In the absence of an independent audit, the users of financial statements would be constrained in respect of the amount of reliance that they could place on the financial statements. Consequently, the provision of an independent and professional audit opinion improves the quality and reliability of financial information presented to decision makers. The major conceptual and technical aspects of auditing are introduced, while emphasis is upon financial statement audits conducted under the Corporations Act 2001, students will also be exposed to other types of audit and assurance activities while examining the legal, ethical and societal role and responsibilities of the auditor.