AUD Review Engagements · Updated November 2026
Interim Review vs Audit: Why Is the Work So Different?
A review provides limited assurance, so its procedure design is narrower than an audit.
Interim review
Procedures emphasize inquiry, analytical procedures, and other limited procedures.
Annual audit
An audit includes broader risk assessment and evidence gathering such as inspection, confirmation, observation, recalculation, substantive procedures, and control work when appropriate.
Assurance
Review provides limited assurance. Audit provides reasonable assurance.
Not a mini audit
A review is a different engagement with a different level of assurance and procedure design.
The takeaway
Interim review relies heavily on inquiry and analytics because its assurance level is lower.
Related Summit guides
FAQ
Does an interim review provide an audit opinion?
No.
Are analytics important in a review?
Yes.
Does a review require the same amount of evidence as an audit?
No.