Jim Kaplan's
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ASK (Auditors Sharing Knowledge) for Progress

 

February 2005

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 Accounting Procedures for Internal Control

 

 
Corporate Governance Certification

Earn your Tulane University Law School Certificate 100% Online. Complete the program in a week: Audit Committee and reporting, legal and board issues and more. Learn from leading experts about all relevant regulations and laws including Sarbanes Oxley. Use the Program as a resource for a FULL YEAR.

To get more information click here.


AuditNet® Community

Sponsor News!

The AuditNet® community has grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years thanks to your continued support. Yes it is hard to imagine but it has been a decade since this community was created!  Support AuditNet® by supporting our sponsors. Without sponsor and affiliate advertising and contributions from the AuditNet® community everyone would have to pay for use of this site.

This month check out ACL Services Ltd. Business Assurance solutions to financial executives and audit professionals worldwide. Combining market-leading software and professional services, ACL's proven solutions enable internal auditors to assure compliance, reduce risk, and minimize loss. ACL's global customer base includes 89 of the Fortune 100 and over half of the Global 500.Remember! Clicking on sponsored ads helps support AuditNet®. Remember: visiting sponsors helps support AuditNet®.


Establishing New Internal Audit Functions

 

New NYSE rules, along with Section 404 requirements in Sarbanes-Oxley,
are forcing many companies to evaluate how to best start up an internal audit function. Companies considering creation of an internal audit function need to examine a range of questions from such administrative matters as to whom the internal audit director will report to operational issues such as how large a department is needed and what skill sets are required. This article discusses some questions and steps that are appropriate to consider when starting up an internal audit function.

This article was contributed by Protiviti KnowledgeLeader, an online service providing tools, templates, and other resources for internal audit and risk management. Free trials available at www.knowledgeleader.com. For a limited time KnowledgeLeader memberships are available for the reduced rate of $550 per year. Tell them you heard about it from AuditNet.org.

Click here for the article!


Understand IT's role with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

A guide by Mike Tarrani, IT Consultant

What is the Sarbanes-Oxley Act?
Cutting to the chase and through the hyperbole, it is a law enacted in 2002 that legislates record retention and prescribes standards for corporate accountability. The essence of the Act are internal controls and corporate governance. IT auditing is an element of compliance, as well as the maintenance and administration of systems supporting all facets of compliance.

For the complete article click here!


FINANCE FOR NON-FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

by Gursharan Singh

The definition of ‘Non-Financial Executive’ in the construction industry would generally include the various technical and other professionals associated with the implementation of any aspect of construction projects.

Click here for the article including the audit program.


AuditNet® Adds a New SOx Resource

AuditNet added a new e-mail discussion group for Sarbanes-Oxley 404. This discussion group will focus on issues related to complying with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act including sharing of resources and experiences, asking questions and gaining a better understanding of compliance issues related to the Act.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) says that publicly traded companies must establish, document, and maintain internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. It also requires companies to check the effectiveness of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting.

In order to do this, companies must

  • Document existing controls and procedures that relate to financial reporting.
  • Test their effectiveness.
  • Report on any gaps or poorly documented areas.

To subscribe to this free new e-mail discussion group go to http://www.auditnetlists.org/sox404-l/


AuditNet Job Listings (& more)

Looking for an audit job? Go to the AuditNet® Audit Jobs section for the latest job opportunities. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you have the ability to not only look at available jobs, but you can also post your resume, apply for open jobs, research companies and obtain career advice. If you are in the market for a new job, make AuditNet® your first stop to check out what's available.

This is just another benefit of using AuditNet® as your one stop shop for all your audit and career resources.

Click here for more jobs!


Looking for Auditors?

If your company has any audit job vacancies that you are looking to fill, have your HR people contact AuditNet® to post the job and search for candidates. Using the jobs section helps support AuditNet® as well! For more information click here.


AuditNet® Fraud Auditing Corner
Interview with Eliot Spitzer, New York State Attorney General - Rapid Reformer

By Dick Carozza

Eliot Spitzer targets fraud on Wall Street, in the mutual-fund business, and in the insurance industry. He says he wants the marketplace to work more efficiently, honestly, and fairly. Spitzer's methods offer lessons for fraud examiners.

This article is from Fraud Magazine, the professional magazine of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and is a regular feature of AuditNet under a new cooperative relationships and partnership with professional associations in the interest of sharing resources for the benefit of the global AuditNet® community. .

For the rest of the article from the latest ACFE Fraud Magazine click here.


Envy

by Kastuv Ray

Envy is another one of those dark facets of human nature and the inability to exert control over one’s emotions may lead to disaster.

Click here for the rest of the story!


AuditNet® Resource List Updates

Click here for the new links!

Please let us know of links that are not working!


Free Tools for Auditors

Sarbanes-Oxley Software

To address the mounting debate about the requirement to document the
internal controls in order to comply with SOX, a new software is now
available free.


The only periodical of its kind bringing useful and timely advice and insights into the prevention detection, and investigation of all forms of computer and Internet crime. The October 2004 issue includes articles on legal traps to avoid in cyber-investigations, getting serious about fighting Nigerian fraud and more.   For more information visit www.cybercrimefighter.net


AuditNet® Conference & Training News

Want to announce your professional association conference to the global audit community? Send us conference name, date and URL details or your

The IIA's Information Technology Conference for Today's Auditor San Francisco February 2005 *

Government Auditing Conference  Feb 2005 Arlington, VA *

2005 ACFE Fraud Conferences and Training

2005 IIA Conferences and Training

* indicates events where Jim Kaplan is speaking


AuditNet® Vendor News

Check here for the latest news from our AuditNet® sponsors!

ACL News

Caseware-Idea News and Events

Paisley Consulting press releases

Pentana news and announcements

TeamMate news and events


AuditNet® Review

Using Microsoft Access to Audit Payables for Fraud!

Accounts payable have always been a preferred target for fraud by employees. This CD-based CPE course from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners will help you gain a clear understanding of the concepts used to audit payables for fraud with Microsoft Access® and why certain tests area more effective than others.

For the review click here!


AuditNet® Statistics

For those who like to wade through the details on how popular AuditNet® is, click here for the current stats.



 

E-Books for Subscribers to the Annual Audit Programs


Heard on the Net!
Guide to Audit Work Programs on the Net'

Auditors are constantly searching the Internet for tools and techniques that will help them in their jobs. Audit program steps and procedures are a highly sought after commodity for all level of auditors. In the early 1990’s I noticed that there were periodic postings on e-mail discussion lists or listservs requesting audit programs for a specific cycle or application. Many times, due to the changing nature of subscribers, repeat requests would be posted in subsequent months. In order to increase efficiency and meet the needs of auditors I thought it would be beneficial to establish a centralized inventory of audit programs.

For the rest of the story click here!

Looking for audit programs? Visit the Auditors Sharing Audit Programs page of AuditNet for over 1,000 audit work programs and links to other sites with hundreds more!

Stay up to date with announcements on new portals, tools and sharing resources on Sarbanes-Oxley and other audit related issues by subscribing to the AuditNet® newsletter

Until next month!

If you have a tip on how you are using the Internet or software applications for auditing send them to editor@auditnet.org Watch for more Internet boot camp tips from the auditing Internet guru!


Audit Work Programs Corner

Auditors Sharing Audit Programs and Working Papers

The following audit programs, ICQs, checklist or working papers were added this month. They are in  format unless noted otherwise. Some may only be available in exchange for an audit work program contribution not currently in the inventory.  Beginning in August 2003 all new programs contributed will include the date the program was added to the inventory (mm/yy). This was at the suggestion of an AuditNet® user.

  1. College Library Audit Program (Feb 05)

  2. Liquor & Gaming Store Compliance Audit Program (Feb 05)

  3. PCAOB Standard 2 (Feb 05)

  4. S-Ox Code of Ethics Example (Feb 05)

  5. S-Ox Framework for Evaluating Exceptions (Feb 05)

  6. S-Ox Staff Internal Control Q&A (Feb 05)

Audit Documents 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. AS400 Operations Audit Program (Mar 05)

  2. Audit Satisfaction Feedback Form (Mar 05)

  3. Bad Debt Sales Audit Program (Mar 05)

  4. Domestic Outsourced Payroll APG (Mar 05)

  5. Recorder of Deeds Audit Program (Mar 05)

  6. Tape Library ICQ (Mar 05)

Contribution Required Audit Documents!

The following documents require the contribution of an audit program not currently in the inventory. They are also available to subscribers to the Audit Programs Subscription Service.

  1. Capital Expenditures Post Completion Audit Program (Feb 05)

  2. Post-SAP Production Facility Review (Feb 05)

  3. Windows Work Program (Feb 05)


AuditNet® What's New This Month?

A new e-book, Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 Compliance Tips for IT Managers by Darcy Soleil, is available free for subscribers to the Audit Programs subscription service. Non-subscribers may purchase this e-book directly from AuditNet.

This month AuditNet® welcomes a new CAATT Corner featured columnist. Rich Lanza, CAATTs and audit software guru will provide readers with an AuditNet® exclusive featuring tips, tools and techniques for improving audit efficiency with digital solutions. There are new articles on construction audit, book reviews and more. Watch for new additions to the audit programs subscription service available as an alternative for those auditors that are unable to contribute material to AuditNet®. There are many new audit programs in the queue for the AuditNet® community. All this and more! The best way to find all the resources on the site is by going to the Virtual Library or use the site search.


A PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT FRAMEWORK FOR INTERNAL AUDIT

by Stan Farmer

There are three compelling reasons why internal audit should be concerned with performance measurement:

  • The need to comply with Professional Standards
  • The need to demonstrate value
  • To respond to changes in the global environment

The objectives of this research are therefore to:

  • identify best practice in the measurement of business performance;
  • identify current practice in the measurement of performance in internal audit;
  • compare and contrast current practice with best practice; to,
  • develop a performance measurement framework for internal audit.

For the rest of the results of this dissertation click here!


AuditNet® CAATT Corner

Learning What You “Don’t Know” About Your Data Files

By Richard B. Lanza, CPA, CFE, PMP

Most data analysis is query-based allowing the auditor to extract records meeting a certain criteria (i.e., invoices over $1 million).  The process is therefore inductive in nature and, while effective at times, it also misses the uncommon schemes that could sink an organization.  In essence, query reports focuses on the individual trees while leaving out any analysis of the forest.  Let’s face it, any good fraudster knows what is commonly searched for and will therefore develop schemes that are missed by such detection reports.   Likewise with controls, every one can be circumvented or overridden.

For the rest of the article click here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rich Lanza (CPA, CFE, PMP) enables organizations in the use of technology to (1) generate cash recoveries, (2) stop profit leaks, (3) move away from control issues, and (4) work towards process improvements. To contact Rich, receive his free e-newsletter, get a free diagnostic, or to order his products/services, e-mail him at rich@auditsoftware.net, call him at 973-601-3701, or visit his website at www.infomagician.com.


AuditNet® Software Compliance Audit Corner

“Is Your Number Up?”

This new AuditNet® monograph focuses on the issues auditors face with Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. Microsoft Windows XP has been around for some time now and Microsoft has been shipping Service Pack 2 for XP. There has been lots of press and publicity about its release and the need for sites to embrace the Service pack as a means to protect themselves against security issues. Some of you may have already discovered the hard way that is has caused some significant disruption to your systems for technical reasons!

For the new monograph click here!

Current Views on Governance and Compliance


Your Secret Weapon in the War on Fraud

The January 2005 issue of this fraud newsletter features articles on auditing for internal fraud, how to avoid being conned, independent fraud investigations and more. AuditNet® users qualify for special rates on this publication. For more information click here

The following is an article from the November 2004 issue:

Does Your Compensation
System Encourage
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY?

by Gary D. Zeune

Compensation systems are supposed to motivate people to work hard…but defective systems can inadvertently foster illegal or dangerous behavior that puts the company at risk of
litigation and/or serious fraud losses.

For the rest of the article click here!


The AuditNet® Audit Bookstore Corner

Looking for books on auditing related topics? We suggest using the AuditNet® bookstore. The bookstore focuses on Internal Audit but includes other related subjects as well. AuditNet® uses Amazon to power the bookstore so each purchase you make through this link helps support AuditNet®.

Book Reviews

Essential Project Investment Governance and Reporting

Essential Project Investment Governance and Reporting: Preventing Project Fraud and Ensuring Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
By Steven C. Rollins, PMP and Richard B. Lanza CPA, CFE

Project management and fraud prevention are not subjects you normally see in one book. Unfortunately project fraud as defined by the authors, occurs on a regular basis. This joint effort by Steven Rollins (www.pmousa.com)  and Richard Lanza (www.auditsoftware.net) combines their unique perspectives and expertise on the subject of project fraud. The result is a publication that formalizes the key professional group roles in managing, controlling and preventing project fraud especially as it relates to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The book is loaded with checklists, project templates, a model whistle blower program and more. The companion web site created by the publisher (www.jrosspub.com) completes the circle by providing digital files that auditors can immediately access and use.  Sarbanes-Oxley project teams will find value in the chapters devoted to an executive proposal for Section 404 compliance and a PMO roadmap for implementing Sarbanes-Oxley into project delivery. Project management, fraud prevention and corporate governance all in one publication. Mark this book for addition to your department professional library for a ready reference on timely topics for auditors and project managers.

Click here to order the book!

How to Say It When You Don't Know What to Say  The Right Words for Difficult Times

By Robbie Miller Kaplan

As auditors we constantly interact with diverse stakeholders such as colleagues, managers, employees and others. Frequently we encounter people dealing with challenging and difficult times that may or may not be related to work. Our reaction to these situations is conveyed in our behavior both nonverbal and verbal.

For the rest of the review click here.


FREE! The Auditor's Guide to Internet Resources 2nd Edition

Interested in a free copy of The Auditor's Guide to Internet Resources, 2nd Edition? Write an article for the next newsletter on how you are integrating the Internet in auditing. If your article is selected, I will send you an electronic copy of the book. Contact us for details.


AuditNet® Partner Discounts

Check out all the software vendors that offer discounts to the AuditNet® community.

AuditNet® It pays to be a member!

For information on partner discounts click here.


Preview of Coming Attractions!

The AuditNet Monograph Series  provides useful guides for all levels of auditors from juniors right up to audit directors. New guides are under development for Sarbanes-Oxley, internal controls and Internet for auditors. If you are interested in developing a monograph on a contract basis, contact us.

Watch for new articles on Finance for Non Financial Executives, CAATTs, and more from contributors. Reviews are in the works for AskSam PowerPoint Personal Trainer, and Excel Personal Trainer and Word Hacks. Watch the newsletter for more products, services and tools for auditors. Have an idea for a column? Contact us.

AuditNet® continues adding new specialized resources for auditors. Watch the newsletter and keep checking the Library page for updates and new resources.


AuditNet® Feedback

Your site is very informative and helpful. The good thing is that you are willing to share your knowledge and valued experience with the rest of the world. I am not an auditor nor a technical guru, but the site is great.

Thank You for this informative and enlightening site. Thank you very much for this resourceful, knowledge sharing site. Sunny Regards, kavindra mathi.

My name is S. Cockroft and I am a CPA currently engaged in Sarbanes compliance work. The AuditNet web site has provided me with a wealth of information in the explosion of Sarbanes related questions and provided much needed guidance.

For more comments click here!


         

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Revised: September 09, 2009