AUDITING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IDENTIFYING FRAUD RISKS IN ENTERPRISES

In the modern business environment, the reliability and transparency of financial statements are essential for maintaining stakeholder confidence, ensuring effective corporate governance, and supporting sustainable economic development. However, enterprises may face various financial reporting risks, including intentional misstatements, asset misappropriation, manipulation of accounting records, and fraudulent financial transactions. This article examines the importance of financial statement auditing in identifying and preventing fraud risks within enterprises. It explores the main types of financial fraud, the role of internal control systems, and the application of analytical procedures and risk-based auditing methods. Particular attention is given to the responsibilities of external and internal auditors, the use of digital technologies in fraud detection, and the importance of professional skepticism. The study concludes that an effective audit process, supported by transparent accounting practices and strong internal controls, can significantly reduce the likelihood of financial fraud and improve the quality of corporate financial reporting.