Auditing with data: for Performance Auditors and Internal Auditors that use (or want to use) data

Guest: Hassan Jan, Senior Audit Manager at Fidelity Canada.

Hassan takes us through his journey as a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) who gradually developed a keen interest in data analytics while working in internal audit departments. He shares how he currently uses data analytics and other forms of machine learning to enhance Fidelity Canada's capabilities and practices.

The conversation soon goes into the weeds of internal auditing, as Hassan discusses the use cases for internal audit data analytics. From board reporting to continuous monitoring in different organizations, Hassan presents a broad view of the audit landscape through the lens of data analytics.

We then discuss the potential of large language models (LLMs) and how Hassan aims to implement them into their auditing workflow. From writing audit reports to creating risk and control matrices, Hassan is excited at the possibilities that artificial intelligence brings to the audit table.

We delve into challenges, both present and future, faced in the auditing profession - a key one being data literacy among auditors. As technology makes strides and organizations bank more on data, Hassan talks about the need for auditors to get comfortable with understanding, manipulating, and analyzing data - a trait he calls 'data literacy.'

Hassan also shares his hopes for automation in auditing where technology can pull the exact data required for audit tests. As for emerging auditors, he emphasizes honing prompt engineering skills, or learning how to ask AI the right questions, and creativity, for devising novel audit practices.

Though AI presents us with an exciting future, the discussion does touch upon realistic obstacles such as maintaining a team skilled in both audit domain knowledge and data analytics. Hassan observes an increasing interest in data analytics among junior roles, giving hope to the future.

Hassan also shares some hands-on experiences in visualizing data to detect patterns and trends, underlining how this aids in assessing program effectiveness. The conversation wraps up with Hassan's view on the strategic role of AI in centralizing data warehouses and enhancing operational efficiency.

You can delve deeper into Hassan's thoughts and experiences by tuning into this episode. For any queries or further discussions, Hassan invites listeners to connect with him over LinkedIn.