Technology Skill for Traditional Auditors
By Wale Wahab

The growing awareness of the need to use computers in domestic, commerce and industries has brought about a new turn in the way audit is conducted. Computerization or Information Technology has taken over most of the business activities and has spread over and beyond unimaginable tendencies.

Technology has brought about serious changes that may warrant traditional Auditors (i.e. Auditors who do not possess enough IT skill to perform audit tasks) asking themselves whether their role in today’s world of computer-run organizations can be guaranteed. And if so, what must they do to remain relevant, maintain and expand the scope and quality of their services, and contribute to the new form of wealth in the contemporary knowledge economy.

We now live in a society where change is imperative. Even when we do not wish to change, it is forced on us. To be competitive in this dynamic environment, today’s Auditors are expected to keep pace with the technological issues and opportunities surrounding the development.

Technology has affected the ways and methods Auditors carry out their jobs. Knowing what areas have been affected and which particular technologies have affected the areas is very important so that Auditors can continue to plan their carrier development.

Computerization of Accounting Jobs, Electronic Commerce, Electronic Data Interchange, Internet and On-line Services, to mention a few, have serious implications for traditional Auditors and their works because they have affected how and when information is created, processed, stored, communicated, acquired, refined and interpreted.