The audit procedures described in this section provide evidence relating to management
assertions of accuracy and completeness. We saw in the last chapter that auditors
often precede substantive tests of details with an analytical review of account balances.
Analytical procedures can identify relationships between accounts and risks that are
not otherwise apparent. In the case of the expenditure cycle, an analytical review can
provide the auditor with an overall perspective for trends in accounts payable and related
expenses. Current expenses may be compared to historical expenses and management
budgets. For example, the auditor may compare current payroll expenses for the