Conceptual fundamentals of audit in the management of foreign economic activity

Abstract

The article substantiates that the most reliable and effective mechanism for timely detection of various violations and manipulations in the accounting system of business entities that carry out foreign trade operations is a well-established system of audit of foreign economic activity. The work is devoted to a comprehensive study of the factors influencing the audit of foreign economic activity and highlighting its principles, rules and restrictions for the development of a comprehensive program of audit of foreign economic transactions and recommendations for improving its individual areas. Based on the results of the study of the peculiarities of foreign economic activity, the article groups the factors that affect the audit of foreign trade transactions. The most important ones are: participation in foreign trade operations of non-residents; duration of foreign trade operations; foreign currency settlements; cost centers; the global COVID-19 pandemic; features of "customs audit"; the need to form a CbC report; tax risk assessment. It is proved that the basis of the methodology and organization of the audit of foreign economic activity is its defining principles. Having studied the main provisions of regulations and the basic principles of auditing, highlighted in the scientific literature, they were adapted to the peculiarities of the audit of foreign economic activity. The principles of foreign economic activity audit are grouped into 8 groups: general, ethical, regulatory, organizational, methodological, professional, economic and technical. The general principles of foreign economic activity audit are decisive for audits of any areas of accounting and financial reporting. Adherence to ethical auditing principles is a determining factor in maintaining the reputation of any audit firm. At each stage of the audit, the auditor must adhere to regulatory principles, namely: the application of standards, self-regulation of the profession, compliance with the law, the contractual basis of the relationship. It is proved that at the planning stage the organizational principles of FEA audit are of special importance. Adherence to the methodological principles of the FEA audit allows the auditor to adapt the tools of the sample survey to the specifics of foreign trade operations. Adherence to professional principles will allow you to achieve the highest standards of professionalism and the best results of the audit. Economic principles determine the financial, material and other constraints in the relationship between the subject of foreign economic activity and the audit firm. In terms of information science, the audit requires appropriate information support and compliance with technical principles. The researched conceptual principles of FEA audit should be constantly taken into account during the development of the plan, comprehensive program, tests of audit of foreign economic operations and recommendations for improving its individual areas.