Computer-aided audit tools: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 18:24, 6 June 2005

Revision as of 18:17, 13 June 2005

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'''Data analysis''' is the means by which the Informationinformation Systemssystems auditor determines the completeness and accuracy of an organization’s data. [[AuditorsAuditor]]s perform data analysis to determine where it is best to focus audit tests.

=='''Data Analysis'''==

Data analysis is the means by which the Information Systems auditor determines the completeness and accuracy of an organization’s data. [[Auditors]] perform data analysis to determine where it is best to focus audit tests.

Along with manual audit procedures, the auditor can employ [http://www.isaca.org/Content/ContentGroups/Standards2/Standards,_Guidelines,_Procedures_for_IS_Auditing/IS_Auditing_Guideline_G3_Use_of_Computer-Assisted_Audit_Techniques1.htm computer assisted auditing tools and techniques (CAATT’s)] to perform data analysis throughout the audit engagement. Generalized Audit Software (GAS), also known as Data Analysis Software, is the most popular form of CAATT used in the data analysis process.

==='''Data Analysisanalysis Process'''=process==

Key steps within the data analysis process include:

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#*The auditor must document their research findings in the forms of work papers, spreadsheets, flowcharts, and results of observations, to name a few. Audit documentation is essential to support the auditor’s findings and recommendations as stated in the audit report.

==Computer-assisted auditing tools & techniques (CAATTs)==

CAATT’'s allow auditors to utilize computers to complete detailed and analytical tests with little effort.

==='''Computer Assisted Auditing Tools & Techniques (CAATTs)'''===

CAATT’s allow auditors to utilize computers to complete detailed and analytical tests with little effort.

Benefits of audit software include:

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*Provides documentation of each test performed in the software that can be used as documentation in the auditor’s work papers.

===Data analysis software===

===='''''Data Analysis Software'''''====

The most popular form of CAATTs, [http://www.isaca.org/Content/ContentGroups/Member_Content/Journal1/20033/Using_CAATs_to_Support_IS_Audit.htm data analysis software] is used to extract data from commonly used file formats and the tables of most database systems. This audit software can perform a variety of queries and other analyses on an organization’s data.

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===='''''Other uses of CAATT's for Datadata Analysis'''''=analysis===

In addition to using Datadata Analysisanalysis Softwaresoftware, the auditor utilizes CAATT's throughout the audit for the following activities while performing data analysis:

===='''''Other uses of CAATT's for Data Analysis'''''====

In addition to using Data Analysis Software, the auditor utilizes CAATT's throughout the audit for the following activities while performing data analysis:

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<u>''==Web sites of selected audit software vendors''</u>==

*[http://www.acl.com/ ACL Services Ltd.]

*[http://www.caseware-idea.com/ CaseWare IDEA Inc.]

*[http://www.wizsoft.com/ WizSoft]

*[http://www.ecora.com/ Ecora]

===<u>References</u>===

*<u>'''Information Technology Control and Audit'''</u>; Frederick Gallegos, Sandra Senft, et. al; ''2nd Edition'' ISBN 0-8493-2032-1

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*'''Audit Tools''' [http://www.theiia.org/itaudit/index.cfm?fuseaction=print&fid=320 Use of Computer-Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques (CAATTs), Part 2]

==See Alsoalso==

* [[Information Technologytechnology Auditaudit]]

[[Category:Information Technology Audit]]