Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Multiple-Choice Questions
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9. Old and new systems operating simultaneously in all
locations is a test approach known as:
easy a. pilot testing.
d b. horizontal testing.
c. integrative testing.
d. parallel testing.
10. When the client uses a computer but the auditor chooses
easy to use only the non-IT segment of internal control to assess
a control risk, it is referred to as auditing around the
computer. Which one of the following conditions need not
be present to audit around the computer?
a. Computer programs must be available in English.
b. The source documents must be available in a non-
machine language.
c. The documents must be filed in a manner that makes it
possible to locate them.
d. The output must be listed in sufficient detail to enable
the auditor to trace individual transactions.
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20. Typical controls developed for manual systems which are
still important in IT systems include:
medium a. proper authorization of transactions.
d b. competent and honest personnel.
c. careful and complete preparation of source documents.
d. all of the above.
45. The audit approach in which the auditor runs his or her
medium own program on a controlled basis to verify the client’s
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data recorded in a machine language is:
c a. the test data approach.
b. called auditing around the computer.
c. the generalized audit software approach.
d. the microcomputer-aided auditing approach.
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67. Service auditors do not issue which of the following types
of reports?
challengin a. Report on implemented controls
g
b b. Report on controls that have been implemented and
tested for design effectiveness
c. Report on controls that have been implemented and
tested for operating effectiveness
d. Each of the above is issued.
Essay Questions
Answer:
Enhancements to internal control resulting from the
integration of IT into accounting systems include:
Computer controls replace manual controls.
Replacing manual procedures with programmed
controls that apply checks and balances to each
processed transaction and that process information
consistently can reduce human error that is likely to
occur in traditional manual environments.
Higher quality information is available. IT systems
typically provide management with more and higher
quality information faster than most manual
systems.
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72 Identify the three categories of application controls, and
medium give one example of each.
Answer:
Application controls fall into three categories:
Input controls. Key verification and check digits are
examples of input controls.
Processing controls. One example is a
reasonableness test for the unit selling price of a
sale.
Output controls. One example is post-processing
review of sales transactions by the sales department.
Answer:
“Auditing around the computer” occurs when the
auditor considers only the non-IT controls when
assessing control risk. Under this approach, the auditor
obtains an understanding of internal control and
performs tests of controls, substantive tests of
transactions, and account balance verification
procedures in the same manner as in manual systems.
However, there is no attempt to test, or rely on, the
client’s IT controls.
74. Discuss the circumstances that must exist for the auditor
medium to “audit around the computer.”
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Answer:
To “audit around the computer,” the following
conditions must exist:
The source documents must be available in a form
readable by a human.
The documents must be maintained in a manner that
makes it possible to locate them for auditing
purposes.
The output must be listed in sufficient detail to
enable the auditor to trace individual transactions
from the source documents to the output and vice
versa.
If any of these conditions does not exist, the auditor
will have to rely on computer-oriented controls.
Answer:
Computer auditing techniques available to the auditor
are:
Test data approach. Using this approach, the auditor
develops different types of transactions that are
processed under his or her own control using the
client’s computer programs on the client’s IT
equipment.
Parallel simulation. Using parallel simulation, the
auditor writes a computer program that replicates
some part of the client’s application system. The
client’s data is then processed using the auditor’s
computer program. The auditor then compares the
output generated by his or her program with that
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generated by the client’s program to test the
correctness of the client’s program. Generalized
audit software may be used.
Embedded audit module. Using this approach, the
auditor inserts an audit module in the client’s
application system to capture transactions with
characteristics that are of interest to the auditor.
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76. What are the two software testing strategies that
medium companies typically use? Which strategy is more
expensive?
Answer:
Companies may use pilot testing and parallel testing to
test new software. Pilot testing involves operating the
new software at a limited number of facilities, while
continuing to operate the old software at all other
locations. Parallel testing involves operating the new
and old software simultaneously. Parallel testing is
more expensive than pilot testing.
Answer:
Advantages and benefits of using generalized audit
software include:
they are developed in such a manner that most of the
audit staff can be trained to use the program even if
they have little formal IT education.
a single program can be applied to a wide range of
tasks without having to incur the cost or
inconvenience of developing individualized programs.
generalize audit software can perform tests much
faster and in more detail than using traditional
manual procedures.
Answer:
Networks are used to link equipment such as
microcomputers, midrange computers, mainframes,
work stations, servers, and printers. A local area
network links equipment within a single or small cluster
of buildings and is used only within a company. A wide
area network links equipment in larger geographic
regions, including global operations.
Answer:
The responsibilities for IT management, systems
development, operations, and data control should be
separated:
IT Management. Oversight of the IT function should
be segregated from the systems development,
operations, and data control functions. Oversight of
IT should be the responsibility of the Chief
Information Officer or IT manager.
Systems development. Systems analysts are
responsible for the overall design of each application
system. Programmers develop, test, and document
applications software. Programmers and analysts
should not have access to input data or computer
operations.
Operations. Computer operators are responsible for
the day-to-day operations of the computer.
Data control. Data control personnel independently
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verify the quality of input and the reasonableness of
output.
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80. What types of reports may be issued by a service
challengin organization auditor? Which of these is likely to be used by
g an auditor performing an audit of a public company?
Answer:
Service organization auditors may issue two types of
reports:
reports on controls that have been implemented,
and
reports on controls that have been implemented and
tested for operating effectiveness.
81. Identify the six categories of general controls and give one
challengin example of each.
g
Answer:
General controls fall into the following six categories:
Administration of the IT function. For example, the
chief information officer (CIO) should report to
senior management and board of directors.
Segregation of IT duties. For example, there should
be separation of duties between the computer
programmers, operators, and the data control group.
Systems development. Users, analysts, and
programmers develop and test software.
Physical and online security. For example, passwords
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should be required for access to computer systems.
Backup and contingency planning. Written backup
plans should be prepared and tested on a regular
basis throughout the year.
Hardware controls. For example, uninterruptible
power supplies should be used to avoid loss of data
in the event of a power blackout.
a. Application controls
b. Auditing around the computer
c. Auditing through the computer
d. Error listing
e. General controls
f. Generalized audit software
g. Hardware controls
h. Input controls
i. Output controls
j. Parallel simulation
k. Parallel testing
l. Pilot testing
m. Processing controls
n. Test data approach
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e 2. Controls that relate to all parts of the IT system.
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j 3. Involves the use of a computer program written
by the auditor that replicates some part of a
client’s application system.
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83. Inherent risk is often reduced in complex IT systems
easy relative to less complex IT systems.
b a. True
b. False
84. Parallel testing is used when old and new systems are
easy operated simultaneously in all locations.
a a. True
b. False
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101. Processing controls is a category of application controls.
medium a. True
a b. False
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107. “Auditing around the computer” is most appropriate when
medium the client has not maintained detailed output or source
b documents in a form readable by humans.
a. True
b. False
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