ACCA Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) Practice Exam

What is the primary reason original documents are deemed more reliable?

1. They are easier to obtain

2. They cannot be altered

3. They are cost-effective

4. They are more detailed

The correct answer is: They cannot be altered

The primary reason original documents are deemed more reliable is that they cannot be altered. Original documents, such as contracts, invoices, or bank statements, represent the first instance of the record and typically carry inherent authenticity. Their physical presence means that they have not been tampered with, edited, or replaced with alternative versions, which can happen with copies or electronic versions. In audit and assurance contexts, the reliability of evidence is crucial. Auditors rely on original documents to provide authoritative support for transactions and events. For example, an original invoice will show the actual terms and details agreed upon by the parties involved, whereas a copy could potentially be modified. While documents might be easy to obtain, cost-effective, or even detailed, these factors do not inherently contribute to the reliability of evidence in the same way that the inability to alter original documents does. The integrity and authenticity of original documents are fundamental to ensuring that the information they contain is trustworthy and defensible during an audit process.