Technology and Auditors: An Unlikely Pairing

Organizations typically are aware that their auditors can help them address weaknesses in financial management and internal controls. But they can also assist in helping them identify the most important issues to address when implementing new technology.

Speaking to an audience of federal, state and local auditors yesterday at the 2019 National Intergovernmental Audit Forum in Washington, D.C., Jon Minkoff, chief data officer at the Federal Communications Commission’s Enforcement Bureau, emphasized that auditors can play an important role in the implementation of data systems. Because many organizations have unlimited areas that can be addressed by implementing new technology and data systems, they should aim to focus on the important drivers of value. “Auditors can help in this area to see if gains in efficiency can be arrived with new IT systems or upgrades,” he said, adding that auditors “can help an organization’s ability to achieve its mission.”

However, Minkoff warned that while the organization’s management may identify great efficiencies down the road by installing a new data system, unless the entity’s staff is comfortable with it, the system may not be offer the benefits expected. “It’s a huge cultural issue,” he said. “If they are not comfortable with the data systems, you’ve wasted a lot of money. It’s important to get to the truth about what is going on. Staff has to feel comfortable talking to you. You just can say, ‘Get up to speed on this new technology.’”

Minkoff said that people typically are hesitant to accept changes in their regular procedures, so if an organization plans to implement new data systems, it must explain how the technology will encourage progress and offer useful efficiencies. “By demonstrating these efficiencies, you will have more credence, and people will be able to better see the improvements that can be made,” he added.

Further, organizational management should avoid overwhelming staff with too many rules and mandates when implementing new technology. Minkoff explained that organizational leaders should collaborate with staff as to what is expected from them when using the new systems. “Best practices with new systems are better than mandates,” he noted.

Once a new technology is in place, Minkoff said that auditors can continue to help improve its usage. “Auditors are a huge tool because if the staff does not have the proper skill sets with new system,” auditors will identify that in their reports, which can assist management in determining what types of training may be necessary, he explained.

Who knew auditors and technology had such a close relationship?

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