The audit world is changing. Technology has transformed business processes and created a wealth of data that can be leveraged by accountants and auditors with the requisite mindset. Data analysis can enable auditors to focus on outliers and exceptions, identifying the riskiest areas of the audit. The authors introduce the process, with a review of […]
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a concept that uses software ‘robots’ or tools to process data inputs in the computer system to mimic human actions associated with various activities. It provides a way to automate manual work and repetitive rules-based tasks, and using its built-in logic to make more consistent process decisions previously made by […]
Among the more thankless tasks undertaken by junior accountants is meticulously checking off inventory at clients’ warehouses, which can involve scaling ladders with paper and pen in hand but handling mundane jobs is set to become more sophisticated, as auditors try out specialized drones to use artificial intelligence and image recognition to analyze information and […]
As auditors prepare for a new auditing standard requiring the disclosure of critical audit matters (CAMs) in their reports, they are traveling in uncharted territory and contemplating new information that they will be providing to investors. The new auditing standard AS 3101, The Auditor’s Report on an Audit of Financial Statements When the Auditor Expresses […]
Internal Audit : A Key Cybersecurity Ally Cybersecurity has been the biggest concern for every enterprises—no matter how huge it is. In 2015, around 1.500 business and technology executives in 12 countries, fell into the prey of sophisticated cyberattacks. Being so intimidating, cyberattacks have the power to look over for a company or organization’s sensitive […]
IT Audit Tools Software helps the Auditor in carrying out his profession, both in terms of speed and accuracy. There are some software that can be used as a tool in the implementation of information technology audits. • ACL (Audit Command Language) – Generalized audit software, allows auditors to be able to access various types […]
Nearly 88% respondents prefer cashless payment over cash payment, with 48% using digital payment for more than 75% of their transactions. Ease of doing payments is one of the key factors for users to move towards digital payment. As high as 88% of respondents expressed their will to adopt digital payment, however security concerns and […]
In July 2002, the US public company auditing profession entered a new era. With the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX), the profession was subject to a new regulatory framework, one designed to increase the reliability of financial reporting and to improve audit quality. That framework, has been an extraordinary success, as shown […]
For decades, auditors have faced the competing pressures of enhancing audit effectiveness while performing audits more efficiently. By investing more time—and the right procedures—in the planning phase of an audit, both can be achieved, according to Patricia Bottomly, CPA, national assurance partner at BDO USA LLP in Los Angeles. Bottomly presented a session on improving […]