...Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) Considerations in the Use of CAATs Using CAATs Using CAATs in Small Entity IT Environments Effective Date Acknowledgment 1-3 4-6 7-16 17-25 26 27 28-29 The Auditing Standards and Practices Council (ASPC) issues Philippine Auditing Practices Statements (PAPS or Statements) to provide practical assistance to auditors in implementing the Philippine Standards on Auditing (PSAs) or to promote good practice. Statements do not have the authority of PSAs. This Statement does not establish any new basic principles or essential procedures; its purpose is to assist auditors, and the development of good practice, by providing guidance on the application of the PSAs regarding the use of Computer Assisted Audit Techniques as an audit tool. This Statement applies to all uses of CAATs involving a computer of any type or size. The auditor exercises professional judgment to determine the extent to which any of the audit procedures described in this Statement may be appropriate in the light of the requirements of the PSAs and the entity’s particular circumstances. PAPS 1009 Introduction 1. The overall objectives and scope of an audit do not change when an audit is conducted in a computer information technology (IT) environment. The application of auditing procedures may, however, require the auditor to consider techniques known as Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) that use the computer as an audit tool. CAATs may improve the effectiveness and...
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...Cost Audit Cost Audit in EDP environment When planning the cost audit, the cost auditor should consider an appropriate combination of manual and computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs). In determining whether to use CAATs, he should take into account: i) His computer knowledge, expertise and experience. ii) Availability of CAATs and suitable computer facilities. iii) Impracticability iv) Effectiveness and efficiency. v) Timing. In an EDP environment, the control procedures take basically two stages: 1. Manual Procedure – i.e. the clerical work done up to the translation of data into machine-sensible form. This stage, being manual, is subjected to usual internal control conditions and the Cost Auditor will have little difficulty in appraising them by means of ‘compliance test’ and ‘substantive’ test’. 2. Computer Procedures – i.e. the computer processing work. Auditing in this area is actually a complex activity, for which the Cost Auditor as a prudent person should develop himself for adequate EDP knowledge. Before the actually starts to conduct his audit in EDP environment he should envisage to maintain an ‘Audit Control File’, as his valuable kit. The Computer Audit control File may be built up containing full details of the system including: i) Copies of all source documents and the details of the checks that have been done to ensure their accuracy. ii) Details of physical control over source documents and any control tools on...
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...audit techniques (CAATs). A CAATs audit is focused on testing the computer systems for data integrity and security of the company’s information data processing. CAATs provide a 10 step process made available to the auditor for use as guidelines in conducting an efficient audit. The guidelines will reduce the time to complete the audit, save money and ensure a high degree of confidence in the audit results. The CAATs audit will provide the owner of Kudler Fine Foods with assurance that the systems are operating with accuracy and the data is secure. To initiate the audit procedure, the auditor will first collaborate with the owner of Kudler Fine Foods to define the intents and desired end results of the audit. The auditor will review the computer systems, processes, types of data and process controls with Kathy Kudler to ensure that she thoroughly understands the system. Through this collaboration, the auditor will determine the best strategies for assessing the risks associated with the system and current processes. He or she will also determine the optimal strategy for collecting and testing data. Once the auditor determines the best strategies for conducting the audit, he or she will begin collecting and testing data in the most time efficient and effective manner. Kudler Fine Foods will benefit from the CAATs audit in the company’s growth and expansion by having a high level of confidence in the accuracy and security of the system. The CAATs audit will give...
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...Computer-assisted audit tools, known as CAATs, and audit productivity tools are two types of software tools. CAATs assist the auditors with the evaluation of application controls. CAATs also choose and examine data for significant audit evaluations. Audit productivity tools assist auditors in reducing the number of valuable time spent on administrative duties by computerizing the audit role and incorporating information assembled from the audit process. This brief will describe how CAAT will be used to validate data and system integrity within the system, explain the functions of audit productivity software, and explain how audit productivity software might be used in the systems designed. Validating Data and System Integrity CAAT consists of the usage of software, applications, extracted and analyzed data, trends within data, identifying with the expectations and detention of potential fraud within data (Gray, et. al., 1989, Pag.109). CAAT makes available information that allows certain aspects to simply be acquired. With the utilization of CAAT, the audit records and practices can be improved with excellence and swiftness. The information systems auditor will control and monitor CAAT. The information systems auditor should execute a reconciliation of control totals if required, assess output for sensibleness, and complete a review of the logic and other uniqueness of the CAAT. Auditors of numerous corporations and firms have expanded and applied CAATs that have significantly amplified...
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...for Kudler. To conduct the audit the auditor will use computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs) or in Kudler’s case computer assisted audit techniques (CAATs). The following brief is an explanation of how CAATs is used to validate data and the system integrity, and explain audit productivity software. CAATs CAAT is techniques that increase the auditor’s productivity and effectiveness during the audit function. CAATTs uses tools, such as software to increase the auditor’s productivity and extract data, and analyze the data in addition to the techniques. The techniques are used to validate application integrity and verify data integrity of Kudler’s information systems. “These techniques include generating test decks of data, writing and embedding automated audit modules, and performing digital analysis and linear regression on a client’s data” (Hunton, 2004, p. 179). CAAT assists the auditor in collecting sufficient, reliable, relevant, and useful evidence that supports the planned audit objects. The Standards Board of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) governs the use of CAATs with Guideline 70. Guideline 70 provides guidance in the areas of planning, execution, documentation, and reporting when using CAATs. The auditor uses a decision-making process when and how to use CAATs in the audit. The process is a 10 step framework. Step one is the key objectives set...
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...System Integrity and Validation ACC 542 August 12, 2013 Milan Havel Abstract Kudler seeks to improve their audit process by allowing changes implemented to their audit documentation process. It is important to implement changes reflected by computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs). These changes will offer a variety of benefits to Kudler as well as the auditor. The use of CAATs will allow auditors to use the software for improved analysis and application of security. Auditors will also be able to extract and analyze data to foresee any potential threats, trends, fraud issues, or foresee expectations. The use of validation tools will also allow Kudler greater success in their audit. Using test decks, integrated test facilities (ITF), and parallel simulations will allow auditors to verify and test data quickly and effectively. The functions of this software will improve greatly not only the speed of the audit, but also accuracy as well. Auditors will be able to analyze a vast amount of data and verify balances, again information, and verify any duplicate information. Kudler should choose a custom audit software suitable to their organizational needs. More specifically, they should focus on accuracy, reliability, and compliance as their key goals for the audit. The distinct audit software should be in connection with their AIS and will offer numerous benefits. Kudler and the auditor will be able to manage current or past transactions, history, reporting...
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...and payroll processes as well as developing new processes for sales and general ledger functions. The value-added and automation of the processes improves accuracy, eliminates double entry and allows for communication between locations. Refine the existing database with the use of flowcharts and ER diagrams to understand the flow of data and move away from broad spreadsheet reports and instead use pivot tables which will provide a summary of data useful for decision-making. Maintain, review, update, and test, policies and procedures, by means of developing good internal controls and auditing them regularly. The following brief will indicate how Kudler will also benefit from audit software and computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs) to validate their system’s data integrity. Introduction Kudler Fine Foods (Kudler) recently upgraded their system software to be more industry-specific. Reliance on computers for accounting purposes is becoming more and more common as they are an essential tool in business. With that being said, it is imperative that management consider the validity of data and the integrity within...
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...System Integrity and Validation and Summary of Recommendations Jessica Noble ACC 542 March 23, 2015 Milan Havel System Integrity and Validation Since the proposal of the new software at Kudler Fine Foods, the system integrity and the use of computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs) will need to be discussed. This brief will follow three topics (1) how CAATs is used to validate data and system integrity, (2) explain the functions of audit productivity software, and (3) provide details on how audit productivity software may be used in the system. CAATs is used to Validate Data and System Integrity Auditors use computer assisted auditing techniques (CAAT) for several reasons. CAATs not only help auditors with software but they can use data for analyzing, look for patterns, and identify fraud (Hunton, Bryant, & Bagranoff, 2004). By using CAATs it will increase efficiency for both internal and external audits. By doing this it will allow auditors to look at all financial information. CAATs are valuable to auditors when testing or validating computer applications because they can determine if codes have been accessed illegally. If audits were conducted manually then an auditor would not be able to examine the data. To verify system integrity, auditors can validate applications through test data, an integrated test facility, or through a parallel simulation. Test data is described as the use of false data entered into the systems. “This...
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...CAATs used to Validate Data and System Integrity Auditors prefer to use computer assisted auditing techniques (CAAT) for many reasons. They enable auditors to use software applications, extract data for analyzing, look for trends within the data, and identify potential areas for fraud or even detect fraudulent data. CAATs are a valuable tool for auditors to test and validate computer applications and they can determine whether or not the source code has been compromised. The implementation of CAATs will increase efficiency and the effectiveness of both internal and external audits allowing auditors to analyze all of the financial data, which would not be possible if the audit were conducted manually. SAS 94, The Effect of Information Technology on the Auditor's Consideration of Internal Control in a Financial Statement Audit, provides guidance to auditors regarding the need for the auditor to address internal controls activities during the course of an IT audit (Cerullo & Cerullo, 2003). Auditors must have a working knowledge of the client’s software program and the relationship with the company’s financial statements. Auditors must also comprehend the processing of transactions into the general ledger, the recording of both regular and special journal entries, recurring and nonrecurring adjusting entries, and the types of material misstatements that may occur. To verify system integrity, auditor’s can validate applications through test data, an integrated...
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...Information Technology (IT) auditing is another important improvement that Kudlers should make since our analysis showed that there are risks and vulnerabilities in the AIS process. Our final recommendation will be in the way that the audit process is improved by using computer assisted auditing techniques. This will complete the firm’s analysis and recommendations for Kudler Fine Foods. o Our firm last week analyzed and recommended different types of Information Technology (IT) audits that Kudler Fine Foods can use to assess the risks and vulnerabilities in Accounting Information Systems (AIS) processes. In addition to audit types, owner Kathy Kudler needs to consider the various types of computer assisted audit techniques (CAAT) that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the audit function for Kudler’s payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventory systems....
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...System Integrity and Validation With the recent implementation of automated software at Kudler Fine Foods, there is the need to address system integrity and the use of computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs). This brief will examine the following: how CAAT is used to validate data and system integrity within the system, explain the functions of audit productivity software, and explanation of how audit productivity software might be used in the system designed. How CAAT is used to validate data and system integrity Auditors prefer to use computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs) for many reasons. They enable auditors to use software applications, extract data for analyzing, look for trends within the data, and identify any potential areas for fraud detect fraudulent data. CAATs are valuable tools for auditors to test and validate computer applications and they can determine whether or not the source code has been compromised. The implementation of CAATs will increase efficiency and the effectiveness of both internal and external audits allowing auditors to analyze all of the financial data, a feat which would not be possible if the audit were conducted manually. SAS 94, The Effect of Information Technology on the Auditor's Consideration of Internal Control in a Financial Statement Audit, provides guidance to auditors regarding the need for the auditor to address internal controls activities during the course of an IT (Cerullo, 2003). Auditors must have...
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...documentation and audit processing. KFF is going to implement proposed computer assisted auditing techniques (CAAT). CAAT will also serve as a validation agent for the reliability of the data. Recommendations The recommendations to KFF include industry specific software to improve the tracking of the inventory to help reduce spoilage and better rotation of products. It also reviewed and tied the accounts payable and receivable systems as well as payroll to the inventory system. The recommended system tied inventory into the accounts payable and receivable systems already being used. IT audits were reviewed and evaluated to assist with the design of the software and system. After reviewing the accounting information systems for Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) recommendations have been made to update and replace certain aspects of the information technology (IT) system to make the company more productive. From the review and research, it was recommended that the most appropriate audit was the findings and recommendation audit. Audits are required of most businesses and are time consuming for all involved. It can be nearly impossible for companies to conduct these audits efficiently without incorporating software to make this process more efficient. Computer Assisted Audit Tools One way to streamline the audit process is by the use of Computer Assisted Audit Tools or CAATs. These are accounting software that performs the function of the audit that used to be performed manually...
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...After reviewing Kudler's Fine Foods it was determined that several processes could be improved by implementing accounting information system (AIS). The processes that will be targeted are accounts receivable, payroll, inventory, and accounts payable. The accounting firm recommended the use of AIS. The type of software recommended would be industry specific software that can be purchased of the rack. This was decided because of the reduction in cost to acquire the program compared to a customized system. Also the training on and maintenance of the program will be included in the purchase price. The next step would be to determine what type of audit that would best fit the processes that are targeted. There are four types of audits. There is the attestation audit, which according to "KHSA Karren, Hendrix, Stagg, Allen" (2012), "are assurance engagements that require procedures to be applied to financial reporting processes and controls, but do not necessarily require an audit. Then there are findings and recommendations that are used when implementing a system. The next type of audit is the SAS 70 audit. According to "NBD Accountants Consultants" (2008), “It is an auditing standard put forth by the AICPA that is utilized by auditors for examining internal controls in service organizations. Service organizations are the host of companies that provide critical, third-party outsourcing services to other companies.” The final type of audit is the Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS)...
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...Running Head: System Integrity and Validation SYSTEM INTEGRITY AND VALIDATION Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) DEBORAH OKAI ACC 542 – ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS December 16, 2013 DAVID PHILLIPS Running Head: System Integration and Validation BRIEF This brief will focus on computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs) for the audit process and documentation of Kudler Fine Foods (KFF). The purpose of the CAATTs is to facilitate and quicken the audit process for KFF’s accounts receivable, payable, inventory, and payroll systems. Preface KFF has implemented internal controls on its accounting and information systems. It has also targeted four areas of the business system for audit purposes – accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP), inventory, and payroll. Considering the fact that KFF’s business is run on computers, it would be ideal to run the audit process using computer assisted audit tools and techniques (CAATTs). This would increase the efficiency of the audit process. In today’s world of advancing technology and corporate accounting scandals, I think the best technique for auditing KFF would be in the form of continuous auditing. An example is the embedded audit module. This is a procedure where the audit data is collected at the same time as when the client is performing its business operations. The audit module will give the auditor online access to KFF’s data whenever needed....
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...Continuous Auditing Jessica Hunt Accounting 510 Dr. Yining Chen December 3, 2014 Intorduction Generally auditing: is performed months after the business activities have actually occurred, based on a sampling approach, and includes reviewing of systems of approvals and reconciliations as well as policies and procedures. This method has been realized to provide auditors with only a narrow scope of evaluation and doesn’t really provide much value because of its lack of timeliness. Furthermore it has become evident that a need for timely and ongoing assurance over the effectiveness of risk management and control systems is crucial. This along with the environment of rising risks, and regulatory activity and compliance costs (complying with section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act) makes this an optimal time to consider a new approach. Continuous auditing is a method used to perform control and risk assessment automatically on a more frequent basis (Coderre 2005). It enables auditors to continually gather from processes data that supports auditing activities (Deloitte 2010), and allows auditors to provide written results on the subject matter using one or a series of reports issued simultaneously (ISACA 2002). Continuous auditing leverages technology and opens database architecture to enable auditors to monitor a company’s systems over the internet using sensors and digital agents. Discrepancies between the records and the rules defined in the digital agents are transmitted...
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