Information Systems Auditing Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which element is NOT considered a primary focus of information systems auditing?

  • System efficiency
  • Market share analysis (correct)
  • Asset safeguarding
  • Data integrity

What does achieving 'Improved System Effectiveness' mean within the context of Information Systems Auditing?

  • Maximizing resource utilization by the system.
  • Ensuring the system processes data rapidly.
  • Matching system capabilities to user requirements. (correct)
  • Guaranteeing the system never fails.

Why is maintaining data integrity important for organizations?

  • It helps in avoiding loss of competitive advantages. (correct)
  • It only impacts the financial reporting of the company.
  • It solely helps in reducing storage costs.
  • It ensures data is consistently backed up.

An organization wants to ensure its data is accurate, complete, and consistent. Which objective of Information Systems Auditing does this most directly relate to?

<p>Improved Data Integrity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of system assets is NOT explicitly mentioned as needing protection in the context of Information Systems Auditing?

<p>Employee training programs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of a system's effectiveness in Information Systems Auditing?

<p>It evaluates if the system provides useful reporting for decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific responsibility of external auditors regarding information systems?

<p>To focus on safeguarding of assets and data integrity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the lifecycle that requires data integrity maintenance?

<p>From data capture to data destruction, as per organizational policy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical activity performed using generalized audit software?

<p>Preparing bank reconciliations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) in the context of auditing claims within an insurance company, as described in the text?

<p>To identify all claims processed after policy termination (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which audit technique involves the use of a fictitious entity within the system to test the processing of data?

<p>Integrated Test Facility (ITF) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an Integrated Test Facility (ITF) audit approach, what is a key consideration for auditors?

<p>Determining the method to remove the effects of the ITF transactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical use for Computer Assisted Auditing Techniques (CAATs)?

<p>Testing and documenting processes within an IT environment using flowcharts and data flow diagrams. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using CAATs over traditional auditing techniques, as illustrated by the insurance claim example provided?

<p>CAATs enables the examination of the entire population of data related to an event, not just a sample. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is an example of a specific risk that can be difficult to test using traditional audit techniques, but is more easily addressed using CAATs, as given in the text?

<p>Identifying claims paid after a policy termination date. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Integrated Test Facility (ITF) has been used throughout a financial period, what must happen regarding the test transactions at the end of the period?

<p>The transactions and their effects should be isolated and removed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary risk associated with embedding audit routines into an application system using SCARF?

<p>Disruption of the application's normal data processing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is required to be present for the SCARF technique to record a transaction in the example of the life insurance company?

<p>A change in the customer's address and subsequent fund withdrawal within 7 days. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of function in an application can be used to verify the integrity of a transaction in Transaction Tagging?

<p>A trace or debug function. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expertise required in Transaction Tagging?

<p>The ability to add special designation (or tag) to the transaction record. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of SCARF, what is a chief concern that requires careful control design and implementation?

<p>The necessity to remove the effects of audit routines from the application after they have been used. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT typically configured within an enterprise system?

<p>Specific employee performance reviews (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does transaction tagging primarily focus on verifying?

<p>The validity and reliability of the application's processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of transaction tagging?

<p>It allows auditors to track transactions from beginning to end. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can master data within an enterprise system typically be characterized?

<p>It’s defined per industry and business process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk when using transaction tagging?

<p>The risk of disrupting client data while adding or removing tags from transactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of configuring an enterprise system?

<p>To customize the software's functionality based on business needs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of transactions within an enterprise system, which sequence correctly represents typical processing steps?

<p>Initiation, authorization or approval, then processing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process?

<p>Encompasses data flow from order placement to payment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies master data in the context of sales transactions?

<p>The list of customer details like name, address, and contact information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'configuration' process in an enterprise system?

<p>To set up initial parameters based on business needs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When are the master configurations of an enterprise system typically modified?

<p>Whenever business process rules or parameters change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario involving the interior designer, what key insight was gained through transaction tagging?

<p>Clients from Mr. Monty pay more on average. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the material, what is the primary way transaction tagging enhances business strategy?

<p>By identifying the most financially beneficial relationships, and areas of greater profit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core function of Continuous and Intermittent Simulation (CIS) as an auditing technique?

<p>Trapping exceptions during application processing by simulating instruction execution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of using Continuous Audit Techniques according to the information provided?

<p>Requires modifications to the application system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'simulation' refer to within the context of Continuous and Intermittent Simulation (CIS)?

<p>Mimicking application instruction execution to detect exceptions during live transactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of shared access in a Continuous and Intermittent Simulation (CIS) setup?

<p>The simulation has full access to all data, inputs and notifications of transactions to the application. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Continuous and Intermittent Simulation (CIS) differ from other auditing techniques in terms of its execution on the audited system?

<p>CIS operates without requiring any modifications to the existing application. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main prerequisite for auditors to use continuous audit techniques effectively?

<p>Knowledge and experience working with computer systems. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a control objective related to access for general ledger entries?

<p>Confirming that access to the general ledger is restricted to authorized personnel. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key control objective regarding reconciliation of balance sheet and income statement accounts?

<p>That these accounts have automated reconciliations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What control supports the accurate recording of journal entries by management?

<p>That reports of all recurring and non-recurring journal entries are generated for management review. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are non-standard journal entries addressed according to the text provided?

<p>They are tracked to ensure appropriateness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is most important for minimizing errors from out of balance entries?

<p>To prohibit out-of-balance entries at the point of entry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should inter-company eliminations be handled in an enterprise-wide consolidation?

<p>They should be automated and performed as part of the consolidation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What control can help to identify potential posting errors or out-of-balance conditions?

<p>Generating variance reports. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should write-offs be handled?

<p>They should be appropriately approved before being processed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Information Systems Auditing (ISA)

The process of reviewing and evaluating an organization's information systems to ensure the security and integrity of its assets, data, and operations.

Improved Safeguarding of Assets

Protection of an organization's information system assets, including hardware, software, data, and personnel, from unauthorized access or damage.

Improved Data Integrity

Ensuring that data within an information system is accurate, complete, reliable, and transparent throughout its lifecycle.

Improved System Effectiveness

Evaluating the effectiveness of an information system in meeting user needs and facilitating decision-making.

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Improved System Efficiency

Analyzing the efficiency of information systems in terms of resource utilization, performance, and optimization.

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Data Attributes

Attributes of data that ensure its quality and trustworthiness. These include completeness, reliability, transparency, and accuracy.

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Data Life Cycle

The process of ensuring data is protected and managed from its creation to its eventual disposal.

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Competitive Advantage

The ability of an organization to use its information systems to gain a competitive edge in the market.

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Data Analysis with Generalized Audit Software

Analyzing data files for patterns, comparing data sets, and extracting specific records.

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Record Selection with Generalized Audit Software

Using software to select specific records for audit examination, ensuring a targeted and efficient approach.

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Validation of Calculations using Generalized Audit Software

Applying software tools to verify the accuracy of calculations and data processing within a system.

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Automated Confirmation Letters with Generalized Audit Software

Leveraging software to create confirmation letters for audit purposes, ensuring efficient communication with external parties.

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Transaction Aging Analysis with Generalized Audit Software

Examining the age of outstanding transactions to highlight potential risks, such as overdue invoices or uncollected payments.

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Integrated Test Facility (ITF)

A testing approach that involves creating a dummy entity within a system to process audit test data.

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Verifying Data with Integrated Test Facility (ITF)

A method of verifying the authenticity, accuracy, and completeness of data by processing test data alongside real data.

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Large-Scale System Testing with Integrated Test Facility (ITF)

A technique used to test systems on a large scale, involving multiple locations and different user groups.

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SCARF (System Control Audit Review File)

A technique used in auditing to embed a program within another application to monitor and collect data on specific events, allowing auditors to gain insights into the application's behavior.

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Transaction Tagging

The process of adding a unique identifier or 'tag' to a transaction to track its journey through an application system.

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Trace or Debug Function

The ability of auditors to utilize a system's tracing or debug function to monitor the flow of transactions.

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Benefits of SCARF

Auditors can embed code into an application to monitor and collect data on specific events. This allows for continuous monitoring and data collection.

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Disadvantages of SCARF

The risk of disrupting the organization's or client's data is high, and controls must be robust to ensure the embedded audit routines do not affect the application's core functions.

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Expertise required for SCARF

Specialized expertise is crucial to embed audit routines without negatively affecting the application.

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Benefits of Transaction Tagging

The ability to add a unique identifier to transactions, allowing auditors to track the complete lifecycle of a transaction from input to output.

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Disadvantages of Transaction Tagging

The risks associated with transaction tagging include disrupting client data and needing robust controls to manage the tagging process.

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Master Data

Data that is set up and configured according to business rules and policies. It defines how software functions and what menu options are displayed to users.

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Transaction Data

Specific data involved in a particular transaction, unique to each instance of activity.

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Transaction Processing

The process of handling transactions within a system. It includes tasks like initiation, authorization, and approval.

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System Generated Data

Data that is automatically generated by the system, not directly created by a user.

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User Generated Data

Data that is inputted or modified by a user, directly impacting the system.

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Procure to Pay (P2P)

The process of obtaining and managing the materials needed for production or service delivery. It encompasses all stages from ordering to payment.

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Automated Procure to Pay

The use of automation and technology to streamline the Procure to Pay process. It aims to optimize efficiency and accuracy.

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Procure to Pay Life Cycle

The entirety of the Procure to Pay cycle, including all steps from ordering to payment.

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Unauthorized General Ledger Entries

Ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes to general ledger entries.

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Segregation of Duties (General Ledger)

Separating the process of posting transactions to the ledger from the process of approving those transactions.

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Automated Reconciliation (General Ledger)

Automatically comparing related accounts (like assets and liabilities) to check their accuracy.

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Journal Entry Reporting

Generating reports of all journal entries, both routine and unusual, for management review.

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Non-Standard Journal Entry Tracking

Making sure that all entries that don't fit typical patterns (like unusual amounts) are reviewed carefully.

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Out-of-Balance Entry Prevention

Preventing entries that don't balance properly from being recorded.

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Automated Consolidation

Using automated systems to consolidate financial data from different parts of a company, including eliminating duplicate entries.

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Variance Reports

Regularly comparing actual financial results with planned or expected results and investigating any significant differences.

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Continuous and Intermittent Simulation (CIS)

A technique used to monitor and identify exceptions or irregularities during application transactions while the application system is running, often using a database management system (DBMS). It involves simulating the application's instruction execution in real-time to analyze transactions.

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CIS (Continuous and Intermittent Simulation)

A variation of the Continuous Auditing and Review of Files (SCARF) technique designed to detect exceptions when the application utilizes a database management system (DBMS) to process transactions.

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Continuous Auditing

A type of audit that is performed on a continuous basis, monitoring an organization's systems and data in real-time to detect and prevent potential fraud, errors, and security breaches.

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Exception Auditing

This audit technique helps auditors identify and investigate exceptions, or unusual events, that may indicate potential problems or fraud.

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Resources required for continuous audit techniques

Continuous audit techniques require access to resources, such as personnel, expertise, and infrastructure, to implement and maintain. This includes the development, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the techniques.

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Early auditor involvement

Continuous audit techniques are more likely to be employed when auditors are actively involved in the development work associated with a new application system. This collaboration can improve the integration of audit controls and ensure effective monitoring from the initial stages of development.

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Study Notes

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to distinguish between Information Systems and Information Technology.
  • Students will understand the factors influencing Information systems Audit and its objectives.
  • Students will understand all steps involved in an Information Systems Audit (ISA).
  • Students will gain an overview of Information Technology Tools.
  • Students will comprehend the workings of various Information Technology Tools.
  • Students will understand various risks and controls via illustrations in business processes.
  • Students will comprehend risks and controls in business processes like Procure to Pay (P2P), Order to Cash (O2C), Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) of Core Banking Systems (CBS).

Chapter Overview

  • Information Systems: Factors influencing audit control, audit objectives, steps in audit, audit tools, procure to pay (P2P), order to cash (O2C), inventory cycle, human resources, fixed assets, and general ledger.
  • Digital Ecosystem and Controls: Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAAT), Integrated Test Facility (ITF), Test Data, Parallel Simulation, Embedded Audit Module (EAM), System Control Audit Review File (SCARF), Transaction Tagging, Continuous and intermittent Simulation (CIS).

Introduction

  • Information Technology (IT) has improved its control and influence in every area of business.
  • IT has enhanced the skill to store, process, and analyze information, increasing business decision-making power.
  • IT impacts the control process of the business environment.
  • IT influences the conduct of the Chartered Accountancy profession, such as how audit samples are drawn, system reports generated, verification of internal controls, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity of the audit report.
  • Today, many organizations use computerized systems more than paper-based documents.
  • Auditors who use computerized tools and techniques will be at a high advantage.
  • Information System vs. Information Technology: Information System comprises of people, process, and technology, while Information Technology is the hardware, software, communication, and other components used to generate, process, and transfer data.

Information Systems Auditing

  • Information systems are crucial to any organization.
  • Auditing information systems is important in asset safeguarding, data safety, and management effectiveness.
  • Information System Auditing (ISA) enables organizations to achieve crucial objectives.

Auditing Around the Computer vs. Through the Computer

  • Auditing around the computer involves reconciling source documents with output results.
  • Auditing through the computer involves assessing application and embedded controls in response to varying transactions.
  • Integrated Testing Facility (ITF), Test Data, Parallel Simulation, Embedded Audit Module (EAM), Systems Control Audit Review File (SCARF), and transaction tagging are used in the auditing through the computer approach.

Information Technology Tools

  • CAAT tools, like Audit Command Language (ACL) and Interactive Data Extraction and Analysis (IDEA), allow auditors to sample data, analyze characteristics, and review data file integrity.
  • Generalized audit software helps evaluate spreadsheet logic, calculations, data, and logic flowcharts.
  • Software packages like Audit Analytics (Arbutus Software), CaseWare Analytics IDEA Data Analysis, Easy2Analyse, and TeamMate Analytics are important tools.

Business Processes

  • Operational Processes: Critical business activities like ordering, production, and delivery.
  • Supporting Processes: Roles like accounting, human resources (HR), and workplace safety that support core functions.
  • Management Processes: Overseeing business activities like communications, governance, strategic planning, budgeting, and infrastructure administration.

Specific Business Processes

  • Procure to Pay (P2P): Obtaining and managing materials required for production or services.
  • Order to Cash (O2C): Receiving customer orders and fulfilling them, including delivery, processing invoices, and payment.
  • Inventory Cycle: Tracking inventory levels and processing transactions like orders, production, and deliveries.
  • Human Resources (HR): Management of employees, including recruiting, orientation, career development, and termination.
  • Fixed Assets: Management of assets like machinery, buildings, land, etc.
  • General Ledger (GL): Recording financial transactions and generating critical reports.
  • Current Account and Savings Account (CASA): Process flow, risks, and controls related to customer accounts in banks.

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