Improving the audit process by introducing analytical features to openESEA

Abstract

Worldwide, the duty for accountability is an important concern and thus sustainability reporting takes a central place in an organization. The information that is provided will also need to be audited. Not only does auditing have a positive effect on the organization, but it also ensures that the audited information is correct and reliable. This research contributes to explore what the audit and assurance process consists of on non- financial data, in other words ethical, social and environmental accounting (ESEA). To accomplish this, a generic model was developed through the examination of 10 different ESEA methods. The 10 methods were selected on specific criteria. Next, we looked at which activities in the process of the generic model could be improved. By analyzing the generic model, it was found that recommending specific information (indicators) for further audit can be an area for improvement. The improvements are performed by introducing analytical features, in particular Computer Assisted Audit Tools and Techniques. The CAATTs, were chosen based on the current state of the openESEA tool. Among various techniques, three techniques have been implemented in openESEA, namely scoring scheme, anomaly detection and visualization. Subsequently, we looked at the usability and applicability of the functionalities through internal and external validation with experts. All in all, this research has led towards improving the audit process and introducing appropriate analytical features in OpenESEA.