Saturday, 9 July 2016

The Vital Things Worth Noting Concerning IT Auditing

By Daniel Roberts


Auditing is basically a thorough review and evaluation of books of accounts. All companies either private or public keep some sorts of financial records. The records are supposed to be prepared by the company accountant. It is not the work of the auditor to maintain proper books of accounts but the company accountant. IT auditing is basically an audit of a company IT systems, operations, management and related processes.

IT audit is simply defined or known as examination that encompasses or comprises of review and also evaluation of all automated information systems. The audit also reviews non-automated processes and also the interfaces among them. Before any audit is done planning should be done. Planning for IT audit usually involves the following two major steps.

Some of these accounting packages that need to be audited include, QuickBooks and ACCPAC pro series. These programs have the ability to perform all accounting functions. They can be able to generate accurate financial statements if fed with the correct information. Some of the audits that can be carried out include financial statements audit, internal control audits and compliance audits.

The decisions to be made are with regards to either an auditor should carry out compliance testing or whether substantive testing is the best. When applying risk-based approach, information technology auditors usually rely on operational controls and internal controls. This auditor will also need to be knowledgeable or have vast knowledge of the business or company.

The last objective is to check any instances where the information technology system is being used extravagantly and where there are gross inefficiency tantamount being wasted. Technology is changing the way things are done in an organization. Today information can be processed online and also be stored online. With reference to city Sydney, auditors are required to observe strict professionalism to avoid being compromised.

First and foremost, it is vital for an auditor to ensure that their firm has adequate resources to finish the IT audit. Auditors should consider the amount of work to be done and match the work with the available manpower. Auditors are recommended not to solicit for work as it is against the working code of conduct. Auditors should uphold professionalism of highest degree at all times.

IT audits are very important since they provide assurance to companies that information systems are properly protected. The audit will also provide reasonable assurance to the users of IT systems that the information they get from the system is reliable. The system should also be managed properly to achieve the organizational intended benefits.

Thumb drivers can also be stolen or in some cases misappropriated making the system to produce wrong data or information. Inherent risks are known to exist independently of such audits. The risks can occur simply because of the business nature. The auditor should identify the following items to make it easy for him to understand internal control structure that exist already.

This audit can also reduce chances of data falling into the wrong hands, leaking of data to competitors, disruption of service and poor management that is of IT systems. Auditors, that is both internal and external need to first establish the objectives and also scope of IT audit. Develop a good audit plan. Gather information concerning controls while performing audit tests and lastly report on your findings.




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