"In order to ensure that the structure surrounding the operational environment is sound, auditors and controllers need guidance on how to take continuous auditing from concept to reality. Drawing on the author's two decades of auditing experience, this book is a 'how to' for building, marketing, and managing a continuous auditing process for companies. It provides step-by-step instruction regarding continuous auditing objectives, a handbook for execution, and tips for achieving better SOX work. Using documented, proven techniques, Continuous Auditing is an essential text for those involved in regulating financial information"-- Read more... Preface -- Acknowledgments -- 1. Defining Continuous Auditing -- 2. Where to Begin -- 3. Continuous Auditing Methodology Development -- 4. Preparing for a Continuous Audit -- 5. Continuous Auditing: Foundation Phase -- 6. Continuous Auditing: Approach Phase -- 7. Continuous Auditing: Execution Phase -- 8. Root Cause Analysis -- 9. Continuous Auditing Reporting and Next Steps -- 10. Action Plans -- 11. Continuous Auditing Conditions -- 12. Selling Continuous Auditing -- 13. Continuous Auditing Challenges -- 14. Continuous Auditing Uses and Users -- 15. Continuous Auditing Lessons Learned -- APPENDIX: Continuous Auditing Guidance -- About the Author -- Index