Answers / Audit & Assurance

How do you perform journal entry testing?

A core Audit & Assurance interview question — asked in analyst and associate interviews across IB, PE, and the Big 4.

THE SHORT ANSWER

ISA 240 response to management override. Steps: (1) Obtain complete GL population, (2) Filter for risk characteristics: entries by senior management, weekend/holiday entries, round numbers, unusual account combinations, (3) Select and test: vouch to supporting documentation, assess business purpose. One fraudulent entry is a significant matter.

WHAT INTERVIEWERS LISTEN FOR

  • Obtain complete GL population
  • Filter for risk characteristics
  • Select and test entries
  • Assess business purpose
  • One fraudulent entry is significant

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Testing only a random sample without risk filtering
  • Ignoring management override risk
  • Not vouching to supporting documentation

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