As auditors, we are trained to investigate beyond appearances to determine the underlying facts—in other words, to look beneath the surface. Whether evaluating the Enron and World-Com scandals of the early 2000s, the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the Wirecard fraud in 2020 or present-day issues and challenges related to significant estimation uncertainty, understanding the auditor’s responsibility related to fraud, maintaining a clear perspective, probing for details, and understanding the big picture are indispensable to effective auditing.


With the availability of greater levels of qualitative and quantitative information (“Big Data”), the need for technical skills and challenges facing today’s auditor is greater than ever. The Louwers, Bagley, Blay, Strawser, and Thibodeau team has dedicated years of experience in the auditing field to this edition of Auditing & Assurance Services, supplying the necessary investigative tools for future auditors.