Inventory audit: the key to successful risk management and business reputation strengthening

Relevance. The organization of inventory audit and its improvement is always relevant for all business entities. Business structures without proper audit are not able to objectively assess the current situation and timely make managerial decisions, especially in the current realities against the background of crisis phenomena caused by military actions in Ukraine. In connection with external threats, it is necessary to use such a method of inventory audit, which will allow assessing possible risks, both internal and external, to take into account their consequences and, if possible, to minimize the negative impact on the business reputation of the enterprise. Methods of research. The methodological basis of the study is the dialectical method and the systematic approach to the knowledge of the essence of methods and criteria for assessing the auditor of inventory operations. Results. As a result of the application of the inductive method, the criteria for assessing risks in carrying out operations with stocks are specified to confirm the reliability of the information display in the company's reporting. The assessment of risks is provided, the main business processes associated with the movement of stocks are allocated, and the risks inherent to each of them. The method of risk assessment during inventory audit planning is proposed.