Auditors' Training and Proficiency in Information Systems: A Research Synthesis

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary B. Curtis ◽  
J. Gregory Jenkins ◽  
Jean C. Bedard ◽  
Donald R. Deis
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Auditing Standards ◽  
And Training

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a review of extant literature examining issues relating to auditors' knowledge of and training in information systems. This review is important due to the rapidly increasing use of technology in business, recent changes in U.S. auditing standards on information technology and internal control, and signals of interest by regulators in possible future standards on auditors' information systems (IS) knowledge. We review prior research both to provide information on the current status of our literature, and to identify specific questions about which there is insufficient research. Our review covers three broad areas. First, we review the current environment of IS in financial reporting and assurance, and summarize related auditing standards. Second, we consider prior research on how financial statement (“generalist”) auditors acquire and use IS knowledge. Third, we discuss research on the interaction between generalist and IS auditors. Each section concludes with suggestions for future research.

Obtaining Assurance for Financial Statement Audits and Control Audits When Aspects of the Financial Reporting Process Are Outsourced

2012 ◽  
Vol 32 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 209-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Bierstaker ◽  
Long Chen ◽  
Margaret H. Christ ◽  
Matthew Ege ◽  
Natalia Mintchik
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Internal Audit ◽  
Service Organizations ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Service Organization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
External Auditors ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Risk

SUMMARY Businesses increasingly outsource organizational functions that have financial reporting implications, which requires auditors to adjust their risk assessment and audit procedures for this practice. However, PCAOB inspection reports cite deficiencies indicating that external auditors frequently do not perform proper procedures before relying on controls maintained by service organizations. In this paper, we examine the audit implications of clients' use of service organizations. Using the audit risk and control risk models and drawing on the extant research on using the work of others and internal audit outsourcing, we develop a framework that describes how clients' use of service organizations affects financial statement and internal control audits. We propose that three characteristics of outsourcing: the client, the service organization, and the auditor of the service organization affect inherent risk, control risk, and control detection risk for clients who outsource these functions. Based on this model, we develop specific research questions to guide future auditing research. We also use this model to provide insights for future research on external auditors' reliance on outsourced internal audit functions. JEL Classifications: M41; M42; L24.

An Analysis of the Demand for Reporting on Internal Control

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Hermanson
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Operational Definition ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Individual Investors ◽  
Internal Auditors ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Definition Of

The purpose of this study is to analyze the demand for reporting on internal control. Nine financial statement user groups were identified and surveyed to determine whether they agree that: (1) management reports on internal control (MRIC) are useful, (2) MRICs influence decisions, and (3) financial reporting is improved by adding MRICs. In addition, the paper examined whether responses varied based on: (1) the definition of internal control used (manipulated as broad, operational definition vs. narrow, financial-reporting definition) and (2) user group. The results indicate that financial statement users agree that internal controls are important. Respondents agreed that voluntary MRICs improved controls and provided additional information for decision making. Respondents also agreed that mandatory MRICs improved controls, but did not agree about their value for decision making. Using a broad definition of controls, respondents strongly agreed that MRICs improved controls and provided a better indicator of a company's long-term viability. Executive respondents were less likely to agree about the value of MRICs than individual investors and internal auditors.

Effect Technology Information On Quality Financial Statement With Internal Control As Moderating Variable

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-13
Author(s):  
Aris Eddy Sarwono ◽  
Asih Handayani
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Control System ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Internal Control System

The problem with the low quality of financial reports in local governments is the reason this research was conducted. This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the use of information technology on the quality of financial reports by considering the internal control system (SPI) factor. The location of this research is in the Karisidenan Surakarta area which includes 6 districts and 1 city. The population of this research is all state civil servants (ASN) in local governments who work in accounting. The sampling technique was using purposive sampling method. The results showed that the use of information technology had a positive effect on the quality of financial reporting in local governments, while the internal control system moderated the effect of the use of information technology on the quality of financial reporting in local governments.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PENGAWASAN INTERNAL, KEMAMPUAN TEKNIK PERSONAL, PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN DAN PELATIHAN TERHADAP KINERJA SISTEM INFORMASI AKUNTANSI (Studi Kasus Pada kantor Kementerian Agama Kab/Kota di Propinsi Banten)

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-72
Author(s):  
Enah Unayah
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Accounting Information ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Significant Positive Effect ◽  
Accounting Information Systems ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
And Training

This study aims to examine the influence of internal control, personal technical skills, education programs and training on the performance of accounting information systems. The population in this study is the sub-section of administration in the Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in the Regency / City in Banten province with the research sample is the Head of Sub division of administration and application operator employees. The sampling method used is purposive sampling. The data in this study was obtained by distributing questionnaires directly to the respondents. Data in this research is analyzed by strcutural equation modeling (SEM) method, with Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The results of this study indicate that internal control has a significant positive effect on the performance of accounting information systems, the ability of personal techniques has no significant effect on the performance of accounting information systems. While education and training programs have a significant positive effect on the performance of accounting information system.

scholarly journals iFRAMES DESIGN IN HEALTH SECTOR BLUD: ASSET AND INVENTORY SYSTEM

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (01) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Satrio Wicaksono Prakoso ◽  
Machmudin Eka Prasetya
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Study Approach

<p class="Default"><em>This research aims to design an information system to record assets and inventories at DKI Jakarta Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD). This study is based on the findings from Examination Report (LHP) issued by the Indonesian Supreme Audit Institution (BPK RI) which states that there are quite a few problems about assets at BLUD (BPK RI, 2017). This research is expected to answer research questions about how to design the system of assets and inventories needed by BLUD to assist the process of internal control and asset management. This study uses the Framework for the Application of Systems Thinking (FAST) as a method for systems development popularized by Whitten and Bentley (2007). This study uses a case study approach with the triangulation method, where the qualitative data as primary data by conducting interviews and observations. Unit of analysis in this study is the BLUD responsible for asset management. Currently, the existing asset information systems only record fixed assets and not connected to the financial reporting system. Assets and inventories information need to move manually by re-inputting the value to prepare financial statements. The result of this research is a design of asset information system to enhance internal control.</em><em></em></p><p class="Default"><strong><em>Keywords:</em></strong><em> </em><em>Assets, Information Systems, Internal Control Systems</em><em></em></p>

The implementation of SysTrust principles and criteria for assuring reliability of AIS: empirical study

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 461-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed H. Al-Dmour ◽  
Masam Abood ◽  
Hani H. Al-Dmour
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Approach

Purpose This study aims at investigating the extent of SysTrust’s framework (principles and criteria) as an internal control approach for assuring the reliability of accounting information system (AIS) were being implemented in Jordanian business organizations. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 239 out of 328 shareholdings companies. The survey units were the shareholding companies in Jordan, and the single key respondents approach was adopted. The extents of SysTrust principles were also measured. Previously validated instruments were used where required. The data were analysed using t-test and ANOVA. Findings The results indicated that the extent of SysTrust being implemented could be considered to be moderate at this stage. This implies that there are some variations among business organizations in terms of their level of implementing of SysTrust principles and criteria. The results also showed that the extent of SysTrust principles being implemented was varied among business organizations based on their business sector. However, there were not found varied due to their size of business and a length of time in business (experience). Research limitations/implications This study is only conducted in Jordan as a developing country. Although Jordan is a valid indicator of prevalent factors in the wider MENA region and developing countries, the lack of external validity of this research means that any generalization of the research findings should be made with caution. Future research can be orientated to other national and cultural settings and compared with the results of this study. Practical implications The study provides evidence of the need for management to recognize the importance of the implementation of SysTrust principles and criteria as an internal control for assuring the reliability of AIS within their organizations and be aware which of these principles are appropriate to their size and industry sector. Originality/value The findings would be valuable for academic researchers, managers and professional accounting to acquire a better undemanding of the current status of the implementation of the SysTrust principles (i.e., availability, security, integrity processing, confidentiality, and privacy) as an internal control method for assuring the reliability of AIS by testing the phenomenon in Jordan as a developing country.

Corporate Governance Factors and Auditor Going Concern Assessments

2005 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 5-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Parker ◽  
Gary F. Peters ◽  
Howard F. Turetsky
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Financial Distress ◽  
Audit Committee ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Going Concern ◽  
Sarbanes Oxley ◽  
Auditing Standards ◽  
Distressed Firms ◽  
The Impact

When making going concern assessments, Statement on Auditing Standards No. 59 (Auditing Standards Board 1988) directs auditors to consider the nature of management's plans and ability to mitigate periods of financial distress successfully. Corporate governance factors reflect attributes of control, oversight, and/or support of management's plans and actions intended to overcome financial distress. Correspondingly, this study investigates the impact of certain corporate governance factors on the likelihood of a going concern modification. Using survival analysis techniques, we examine a sample of 161 financially distressed firms for the time period 1988–1996. We find that auditors are twice as likely to issue a going concern modification when the CEO is replaced. We also find that going concern modifications are inversely associated with blockholder ownership. We also confirm Carcello and Neal's (2000) findings with respect to the association between an independent audit committee and an increased likelihood of modification. In a repeated events setting, we find that insider ownership and board independence are inversely associated with repeated going concern modifications. Our study concludes by proposing implications for the current financial reporting environment (including the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002) and future research avenues.

The patterns of the numbers used in occupational fraud schemes

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 606-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. Nigrini
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Fraud Detection ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Court Records ◽  
Occupational Fraud ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to classify the numbers used in recent financial statement, corruption and asset misappropriation fraud schemes in such a way that these classes can be used to design effective proactive analytics-based fraud detection tests. Design/methodology/approach The data sources for the classification scheme include the court records of fraud prosecutions, investigative reports and research papers related to fraud cases. Findings Fraudulent numbers are most often amounts that are round, have a strong period-over-period growth, are just above or below internal control thresholds or other targets, are deviations from Benford’s Law, are purposeful duplicates of authentic transactions, are outliers due to being excessively large and are excessively rounded up or down. The study includes several examples of fraudulent numbers. Research limitations/implications The fraudulent number types are based on a sample of fraud-related court documents, and the sample might not be representative of the population of detected and undetected frauds. Further research is needed into the detection of corruption/bribery schemes. Practical implications The results are important for auditors and forensic accountants running proactive fraud detection tests. The discussions emphasize that the analysis should include refining and rerunning the tests, and then using groupings and filtering to deal with false positives. The importance of an effective audit of the notable transactions is stressed in the concluding section. Originality/value The study is an original in-depth coverage of the patterns found in fraudulent numbers. The discussion sections review implementation issues and considerations for future research.

scholarly journals Integration of Internal Control and Financial Statement Audits: Are Two Audits Better than One?

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Shefchik Bhaskar ◽  
Joseph H. Schroeder ◽  
Marcy L. Shepardson
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Internal Controls ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Auditor Judgment ◽  
Public Company ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACT The quality of financial statement (FS) audits integrated with audits of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) depends upon the quality of ICFR information used in, and its integration into, FS audits. Recent research and PCAOB inspections find auditors underreport existing ICFR weaknesses and perform insufficient testing to address identified risks, suggesting integrated audits—in which substantial ICFR testing is required—may result in lower FS audit quality than FS-only audits. We compare a 2007–2013 sample of small U.S. public company firm-years receiving integrated audits (accelerated filers) to firm-years receiving FS-only audits (non-accelerated filers) and find integrated audits are associated with higher likelihood of material misstatements and discretionary accruals, consistent with lower FS audit quality. We also find evidence of (1) auditor judgment-based integration issues, and (2) low-quality ICFR audits harming FS audit quality. Overall, results suggest an important potential consequence of integrated audits is lower FS audit quality. Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the sources identified in the text.

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