The lead auditor is responsible for managing the audit so that it is performed objectively, consistently, and within the approved audit scope. Keeping the audit team focused on the audit scope prevents unnecessary investigation, scope creep, unsupported findings, and misuse of audit time. The lead auditor coordinates team activities, resolves audit process issues, confirms that objective evidence supports findings, and ensures the closing meeting and report are handled appropriately. The audit scope is usually agreed during audit planning with the client or audit program authority, not decided unilaterally during the audit. Collecting data may be done by all auditors. Checklists may be prepared before the audit, but the primary responsibility during the audit is maintaining focus on scope.

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