AuditNet-L Newsletter
July 2001
Volume 2001 Number 7
This issue of the AuditNet-l newsletter is proudly sponsored by:
PricewaterhouseCoopers TeamMate
PricewaterhouseCoopers TeamMate is a database-driven audit
management system that streamlines the audit process by
providing integrated tools for documentation, report generation and file
sharing."
For more information go to http://www.pwcglobal.com/teammate
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Welcome to AuditNet-L, where the theme of Auditors Sharing
Knowledge for Progress, or ASK for Progress predominates.
We hope you enjoy this issue of AuditNet-L, and welcome
your comments. As always we have new additions to the Audit
Work Programs Section, new resources and information about
products and training.
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NEW - Discussion Forum for Auditors!
Once upon a time there was an e-mail forum where auditors
could discuss generalized audit topics. The list was open to
auditors irrespective of industries and organizations. The
Audit-L list was the brainchild of Slemo Warigon, an Internet
for auditors pioneer. Unfortunately the list, which was originally
set up at Texas A&M University in 1994 ceased operating in
2000. AuditNet decided to restart the list as a general e-mail
discussion forum for auditors. Accordingly Audit-L operated by
AuditNet is now available as an unmoderated general audit
discussion list for auditors. Instructions to subscribe to this
free forum are available at Audit-l Discussion List. An archive of prior
messages posted to the Audit-l discussion list will be available for the
general audit community.
Read this month's newsletter for more information.
Subscription information available at www.auditnet.org/subscribe_audit.htm
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ASK THE 'NET AUDITOR FORUM
One of the major benefits of having an online community is the ability
to share information and find answers to audit-related questions. A new
service of AuditNet provides a forum for auditors to ask questions and
have the answers available for all to see and review. AuditNet is especially
grateful to Jim Loss for his contribution of the files from the Ask the Audit
Guru forum that he developed for the benefit of the audit community.
AuditNet intends to build on that forum to meet the mission of "auditors
sharing knowledge (ASK) for progress."
To submit a question you can go to Ask the Auditor forum link from the
AuditNet Home Page at www.auditnet.org. There is also a link to previous
questions posted to the Forum Index. This provides auditors with not only
an opportunity to ask questions but also to see what others have asked.
Disclaimer: the information provided by the Ask the Auditor Forum is not
a legal or binding opinion by the operators of AuditNet. We have the right
to not answer questions submitted to AuditNet. The questions and
responses are the property of AuditNet and cannot be reproduced without
the permission of AuditNet.
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AuditNet ISO (In Search Of) Writers!
Do you have an interest in being published and getting worldwide
recognition? We are looking for auditors that can write about their
experiences or to share information on Internet related topics. The
Internet is a great forum to share and we want to demonstrate to the
global audit community the benefits of this medium.
For more information and compensation arrangements contact the
[EMAIL PROTECTED] These assignments are work for hire and become
the property of AuditNet.
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Free Resources for Auditors From AuditNet
The way that AuditNet remains free to the global audit
community is because it is supported by sponsors.
By supporting our sponsors you are supporting AuditNet
and ensuring it's continued existence.
Support our sponsors and help keep AuditNet
a free resource to the global audit community. There are
many opportunities for corporations and vendors to sponsor
the AuditNet site. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] by e-mail
for more information.
Jim Kaplan, AuditNet Coordinator
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NEW FEATURES AND AUDITNET EXCLUSIVES
LOOKING TO HIRE AUDITORS?
Looking to fill an audit position for your organization? 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.
TIPS FOR REQUESTING DATA FOR CAATS
Use the following guidelines when requesting data from computer
systems for audit testing:
1. Plan for the request
2. Request the data in writing
3. Avoid potential problems
4. Use a form to request data
For details on the above guidelines go to the current newsletter
available from the home page at www.auditnet.org.
SOFTWARE COMPLIANCE AUDITING TIPS
Software piracy is at an all time high. Check out the Software
Compliance Auditing page at www.auditnet.org/sca.htm
and PCProfile for solutions that will help you minimize the
risk of illegal software on your company pc's.
Declaring War on Software Pirates
Go to the online version of AuditNet-l and click on the link
To read this timely article!
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Auditors Sharing Audit Workpapers (ASAW)
ICQ's, Checklists and Forms, OH MY!
In the spirit of continuing to offer new free resources and
tools to the global audit community, AuditNet accepts
contributions of internal control questionnaires, audit checklists
and standard forms that auditors use for projects. The Auditors
Sharing Audit Workpapers Project provides you with the
opportunity to share your best practice standard forms with
other auditors.
New Additions to the Audit Work Papers and other Productivity Tools
We added the following contributions from AuditNet users this month:
Internal Assurance Feedback Form (Word)
Audit Satisfaction Survey (Excel)
Check out this new resource at
www.auditnet.org/asaw.htm
Send your favorite forms to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The AuditNet Virtual Library (AVL) provides links to the largest
collection of free resources and audit-related sites of any
Web site for auditors on the Internet. You can reach the
AVL from the AuditNet home page at www.auditnet.org.
Visit our new sponsors and check out what they have to
offer you.
Help support AuditNet by supporting our sponsors!
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AUDITNET JOB LISTINGS (& MORE)
Looking to make a career change? Go to AuditNet's
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.
Recent job listings:
Auditor/Sr. Auditor - Kforce Professional Staffing
Internal Auditor - City of Richmond
Manager, Corporate Audit - Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc.
Senior Consultant, Risk Assurance - In Confidence
Chief Internal Auditor - Rainier Pacific Bank
For information on the above jobs for auditors go to the
Audit Jobs section from the AuditNet page
at www.auditnet.org
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AUDIT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCE ADDITIONS
NEW AUDIT WORK PROGRAMS AND WORKPAPERS
The following audit work programs and audit workpapers were
added to the inventory last month thanks to contributions from
other auditors.
HCFA Hospital Audit Program
Municipal Desk Review Audit Program
Money Market Euro Currency Audit Program
Project Management - Variation Orders MS Word (pdf)
Project Management - Delays EOT & LD MS Word (pdf)
Project Management - Selection & Approval of Consultants MS Word (pdf)
Project Management - Tender for Projects MS Word (pdf)
Project Management - Tender Procedures for Main Contract MS Word (pdf)
Project Management - Billing of Project Management Fees MS Word (pdf)
Risk Management Operation Audit Program (Word) (pdf)
Police Administration Audit Program (Word) (pdf)
Do you have an audit work program to contribute?
Send it to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To access the documents go to www.auditnet.org and click on
Audit Programs or Audit Workpapers from the Virtual Library.
NEWLY REQUESTED AUDIT WORK PROGRAMS
The following audit programs were added to the Clearinghouse of
Auditor Requested Programs. If you have an audit program that
meets the request please send it to [EMAIL PROTECTED] in
the interest of "electronic progress through sharing."
Compliance and financial reviews-state and federal grant programs
in local government
Remember! Requests must be accompanied by an audit program
or workpaper to share with others.
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AUDITNET RESOURCE LIST LINK ADDITIONS
This section represents only the additions and changes to
Kaplan's AuditNet Resource List (KARL) for last month.
Regular users of KARL should check this section for updates
to previous postings and new additions.
Association for Financial Professionals formerly the Treasury
Management Association represents a broad spectrum of
financial professionals. Web site has a library, news, articles
and more. (Industry Code 8600)
Auditor Assistant is a teamwork based audit solution that
allows you to conduct, review and manage your audits
effectively. (Industry Code 7310)
Electronic Workpapers is a supplement to an Auditing
textbook. The site contains electronic workpapers for a
case study on auditing.
Financial Management Network Web site provides articles
on various aspects of finance including financial accounting
and reporting, technology, treasury, tax, finance and more.
(Industry Code 6000)
Fraud Best Practices is a report of the NACD Best Practices
Council on Coping with Fraud and Other Illegal Activity.
Health Care Financing Administration Web site of the federal
agency that administers Medicare, Medicaid and the State
Children's Health Insurance Program.
International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions
provides information and links to International audit
organizations. Available in English, French, German and
Spanish.
Inventory Best Practices Web site from the University of
Rochester provide a list of inventory best practices.
ITtoolbox Security ITtoolbox Security offers forums for
technical discussion, an integrated directory, white papers
and daily news geared towards Security professionals and
users of Security products. The portal also provides content,
community, job postings and much more.
Payroll Question and Answer Forum form the American
Payroll Association is a listserve that is a source for question
and discussion on payroll practices and procedures.
PDK Control Consulting Web site of a CSA consultant firm
provides an overview of their services, articles on ethical
dilemmas and more. (Industry Code 7310)
Performance Indicator Newsletters and Audit Guide is a
reference guide produced by the UK Audit Commission to
help auditors in checking and collecting the best value and
Audit Commission indicators. (Industry Code 9400)
Restaurant Internal Auditors Executive Study Group is a
group comprised of internal auditors from the chain
restaurants that belong to the National Restaurant Association.
The group meets twice a year to discuss issues such as Point
of sale systems, Internet security, Automation of the audit
function, Crisis management and International franchise
auditing. (Industry Code 8600)
Securities Industry Association Internal Audit Division Web
site of the professional organization representing Internal
Auditors from banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies,
mutual funds, public accounting firms and self-regulatory
agencies associated within the securities industry.
(Industry Code 8600)
Serious Fraud Office Web site of the organization that
investigates and prosecutes serious and complex fraud
in the United Kingdom. (Industry Code 9400)
Modifications:
Audit-L Discussion List is now open to all auditors.
To subscribe send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
and include the message subscribe audit-l (yourname)
Resources No Longer Available:
Accountant's Home Page
Accounting and the Year 2000 (Y2K) Problem
Audit Exchange Library Inventory of audit programs from
the Association of College and University Auditors.
To access the audit work programs go to www.auditnet.org and
click on the AuditNet-L newsletter.
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KnowledgeSpace� Internal Audit and Risk Management Community
Auditors have a lot on their plates. Staying on top of emerging risks,
managing knowledge, developing work programs and audit plans,
surveys and tools, and keeping up their own professional development.
Arthur Andersen's KnowledgeSpace� website helps with all these
responsibilities. Auditors use the site to do research and to save time.
They follow weekly articles on business risk, download templates tools,
work programs, models, and checklists, learn new approaches from
profiles of other departments and access customized news.
KnowledgeSpace� can be a valuable time saver and toolbox for any auditor.
Free 30 day trials are available to AuditNet users. Remember to mention
that you saw it on AuditNet.
Go to www.auditnet.org/advertisers/Knowledgespace_jr/index.htm
If you have used the KnowledgeSpace site and would like to share your
experience with AuditNet users send it to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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AuditLeverage: Audit Leverage Efficiencies
After a two-day on-site, interactive training course, we were ready to begin
using Audit Leverage to reduce audit administrative time. While we are still
on a learning curve, we have some significant efficiencies:
Reduce administrative time for organizing repetitive, large audits: We audit
part of our customer service center (CSC) operations, twice-yearly, for
about four months staff time per audit. Even though we had used
proforma audit workpapers constructed in MS Excel and Word, we still
(previous to Audit Leverage) had to print EACH workpaper, label it,
hole-punch it, file it, and cross-reference it. If a workpaper changed, the
process repeated itself. With Audit Leverage, we input our audit program
ONCE, and electronically link our workpapers to each program step.
Workpaper changes are reflected electronically, and the
workpaper-referencing feature simplifies labeling.
For future CSC audits, we'll just roll the audit program and workpaper
template over into them, which is a significant reduction of previous
duplicative, non-value-added effort.
Managing the Time Budget: The time-management system helps me
to ensure that staff are completing audit steps within budgeted hours.
Having the time system linked to Audit Leverage project numbers, and
being able to print off comparison to budget versus actual hours, are
handy features. My staff and I have to input information only once, as
opposed to multiple times (as with a stand-alone time system).
Reviewing Audits: Since nearly all of the workpapers we use are now
electronic, reviewing them is much easier. Where we had three to
four 3" binders in the aforementioned audit, we will have one, 1" binder
of paper. The review note feature of Audit Leverage provides an easy
means to write review comments, and to clear them. I also use the
electronic review notes when preparing staff evaluations, without having
to find manual paper files.
These are some of the features we're currently using. I anticipate that
later in the year, we will begin using the risk assessment module and
the audit point follow up features as well.
Al Carpenter
Director of Internal Audit
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
If you are an AuditLeverage user send us your experience with the
product.
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CAREER TIPS FOR AUDITORS
Interview / Meeting Preparation
by Robbie Miller Kaplan
A colleague was recently recommended for promotion and
was preparing for the interview. A friend jokingly suggested,
"Remember not to have a beer with your lunch before the
interview." Everyone laughed but it was a reminder that not
everyone follows basic preparation before meetings and
interviews.
For some tips to help you prepare go to the current online
version of the AuditNet-l newsletter.
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The AuditNet Resource Newsletter will include career-related tips from
Robbie Miller Kaplan, author of Sure-Hire Resumes and Resume Shortcuts.
If you find these tips useful then check out the books! For more career tips
go the Job-Resources Web site at http://www.job-resources.com
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PRODUCTIVITY TIPS FOR AUDITORS
Netiquette Guidelines
What is netiquette and what should I know about it?
Netiquette are the rules for online etiquette and everyone,
even auditors, should know what they are and when to apply
them. There are netiquette guidelines for e-mail, discussion
lists, chats and other forms of communication on the Internet.
For example there are specific netiquette guidelines for the
Audit discussion lists. There are also general netiquette
guidelines that auditors should review to enhance the online
experience for both themselves and others.
For links to the tips and more go to www.auditnet.org and click
on AuditNet-l newsletter.
For more productivity tips get a copy of The Auditor's Guide to Internet
Resources 2nd Edition.
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Auditing AuditNet: A Historical Perspective and The Stats
Just how big is AuditNet and what statistics do you have to
support your claims? When I began building the AuditNet,
I maintained that if I built it, auditors would come. What started
in August 1994 as a one page list of 10 resources has mushroomed
into the oldest and most comprehensive free site for the global
audit community. While I have been reluctant to provide numbers
because, in my opinion, outcomes are what counts, I have decided
to play the numbers game and provide the information for the curious.
There are a number of statistics that I gather on a monthly basis.
Go to the online version of AuditNet-l at www.auditnet.org for the full story!
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The Auditor's Guide to Internet Resources, 2nd Edition Available!
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!
Available on CD-ROM!
AuditNet users qualify for the IIA member price when ordering ($65).
Call 877-867-4947 (Toll free in U.S. and Canada) or FAX 770-442-9742 or
email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Use order number KPR320.
You may also order the book at Amazon.com. Go to
www.auditnet.org.htm for more information.
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AUDITNET DISCOUNT SHOPPING NETWORK
Get Your 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 at www.auditnet.org/ANET_SCAT.htm
MARKETING INTERNAL AUDIT SEMINAR SOON AVAILABLE!
Another digital seminar titled "Marketing Internal Audit" is in the
planning stage for which we are soliciting information from people
who do it successfully. The CD will be available in the Fall.
Anyone submitting an article, URL not already listed (as a sample),
PowerPoint presentation, capabilities brochure, or other material that
we use can have copies of the finished CD. We are particularly seeking
capabilities brochures and presentation developed by Internal Auditors.
Authors that can author an entire CD can receive royalty payments -
contact Joe Pleier at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details.
PUBLICATION OFFERS A DISCOUNT TO AUDITNET USERS
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.
Special Publication Discounts Exclusively for Auditnet Members!
Auditnet.org has arranged for special member on selected
publications and services from Thompson Publishing Group.
Thompson is the publisher of more than 60 loose leaf compliance
manuals and on-line information services for professionals.
Through this arrangement, Auditnet.org members can save up to
20 percent on new subscriptions to Thompson's authoritative
Single Audit Information Service, Techniques for Monitoring
Federal Sub-awards and On-line Guide to Federal Program
Compliance and Audits.
Click on www.thompson.com/auditnet to learn about Thompson,
its publications and how to save up to 20 percent on these
valuable services. You can also call Thompson's customer service
number 1-800-677-3789 for more information. Be sure to mention
the Auditnet priority code CN691064 when ordering.
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EXIT CONFERENCE
What's Coming to AuditNet in the Future?
International audit resources section for auditors from outside
north America.
New AuditNet discussion lists for information security
professionals and CAATTS.
Recommend a new section of AuditNet and ways to implement
it and you could win the Suggestion of the Month award. For more
details contact the [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe from AuditNet-l go to www.auditnet.org/subscribe.htm
and use the form to remove yourself from the monthly mailing list.
Alternatively you may remove yourself via email as follows
Enter "unsubscribe AuditNet-L" "yourname" in the BODY of an email
and send it to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Note: If you are changing
your email address you should unsubscribe using the old e-mail address
and resubscribe using the new e-mail address.
The opinions expressed here are purely those of the editor, Jim Kaplan.
If you have comments or suggestions for AuditNet please send email to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Thanks for your support!
If your organization would like to sponsor this discussion list send an e-mail to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] for information.
To unsubscribe to the Audit-l list send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Leave
the subject line blank and include the following message in the body:
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Thanks,
Jim Kaplan
List Manager
