Generally Accepted Auditing Standards - GAAS
A set of systematic guidelines used by auditors when conducting audits on companies' finances, ensuring the accuracy, consistency and verifiability of auditors' actions and reports.
Investopedia Commentary
By relying on GAAS, auditors can minimize the probability of missing material information. GAAS are divided into these main sections:
1) General standards.
2) Standards of fieldwork.
3) Standards of reporting.
Each section is littered with requirements that the auditor and the subject company must meet. In short, an auditor must adequately plan the audit in advance, be independent of the client at all times, and always obtain reliable evidence. The companies must present their financial statements in accordance with GAAP, remain consistent in their reporting, and explicitly disclose all pertinent information.
Related Links
Introduction to Fundamental Analysis
Advanced Financial Statement Analysis
See also: Adverse Opinion, Audit, Auditor's Report, CPA, GAAP, Independent Auditor, Qualified Opinion
Also spelled: GAAS