The Application of Client’s Computer Accounting Information System Capabilities in the Implementation of Analytical Procedures by Auditors

Analytical procedures” means the analysis of significant ratios and trends including the tracking the financial and non-financial fluctuations and relations that are inconsistent with other relevant information or deviate from predicted amounts. Auditors are required to use analytical procedures at least in the planning and the overall review stages. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of client’s computer accounting information system capabilities in the implementation of analytical procedures by auditors. Some information necessary for implementation of analytical procedures are obtained from the client’s computer accounting system. In addition, because of the more capacity of income statement accounts for implementation of analytical procedures, the system capabilities will be more used in audit of income statement items than balance sheet items. For the study, a questionnaire is sent to Iranian CPAs and eventually 92 responses are received. The results indicate the use of the client computer accounting information system capabilities in the implementation of analytical procedures. Also, analytical procedures are more used for income statement items than the balance sheet items. In addition, there is no significant difference between men and women in the use of computer accounting information system capabilities in implementation of Analytical procedures. But, those with less work experience, higher education than a bachelor's degree, and more familiarity with computer information system, use the higher level of accounting information system capabilities in implementation of analytical procedures