A continuous audit involves the continuous monitoring of systems and the collection of data and evidence normally required in an assurance audit, spreading all the time and workload over the year. With more regular check-ins from an auditor, to provide evidence that internal controls are implemented and working properly, an ongoing audit allows an organization to relinquish a traditional audit for a few years.
Continuous auditing spreads the auditing burden throughout the year. In addition, the more frequent monitoring of critical controls that is required is a benefit that helps prevent any breach of control during the year, which is not detected until the annual audit. Other benefits:
· Collecting audit evidence with less haste and effort;
· Better analysis of your controls through more frequent measurements and trends;
· Better alignment with the pace of change in highly dynamic environments;
· Use of automated compliance monitoring tools, which can help save time and resources in gathering evidence;
· Use of tools to help automate the collection of evidence and data, to execute trends and provide information.
If you're interested in the benefits of continuous auditing and implementation, the most important thing is to talk to your auditor and engage them from the start. Auditors are so integrated into the auditing process that their perspective is essential. If you don't involve them early on, you risk backtracking, because they don't understand the new process and how they can ensure that the data you're providing is accurate and complete.
Your auditor will make the transition with you. Then, by engaging you earlier, you can rely on your auditing expertise to answer questions and guide you in a way that still maintains your independence. The auditor helps with the transition process to a continuous audit, analyzes whether it is feasible for your organization, verifies what data your technology tool needs to collect, as well as its operation.
The next step should be to identify controls, which can be easily measured in a continuous auditing approach. Work with your auditor to identify when certain evidence can be collected and how often. Then, identify the tools that can support the process.
The use of auditing tools can significantly reduce the burden of gathering evidence. Organizations subject to many audits throughout the year will see a better return on investment by implementing continuous auditing tools. Examine the tools you can take advantage of for your specific auditing situation and needs. Implementing a continuous audit is a big transition, and starting small will allow you to continue developing resources over time.
When reviewing your options for an automated audit collection tool, there are several things to consider:
· Does the tool cover your technical environment? (For example, Google Cloud, local servers, etc)?
· Can it connect to the environment and extract data from it?
· Does it cover related technologies (e.g., endpoint protection, mobile device management, firewalls, vulnerability scanners, ticketing systems, registration, and audit monitoring)?
· Does it cover non-technical areas, such as safety awareness training solutions?
· Are your compliance standards simple to set up?
· What is the quality of the reports? Some tools don't satisfy what the auditor needs to understand the source of the information, such as the dates and times when the data was extracted.
· What configuration will the tool require to meet your auditing needs? What overload is associated with the tools? What does continuous tool management entail?
Finally, you need to determine if you are confident that the information the tool is collecting is complete. The tools should save you time and effort and make you more efficient. They shouldn't make your life difficult.
If you would like to learn more about continuous auditing and how to implement continuous auditing, contact TATICCA. We are experienced independent auditors and accompany continuous auditing. We can advise on the strengths and quality of the tools unique to your situation.
TATICCA — ALLINIAL GLOBAL also provides integrated auditing, accounting, tax, corporate finance, financial advisory, risk advisory, technology, business consulting and training services. For more information, visit www.taticca.com.br or email taticca@taticca.com.br. Our company has professionals with extensive experience in the market and has certified methodologies for carrying out activities.
