Audit Resources

The development of auditing software and technology applications has lagged behind that of other practice areas, but a steady evolution of automation and data analytics is providing auditors with resources to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. The auditing profession can gain from innovations in many ways, including leveraging the human mind to its highest and best uses and letting automation handle standardized tasks. In "The Future of Audit: Technology," (http://bit.ly/2To1lkK) the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) encourages implementing an "agile strategy" to transform the audit approach, developing and adopting beneficial technology, and ensuring professional training to incorporate new skill sets.

This month's column examines a few audit software-related websites for useful articles, videos, whitepapers, and other materials that may be of interest to audit professionals.

AuditNet

AuditNet (http://www.auditnet.org) is a communications network portal for the audit profession that promotes the use of technology in audit training and performance activities. Its website offers resources, tools, and training options, with a particular focus on audit skills, audit software, and information technology auditing. Many of its materials are available on its mobile applications for iPhone and iPad, Android devices, and Windows desktop and mobile devices, all of which can be easily found on AuditNet's home page. The website itself is also mobile-friendly.

The AuditNet audit library (https://www.auditnet.org/auditlibrary) is a great place to start, with over 70 topics listed in alphabetical order, such as audit workpapers and checklists, manuals and guides, and sampling. The spreadsheets topic webpage is a must-see and also offers video tutorials in Adobe flash (http://bit.ly/2t4UAJf). The library includes an audit software list of 20 different products, a few of which are included below, with brief descriptions and links to the...