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TOPICS / TECHNOLOGY
Information & data management
Data analytics helps auditors gain deep insight
Advances in data analytics allow financial statement auditors to get more in-depth information about their clients’ businesses. Technological advances have the potential to change the audit landscape considerably, but mechanization appears unlikely to reduce the need for skilled auditors.
Driving faster decisions
Continuous monitoring and continuous auditing through data analytics provide internal audit with significant opportunities to provide added value to organizations. As these data-driven techniques grow in popularity, find out how the Hewlett-Packard Co. has used them to drive improvement.
Delve into this
Tips for using Office Delve for file management.
How small businesses can keep data secure
Lisa Traina, CPA/CITP, CGMA, president and owner of information technology security firm Traina & Associates, suggests ways for organizations with limited IT budgets to keep their data secure.
Bringing analytics to life
The use of analytics has been recognized as a crucial part of any decision-making process in businesses. The explosion in transactional and nontransactional data that organizations have access to has made the need for new tools and technologies vital for organizational success.
How to prepare for auditing in a digital world of Big Data
Rapid changes in technology are a reality of the current business environment. In addition to affecting how business is done, these changes present new challenges to auditors. The internet, cloud computing, and the pervasive use of mobile devices enable auditors to practice in a globally connected environment. Technology can be
Five key trends worth watching
Demand for the services of CPAs is likely to intensify in the coming years. But in attempting to meet that demand, CPAs and the businesses they serve appear destined to face challenges in recruiting and retaining talent. These were some of the developments in a forecast for the accounting profession
Excel: The power of mapping
CPAs often have to produce recurring reports, such as quarterly balance sheets, from datasets, such as trial balances. The process can be tedious and prone to error, but an Excel technique called mapping can show the way to better results. Learn more in this Technology Workshop.
Embracing the automated audit
Technology is changing the way audits are being performed, with greater access to data but also more data to sort through. Auditors can remain efficient and effective by employing applications designed to help automate some procedures.
Harnessing the power of the cloud
Cloud computing and increasingly powerful mobile devices are breaking down communication, data access, and market barriers for CPAs, but the breakthroughs also open the door to potential trouble. A panel of technology experts offers advice on how CPAs can make the most of technology while minimizing the risks.
10 tips for implementing shared services
Shared services are being applied to an increasing number of functions. Human resources, IT, and finance were some of the first areas where shared services commonly were implemented. Now sales operations, supply chain operations, and marketing are taking advantage of shared-services platforms.
The top priorities for finance in 2014
Harnessing data for strategic planning, streamlining processes, and bracing for heightened regulatory concerns are the top priorities for CFOs and the finance function, according to a recent report.
Why accountants should own Big Data
Many organizations recognize the value in harvesting data, whether the information is about customers’ buying habits or employees’ performance measures. But some companies haven’t been able to tap into the full potential of business intelligence—that is, getting the right information from the data to make better business decisions. Donny Shimamoto,
Three reasons finance should focus more on business intelligence
Many organizations recognize the value in harvesting data, whether the information is about customers’ buying habits or workers’ performance measures. But some of those companies haven’t been able to tap into the full potential of business intelligence, i.e., getting the right information from the data to make better business decisions.
Cloud Security Alliance endorses AICPA SOC report
The AICPA’s framework for assessing the reliability of a cloud provider’s technology and systems controls has won the endorsement of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), a not-for-profit coalition with members including Google, Microsoft, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and PwC. The AICPA is a CSA affiliate member. In a position paper released
Online shopping sends business productivity down the Amazon
With the arrival of the holiday shopping season, the analysis of a particular work email account serves as a cautionary tale to employers. Barb Bowes, a human resources consultant and president of Legacy Bowes Group in Winnipeg, Manitoba, offered the example of a company that found an average of 35
COSO sheds light on managing cloud risks
Management should begin control-related activities before an organization contracts with a cloud-computing service provider (CSP), according to guidance provided in a new thought paper released Wednesday by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The paper, Enterprise Risk Management for Cloud Computing, provides a thorough examination of
Data breaches emerge as tech sector’s fastest-rising risk factor
Concerns over technology breaches and data security are soaring among the largest U.S. tech companies, according to a new report from accounting and consulting firm BDO. An examination of the most recent SEC 10-K filings for the 100 biggest publicly traded technology companies found that 71% listed data-security breaches as
Safeguarding Data: Requirements and Resources
Editor’s note: This is a sidebar for “Protect Your Portable Data – Always and Everywhere.” CPAs should understand their ethical, legal and regulatory responsibilities to safeguard data. The following listings direct you to primary sources: LAWS, REGULATIONS Federal laws Federal Trade Commission, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Disclosure of Nonpublic
Features
SPONSORED REPORT
Preparing clients for new provisions next tax season
As the 2025 filing season approaches, H.R. 1 introduces significant tax reforms that CPAs must be prepared to navigate. These legislative changes represent some of the most comprehensive tax updates in recent years, affecting both individual and corporate taxpayers. This report provides in-depth analysis and guidance on H.R. 1.
From The Tax Adviser
September 30, 2025
Current developments in taxation of individuals: Part 1
August 30, 2025
2025 tax software survey
July 31, 2025
