Although the role of Zonal units has not been separately defined in the Charter of functions, their primary role is to maintain a close interface with the Commissionerates from the point of view of –

Ø Ensuring that the EA 2000 methodology is observed in conducting audits and the provisions of the Central Excise Audit Manual as well as the Service Tax Audit Manual are complied with;

Ø Identifying problems, if any, in complying with these provisions and making suggestions for suitable changes to headquarters;

Ø Keeping track of audit performance of the Commissionerates and carrying out Quality Assurance Reviews;

Ø Analyzing Audit reports for identification of important audit objections and modus-operandi for quick circulation among filed formations;

Ø Building up a database regarding peculiarities (in accounting system, movements of goods, procedures prone to evasion etc.) of particular industries/ services that have a strong presence in the zone. 

Ø Coordinating (not conducting) the audit of multi-location units;

Ø Keeping track of the performance of the Computer Assisted Audit Programme centre- if there is one in the jurisdiction

Ø Identifying the training needs of auditors in the Zone and coordinating the provision of adequate and wholesome courses by the Regional Training Institutes as well as NACEN;

Ø Ensuring that the Quarterly Audit Reports and other MIS reports are compiled and sent to Headquarters in a timely manner.