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Usage of technology in audit: A case study with a large Audit Firm1

Miklos A. Vasarhelyi
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey [e-mail] Silvia Romero
Montclair State University [e-mail] Usage of technology in audit: A case study with a large Audit Firm

Abstract
Accounting information systems are ubiquitous in today’s business, supporting most of its operational functions. Since their review and assessment is necessary and appropriate software tools are now available, this paper asks: Do auditors use the available technological tools? What are the difficulties they find? Are there mediators to facilitate usability?
Through a cross sectional case-based field study comparing four engagements in a major audit firm, this paper finds that the characteristics of the audit team determine the levels of technology adoption. However, quality integration between technology support teams and auditors may improve usability and consequently increase technology adoption.
Keywords: audit tools, audit technology, usability audit
Introduction
The potential of technological tools, and the progressive digitization of business, has changed the way external audits are conducted. The increasing ubiquity of accounting information systems has made it necessary enhance the auditor’s toolset and to include specialized teams to evaluate those systems throughout the external audit. Dowling [1], looks at factors that determine the appropriate usage of technological tools; and Dowling and Leech [2] compare the audit support systems used in five big audit firms. In this paper, on the other hand, we focus on tool usage and their conditionants. We also discuss what are the difficulties found in system implementation and tools to facilitate usability. These questions are investigated through a cross sectional case-based field study comparing four audit engagements. The following section reviews the literature, the ensuing section discusses the

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