Relating Statistical Sampling to Audit Objectives

F many years independent auditors have been encouraged to use statistical sampling procedures in conducting audit tests. The advantages have been pointed out in many books and articles on the subject. Most auditors trained in the last decade have been exposed to statistical sampling during their formal training and encouraged to use it. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has encouraged its use. Notwithstanding all of this encouragement, use of statistical techniques is still not widespread within the profession. Although many factors contribute to the lagging implementation of statistical techniques, two stand out as most important;