The correct answer is e) All of the above.

Audit of banks encompasses various types of audits, making it a comprehensive process that includes statutory audit, balance sheet audit, and concurrent audit, among others. Let’s delve into each of these audit types and explain why “All of the above” is the correct choice while also discussing why the other options are not individually correct:

e) All of the above (Correct answer):

The audit of banks involves multiple types of audits, and the specific type of audit conducted depends on the purpose, scope, and regulatory requirements. These types include:

1. Statutory Audit:

Statutory audit is a mandatory audit required by law or statute. In the case of banks, statutory audits are mandated by banking and financial regulations. Banks are subject to various regulatory requirements and are required to undergo a statutory audit at regular intervals.

The objective of a statutory audit is to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory provisions, review the financial statements for accuracy, and provide an independent opinion on the bank’s financial health. It is a fundamental aspect of bank audit.

2. Balance Sheet Audit:

A balance sheet audit, also known as a financial statement audit, is conducted to verify the accuracy and fairness of a bank’s financial statements, particularly the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.

This audit is performed to ensure that the financial statements fairly represent the bank’s financial position and performance. Balance sheet audits are a core part of bank auditing to provide assurance to stakeholders, including shareholders, regulators, and the public.

3. Concurrent Audit:

Concurrent audit is an ongoing and real-time audit process that banks use to monitor their day-to-day operations. Concurrent auditors work within the bank and continuously review transactions, compliance with internal policies, and risk management.

It is a proactive measure to identify irregularities and frauds promptly. Concurrent audits help ensure operational efficiency and adherence to internal control procedures.

Additionally, bank audits may also include other types of audits, such as internal audit, compliance audit, or special purpose audits, depending on the specific needs and circumstances of the bank.

Now, let’s address why the other options are not individually correct:

a) Statutory Audit:

Statutory audit is a component of the audit of banks, but it does not encompass the entire scope of bank auditing. While statutory audit is crucial for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, it is only one facet of the comprehensive bank audit process. Therefore, choosing “a) Statutory audit” alone would not accurately reflect the full extent of bank auditing.

b) Balance Sheet Audit:

Balance sheet audit, as explained earlier, is a vital part of bank auditing. However, a balance sheet audit alone does not cover the entire scope of bank auditing. A complete bank audit goes beyond the balance sheet to include the review of various aspects, such as internal controls, risk management, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

c) Concurrent Audit:

Concurrent audit is an integral part of bank auditing, focusing on real-time monitoring of operations and internal controls. While it is a valuable component, it does not encompass all aspects of bank auditing. A complete bank audit involves various other elements, such as statutory audit and financial statement audit, to provide a holistic evaluation of the bank’s financial health and operations.

In summary, the audit of banks is a multifaceted process that includes various types of audits, such as statutory audit, balance sheet audit, and concurrent audit, among others.

These audits collectively provide a comprehensive evaluation of a bank’s financial performance, compliance with regulations, and operational efficiency. Therefore, the correct answer is “e) All of the above” to accurately represent the different dimensions of bank auditing.