ABSTRACT
Data analysis has been in use in auditing for many years, but with the advent of more advanced computer interrogation software, it has come to the fore and is a significant technique, allowing internal audits to leverage the enormous quantities of data existing within organizations to the extent that it has recently started to become standard practice. One of the primary audit objectives is identification of anomalies in data presented or major changes in trends and relationships of data to facilitate the investigation of the reasons underlying those changes. In general, the purpose of an internal audit using data analysis is to seek evidence in order to determine that the control objectives of the area under review have been met, are being met, and will continue to be met. It is important to differentiate between describing the characteristics of a set of data and making generalizations, estimates, forecasts, or other judgments based on the analysis of the data.
