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 New Advertiser!

AuditNet welcomes a new advertiser, SGP International, the software developer of DataCheck, a data integrity assurance tool. Please visit their site and see how DataCheck can be used to quickly and efficient review and compare records. 

Software Compliance Audit Corner 

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 Develops Sector-Oriented Web Pages

We are always looking to expand the database of available resources for internal auditors. We added sections for auditors in public schools, banking, construction, higher education, hospitality and healthcare. Please visit them and if you have suggestions, additions or comments please share them with us by sending an email to editor@auditnet.org. We are always looking for coordinators for specific areas so if you are interested in participating in Auditors Sharing Knowledge for Progress, let us know.

Check out the details and links available from the AuditNet Library page at www.auditnet.org/auditnet_virtual_library.htm or check out the following pages:

Public School Auditing * Banking and Financial Institutions Auditing * Church/Religious Organizations * Construction Auditing * HealthCare Auditing  * Higher Education Auditing  * Hospitality Industry Auditing

AuditNet also 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! 

Using Microsoft Access for Digital Analysis and Interrogation

by Mark J. Nigrini, Ph.D.

Every auditor has Microsoft Access on their desktop but how many have considered using this bundled software for digital analysis and interrogation? Watch for a review of Mark Nigrini's, the author of Digital Analysis Using Benford's Law, latest book. 

CAATTs Corner

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.

I am planning an AuditNet Monograph Series of audit and Internet related topics. The purpose of the monographs will be to provide the global audit community with productivity related guides on audit topics. The first two installments of the series focus on flowcharting for auditors and documentation techniques for spreadsheets. A monograph is in the works for Internet search techniques.

If you are interested in contracting to write a monograph on an audit related topic please send an email to editor@auditnet.org

2002 Miller Audit Procedures

The documentation for some types of audits are standard, therefore it makes sense that there should be facilitation tools for these types of projects. If you perform financial audits, Audit Procedures from the 2002 Miller series published by Aspen Law & Business is just that tool. 

The book provides financial auditors with a cost effective approach for auditing nonpublic commercial entities. The practice aids on CD-ROM make it easy to integrate the audit work programs, checklist, questionnaires and other documentation into an engagement. Internal auditors that perform financial audits will welcome the standardized documentation in Rich Text and Excel formats that can be modified as needed. From my perspective as an internal auditor this is a desktop reference that all audit shops should have in their library of professional publications. There are additional options available that will benefit auditors including a self-study CPE course and the opportunity to create a paperless audit workflow through integration with ePaceENGAGEMENT.

Why spend time reinventing the wheel when you can purchase a low cost comprehensive solution for financial audit projects?

For more information on this and other products available from Aspen Law and Business go to www.aspenpublishers.com

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. 

Fraud Corner

Newsletter focusing on White Collar Crime

Pick up a paper today and chances are there is an article on corporate fraud. White-Collar Crime Fighter is a newsletter focusing on issues of fraud in the corporate environment.  

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. 

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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 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 establishes new rules for the accounting profession and corporate executives in the U.S. including an accounting oversight board, auditor independence and senior management accountability. Read CCH's overview of the new law.  

IBM To Acquire PwC Consulting - Combining Business Insight and Technology to Help Clients Drive Greater Business Returns. For more information click here.

New Subsidiary of Robert Half International Becomes One of Nation's Leading Independent Business Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Firms. For more information go to www.protiviticonsulting.com.  

Audit Work Programs Corner

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. 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

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. Auction Audit Program

2. Cash Receipts Audit Program

3. CEO Survey

4. Corporate Spending Analysis Audit Program

5. Credit Card Administration Audit Program

6. Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire

7. Head Start Pre Audit Checklist

8. Wholesaler Charge Backs Audit Program

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Productivity Tip

Leveraging the Internet for Auditing

The Internet paradigm has affected virtually every aspect of business, as we know it. Auditors are adopting new techniques incorporating Internet technology into their jobs. From audit planning right through to the report auditors are incorporating the Internet into the audit process. I have been using the Internet and developing Internet resources for auditors since 1994. In fact this is the 8th anniversary of the AuditNet Resource List. Every month since 1994 I have added, modified or deleted Internet Internet resources from the list. Why did I do it? Because I felt it was needed and it was the right thing to do. The result of that initial distribution is AuditNet which is now visited by over 28,000 auditors every month of which more than 8,000 are prior users.  Why do those auditors keep coming back? Because we keep adding new resources and tools and they add value to both individual auditors and audit departments. Each month I will present an article on ways to leverage the Internet for audit productivity based on my experience. I will introduce how others are using Internet and welcome AuditNet users to share your experiences.  IF YOU HAVE AN EXPERIENCE TO SHARE ON HOW YOU HAVE INCORPORATED THE INTERNET INTO YOUR AUDIT PROCESS, SHARE IT BY SENDING IT TO editor@auditnet.org.

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: 

 

What a superb website! I have never seen such a gold mine for auditors as far as knowledge goes. I am going to begin another chapter in my audit career and I am thankful that I found this site for help and reference. There is only one word to describe it ... EXCELLENT!!!

More power to all auditors who are generous enough to share their knowledge to other auditors. I can't thank them enough!

Grace from New Zealand

 

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

I have been an Audit Director for a fortune 500 company with a fairly large staff....I am now helping a company start and an internal audit function...in both roles I have found you site to be a most valuable asset!

Keep up the good work!

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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

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Security Management Guidance Resource List

The Web is an incredible environment for sharing audit related information. Recently Dan Swanson shared his security management guidance resource list that was initially developed for a security seminar and expanded from research for a privacy seminar. Like the AuditNet Resource List others started contributing and adding to the list. Dan updates the list based on research and recommendations from others. In a similar style to AuditNet the list includes the link and a description of the resource. Here are some examples from the latest list:

Feature Security Standard – “ISF Standard of Good Practice”

The Information Security Forum – (formerly known as the European Security Forum).

http://www.securityforum.org/menu.htm

The Forum’s Standard of Good Practice is now available in the public domain. A separate web site has been developed and this “leading edge” security standard can be found at www.isfsecuritystandard.com.

Ø      This document is 136 pages in length and was developed over a 10 year period by ISF!

Feature Web Site  

The Center for Internet Security mission is to help organizations around the world effectively manage the risks related to information security. CIS provides methods and tools to improve, measure, monitor, and compare the security status of your Internet-connected systems and appliances, plus those of your business partners. 

http://www.cisecurity.org/

For the entire list in click here!

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.

Raising the Bar - In Security Management

 Building on the last several years of highly popular and well attended Security and Privacy events, the Winnipeg Internal Auditors will be delivering a 5 day series of "leading edge" security events - starting on November 4th, 2002. They have organized a comprehensive security conference covering a wide variety of today's hot issues and arranged for a host of very senior and experienced Security Practitioners (to present). Please register early to avoid any disappointment: For conference details

NETWORK WITH OVER 1,000 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 BOOT CAMP FOR AUDITORS

How to Gain Control Of Your Job Search

by Robbie Miller Kaplan

Only 25% of all positions are found through published and defined markets, such as employment ads, placement agencies and recruiting firms. Unfortunately, job seekers favor these markets even though they face less competition for the remaining 75% of jobs found through networking and direct unsolicited contact with employers.

For the story on how I used direct contact to outsmart the pack for an advertised opening and  8 tips for taking charge of your job search click here.

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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Many times auditors want to see what messages were posted to the list to see if their question can be answered there. Also new subscribers have an opportunity to review the archives as another research resource. AuditNet uses a public archive service for both Audit-l and AuditPrograms-l. The URL's to reach these archives is as follows.

Archives for Audit-L www.mail-archive.com/audit-l@list.auditnet.org

Archives for Auditprograms-l www.mail-archive.com/auditprograms-l@list.auditnet.org/

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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