tailieunhanh - Comparison of Generalized Audit Software 

Over the years, the role of the computer auditor has changed to being more consultative and value adding. Clearly, where a new system is being developed, it is more cost effective for audit comments to be provided prior to a system being implemented, when improved security and control features can be included more easily and cheaply. Similarly, although computer auditors regularly undertake audits of say logical access controls, there is considerable scope for computer auditors to be involved in the design of those components. There is an issue of independence if the computer auditor becomes involved in the design process as this may be compromised if the same individual subsequently audits. | Comparison of Generalized Audit Software In today s modern and computerized world even small companies have huge numbers of financial transactions going through the books. As an external auditor it s your responsibility to analyse these transactions and ultimately to form an opinion as to whether the accounts show a true and fair view of the company s position. But with this huge number of transactions it s impossible to analyse everything manually so what is the alternative The answer is what is known as generalized audit software . Generalized audit software packages are tools designed specifically for auditors and have two main functions 1 To facilitate and automate the testing of 100 of a population 2 To focus the auditors attention on specific areas or transactions which are of higher risk Many audit firms and internal audit departments have already implemented audit software however it is alarming that there are still many that have not. The most common reason for not using such software is not what you might expect cost - it s ease of use and learning requirements. But this is a myth - audit software has become far simpler to use and there are now even a couple of products that run within Excel. It s been a few years since I last compared the GAS and fraud detection packages available and as there are a couple of new players in the market I thought it was time for an update. Here we ll compare the four main GAS products. I ve also included Excel in the comparison as it s often used as a substitute for GAS and can perform many of the more simple tasks. We ll look at Data analysis functions Ease of use Other considerations Ways to select a product Product Phone Web ACL 604-669-4225 ActiveData for Excel 613-569-4675 Excel See website for local office listing IDEA 888-641-2800 TopCAATs 44 0 845 8681424 1 Core data analysis functions The matrix below summarizes the most .