Final answer:
In planning an audit sample for a test of controls, an auditor considers factors like the number of items in the population, the desired confidence level, and the risk of assessing control risk too high, rather than the total dollar amount of the items.
Step-by-step explanation:
An auditor usually considers several factors when planning an audit sample for a test of controls. The number of items in the population is essential because it can influence the sample size needed to obtain a representative overview of the control process. The desired confidence level reflects how sure the auditor wants to be about the conclusions drawn from the sample results. While the total dollar amount of the items being sampled may be considered in other types of audit tests (such as substantive testing), it is not generally a direct factor in testing controls. Lastly, the risk of assessing control risk too high is crucial as it affects the auditor's tolerance for errors and the rigor of the testing procedure.
Sample size and composition play a significant role in obtaining valid results. Auditors must ensure their sample accurately represents the population to issue a reliable opinion on the effectiveness of internal controls.