External Audit
External audit is a systematic, independent examination of an organization's financial statements, processes, or compliance by a third-party auditor to provide an objective assessment and assurance. It involves evaluating evidence to determine if information or operations conform to established criteria, such as accounting standards or regulatory requirements. The primary goal is to enhance credibility and reliability for stakeholders like investors, regulators, and the public.
Developers should learn about external audit when working in regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) or on projects requiring compliance with standards like SOX, GDPR, or ISO, as it ensures systems meet legal and quality benchmarks. It is crucial for roles involving financial software, security assessments, or data integrity, as audits verify that code, databases, and processes are accurate and secure, reducing risks and building trust with clients or users.