As the whirlwind of technological advancement continues, auditing firms face the daunting task of finding ways to harness these technologies for their clients and their own benefit. Many of these innovative technology aren’t just options, but essential for a future in auditing.
The most cutting-edge technology tools that are having a major impact on auditors are data analytics, machine learning and robotic process automation. These tools enable auditors to gain a better understanding of the client’s processes, inventory and system controls, which they can share with management and boards.
Another https://data-audit.net/ emerging technique is blockchain, which could reduce the time of financial transaction clearance from months to a matter of hours. This will allow for continuous risk assessments to be made during the audit time period rather than a one-time assessment at the end of the year.
Argus, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software, is an example of a new technology that is drastically reducing the amount of manual processing and reviewing that is required during an audit. It employs machine learning and natural language processing in order to quickly search electronic documents. This lets auditors focus their attention on more valuable tasks, such as reviewing risks and confirming results.
There are a few hurdles that could hinder the adoption of new technologies. It is particularly difficult to schedule time to play around with new technology in firms that pay determined by billable hours. The initial investment, along with the ongoing costs of tech support and maintenance, can be significant. But, with continued collaboration between audit firms regulators, standard setters and audit firms and regulators, these issues can be overcome.