IT in auditing : A descriptive study about IT-tool usage, IT knowledge, and the future digital environment for auditors

Sammanfattning: The audit industry is under a digital transformation where various IT-tools are being frequently used by auditors at different experience levels. It is almost impossible to perform an audit with good results without using any IT-tools. Therefore, pressure is put on audit firms,both Big 4 and Non-Big 4 firms to stay ahead or at least up to date in terms of the digital development, implementation and usage of IT-tools to not fall behind its competitors. Educating the audit team members in the different information technology systems (IT) will be of great importance so that auditors can utilize new technology and enhance audit quality.This study contributes with practical knowledge by mapping out and describing in detail how and in which IT-tools auditors spend their time in during their commitments during a typical week. Secondly, the study provides insights on the current IT-knowledge among auditors, which is a factor that influences the use of IT-tools among auditors. Further, this also includes, getting an enhanced understanding of what type of IT-knowledge that is required today, for the audit team member at a specific level, ranging from associates to partners at Big 4 and Non-big 4 firms. Thirdly, the thesis will also discuss impacts of digitalisation and advanced technologies in auditing and give an update of to what degree advanced technologies has been implemented.This was possible to accomplish through an online questionnaire and interview sessions which implied that seven different types of software are used by auditors where Spreadsheet software is one of the most frequently used IT-tools. Auditors generally use software they are familiar with and a resistance towards new software exists. The study also highlights the discussion if the implementation and use of advanced technologies is as widespread as the auditing firms are picturing it. Additionally, there is still a general lack of IT-skills among auditors, and students seeing a future in the auditing profession would have to take responsibility over their own IT-knowledge increasement alongside with educators implementing more IT-courses for students studying Business administration.