top of page

Icologiq Knowledge · Concept

Audit Finding

An observation or conclusion from an audit that identifies conformity, nonconformity or another issue requiring evaluation or follow-up.

​

Also known as:  

finding, audit nonconformity, audit observation

At a glance

Type

Concept

Topic

Audit

Applies to

Cross-industry

Current version

​

Status

​

Last reviewed

September 14, 2026

Definition

An audit finding is a conclusion reached from audit evidence against defined criteria. Findings may identify nonconformities, observations, improvement opportunities or evidence of conformity, depending on the audit method and terminology used.

Why it matters

Findings are where audit activity becomes operational. Linking findings to owners, actions and CAPA prevents the audit from ending as a static report.

View term

The coordinated planning, execution, reporting and follow-up of audits within a structured and traceable process.

Audit Management

Process

· Audit

View term

A structured process for addressing causes of actual or potential problems through corrective or preventive measures and verifying that actions are effective.

CAPA

Process

· CAPA & Incidents

View term

An action taken to eliminate the cause of a detected nonconformity, incident or other unwanted condition and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Corrective Action

Process

· CAPA & Incidents

View term

A situation in which a product, process, activity or result fails to meet a defined requirement, specification, procedure or standard.

Nonconformance

Quality event

· CAPA & Incidents

Explore further

Related knowledge

Explore related standards, processes and quality-management concepts.

ARC-002

An observation or conclusion from an audit that identifies conformity, nonconformity or another issue requiring evaluation or follow-up.

An audit finding is a conclusion reached from audit evidence against defined criteria. Findings may identify nonconformities, observations, improvement opportunities or evidence of conformity, depending on the audit method and terminology used.

bottom of page