge. Weekly teaching activities and the unit resources are designed to assist in your learning experience. Therefore, you are encouraged to attend ALL learning sessions and read the required reading materials to fully grasp and appreciate the concepts of Auditing and Assurance services.
Teaching activities consist of two components:
- theoretical coverage of audit issues, standards, and concepts; and
- the application of auditing techniques to real-world scenarios using digital technology.
This strategy exposes you to all aspects of conducting an audit and associated auditing issues. Each week, you will complete a series of problem-solving tasks to further strengthen your comprehension of the theoretical and practical aspects of auditing.
You will consolidate your understanding of basic auditing concepts by critically evaluating auditing issues in your oral presentations. You will also be able to demonstrate your knowledge of pertinent audit and assurance issues in the final exam.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment aims to support your achievement of the learning outcomes for this unit. It has been designed in order to allow you to both:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Research Report
You will research a pertinent audit and assurance issue based on content from Weeks 1-4 of the semester, and submit your findings in a written report.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Interactive Presentation (with QA)
This assignment is an oral exam to simulate a meeting with an audit team member/manager/partner to discuss business and audit risk. You are required to prepare and present solutions to a task that mimics a real-world issue using digital tools.
The interactive presentation contains two parts:
(1) Presentation: You will orally report the findings in the form of a presentation. To present, you will be required to submit your slides.
(2) Q&A session: You will then respond to critical comments and queries from the facilitator and the audience individually.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled session.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), PC (3.2)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 1 to 12, including your ability to analyse both practical and theoretical auditing issues.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Leung et al. (2024), Audit and Assurance, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Reference book(s)
Australian Auditing Standards
Gay, G. and Simnett, R. (2023). Auditing and Assurance Services in Australia. 8th ed. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Sydney.
Moroney et al. (2020) - Auditing A Practical Approach, 4th edition - John Wiley & Sons
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.