Harnessing the Power of Continuous Auditing: Developing and Implementing a Practical Methodology. Robert L. Mainardi

Written to help auditors jump???????start their organization's near???real-time financial data monitoring and sharing capabilities, Harnessing the Power of Continuous Auditing provides step-by-step instruction on how to build, market, implement, and manage a successful continuous auditing program.

Taking concept to reality, author and internal audit expert Robert L. Mainardi presents auditors, company executives, business unit managers, practitioners, and consultants with a complete road map to continuous auditing, from start to finish. Beginning with a thorough definition of the subject, Mainardi debunks the various myths surrounding the process—including the most common misperception that the internal audit department must have the corresponding automated technology to support it—and includes numerous documented proven techniques and instructions for more effective SOX work.

A vital tool to enhance the auditor's skills and abilities, Harnessing the Power of Continuous Auditing's exhaustive coverage includes:

• The definition of continuous auditing
• Where to begin
• Methodology development
• Preparing for continuous auditing
• Root cause analysis
• Action plans
• Problem-solving tools
• Lessons learned
• Selling continuous auditing
• Conditions and challenges

This all-in-one handbook of practical execution provides much-needed, accessible guidance on everything business professionals need to know to conduct and implement a successful continuous audit in their organizations.

ROBERT L. MAINARDI is President of Mainardi & Associates, a firm that creates, develops, facilitates, and administers custom training programs in auditing and risk; evaluates, creates, and implements formal audit methodologies; and consults on critical projects. Prior to forming his own firm, he was a vice president with the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He has written over thirty-five courses focused on continuing education for professionals in the audit, operational risk and control, and accounting fields. He is also a Distinguished Faculty Member for the Institute of Internal Auditors and a featured speaker for the MIS Training Institute.

The auditor's "how to" guide on the continuous auditing process