Computer audit software : an insight from Singapore

• Main Authors: Chau, Lai Mui, Koh, Eng Kuan, Bong, Huey Chyi
• Other Authors: Nanyang Business School
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/58595
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Investment in information technology forms a significant part of the annual capital expenditures of most large firms. The power of computer hardware and software has grown so rapidly that it can no longer be ignored for an organisation to be competitive in today' s business environment. Computerised accounting information systems are now the order of the day. To keep up with their clients, auditors are also increasingly using computers in their work. These computerised audit techniques or tools are generally known as computer-assisted audit techniques (CAATs). As it stands today, there is little research being carried out on the application of computer audit software. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the extent of utilisation of audit software in Singapore. The project team hopes that this study will help to trigger more extensive research in the utilisation of audit software in the future. During the research, interviews were conducted with partners and managers of the Big Six and the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) in Singapore. Survey questionnaires were also sent out to 50 local Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firms. Detailed analysis and evaluation of the findings compiled from interviews and survey questionnaires are carried out at the end ofthe study. Key findings of the study: • Computer audit software is under-utilised in Singapore.• All Big Six firms utilise either purchased or in-house developed audit software. • Computer audit is very unpopular among the small- and medium-sized local CPA firms. • Presently, the market for audit software is too small in Singapore and there are very few agents promoting purchased audit software. • Interactive Data Extraction and Analysis (IDEA) and Audit Command Language (ACL) are the more commonly used purchased audit software. Key recommendations for future study: • Extensive evaluation ofthe computer audit software market in Singapore. • Differences on approaches adopted on audit software utilisation among the smalland medium-sized local CPA firms and the Big Six.