Introduction

In the era of digital transformation, data plays a central role in business decision-making, risk management, and internal control. As organizations increasingly rely on digital systems and large databases, the need for auditors to leverage data analytics becomes more critical than ever.
This training program, designed and delivered by Global Horizon Training Center, empowers internal and IT auditors with the knowledge and practical tools required to perform data-driven audits. It covers techniques for analyzing databases, detecting anomalies, evaluating IT controls, and supporting digitalization efforts across organizations.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in utilizing data analytics software and techniques to enhance audit efficiency, accuracy, and impact.

Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role and importance of data analytics in modern audit functions.

• Apply data mining and data analysis techniques to large and complex datasets.

• Audit IT systems and databases effectively using automated tools.

• Detect fraud, anomalies, and irregularities using data-driven techniques.

• Evaluate risks associated with digitalization and data integrity.

• Integrate data analytics into the audit lifecycle to support decision-making.

Organizational Impact

Organizations that invest in this training will benefit from:

• Enhanced capability of audit teams to assess digital environments

• Improved risk detection and control evaluation through data analytics

• Greater efficiency and reliability in audit planning and execution

• Strengthened governance, compliance, and assurance in digital transformation

• A culture of continuous improvement through smarter audit practices

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Internal and external auditors

• IT and information systems auditors

• Compliance and risk management professionals

• Data analysts supporting audit teams

• Financial controllers and audit managers

• Anyone involved in auditing digital systems or databases

Outlines

Day 1: Foundations of Data Analytics in Audit

• Introduction to data analytics in the audit profession

• Overview of digital transformation and IT risks

• Types of data used in audits: financial, operational, system logs

• Understanding databases: structures, queries, and relationships

• Tools and software used in data-driven audits

• Case study: Data analytics maturity in audit functions

Day 2: Auditing Databases and IT Systems

• Fundamentals of database auditing

• IT general controls and application controls

• Common IT audit risks and how to assess them

• Access controls, change management, and backup procedures

• Hands-on: Querying databases (using SQL basics)

• Identifying high-risk transactions using audit sampling

Day 3: Data Analysis Techniques for Auditors

• Data profiling and cleansing

• Descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive analytics

• Detecting outliers, patterns, and fraud indicators

• Ratio and trend analysis

• Using Excel, Power BI or ACL for data analysis

Day 4: Integrating Analytics into the Audit Lifecycle

• Planning audits using risk-based data insights

• Designing data-driven audit tests

• Automation of routine audit procedures

• Visualization and dashboarding for audit reporting

• Continuous auditing and continuous monitoring

Day 5: Digitalization, Cybersecurity & Future Trends

• Risks and controls in digitalized environments

• Cybersecurity and data integrity considerations

• AI and machine learning in audit analytics

• Cloud-based systems and remote auditing

• Final case study: Full-cycle audit using analytics

• Wrap-up, feedback, and action planning