Audit and assurance services are essential components of financial reporting and accountability. They provide confidence to stakeholders, including investors, creditors, regulators, and the public, that a company's financial statements are accurate, reliable, and free from material misstatements or fraud. Here's an overview of audit and assurance services:

1. Financial Statement Audit: This is the most common type of audit, where auditors review an organization's financial statements to assess whether they are presented fairly and accurately according to accounting standards. The goal is to provide reasonable assurance to stakeholders that the financial information is reliable.

2. Compliance Audit: Compliance audits focus on ensuring that an organization is adhering to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. These audits are vital for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare, finance, and government.

3. Performance Audit: Performance audits evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's programs, activities, or projects. They focus on achieving objectives and identifying areas for improvement.

4. Environmental Audit: Environmental audits assess an organization's compliance with environmental regulations and its efforts to mitigate environmental impacts.

5. Special-Purpose Audits: Special-purpose audits are conducted for a specific purpose or in response to unique circumstances. They may involve evaluating a company's compliance with grant requirements or assessing the financial aspects of a merger or acquisition.