Download AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT. What is audit in a computer environme nt?... AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT What is audit in a computer environme nt? Wherever computer based accounting system, large or small are operated by an enterprise, or by a third party on behalf of the enterprise, for processing information supporting the amounts included in the financial statements. The audit is said to be performed in computer environment. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 1 Auditing in Computer Environment Issues The audit objective remain “to enable the auditor to express an opinion whether the financial statements are prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with an applicable financial reporting framework. However, the methods of applying audit procedures in gathering audit evidence may be influenced by the way accounting data is processed. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 2 Auditing in Computer Environment Computer Environment Audit Trail In manual processing, clerical errors in computer environment programming errors or systematic errors in hardware or software Central Processing of transactions (keep incompatible duties separate.) Alteration of data or files without being detected (possibility of fraud) APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 3 1 Auditing in computer environment Approaches Auditing around the computer Auditing through the Computer Auditing with the computer APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 4 Approaches to auditing in Computer Environment 1. Auditing around the computer Computer as a black box Test transaction method e.g. multiplying unit price with number of products No attempt is made to establish and evaluate existence of controls Appropriate where no significant computer controls are required, for example where computers are used only for calculation purposes Should not be used because of auditor’s lack of knowledge on computerized systems. Audit around the computer ONLY WHEN; the audit trail is complete, processing operations are straight forward and system documentation is complete and readily available. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 5 Approaches to auditing in Computer Environment 1. Auditing through the computer
Auditor evaluate client’s software and hardware for reliability hard for human eyes to view Test operating effectiveness of related computer controls (Access Controls) Controls are embedded in the IS of most companies It is impractical to ignore them due to legal and compliance requirements External auditors use this to test the controls Internal auditors frequently uses this to ensure that errors are discovered and corrected. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 6 2 Approaches to auditing in Computer Environment Around or through the computer Nothing is wrong with auditing around the computer But auditor should be satisfied with the control system in place and able to gather sufficient evidence. But what about various requirements of gaining sufficient understanding of system (internal control) Auditing through the computer is the best for auditors to follow Some standards restricts auditors to issue opinions on the operating effectiveness of internal control of the business if auditing around the computer approach is used. Which approach minimize auditor’s risk? APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 7 Approaches to auditing in the computer environment Auditing with the computer Use of computer of audit automation
Working Papers Statistical sampling and analytical procedures Decision Support System; Audit Review and Reporting APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 8 Auditing with the Computer Types of software on PC in order to aid audit work Standard software for word processing , spreadsheets Expert systems such as teammate, Generally, an auditor can use the PC to assist for Production of time budget and budgetary control . Analytical procedures. The maintenance of permanent file information APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 9 3 Auditing in computer environment The computer systems challenges lack of visible evidence and systematic errors. What to do? techniques available to an auditor, The internal controls, the availability of the data the length of time it is retained in a readily usable form. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 10 AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Controls over audit computers Security, and Accuracy (of input, processing and output). The auditor should exercise controls when PCs are used by auditor in their work are as follows: Access controls for users by means of passwords APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 11 AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Controls over audit computers Back up of data contained on files, regular production of hard copy; backup disks held off the premises. Viral protection for programs and Training users. Evaluation and testing of programs use Proper recording of input data , to ensure reasonableness of output. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 12 4 INTERNAL CONTROLS IN CIS The internal control over computer based accounting system General controls
Application controls APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 13 INTERNAL CONTROLS IN CIS General controls; relates to the environment CIS are developed, maintained and operated, and which are therefore applicable to all the applications.
The application controls and general controls are inter-related. Strong general controls contribute to assurance, which may be obtained by an auditor in relation If general controls are ineffective, there may be potential for material misstatement in each computer based accounting application. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 14 Auditing in Computer Environment APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 15 5 INTERNAL CONTROLS IN CIS Specific Requirements in order to achieve the overall objective of general controls: Control over applications development To prevent or detect unauthorized changes to programs To ensure that all programs changes are adequately tested and documented Control to prevent and detect errors during program execution To prevent unauthorized amendments to data files To ensure that system software is properly installed and maintained To ensure that proper documentation is kept To ensure continuity of operations. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 16 AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Types of General Controls 1. Organizational controls of EDP unit No one individual should be able to a. access the data; b. Alter the computer system or programme, c. Access the computer APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 17 AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Types of General Controls 2. 3. Application development and maintenance controls Computer programs and related applications design and use of systems manuals, program flow charts, narratives, records and file layout and operators instructions. Hardware controls Manufacturer to detect equipment failure, how the organisation handles errors the computer identifies APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 18 6 AUDITING IN COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Types of General Controls Access to Computer equipment, data files and programs Safeguarding equipment and records e.g. locked doors, locked cabinets, segregation of duties, locked cabinets, cabinets containing data files, passwords or security codes and job reports for the computer. 5. Data or procedural controls Keeping the files and programmes off site. This may prevent losses due to accidental erasure, intentional vandalism or catastrophic APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick loss (fire). Grandfather-father-son method 19 4. INTERNAL CONTROLS IN CIS Application controls: The objective of application controls (manual or programmed) are to Ensure completeness and accuracy of accounting records validity of entries made resulting from both manual and programmed processing. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 20 INTERNAL CONTROLS IN CIS The specific requirements in order to achieve the overall objectives of application controls are: Control over the completeness and authorization of input Control over the completeness and accuracy of processing Control over the maintenance of master files and the standing data contained therein APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 21 7 Internal Controls in CIS Application Controls They are specific to particular accounting application Major types of application controls 1. Input Controls Ensures validity, completeness and accuracy of processed information e.g. Check digits, batch totals, hash totals, limits or reasonableness checks, and validity checks. 2. Processing Controls Accurate processing of data input into the system Data are processed, processed only once and processed accurately. Most of processing controls are also programmed controls i.e. the computer is programmed to do the checking. Examples, control totals, logic tests and completeness tests. APT Financial Consultants 22 Sako Mayrick Internal Controls in CIS 3. Output Controls that data generated by computer are valid, accurate, and complete. Output distributed in appropriate quantities only to authorized people. The most important output controls is review of the data for reasonableness by someone who knows what the output should look like. Ensures APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 23 Internal Controls in CIS 4. Controls over master file information Most transactions depends on the accuracy of information on the master file. For example Sales transactions depends on price list or all payroll amounts depends on hourly rate or salary rate. User departments should get periodic reports containing content of the master file. There should be procedures in place to verify that the correct version of Master File is being used. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 24 8 Internal Control in CIS Auditors obtain information on the general and application controls by Interviewing EDP staff Reviewing flowcharts and documents Reviewing internal control questionnaires APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 25 5 Minutes Break APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 26 AUDITING IN THE COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT - Techniques What are the tools to use? What are the techniques? What are the tricks? What are the risks ? What is the examiners focus? APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 27 9 COMPUTER ASSISTED AUDIT TECHNIQUES (CAATs) Definition Techniques in that the auditors are afforded opportunities to use either the enterprises or another computer to assist them in performance of audit work. CAATs, are ways in which the auditor may use the computer in a computerized information system to gather, or assist in gathering, audit evidence. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 28 CAATs Advantages
Are independent of the system being audited and will use a read-only copy of file to avoid corruption of an organization's data Simplifies audit routines such as sampling Provides documentation of each test performed in the software that can be used as documentation in auditor’s work papers Can perform activities such as data queries, data stratification, sample extraction, missing sequence identification, statistical analysis, calculations, duplicate inquiries, pivot tables and cross tabulation APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 29 CAATs Uses Creation of electronic work papers Fraud detection Analytical tests Data analysis reports Continuous monitoring APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 30 10 CATEGORIES OF CAAT Audit software Test data Other techniques APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 31 CATEGORIES OF CAAT 1. Audit software: generalized audit software specialized audit software or Interrogation software utility programs and existing entity programs. Regardless of the source of the programs, the auditor should substantiate their validity for audit purposes prior to use. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 32 CATEGORIES OF CAAT Audit software some uses Stratify accounting population and select monetary unit statistical samples. Carry out an aging /usage analysis of stocks Perform detailed analytical reviews of financial statements APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 33 11 TYPES OF CAATs Test data Is a CAAT in which test data prepared by the auditor is processed on the current production version of the client's software, but separately from the client's normal input data. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 34 TYPES OF CAATs Other techniques embedded audit facilities Integrated test facility System Review and control file ( SCARF) Application program examination APT Financial Consultants Internal control evaluation via; Flowchart verification (Logical Path analysis ) ,Program code verification (Code Comparison Programs), Printout examination. Sako Mayrick 35 CAATs and Sustentative testing During substantive testing some, CAATs are used frequently. Audit software is used extensively to examine accounting records maintained on computer files CAATs assists in carrying out analytical review procedures APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 36 12 Limits of CAATs Limits of CAATs Evaluation Use of general controls ICQ or the ICE approach. Sako Mayrick APT Financial Consultants 37 Program authenticity Source Program authenticity guarantee that the correct application program is being tested. “Live test” data, integrated test facilities and embedded audit facilities as described above are audit techniques, which help in this respect. General controls Copy must be identical to orignal APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 38 Knowledge based system Knowledge based systems Decision Support Systems and Expert systems can be used to assist with the auditors own judgment and decisions. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 39 13 MANUAL Vs CAATs Factors to consider in choosing between CAATs and manual Techniques: Practicability of carrying out audit tests manually Cost effectiveness of the procedures under considerations. Availability of audit time The availability of appropriate computer facilities and independence issue The level of audit experience and expertise. The extent of possible reliance upon internal audit work APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 40 Factors to consider in using CAATs IT knowledge and experience of the audit team Availability of CAATs and suitable computer facilities and data Impracticability of manual tests Effectiveness and efficiency timing APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 41 PLANNING AN AUDIT IN A COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Planning an audit in a Computer environment Possibilities of attending during system development stage Consideration of use of CAATs Practicability of manual audit Expertise APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 42 14 PLANNING AN AUDIT IN A COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT Use of CAATS
The pattern cost associated with CAATs, The extent of tests of controls or substantive procedures achieved by both alternatives, Ability to incorporate within the use of CAAT a number of different audit tests. Time of reporting APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 43 PLANNING AN AUDIT IN A COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT In using CAAT, computer facilities, computer files and programs should be available; the auditors should plan the use of CAAT in good time so that these copies are retained for their use. Internal auditor CAATs , consider ISA Availability of computer facilities APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 44 INTERNAL CONTROL EVALUATION Internal control evaluation ICQ . Weak controls = extensive substantive procedures In determining whether they wish to place reliance on application controls or general controls ,the auditors will be influenced by the cost effectiveness and ease of testing by the following matters General controls and application controls APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 45 15 INTERNAL CONTROL EVALUATION Check systematic errors and program intergrity Manual examination may be useful in small computer application Observation, examination of documentary evidence or reperforming the procedures may be useful. CAATs can also be useful APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 46 Review of financial statements Review of financial statements CAATs (audit software) analytical review. The working papers should indicate the work performed by CAAT, the auditors conclusion, the manner in which any technical problems were resolved and may include any recommendations about modification of CAAT for future audits. e.g APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 47 AUDIT TRAIL. Audit trail. As the complexity of computer systems has increased there has been a corresponding loss of audit trail. Most systems have searching facilities that are much quicker to use than searching through print outs by hand. This offsets the so- called loss of “audit trail” to a significant extent. The trail is still there, although it may have to be followed through in electronic form. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 48 16 2 MINUTES BREAK APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 49 COMPUTER SERVICE BUREAUX These are third part service organization who provide EDP facilities to their clients Factor to consider in using CSB make or buy decisions and Analyze the cost benefit; Level of management’s own computing knowledge and their willingness to take risk to unknown third party; Consider APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 50 COMPUTER SERVICE BUREAUX Factors to consider The volume and frequency of processing requirements ; The complexity of the program package required ;The simpler the program the easier it would be to process in – house on Micro; The importance of timelines in processing of data check the efficiency and economy of DP The confidentiality of the data being processed. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 51 17 Types of Bureaux Independent companies formed to provide specialist computer services Computer manufacturers with bureau Computer users (e.g. universities) APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 52 PLANNING AND CONTROL EXERCISED BY THE USER When the system using CSB is set up it is essential that a full feasibility study and system design should be carried out. In practice the bureau may provide assistance in performing these tasks. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 53 PLANNING AND CONTROL EXERCISED BY THE USER The control should include : Prior vetting of bureau standards ; Input controls at preparer’s end; bunching and providing or authorizing in the same way as usual; Transit controls ;Physical transfer of documents ; batch controls ,physical security and authorized personnel; APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 54 18 PLANNING AND CONTROL EXERCISED BY THE USER The control should include : Electronic transmission of data ;batch totals, passwords and possibly encryption coding for very sensitive data; Control over and action on rejection; there must be strong control over the level of rejections; whose fault, the bureaus or ours?; APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 55 COMPUTER SERVICE BUREAUX Output controls :logging /registering receipt of output material and original documentation ,distribution and filing; Master file amendment controls; suggested control include the usual use of pre-numbered properly authorized forms. Special control of periodic print out of all master file amendments; Adequate insurance covering loss of data or documents and computer breakdown at the bureau itself ;The external auditor review of bureau controls ; APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 56 COMPUTER SERVICE BUREAUX A third party review –an independent firm to carry out review of internal controls, both the general and application based. The report is then made available to the auditors of clients of the bureaus. This saves the bureau having to make provision for many different sets of auditors all asking to run CAATs on the bureaux system and complete roughly similar ICQ/ICE forms. Direct evaluation of the bureau by the auditor using the CAATs , ICQ and ICE.; Standby /back up /emergency arrangement ; APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 57 19 COMPUTER SERVICE BUREAUX The compliance and substantive testing of programmed procedures, the CAATs such as discussed above are appropriate where the client has the data and files on the premises. They may not be possible in context of the computer service bureau. The client may have to arrange to have files copied by the bureau or supplied to the auditor for testing. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 58 2 Minutes Break APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 59 CONTROLS IN ON-LINE AND REAL TIME SYSTEMS Controls in real time systems The main control problem is that primarily the concern is on large, multi–user systems with terminals (dumb terminals or networked PCs) The same person is often responsible for producing and processing the same information. Internal check ,supervisory controls should be strengthened (segregation of duties) ; The ability of a person using remote terminal to gain access to databases at will results in the need for special controls to ensure that files are neither read nor written to (nor destroyed). APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 60 20 CONTROLS IN ON-LINE AND REAL TIME SYSTEMS Physical controls;
Operating system; Use passwords( or lockwords) or special badges or key; Restriction by the operating system of a certain users to certain files .eg wages dept can be given access to only wages file; Logging of all attempted violation of the above controls .eg Automatic shut down of the PC or terminal used; All violations should be speedily and thoroughly investigated Application controls; Validity checks on input; Reporting of unusual transactions; Passwords APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 61 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS) Main controls; Control to prevent or detect unauthorized changes to programs; No access to live program file by any personnel except for the operation personnel at the central computer; Password protection on programs; Restricted access to the central computer and terminal ; Maintenance of console; Periodic comparison of live production programs to control copies and supporting documentation. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 62 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS) Main controls; Controls to prevent or detect error during operation; Restriction of access to terminals by use of password; Satisfactory application control over input , processing and master file ; Use of operation manuals and training all users; Maintenance of logs showing unauthorized attempts to access; Physical protection over data files ;Training in emergency procedures Controls to ensure integrity of the database system; Restriction of access to data dictionary APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 63 21 DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (DBMS) Controls to ensure integrity of the database system; Restriction of access to data dictionary( point of definition and interrelationship of data); Segregation of duties between data processing manager and data base administration personnel; Liaison between database administration function and systems development personnel Preparation and update as necessary of user manual in conjunction with data dictionary APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 64 DATA BASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The audit of DBMS creates particular problems as the two principal CAATs , test data and audit software, tend to work unsatisfactorily on programs and files contained within such system. The auditor may, however, be able to use embedded audit facilities. Close liaison with the internal auditor may provide audit comfort. The auditors should if possible be involved at the evaluation, design and development stages, so that they are able to determine their audit requirements and identify control problems before implementation. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 65 5 Minutes Break QUESTION 3 ( P18. MAY, 2010) You have been asked to evaluate the system of internal control in an electronic date processing system. REQUIRED: Specify some of the matters to which you would give attention in relation to: Division of responsibilities File storage What will be the auditor’s work or the areas in which he requires to pay special attention in auditing: College and schools? Charitable institutions? APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 66 22 2 MINUTES BREAK REQUIRED: (NBAA –CPA - Nov. 2009) a) (i) List the audit procedures to be followed by your assistant in verifying the bank reconciliation in sufficient details for an inexperienced staff member to follow.(6marks) (ii) Explain the purpose of each procedure in terms of audit objectives. (5 marks) (b) Discuss the reliability of bank statements as audit evidence. What steps can be taken if it is considered desirable to increase their reliability? (3 marks) (c) (i) Distinguish between ‘auditing around the computer’ and auditing through the computer’.(3 marks) (ii) Explain the circumstances when it would be inappropriate for the auditor to rely on auditing around the computer. (3 marks) APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 67 (Total = 20 marks) SMALL COMPUTER SYSTEM Control problems in small computer systems The problems surrounding PC’s can be grouped as ; Lack of planning over the acquisition and use of PCs; Lack of documentary evidence ; Lack of security and confidentiality. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 68 2 MINUTES BREAK NBAA: QUESTION 5 – NOVEMBER, 2010 The auditors of Malaga Co. a large engineering company, are now in the
course of auditing the company's financial statements for the year ended 31st October, 2010. At the audit briefing, the audit manager made the following statements: 'Whilst we are all aware of the benefits that Malaga Co. should have gained from using a computer based accounting system, we need to be alert to the specific risks that a computer-based accounting system poses to an entity's internal controls. We will be using audit software. REQUIRED: (a) State four benefits that Malaga Co.. should have gained from using a computer-based accounting system. (b) State six specific risks that the use of a computer-based accounting system poses to an entity's internal controls. c) Explain the term audit software. D) Describe any four functions performed by audit software and for each function suggest how it could be used for a specific task by the external auditors of Malaga Co. (8 marks) APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 69 23 COMPUTER FRAUD Input fraud : Processing fraud; Fraudulent use of computer system; Output fraud; APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 70 FACTORS- RISK TO COMPUTER FRAUD Increase in computer literacy – Communications e.g. telephone and PCs and hackers Reduction of internal Check Improvements in quality of software and increase in implementation of good software has not kept pace with improvements in hard ware APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 71 COUNTERACT COMPUTER FRAUD Planned approach to counteract computer fraud. All staff should be properly trained and should fully appreciate their role in computer function Management policy on fraud should be clear and firm A study should be carried to examine where the company is exposed to possible fraud A company should map out an approach or plan in each area of the business to tackle and prevent fraud. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 72 24 CONTROLS TO PREVENT COMPUTER FRAUDS As with a control system, three areas to examine are; prevention, detection and correction Access to the computer terminals and other parts of the computer should be restricted Access to sensitive areas of the system should be logged and monitored Errors logs and reports should be monitored and investigated on regular basis Staff recruitment should include careful vetting ,include taking up all references Expert systems software may be used to monitor unusual transactions Sako Mayrick APT Financial Consultants 73 2 Minutes Break See the separate question – detailed one APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 74 DEVELOPMENTS IN COMPUTERIZED ENVIRONMENT Many auditors are now finding their clients conducting business through the internet. As always, the principle audit concern , will be controls over the use of the internet and the strength of audit evidence obtained through the internet APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 75 25 INTERNET Controls over the Internet Unauthorized use of the internet Staffs may use internet for unauthorized purchases Staff may use internet for accessing data which have a costs (call) People may be able to access “business “ internal systems via the internet and obtain confidential information or launch virus which disrupts internal systems APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 76 CONTROLS IN INTERNET… Controls from these risks include Use of passwords, Disabling certain terminals – Firewalls Authorization the technique make sure that a message has come from an authorized sender Virus control software –regular updating Physical controls ;against fire, damage etc APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 77 AUDIT EVIDENCE IN THE INTERNET Audit evidence in the Internet
Certain general observations can be made about audit evidence obtained through the Internet Internet evidence generated by the auditor will be stronger than evidence generated by client. Comfort may be obtained if the auditor can access the internet and test what the client has posted Internet evidence can be obtained in written form and thus stronger than oral evidence If the internal controls mentioned above are strong ,the auditors will have more confidence in the quality of evidence APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 78 26 WHAT ABOUT E-MAIL? Email may have numerous advantages in reducing office paperwork and speeding up communication, but it also has dangers from an audit point of view. e.g. unscrupulous employee in a large organization might find it quite easy to send and e-mail from his or her boss’s computer authorizing a substantial bonus /payrise H/W; what controls could you put to prevent this from happening APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 79 CONTROL IN INTERNET SYSTEM Control of network system is of uttermost importance .the auditors must be able to analyse the risk of unauthorized access such as line tapping or interception and to evaluate preventive measures Authentication programs and encryption are used for security , the auditor must understand those matter and should be able to make recommendations on implementation. Password security is extremely important, and the auditors may be called upon to recommend complex password procedures for sophisticated APT systems. Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 80 ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE Electronic data interchange (EDI) is now used very widely because it cuts the task of re-inputting data that has already been input into a system in electronic form, saving time and improving accuracy EDI is authentic? What authorization measures are in place to ensure that transactions above certain value are properly authorized before being transmitted or accepted? What is the legal position of the two parties if the transaction is disputed? Encryption and authentication offer some help, as do transaction logs that identify the originator or any transactions generated and transmitted. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 81 27 WHAT IS EDI Is the automated computer-to- computer exchange of structured business transactions between an enterprise and its vendors, customers, or other trading partners in a standard format, with a minimum of human intervention APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 82 CONSIDERATION OF AUDIT STANDARDS ISA 315, “Understanding the Entity and Its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement” and ISA 330, “The Auditor’s Procedures in Response to Assessed Risks” became effective. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 83 CONSIDERATION OF AUDIT STANDARDS Major issues to be considered by an auditor as per ISA An auditor should consider new CIS environment affects the audit The overall objective of audit in CIS audit never changes. The design and performance of appropriate tests of Controls and Substantive procedures to achieve the audit objective are likely to change. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 84 28 CONSIDERATION OF AUDIT STANDARDS Major issues to be considered by an auditor as per ISA The existence of computer is likely to have an impact on the clients inherent risk and control risk. The auditor should have sufficient knowledge of CIS to plan, direct supervise and review the work performed. The auditor should consider whether specialized CIS skills are needed in an audit. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 85 ISA The ISA makes it clear that auditors should have sufficient knowledge of the CIS to perform such audit effectively. It is not necessary for overly member of audit team to be a computer expert auditors must consider need for specialized CIS skills.ISA 620 “using the work of expert” is relevant. In planning the portions of audit which may be affected by the clients environment the auditor should obtain an understanding of significance and complexity of CIS activities and the availability of data for use in the audit. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 86 ISA Auditor must obtain understanding of accounting and IC sufficient to plan an effective approach. Where CIS is significant, the auditor must assess the effect of the CIS on in hereunto control risk. Complexity normally increases risk and deficiencies in program development, mtc, physical security and access controls would have an effect on all applications that the system served. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 87 29 ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IAPN Is any Commercial activity that takes place by means of connected computers. E.g. offering goods for sale directly from office computer; the purchasers’ computer and office computer is connected over Internet. How do we audit ex-commerce? International Audit Practice Note (IAPN) in intended to assist auditors in identifying and assessing the new risk to which the business in exposed when it undertakes e-commerce transactions. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 88 MAJOR AREAS OF FOCUS BY THE IAPS 1013 The skill and knowledge required to understand the implications of ecommerce on audit The extent of knowledge an auditor should have about the client’s business environment and activities. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 89 MAJOR AREAS OF FOCUS BY THE IAPS 1013 The business, legal, regulatory and other risk faced by entities engaged in e-commerce transactions. The effect of electronic records on audit evidence. The statement may be also helpful to the auditor of any business engaged in e-commerce. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 90 30 5 MINUTES BREAK See the Class Presentation on the question APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 91 What is an IT audit? Like operational, financial and compliance auditors, Information Technology (IT) auditors work to: Understand the existing internal control environment Identify high risk areas through a formal methodology Ensure that adequate internal controls are in place and operate effectively (through the testing of said controls) Recommend control implementation where risk exists APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 92 Why IT AUDIT? Because of Information Technology RISK!! Risk: The probability that a particular threat exploits a particular vulnerability (i.e. an issue which may impact ability to meet objective). Threat: Event with the potential to cause unauthorized access, modification, disclosure, or destruction of info resources. Vulnerability: Weakness in a system control, or a design flaw, that can be exploited to violate system, network, or data integrity. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 93 31 What Reduces IT Risk and What about any Remaining Risk? Internal Controls (i.e. safeguards) Control: Protective measure implemented to ensure company assets (IT or otherwise) are both available and accurate in order to meet the business requirements of that asset. Residual Risk: The risk that is left over after reasonable internal controls have been both evaluated and implemented. Internal Controls do not eliminate all risk!! APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 94 INTERNAL CONTROLS OTHER MATTERS The are two major types of controls: Application Controls General Controls. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 95 APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 96 32 What about OTHER types of audits that may impact IT Traditional Audit Types: Financial – “opinion” audits (CPAs) Operational – process audits – now includes environmental & construction Compliance – laws/regulations and policies, standards, and procedures IT – usually considered “operational” unless performed so “opinion” auditors may “rely” on financial info provided Hybrid - Integrated Audit – today almost all audits are actually hybrid APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 97 Operational Audits Review operating policies/procedures Documented policies/procedures? Informal policies/procedures? Work flow examined (thru flowchart or description requested/developed) Controls identified and documented Examine the business process and recommend improvements – control related or efficiency/effectiveness APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 98 MANUAL AND PROGRAMMED CONTROLS Many controls over computers are manual controls, and prodding that the manual controls exercised by users are sufficient to provide reasonable assurance of the completeness, accuracy and authorization of output, test of control may be limited to those manual controls. In a payroll system, for example, if users test check gross pay, deductions net pay and authorization at the output stage, and if they compare net pay with approved bank transfer documentation and perform regular bank reconciliation’s; there may be no need to test programmed controls. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 99 33 MANUAL CONTROLS Other Controls: Manual Controls Physical Controls: -Is a matter of common sense. -Limit access to a computer room, Locks and keys, only to specified people -Prevention of smooking. Back-up of disks: -Create and update an identical back up disk for every disk in the system; Data files&Program files; The disk should be stored in separate place. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 100 MANUAL CONTROLS Other Controls: Manual Controls Data filing: -Each disk should be labeled clearly and filed securely.The labeled disks should be filed in special disk boxes to provide a degree of protection against liquid being spoilt on the disks or their being bent or plied. Documentation: It is vital, as it provides both a support system for work already stored on disk and filed, and progress report on data currently being processed or updated. Staff Training: Proofing:There is always room for manual checking or proofing, to control data on disk. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 101 PROGRAMMED CONTROLS Programmed Controls: Passwords; Date/time stamps for compass on of two revisions of data; Prompts – Asking the user to continue with an action or not. Check Digit: A means of control on that they ascertain whether or not a number, such as ISBN is valid. E.g. customer account No. The computer will detect of the number is ever input incorrectly. Batch totals and hash totals: APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 102 34 PROGRAMMED CONTROLS Programmed Controls: Reasonable checks: Checks to ensure that data input is reasonable given the type of input it is e.g. A payroll system would check that his recorded for a falls within a range of 30 to 50. Existence checks: Checks to ensure that the data input is valid by checking that the entity already exists in the system. E.g. employee number. Dependency checks: Data input fields can be compared with other fields for reasonableness. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 103 SMALL STAND ALONE MICRO-COMPUTER Main problems. Internal Controls. Major controls appropriate in this environment are: Authorization: Physical security AUDIT PROCEDURES Substantive tests APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 104 Internal controls Inherent limitations of the system of IC in elimination of frauds & errors. The need to balance the cost of control with its benefits; The fact that IC are applied to systematic transaction, not one-off year-end adjustments, which are often larger and subject to error; The potential human error; Possibility of circumvention of IC through collusion of managers or employees with other parts inside /outside the entity; Abuse of controls or override of controls e.g. ordering of personal goods; Obsolescent of controls APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 105 35 FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF CAATs Further considerations of CAATs ISA requires auditors to obtain appropriate audit evidence to be able to allow reasonable conditions on which to base their opinion. Advantages of CAATS: Helps to test larger number of data hence increase confidence in their opinion; Help’s to test Accounting Systems its records (Tables & Disk files) rather than relying on testing printout; Are cost effective once set up for obtaining audit evidence; Comparison can easily be made from clerical audit work hence increase confidence. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 106 OTHER DETAIL MATTERS Difficulties of using computer programs cost. Cost; Changes to clients system; Small installations PC; Over –elaboration; Larger quantities of output; Version of file used for lest. Test Data: Is a data submitted by the auditor for processing the clients computer-based accounting system. APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 107 OTHER MATTERS Major approached to the use of test data Using live data Using dummy data in a normal production nun. Using dummy data in special nun. Difficulties of test data: Cost Limited objective Dangers of live testing Difficult in recording audit evidence APT Financial Consultants Sako Mayrick 108 36 What is the importance of auditing in CIS environment?Internal Control Environment & management supervision: The success of CIS highly depends upon the involvement of management in development and maintenance of CIS. Under CIS environment, the risk of fraud & error is relatively high. Thus higher management supervision and better internal control environment is required.
Why is computer auditing important?An IT audit is essential to ensure that your system is not vulnerable to any attacks. The main objective of an IT audit is to evaluate the availability of computer systems, the security, and confidentiality of the information within the system, and if the system is accurate, reliable, and timely.
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