Specialized Audits Glossary – UAE Audit & Compliance Services

Specialized Audit

A specialized audit is an audit conducted for a specific purpose beyond standard statutory audits. It focuses on particular areas such as compliance, risk, fraud, systems, or regulations. In the UAE, specialized audits help businesses meet regulatory, contractual, or operational requirements.

Internal Audit

Internal audit is an independent evaluation of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes. It helps organizations improve efficiency, detect weaknesses, and ensure compliance with UAE laws and internal policies.

Forensic Audit

A forensic audit investigates financial records to detect fraud, misappropriation, or financial misconduct. It is often used in legal disputes, regulatory investigations, or suspected financial irregularities in UAE businesses.

Compliance Audit

A compliance audit assesses whether a company follows applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. In the UAE, it ensures adherence to Free Zone regulations, federal laws, and regulatory authority requirements.

Operational Audit

An operational audit evaluates business processes to assess efficiency, effectiveness, and performance. It helps organizations improve operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity while maintaining compliance.

Management Audit

A management audit reviews leadership effectiveness, decision-making processes, and strategic implementation. It assesses whether management practices align with organizational objectives and regulatory expectations.

Risk Audit

A risk audit evaluates the identification, assessment, and mitigation of business risks. It helps organizations understand financial, operational, and compliance risks affecting sustainability and regulatory compliance.

System Audit

A system audit examines IT systems, software, and data controls to ensure accuracy, security, and reliability. It is essential for businesses using digital accounting and ERP systems in the UAE.

IT Audit

An IT audit evaluates information technology infrastructure, cybersecurity controls, and data integrity. It ensures systems support accurate financial reporting and comply with UAE data protection requirements.

Fraud Audit

A fraud audit focuses on identifying fraudulent activities, internal theft, or manipulation of records. It strengthens internal controls and helps businesses prevent financial losses.

VAT Audit

A VAT audit reviews VAT registration, filings, and records to ensure compliance with UAE VAT laws. It helps businesses avoid penalties, fines, and regulatory issues with the Federal Tax Authority.

Tax Audit

A tax audit examines compliance with corporate tax, VAT, and other tax obligations. It ensures accurate reporting and adherence to UAE tax regulations.

ESR Audit

An Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) audit assesses whether a company demonstrates adequate economic substance in the UAE. It supports ESR filings and regulatory reviews.

AML Audit

An Anti-Money Laundering audit evaluates policies, procedures, and controls designed to prevent financial crimes. It ensures compliance with UAE AML and counter-terrorism financing laws.

Due Diligence Audit

A due diligence audit is conducted before mergers, acquisitions, or investments. It evaluates financial health, risks, and compliance status of a target company.

Financial Due Diligence

Financial due diligence examines financial statements, cash flows, and liabilities. It helps investors and stakeholders make informed decisions.

Legal Compliance Audit

A legal compliance audit reviews adherence to laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. It helps businesses minimize legal and regulatory risks.

Regulatory Audit

A regulatory audit ensures compliance with industry-specific regulations set by authorities such as Free Zone regulators, DMCC, DIFC, or federal bodies.

Performance Audit

A performance audit evaluates whether resources are used efficiently and objectives are achieved. It focuses on effectiveness, economy, and efficiency.

Environmental Audit

An environmental audit assesses compliance with environmental laws and sustainability practices. It is relevant for industrial and manufacturing entities in the UAE.

Social Compliance Audit

A social compliance audit evaluates labor practices, employee welfare, and ethical standards. It helps organizations meet international and local labor regulations.

Governance Audit

A governance audit reviews corporate governance structures, board effectiveness, and accountability mechanisms. Strong governance supports regulatory trust.

Quality Audit

A quality audit examines processes and systems to ensure consistency with quality standards such as ISO. It supports operational excellence and compliance.

Health and Safety Audit

A health and safety audit assesses workplace safety policies and compliance with UAE labor and safety laws. It helps reduce workplace risks.

Contract Audit

A contract audit reviews compliance with contractual terms, pricing, and obligations. It helps detect overpayments, disputes, or non-compliance.

Revenue Audit

A revenue audit verifies accuracy of revenue recognition and reporting. It ensures compliance with IFRS and prevents misstatements.

Expense Audit

An expense audit reviews business expenses to confirm legitimacy, authorization, and accuracy. It helps control costs and prevent misuse of funds.

Inventory Audit

An inventory audit verifies existence, valuation, and control of inventory. It is critical for trading and manufacturing companies.

Asset Verification Audit

An asset verification audit confirms ownership, existence, and valuation of assets. It supports accurate financial reporting.

Payroll Audit

A payroll audit reviews salary payments, deductions, and compliance with labor laws. It ensures accurate payroll processing and regulatory compliance.

Bank Audit

A bank audit verifies bank balances, transactions, and reconciliations. It ensures accuracy of cash reporting.

Cash Flow Audit

A cash flow audit examines sources and uses of cash. It assesses liquidity and financial sustainability.

Grant Audit

A grant audit ensures funds received from grants are used according to agreed terms and regulations.

Trust Audit

A trust audit reviews financial management and compliance of trusts. It ensures transparency and fiduciary responsibility.

Non-Profit Audit

A non-profit audit evaluates financial transparency and compliance of charitable or non-profit organizations.

Project Audit

A project audit reviews project costs, timelines, and outcomes. It ensures proper use of funds and accountability.

Construction Audit

A construction audit reviews project costs, contracts, and compliance. It helps prevent cost overruns and disputes.

Real Estate Audit

A real estate audit examines property transactions, rental income, and compliance with regulations.

Hospitality Audit

A hospitality audit focuses on revenue controls, expenses, and operational efficiency in hotels and restaurants.

Retail Audit

A retail audit evaluates inventory controls, sales reporting, and compliance. It supports profitability and transparency.

Manufacturing Audit

A manufacturing audit reviews production costs, inventory, and controls. It ensures efficiency and accurate reporting.

Logistics Audit

A logistics audit evaluates supply chain efficiency, costs, and compliance with trade regulations.

Customs Audit

A customs audit reviews import and export records for compliance with UAE customs laws.

Transfer Pricing Audit

A transfer pricing audit ensures related-party transactions comply with UAE and international tax regulations.

Corporate Tax Audit

A corporate tax audit reviews compliance with UAE corporate tax laws and reporting requirements.

Financial Controls Audit

A financial controls audit evaluates internal controls over financial reporting. It reduces risk of errors and fraud.

Compliance Risk Audit

A compliance risk audit identifies risks arising from regulatory non-compliance. It helps mitigate penalties.

Business Continuity Audit

A business continuity audit evaluates preparedness for disruptions. It ensures operational resilience.

Cybersecurity Audit

A cybersecurity audit assesses protection of digital assets and sensitive data. It supports IT and regulatory compliance.

Data Privacy Audit

A data privacy audit reviews compliance with data protection laws and policies. It ensures responsible handling of personal data.

ISO Audit

An ISO audit verifies compliance with international standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 27001.

Certification Audit

A certification audit validates compliance required for certification by regulatory or professional bodies.

Process Audit

A process audit reviews workflows to identify inefficiencies and control gaps.

Cost Audit

A cost audit examines cost records to ensure accuracy and efficiency in cost management.

Financial Statement Audit

A financial statement audit provides assurance on accuracy and fairness of financial reports.

Special Purpose Audit

A special purpose audit is conducted for a specific objective such as litigation, investigation, or regulatory review.

Investigative Audit

An investigative audit examines suspected irregularities or misconduct in detail.

Regulatory Compliance Review

A regulatory compliance review ensures adherence to applicable laws and authority guidelines.

Governance Risk Audit

A governance risk audit evaluates risks related to leadership, policies, and oversight.

Assurance Engagement

An assurance engagement provides confidence to stakeholders on specific financial or non-financial information.

Financial Review Engagement

A financial review provides limited assurance on financial statements.

Independent Audit

An independent audit is conducted by an unbiased external auditor to ensure objectivity.

Audit Engagement Letter

An audit engagement letter defines scope, responsibilities, and terms of the audit.

Audit Scope Definition

Audit scope defines areas, processes, and period covered during an audit.

Audit Planning

Audit planning involves defining objectives, risks, and procedures.

Audit Evidence

Audit evidence includes documents and records supporting audit conclusions.

Audit Opinion

An audit opinion expresses the auditor’s conclusion on financial statements.

Audit Findings

Audit findings highlight issues, risks, and improvement areas.

Audit Recommendations

Audit recommendations suggest corrective actions to improve compliance and controls.

Follow-Up Audit

A follow-up audit reviews implementation of previous audit recommendations.

Continuous Audit

A continuous audit involves ongoing evaluation of controls and transactions.

Regulatory Reporting Audit

This audit ensures accuracy and completeness of regulatory filings.

Governance Framework Review

A governance framework review evaluates structures and accountability.

Compliance Monitoring Audit

This audit assesses effectiveness of compliance monitoring systems.

Financial Integrity Audit

A financial integrity audit ensures honesty and transparency in reporting.

Audit Assurance Services

Audit assurance services provide confidence to regulators and stakeholders.

Risk Management Audit

A risk management audit reviews risk identification and mitigation processes.

Audit Quality Review

An audit quality review assesses audit procedures and compliance with standards.

Professional Standards Audit

This audit ensures adherence to auditing and ethical standards.

Regulatory Inspection Support Audit

This audit prepares companies for regulatory inspections.

Audit Compliance Services

Audit compliance services ensure adherence to audit and regulatory requirements.

Specialized Audit Services

Specialized audit services address specific regulatory or operational needs.

Audit Advisory Services

Audit advisory services provide guidance on audit readiness and improvements.

Financial Compliance Audit

A financial compliance audit ensures adherence to accounting and financial regulations.

Internal Control Review

An internal control review evaluates effectiveness of controls.

Audit Governance Services

Audit governance services strengthen oversight and accountability.

Compliance Assurance Audit

This audit confirms regulatory compliance.

Regulatory Confidence Audit

A regulatory confidence audit enhances trust with authorities.

Audit Transparency Review

This review ensures clarity and openness in audit reporting.

Compliance Excellence Audit

A compliance excellence audit promotes best practices.

Business Risk Audit

A business risk audit evaluates strategic and operational risks.

Audit Readiness Assessment

An audit readiness assessment prepares organizations for audits.

Financial Oversight Audit

A financial oversight audit strengthens financial supervision.

Audit Sustainability Review

This review ensures long-term compliance and control effectiveness.

Specialized Compliance Audit

A specialized compliance audit targets specific regulations or standards.

Independent Assurance Audit

This audit provides objective assurance to stakeholders.

Independent Assurance Audit

This audit provides objective assurance to stakeholders.

Financial Governance Audit

A financial governance audit reviews financial leadership and accountability.

Audit Control Assessment

This assessment evaluates effectiveness of audit controls.

Regulatory Compliance Assurance

This assurance confirms adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Specialized Audit Compliance Services

Specialized audit compliance services help UAE businesses meet complex audit, regulatory, and operational requirements efficiently and accurately.