_______ refers to the information collected by an auditor to ascertain the accuracy and compliance of a company's financial statements.

Audit evidence is the information and documentation gathered by an auditor during the audit process to support their conclusions and opinions regarding the accuracy and compliance of a company's financial statements. It includes various forms of evidence, such as financial records, invoices, bank statements, contracts, and other relevant documents. The auditor carefully examines and evaluates this evidence to form a reasonable basis for their audit findings and opinions. Audit evidence plays a crucial role in providing assurance and credibility to the financial statements and ensuring the overall integrity of the auditing process.