Audit refers to an independent examination and evaluation of an organization's financial statements, accounting records, and internal controls by a trained professional, to ensure that they are accurate and comply with relevant accounting standards and regulations. The primary objective of an audit is to provide an opinion on whether an organization's financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Assurance, on the other hand, refers to a broader range of services that can include not only financial audits but also other forms of review or examination of an organization's processes, controls, and operations. Assurance services can include a wide range of activities, such as internal control reviews, operational reviews, and risk assessments, among others. The primary objective of assurance services is to provide stakeholders with greater confidence in an organization's financial or non-financial information.