An assurance engagement is an evaluation or measurement of a subject matter by a professional accountant that is the responsibility of another party, against identified suitable criteria to express a conclusion that provides the intended user with a level of assurance about that subject. Both audit and review work are assurance engagements.

Required:
Describe FIVE differences between an audit and a review engagement.

Aspect Audit Review
Scope of Work Determined by statute (law) Can be commissioned by anyone
Amount of Work Determined by the auditor as deemed necessary to give positive opinion Determined by the reviewer as deemed necessary to give negative opinion
Type of Assurance Reasonable assurance Limited assurance
Level of Assurance High level Moderate level
Type of Opinion Positive assurance – “The financial statements show a true and fair view” (Opinion) Negative assurance – “Nothing has come to our attention” (Conclusion)