Analytical procedures are used for the following purposes:
To assist the auditor in planning the nature, timing, and extent of other auditing procedures
As a substantive test to obtain evidential matter about particular assertions related to account balances or classes of transactions
As an overall review of the financial information in the final review stage of the audit
Analytical procedures should be applied to some extent for the purposes referred to in to assist the auditor in planning the nature, timing, and extent of other auditing procedures and
As an overall review of the financial information in the final review stage of the audit above for all audits of financial statements made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, in some cases, analytical procedures can be more effective or efficient than tests of details for achieving particular substantive testing objectives.