The Auditor's Guide to Internet Resources, 2nd Edition is the only book on the Internet written expressly for internal auditors. Expanded and updated to include the latest Internet trends and resources, the book provides all the Internet competency skills auditors need to become digitally literate. Order your copy now!  Call 877-867-4947 (Toll free in U.S. and Canada) or FAX 770-442-9742 or email iiapubs@pbd.com  Use Order Number KPR320 and receive the IIA member price. It pays to use AuditNet! 

Available on CD-ROM!

AuditNet Free!

AuditNet remains free to the global audit
community because it is sponsor-supported. Support our sponsors and you support AuditNet and ensure it's continued existence.

If you are marketing to the audit community, there are many opportunities for corporations and vendors to sponsor the AuditNet site. Contact editor@auditnet.org for advertising, sponsorship or partner information.

Audit Compliance With Software License Agreements

AuditNet welcomes an article or audit tool each month from Andersen's KnowledgeSpace. KnowledgeSpace is a subscription-based web site that provides, tools, resources and best practices to help internal auditors save time, manage risk, and add value. For more information go to www.knowledgespace.com 

The latest contribution is an article on auditing compliance with software license agreements. Compliance with software licensing agreements may not be one of those topics that companies are overly concerned about. But in the current economic environment, perhaps they should be. Software vendors, squeezed for new revenues, have stepped up their audits to ensure that companies are not using unlicensed software.

Click on the or symbol for the complete article generously shared by Andersen's KnowledgeSpace® Internal Audit and Risk Management Community. 

 AUDITNET ADDS SECTION ON SAP AUDITING

AuditNet added a new section devoted to auditors operating in an SAP environment. Thanks to Philip Moulton for suggesting this resource and offering his expertise as an SAP auditor. The section includes links to ERP and SAP information, audit programs, guides, best practices, security and more. AuditNet also established an e-mail discussion forum for this area! 

COMPUTER ASSISTED AUDIT TOOLS and TECHNIQUES

SOFTWARE REVIEW

DataCheck: the New Kid on the Block:

The use of computer assisted audit tools and techniques or CAATTs is now commonplace in many internal audit offices. Where several years ago the use of CAATTs was optional, the increase in digital data storage within organizations has caused audit shops, large and small, to look to these methodologies for data extraction, audit examination and reconciliation. For the full review of DataCheck click here.

This book’s purpose is to provide a solid foundation for the study of auditing in a computerized environment within a higher education environment.  Auditing in a Computerised Environment provides information on just about everything under this topic.  There are numerous lists that provide good points of current information on control and auditing issues.

AuditNet Sections Under Construction!

We are always looking to expand the horizon of resources available for internal auditors. The following pages are now under construction and available for review and comments. Please visit them and if you have suggestions, additions or comments please share them with us by sending an email to editor@auditnet.org. If you would like additional sections for an area that you have an interest in, please consider offering yourself as a AuditNet coordinator.  

Public School Auditing

Banking and Financial Institutions Auditing

Church/Religious Organizations

Construction Auditing

Guide for Preparing, Documenting, and Referencing Spreadsheets

Flowcharting for Auditors

HealthCare Auditing 

Higher Education Auditing 

Hospitality Industry Auditing

The Audit Process Step-by-Step

AuditNet includes a section for new (and seasoned) auditors detailing the audit process using a step-by-step approach. The section is under construction and includes templates, sample documents, flowcharts and links to other resources. I remember (vaguely) what it was like when I started out in the audit profession. I would have readily embraced an online resource that guided me into new and unfamiliar territories. Unfortunately the Internet was not an option then so I had to turn to peers, books, and a lot of internal and external training.  The success of these pages will rely on the philosophy of Auditors Sharing Knowledge (ASK) for Progress and grow as more seasoned auditors contribute and find value in educating others in their own best and continuing practices!

Go the Virtual Library page for the beginnings of this  new resource. 

Do You Use AutoAudit?

If you do AuditNet is looking for articles on how you are using the software in your office. Please send your short article or tip on automating the audit process to editor@auditnet.org

AutoAudit takes the "paper" out of paperwork for HUD Inspector General.

The Office of Inspector General at the Department of Housing and Urban Development implemented AutoAudit software to assist its 300 auditors in transforming the OIG office into a paperless environment. The HUD audit staff conducts 160 audits each year creating an average of 3,600 pages of information per audit. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the HUD audit staff is distributed across the country, working out of more than 15 local and district offices as well as the headquarters in Washington, DC. 

To read how OIG HUD uses AutoAudit click here.

Software Compliance Auditing Update

The following information and links to articles was recently shared by PC Profile. Check them out!

Your current PC based system isn't a patch on what it used to be .........!

Your software audit results MAY BE CORRUPTED!

This information may affect all those who are RELYING on the information provided to audit their systems as a means of proving they are software compliant. Some may have already started seeing unusual audit results not expected at desktop level or may have jumped already to wrong conclusions!

What needs to be understood is that Microsoft has now made it exceedingly difficult to tell you what is installed on your systems due to the application of further patches and fixes derived via Update Now or downloads
from their web site.

Details located at; http://www.pcprofile.com/patches.htm

New Opportunities for  Vendor and Consultant Listings in AuditNet

Vendors of audit related goods and services now have an opportunity for inclusion in the list of audit resource links. This new fee-based service provides an opportunity for consultants and vendors to purchase a listing for the most widely distributed list of audit resources on the Internet. Paid listings will include a $ designation to distinguish them from sites that include free resources for auditors. For more information send an email to editor@auditnet.org. 

 

White-Collar Crime Fighter www.wccfighter.com the only source of exclusive, authoritative "how-to" information for financial crime fighters offers AuditNet users a discounted subscription rate of $77-- a savings of $20 off the regular rate.

Highlights from the July 2002 issue include Key to Foiling Financial Fraud, How Not to Get Burned by Unscrupulous Contractors and more.

This is a great publication and well worth the annual subscription rate. I find at least one practical article from each issue that helps me focus on fraud issues within my organization! 

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Looking for a few good men (or women) Audit Candidates?

Consider using the AuditNet Audit Jobs area. The page provides exposure to over 17,000 audit professionals every month from all over the world. The Jobs page receives between 3000-4000 hits per month. The cost is low. Tell your HR department about using this option when you are looking for audit candidates. Go to the AuditNet home page at www.auditnet.org and click on Audit Jobs. Click on Post Jobs for posting information.

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Heard on the Street 

KPMG signed an agreement to hire 140 partners and 1,400 Andersen consulting staff. 

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission published a list of companies whose officers are required to certify the accuracy and completeness of recent annual reports. 

Robert Half International acquired Andersen's Business Risk Consulting Services group which offers services in areas of internal audit, technology risk consulting, and financial and commodity risk consulting. The new business unit will operate under the name Protiviti Consulting. 

New Programs and Workpapers 
Added to AuditNet

Auditors Sharing Audit Programs and Workpapers

The following audit programs, ICQs, checklist or workpapers were added this month. They are in format unless otherwise specified. Go to the AuditNet home page or the  Audit Programs page for other formats 

1. Environmental Compliance

2. Equipment Leasing Audit Program

3. Contract Management

4. Human Resource and Payroll 

5. Interest Rate Swaps

6. Internal Services Audit Program

7. Procurement ICQ

8. Retail Cash Office Audit

9. Survey on Project Management of the Development of Information Systems

10. Temporary Employee Audit Program

Audit Programs in the Queue!

The following audit documents will be posted next month. Interested in them now? Send an audit work program, ICQ, checklist or other audit template and receive them via e-mail. Your contribution must include your name and email address. 

1. 401K Loan Audit Program

2. Accounts Payable

3. Accounts Receivable

4. Accrual Audit Program

5. Advertising Contract Audit Program

6. Audit Finding/Recommendation Worksheet

7. Bank Branch Audit

8. Branch Audit Program

9. Branch Warehouse (Distribution)

10. Cash Audit Program

11. Cash Audit Program

12. Cell Phone Review

13. Collections Audit Program

14. Cost of Sales Audit Program

15. Depreciation Audit Program

16. EDI Order Fulfillment Audit Program

17. Financial Commitment Audit Program

18. Fraternity Audit Program

19. Homeowners Association Audit Program

20. Hospital Patient Accounting Audit Program

21. Interest Expense Audit Program

22. Inventory Audit Program

23. IT Risk Matrix

24. Lotus Notes Risk Matrix

25. Operating Expense Audit Program

26. Unix System Services

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Productivity Tip

The Value of

Professional Conferences

Recently I attended the Institute of Internal Auditors International Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference provided an opportunity to meet many individuals that I have corresponded with over via email face to face. It was gratifying to find that so many individuals around the world continue to participate in the digital audit experience. While communicating via email is efficient and effective there is something about shaking someone's hand and talking to them without a computer that is irreplaceable. For this reason alone, I find the value of professional conferences and training seminars to rate high on my list when planning CPE each year. Talking and networking with other auditors brings home the fact that no matter what industry we work in, we are all in the same business. Highlighted by the recent events of Enron and Worldcom auditors from around the world realized the importance of ethics and corporate governance in our fragile global economy. Another aspect of the conference is the vendor exhibits where auditors have an opportunity to view new productivity software and talk to the people that help us make our jobs a little easier. All of AuditNet's sponsors exhibited at the Conference and enjoyed the experience of meeting their customers many of whom are AuditNet users. 

The next time you receive a brochure or conference announcement, consider investing in yourself and your profession! I assure you that the experience will be worthwhile and one that you will want to repeat. Talk to people. You will find that we all share common goals as audit professionals. Exchange business cards and establish professional relationships. It will help both you and the organization you work for. A little investment in time and money can help make your auditing career very fulfilling.

For more productivity tips order a copy of The Auditor's Guide to Internet Resources 2nd Edition from the IIA

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Heard on the Web

The following comments are excerpted from the guest book of the AuditNet Web site: 

 

I am a Junior level accounting major at Seattle University; this site not only provides a great resource for auditors, but it also has helped me to understand what an auditor's job entails. After reading this info, I have a better idea of what I'm getting into, and I feel much more prepared for internship and future employment, I'll look forward to using this resource in the future!!

 

************

This is a great site. There is an abundance of information at your fingertips. I am a new auditor for a bank and this site gives wonderful tips and links to make my job a lot easier. I subscribed to the listserves to connect with other auditors so we can all share our ideas. I agree with the other comment to add a realtime chat room for questions while at work.

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More Software Compliance Auditing News for AuditNet Users
No Budget for Audit Software
(AuditNet Article exclusive from PCProfile)

An AuditNet exclusive from PCProfile discusses the issue of overcoming management resistance to investing in software audit tools. The article provides very convincing arguments on why management should be taking this risk seriously!

Click here for the complete AuditNet exclusive! 

Declaring War on Software Pirates 

Save $$ on the 
Software Compliance Auditors Toolkit

Be prepared when the software police come knocking on your door!

AuditNet Users Save $200 - Save $$ and get legal! Check it out!

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New Audit Program Requests

If you have a program that would address these areas or would just like to contribute to Auditors Sharing Knowledge for Progress, send it along to editor@auditnet.org. To see more audit programs that auditors are looking for, go to Audit Programs and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Advertising Management
Customer Billing/Invoicing
Cell Phones
Contract Management
General Agents
Knowledge Management implementation
Microsoft SQL Audit Program
NDM, FTP or Connect Direct
Subscription Management
Windows 2000 Network Server
Windows 2000 Security

CONFERENCES SEMINARS AND TRAINING FOR AUDITORS

Auditors Conference 2002
"Enhancing Audit Performance and Productivity"

The IIA Western South Region Conference will take place on August 8-9, 2002 in San Francisco. The program will cover audit and risk management, audit tools and automating the audit department. For details go to Auditors Conference 2002.

NETWORK WITH OVER 1,150 AUDITORS

Do you have a question about auditing or audit programs? .... Or perhaps you have the answer to someone else's question.... Then consider subscribing to the AuditNet's Audit-L. or Auditprograms-L Imailsrv Discussion List (or both). Go to the Discussion List page for more information about these resources.

For automated workpaper solutions for your audit office check out the following AuditNet sponsors:

CAREER TIPS FOR AUDITORS

The Real Scoop on Job Leads

by Robbie Miller Kaplan

Did you know that newspaper employment advertisements and online job listing sources are the most frequently used by individuals seeking employment? If you want to bypass the competition and find a rich source of job openings, you'll need to develop networking strategies. The following suggestions will help you access networking as a key job search tool:

1. As simplistic as it sounds, tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. The most unlikely contacts may put you in touch with wonderful opportunities.
2. Join a professional organization, volunteer for a committee, and participate. People who know you and your skills are more likely to go the extra mile in recommending you for openings.
3. Attend workshops, conferences, seminars, training programs, and other special professional events. Every contact expands your network.
4. Be receptive to the needs of other professionals and help whenever you can. Networking is a two-way street.
5. Stay visible and keep in touch with your network through written correspondence, telephone calls, or electronic mail.
6. Take the initiative to schedule meetings, coffee, or meals with individuals in your network.
7. Keep a positive attitude when dealing with others despite job search setbacks or disappointments. Use a trusted relative or friend rather than your business contacts to vent your job search blues.
8. Show appreciation for any help you have received and always update your network on your job search success.

Each month the AuditNet Resource Newsletter includes a career-related tip from Robbie Miller Kaplan, author of How to Say It in Your Job Search. If you like these tips, check out her books! For more career tips go the Job-Resources Web site at www.job-resources.com

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AUDITNET EXCLUSIVE SOFTWARE COMPLIANCE AUDITING 100% LEGAL BACKUP

Pssssst,
want some "legal" backup software?
........ or has PC Profile lost the plot?

NO, BUT.....................

Read the complete article!

ARTICLES ON FREE AUDIT SOFTWARE? and WEB Based Audits 

If you are using software illegally (or know someone else who is) then there is now no excuse for hiding behind all the weak excuses that many tend to use.

There is now a FREE software tool that will help you (or your friends) cleanup your act BEFORE you get caught out!

Don't say you weren't warned! The FREE Software Audit tool is located at http://www.pcprofile.com

These two new articles walk you through information about FREE Software Audit Tools and the Risks of Web Based Audits

FREE AUDIT SOFTWARE and Web Based Audits 

For more links to articles and vendors for Software Compliance Auditing go to the AuditNet Library and click on Software Compliance Auditing.

For a free subscription to AuditNet-L, which includes the monthly update to Internet Resources for auditors, send an e-mail to imailsrv@list.auditnet.org;

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