CORAA
Internal audit programme - Fixed assets audit programme

Fixed Assets Internal Audit Programme programme.

A fixed assets internal audit programme tests capex approval, CWIP ageing, capitalisation, fixed asset register completeness, tagging, physical verification, depreciation, disposal, impairment, insurance and ERP access.

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Why this cycle matters

Fixed asset errors build slowly and become expensive: incorrect capitalisation, idle CWIP, missing assets, wrong depreciation and unsupported disposals affect both controls and reporting.

Unapproved capex
Revenue expenditure capitalised
CWIP not capitalised or impaired
Missing tags or assets
Wrong depreciation
Unauthorised disposals
Fieldwork programme

Audit procedures, evidence and sample basis procedures

Capex approval and CWIP

Objective: Capital projects are approved and monitored.

Procedure steps
  • Trace capex additions to budget and approval.
  • Review CWIP ageing and project status.
  • Test revenue-vs-capital judgement.
Evidence

Capex note, PO, invoice, project tracker, CWIP ageing.

Sample basis

High-value additions and aged CWIP.

Capitalisation and FAR

Objective: Assets are recorded when ready for use and classified correctly.

Procedure steps
  • Match completion evidence to capitalisation date.
  • Check asset class, location, custodian and tag fields.
  • Reconcile FAR to GL.
Evidence

Completion certificate, FAR, GL, asset tag records.

Sample basis

Additions and material asset classes.

Physical verification and insurance

Objective: Assets exist, are tagged and are safeguarded.

Procedure steps
  • Review physical verification plan and results.
  • Trace variances to management action.
  • Compare insurance coverage to asset classes/locations.
Evidence

Verification report, variance approval, insurance schedule, location list.

Sample basis

High-value/mobile assets and exception locations.

Depreciation, disposal and impairment

Objective: Asset accounting is accurate and approved.

Procedure steps
  • Recompute depreciation for selected assets.
  • Trace disposals to approval, sale proceeds and FAR removal.
  • Review idle/damaged assets for impairment indicators.
Evidence

Depreciation run, disposal approval, sale invoice, bank receipt, impairment note.

Sample basis

Material additions/disposals and idle assets.

Data requests

  • Fixed asset register with tag/location/custodian/depreciation fields
  • Capex approvals, invoices and completion certificates
  • CWIP ageing and project tracker
  • Physical verification, disposal, impairment and insurance records

Analytics to run

  • CWIP ageing beyond planned date
  • Assets without tag/location/custodian
  • Depreciation rate/useful-life changes
  • Disposals without proceeds
  • Duplicate asset descriptions/serial numbers

Red flags

  • Assets capitalised before ready-for-use
  • Fully depreciated assets still material and unverified
  • Disposal proceeds not traced to bank
  • Idle assets with no impairment review
  • FAR not reconciled to GL
Execution workflow

Build a defensible file RCM to evidence.

Use this cycle programme after the SOW, data request list and RCM are aligned. The Excel workbook should carry sample rationale, extraction filters, preparer sign-off, reviewer sign-off and observation references.

Authority

Use current standards and entity facts sources

ICAI IASB lists the Compendium of Standards on Internal Audit as on February 2026 as applicable from 1 April 2026. Use this page as a practical workpaper starter, then verify the latest standard, law, regulation, ERP report and client fact pattern before concluding.

FAQ

Fixed assets audit programme questions answers

What should a fixed assets audit programme cover?

It should cover capex approval, CWIP, capitalisation, FAR, tagging, physical verification, depreciation, disposal, impairment, insurance and ERP access.

Is this fixed assets programme a substitute for professional judgement?

No. It is a fieldwork starter. The internal auditor must tailor it to the approved scope, ERP, delegation matrix, locations, volumes, materiality, prior findings and current legal position.

Can I download a fixed assets audit programme in Excel?

Yes. Use the linked CORAA workbook for the cycle. It contains editable RCM, testing, evidence and monitoring sheets that can be used as a fieldwork base.

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