On Professional Skepticism In The Audit

Professional skepticism, while acknowledged in the professional literature as a fundamental requirement of an audit, has received only limited academic researches. It is the development of economic environment that put professional skepticism on focus. There is a long way towards the systematic researches.Even in the limited researches, researchers have defined professional skepticism distinctively. At the same time the other related issues such as the theories on which professional skepticism is based, the factors by which professional skepticism is regulated ..., are still questionable. How to effectively apply professional skepticism in auditing is another unresolved question.This thesis deals with the theory and practice of professional skepticism in two sections. Section one includes four chapters; section two is the last chapter. In the theoretical section, we definite the construct of professional skepticism, analyze the vital role of professional skepticism, explore the action mechanism of professional skepticism and explain the relationship between professional care and professional skepticism. In the practice section, we describe the guide to apply professional skepticism.In this research, we argue that professional skepticism is a professional attitude of suspended decision or tentative disbelief in auditing before reaching a sound conclusion. We contend that professional skepticism can improve the auditing quality by modifying the inherent deficiency in decision-making and that social environment, professional bodies, personal characters and other factors simultaneously shape the professional skepticism. To reach high quality auditing reports is Professional skepticism's definitively goal. Moderate professional skepticism is indispensable for auditing. We also argue that the fraudulent is the key point that deserves professional skepticism, analytical procedure is the useful skills, and both independence and professional care are necessary to professional skepticism.