At my previous firm, we were assigned a year‑end audit for a mid‑sized manufacturing client that had recently expanded operations.

Develop a comprehensive audit plan that addressed key risk areas, complied with ISA standards, and aligned with the client’s timeline.

Reviewed prior year workpapers, performed a risk assessment using a materiality matrix, met with client management to understand operational changes, designed substantive and control‑based procedures, and allocated staff based on expertise.

The audit was completed on schedule with no material misstatements identified; the client praised the thoroughness and received a clean audit opinion.

During a financial services audit, the client’s revenue streams included subscription fees and performance‑based commissions, raising complexity in recognition timing.

Assess the design and operating effectiveness of controls ensuring revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 606/IFRS 15.

Mapped revenue cycles, evaluated control documentation, performed walkthroughs, selected a sample of transactions across periods, re‑performed calculations, and tested segregation of duties and automated system controls.

Identified a control weakness in cutoff testing, recommended remediation, and after follow‑up testing, the client achieved compliant revenue recognition with no material misstatement risk.

While auditing a retail client, we discovered significant inventory discrepancies that could affect financial statements.

Communicate the findings to the CFO and audit committee in a clear, factual manner while maintaining professional integrity.

Prepared a concise briefing note highlighting the issue, its potential impact, and supporting evidence; scheduled a meeting with the CFO, presented the findings objectively, answered questions, and recommended corrective actions.

Management acknowledged the issue, implemented tighter inventory controls, and the financial statements were adjusted accordingly, preserving the audit’s credibility.

During a quarterly audit of a supplier’s procurement process, I noticed an unusual pattern of duplicate vendor payments.

Investigate the potential fraud risk, assess its materiality, and report findings appropriately.

Performed data analytics on payment files, identified duplicate invoices, traced approvals, interviewed procurement staff, and escalated the issue to the audit manager and client’s fraud hotline.

The investigation uncovered a collusive scheme between a vendor and an employee, resulting in a $250,000 loss. The client terminated the vendor contract, strengthened segregation of duties, and recovered a portion of the funds.

In many audits, clients transition between accounting frameworks, making revenue recognition a focal point.

Explain the principal distinctions that affect audit procedures.

Compared ASC 606 (GAAP) and IFRS 15, noting that both follow the five‑step model but differ in areas such as the treatment of collectibility thresholds, variable consideration estimates, and the timing of revenue for licenses versus services.

Provided a clear, concise comparison that helped the audit team adjust testing procedures accordingly.

A fintech client holds significant crypto assets, conducts frequent trades, and uses multiple blockchain platforms, presenting novel audit challenges.

Design an audit approach that addresses valuation, custody, regulatory compliance, and internal controls over crypto transactions.

Performed a risk assessment focusing on valuation methods, custody arrangements, and anti‑money‑laundering controls; evaluated the client’s use of third‑party custodians, reviewed blockchain transaction logs, tested the integrity of wallet reconciliations, assessed compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., FinCEN, FATF), and applied substantive procedures on fair value and existence.

Provided reasonable assurance on the crypto holdings, identified a control gap in wallet access segregation, and recommended enhancements that were implemented before year‑end reporting.