Enhancing Risk Assessment in Internal Audit Through Continuous Auditing: A Data Analytics Perspective
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2025-07-08
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en
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This study explores the transformation of internal audit functions driven by technological change and evolving strategic expectations, with a focus on continuous auditing (CA) and data analytics. It addresses a research gap by examining how organizations implement these tools, redefine effectiveness, and respond to related operational and institutional challenges. A qualitative, triangulated design integrates primary data from 13 semi-structured interviews with internal audit professionals and secondary data from publicly available audit reports across three organizations: Deloitte, UMC Utrecht, and Royal HaskoningDHV.
Using a within-case analytical approach and thematic synthesis, the study identifies seven core themes: the strategic repositioning of internal audit, evolving risk identification, integration of data analytics, adoption of real-time monitoring, implementation challenges, new effectiveness metrics, and the changing role of auditors. While CA enhances responsiveness and strategic alignment, its success depends on organizational culture, system readiness, and auditor capabilities.
This study applies a multi-theoretical lens combining COSO, ISO 31000, Contingency Theory, Resilience Theory, and Sociotechnical Systems Theory to explain how continuous auditing evolves in complex environments. It also offers practical insights for audit leaders on phased implementation, talent development, and embedding analytics into assurance functions.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen