Although every audit is unique, the audit process usually consists of four stages: Planning, Field work, Reporting and (for some audits) Follow-up. Engagement of the client, or the area being audited, is critical at every stage of the audit process. An audit often results in a certain amount of time being diverted from your department’s usual routine. It’s helpful for a client to treat an audit like any other special project and allocate time for you and your staff to participate in the audit process. This minimizes the time necessary for the audit and avoids disrupting ongoing activities.