As artificial intelligence becomes central to audit analytics, one reality is becoming impossible to ignore: trust in AI can’t be assumed—it must be assured. Audit and assurance professionals are under increasing pressure to adopt AI-powered tools, whether to meet efficiency demands, comply with evolving standards, or keep pace with market expectations. But beneath the surface … Read more
When it comes to protecting an organization’s financial integrity, both internal and external audits play critical roles. But they’re not interchangeable—and understanding their differences is key to maximizing their value. This blog breaks down the distinction and explores how modern audit teams are using AI to bring internal and external functions closer together than ever … Read more
Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting (ICFR) refers to the framework of controls, policies, and procedures that ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of a company’s financial statements. These controls are designed to safeguard against material misstatements—whether from fraud, error, or process failure. At its core, ICFR ensures that financial statements are prepared in accordance with … Read more
With the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, creating realistic fake invoices has become disturbingly easy. What once took hours of manual forgery can now be executed in seconds—at scale. For auditors, that changes everything. The Problem: Fake Invoices Are Undermining Trust Invoices have long been considered one of the most trusted forms of audit evidence. … Read more
Auditors have always carried the weight of trust—tasked with upholding financial integrity in an increasingly complex world. That responsibility hasn’t changed. But the environment auditors operate in? That’s evolving fast. Today’s audits don’t just face more scrutiny—they face a new scale of risk. Transactions happen in milliseconds. Data volumes have exploded. Fraud and errors have … Read more
The Role of Data Analytics in Internal Audit Internal audit is no longer just about compliance and risk mitigation—it has become a strategic function that safeguards business integrity and enhances operational efficiency. Today’s internal auditors are expected to manage increasingly complex financial landscapes, address rising regulatory pressures, and provide continuous risk insights. Traditional audit approaches—rooted … Read more
As private equity firms ramp up investments in public accounting, they’re zeroing in on firms that can scale operations, boost margins, and modernize service delivery. What sets these firms apart? The strategic use of technology, not just to support daily operations, but to unlock new service opportunities, improve decision-making, and position the firm for long-term … Read more
The IIA GAM 2025 Conference brought together the brightest minds in internal audit, finance, and risk management. Over three days in Orlando, industry leaders tackled the biggest challenges facing audit teams today—rising financial complexity, growing regulatory pressure, and the undeniable need for AI-driven transformation. FedEx’s Jamie Bailey Meziere and ExxonMobil’s Beth Casteel led insightful discussions … Read more
For decades, financial audits have relied on sampling—a method where auditors review only a small subset of transactions to determine overall compliance. But in an era where data is abundant, is that really enough? MindBridge CEO Stephen DeWitt puts it into perspective: “That would be like your entire medical future being determined by a single … Read more
Your data tells a story, and it can reveal irregularities if you know how to read it. Anomaly detection can do just that, helping you find outliers that can point to issues like fraud. Whether it’s a suspicious transaction, a cybersecurity threat, or an operational hiccup, anomalies hold the key to insights that can save … Read more
Related party transactions require meticulous oversight to ensure transparency and trust in financial reporting. If not properly accounted for or disclosed, these transactions can often obscure critical information, making it essential for auditors to adopt robust methods. Given the emphasis and importance of these transactions, they can often be time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, efficiency and … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing financial processes, risk management, and internal audits by enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering collaboration across the three lines of defense—management, internal audit, and external auditors. At the MindBridge Conference 2024, industry leaders like Ryan Mitchell (Chevron), Chris Swanson (Polaris), and Mark Stone (Sealed Air), alongside moderator Michelle Alexander, shared how … Read more
