Factors associated with the adoption of data analytics by internal audit function
ISSN: 0268-6902
Article publication date: 21 December 2021
Issue publication date: 21 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The benefits of data analytics in the internal audit function (IAF) are clear; less is known about IAF adoption of analytics. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors driving IAF adoption of analytics.
Design/methodology/approach
The Common Body of Knowledge of Internal Auditing Database (IIA, 2015) provides auditor responses on key variables of analysis.
Findings
The results of this study indicate the most critical adoption factor is data-specific IT knowledge in the IAF. Critical thinking skills and business knowledge of chief audit executive (CAEs) also contribute to adoption. IAFs with fraud risk detection responsibly are more likely to adopt. IAFs in technologically advanced cultures are more likely to adopt analytics.
Originality/value
The results of this study document the critical factors driving adoption of audit analytics, benefitting both industry and research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The CBOK in Internal Auditing (CBOK, 2015) database was used for this study. One of the authors of the study is permitted to use the data by the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF). We gratefully acknowledge the support of IIARF. We appreciate the comments from reviewers and participants of 2019 AAA AIS/SET section Midyear meeting, 2019 AAA Southwest Region Meeting and Doctoral Consortium of 2018 International Conference for Information Systems (ICIS). This research is awarded the 2019 FBD’s Distinguished Paper Award in AAA Southwest Region/FBD Meeting.
Citation
Islam, S. and Stafford, T. (2022), "Factors associated with the adoption of data analytics by internal audit function", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 37 No. 2, pp. 193-223. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-04-2021-3090
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited