Test of details
Also known as: Substantive testing, Transactional testing, Detail testing
A substantive audit procedure used to verify the accuracy, completeness, and validity of specific transactions or account balances. It involves examining individual items—such as documents, records, or physical assets—to ensure they are recorded correctly. This process focuses on identifying actual errors or misstatements rather than evaluating whether a control system is functioning properly.
In practice
An auditor might select a random sample of 25 expense reports and trace each one back to an original receipt to confirm the expenditure was legitimate. It is typically employed when internal controls are deemed weak or for high-risk financial accounts.