The contingency theory of organization views organizations as rational entities capable and willing to make internal changes to achieve a technical fit between environment and structure. Contingency theory views effective organizations as those having structures that both support the unique nature of their production process and that are customized to complement their environment as argued by Byars & Rue (2004). The goal of an audit is to test the reliability of a company‘s information, policies, practices and procedures. Government regulations require that certain financial institutions undergo independent financial audits, but industry standards can mandate audits in other areas such as safety and technology. Auditors require access to documents, systems, policies and procedures to manage an audit.

According to Daft (2010), audit teams may begin the audit process with meetings where they gather risk and control awareness, after which the field work begins. During the audit process, auditors perform substantive procedures and test controls.

The audit sub processes, particularly in planning and field work, include contingencies such as business type, employee skill level, applicable laws, available audit workforce, available technology and systems, and deadline