An external audit is an examination that is conducted by an independent accountant. This type of audit is most commonly intended to result in a certification of the financial statements of an entity. This certification is required by certain investors and lenders, and for all publicly-held businesses.

What is an external auditor role?

External Auditors inspect clients' accounting records and express an opinion as to whether financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with the applicable accounting standards of the entity, such as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

What is external audit with example?

A measurement and report on the state of a person's or business' finances, made by an external agency. A common (and feared) example of an external audit is an audit by the IRS, which is done to ensure that the person or business being audited has paid the appropriate amount in taxes.