Undergraduate - UnitAFW3765 - Computer auditing

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Synopsis

This unit starts with a brief introduction to the management of computer information systems (CIS). All the important internal controls that should be present in a CIS and advanced CIS environment and that are important for the external auditor, as well as the important concepts and procedures in order to use and audit financial databases and CIS are covered in this unit. The download of financial data and its manipulation in order to verify and audit it, as well as the performance of computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs) on this data form an important part of this unit. The influence of the Internet and E-commerce on the business and auditing environments, as well as applicable legislation are dealt with. In addition, this unit contains a strong practical element of using database software, spreadsheets and selected audit software often used by accountants and auditors in practice.

Outcomes

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. explain the most important aspects of management of a computer information system (CIS)
2. describe and explain computer security and controls, and apply that knowledge in order to assess the relevant audit risks and to make recommendations, as an external auditor, for the improvement of security and controls in simulated simple and advanced CIS environments and networks
3. describe and discuss the procedures and problematic areas surrounding the download of client's data to the external auditor's computer environment for audit purposes
4. plan, based on proper risk assessment, the external audit of financial CIS systems, selecting techniques such as CAATs (computer-assisted auditing techniques)
5. explain, interpret and illustrate the influence of the internet and E-commerce on the business and auditing environments, including relevant legislation
6. explain and describe database technology and apply the knowledge practically in database software on computer, and
7. use the computer practically as a business, accounting and auditing tool with spreadsheet analysis software, CAATs software and automated audit working papers in selected case studies.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 45%
Examination (3 hours): 55%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Anton Du Toit

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed AFW2760 and FIT1003 before undertaking this unit.