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Being able to combine databases has also been a help since it is hard to have IT create one database at times.”Ĥ. “The ability to sort through large data populations of GL data has helped us greatly. “We use IDEA to help select sample sizes and perform audit tasks, which has greatly reduced audit time and manpower requirements.” However, data analysis also allows you to join, sort and summarize areas of data to analyze smaller data sets. One of the many benefits data analysis technology offers is the ability to analyze an entire population of data, as opposed to sampling. Data analysis is also used to sample and perform keyword searches. Some survey respondents provided details, such as using stratified sampling to examine gains and losses on backdated trades, stratify invoices and disbursements, and perform random samples. One internal auditor noted they use the statistical functions, summarizations, and stratifications to allow management to analyze data to make projections and evaluate past performance. Multiple survey respondents indicated they use IDEA’s statistical sampling methods for their sampling work to set the scope, providing defensible and valuable insights when results are extrapolated against the population. Sampling is a fundamental part of audit work, and with so many ways to sample, this frontrunner is no surprise. Common areas for duplicate detection searches include payments, invoices, transactions and vendor returns for credit. Survey respondents indicated value in use of testing, analysis and review of expenses. If you’re looking for recovery dollars, fraud, errors, anomalies or outliers, duplicate detection is a proven technique used to find them. We have also added value via our journal entry analysis.”
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“Currently we have been able to add value from a fraud perspective by performing audits of AP vendor master maintenance and AP transactions.
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