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An Audit Form helps organizations systematically check if they're following rules, standards, and best practices. It's a structured document that guides auditors through specific items they need to examine, creating a clear record of their findings and recommendations.

In New Zealand, these forms play a vital role in both internal reviews and external compliance checks. Auditors use them to assess everything from workplace safety under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to financial records for IRD requirements. The form typically includes checkboxes, comment sections, and space to note any issues that need attention or areas of excellence.

Use an Audit Form when conducting regular checks of your organization's processes, systems, or compliance measures. Many NZ businesses complete these forms quarterly or annually to meet regulatory requirements, especially for financial reporting, health and safety inspections, and quality control reviews.

The form becomes essential during external audits from government agencies, preparing for certification under standards like ISO, or documenting internal controls for IRD purposes. It's particularly valuable when introducing new procedures, investigating incidents, or responding to compliance concerns raised by regulatory bodies like WorkSafe NZ or the Financial Markets Authority.

• Financial Audit Forms: Track financial statements, accounting practices, and tax compliance. Commonly used for IRD requirements and Companies Office reporting.
• Health and Safety Audit Forms: Focus on workplace safety compliance under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, including hazard identification and control measures.
• Quality Management Audit Forms: Used for ISO certification processes and internal quality control systems.
• Environmental Compliance Forms: Check adherence to Resource Management Act requirements and environmental standards.
• IT Systems Audit Forms: Evaluate cybersecurity measures, privacy controls, and data protection practices under the Privacy Act 2020.

• Internal Auditors: Complete and review Audit Forms as part of regular company assessments, documenting findings and recommending improvements.
• External Audit Firms: Use specialized forms when conducting independent reviews for regulatory compliance or certification purposes.
• Quality Managers: Maintain and update audit documentation to ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Department Heads: Respond to audit findings and implement corrective actions based on form recommendations.
• Regulatory Bodies: Review completed audit forms during official inspections or investigations, including WorkSafe NZ and the FMA.

• Audit Scope: Define the specific areas, processes, or compliance requirements to be audited under relevant NZ regulations.
• Department Details: Gather information about teams, processes, and systems being audited, including key personnel and documentation.
• Compliance Standards: List applicable laws, industry standards, and internal policies that will guide the audit criteria.
• Timeline Planning: Set realistic schedules for each audit phase, including preparation, fieldwork, and reporting.
• Form Structure: Create clear sections for observations, evidence collection, and recommendations aligned with NZ audit standards.

• Identification Section: Details of the organization, audit scope, date, and auditor's credentials.
• Compliance Framework: Reference to specific NZ regulations, standards, or internal policies being audited.
• Assessment Criteria: Clear evaluation metrics and rating scales for consistent scoring.
• Evidence Records: Sections for documenting observations, collected evidence, and supporting materials.
• Corrective Actions: Space to detail required improvements and timeline for implementation.
• Sign-off Block: Fields for auditor's signature, date, and management acknowledgment of findings.

While both documents support organizational compliance, an Audit Form differs significantly from an Audit Procedure. The key distinctions lie in their purpose, structure, and application within New Zealand's regulatory framework.

• Purpose and Scope: Audit Forms capture specific findings and evidence during an actual audit, while Audit Procedures outline the steps and methodology for conducting audits.
• Timeline of Use: Forms are used during the actual audit process to document observations, while Procedures serve as an ongoing reference document guiding multiple audits.
• Content Structure: Forms contain checkboxes, rating scales, and spaces for findings, while Procedures detail systematic instructions and compliance requirements.
• Legal Standing: Forms serve as official records of audit findings, often required for regulatory compliance, while Procedures act as internal guidance documents that demonstrate systematic approach to auditing.