What does "due professional care" imply in auditing?

The phrase "due professional care" in auditing emphasizes the necessity for auditors to conduct their work with diligence, skill, and the competence that is expected in their profession. It implies that auditors are required to apply their knowledge and experience to evaluate the information presented to them, perform thorough analyses, and ensure that their judgments are based on objective evidence.

This principle ensures that auditors do not simply meet minimum standards but strive for quality in their assessments. It encompasses a responsibility to remain vigilant in identifying risks and accurately reporting findings, while also adhering to established standards and guidelines in their practice. Thus, the focus is on the auditor's commitment to performing with care and proficiency, ultimately fostering trust in the auditing process.

The other options contrast with this understanding. Suggesting that auditors are responsible for perfection places an unrealistic and unattainable standard on their work. Proposing that auditors can overlook minor issues undermines the necessity of thoroughness and careful reviewing, which are integral to the principle of due professional care. Lastly, stating that auditors are not liable for outcomes contradicts the accountability that auditors hold for their work, as they are indeed responsible for the quality and accuracy of their audits.