When auditing Checkersrallys' consolidated financial statements, what should the auditor exercise throughout the audit?

According to Checkersrallys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, when performing an audit in accordance with US GAAS (Generally Accepted Auditing Standards), the auditor should exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. This means the auditor must use their expertise and experience to make informed decisions during the audit process and maintain a questioning mind, critically assessing the information provided by Checkersrallys.

This requirement ensures that the audit is conducted with integrity and objectivity. By exercising professional judgment, the auditor can determine the appropriate scope and procedures for the audit, and by maintaining professional skepticism, the auditor can identify and respond to potential risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. This is a standard practice in financial auditing to ensure accuracy and reliability.

For a prospective Checkersrallys franchisee, this indicates that the company's financial statements are subject to rigorous and independent review. The auditor's responsibility is to provide an unbiased opinion on whether the financial statements fairly present the company's financial position and results of operations. This can give franchisees confidence in the financial health and stability of Checkersrallys as a franchise system.