This course introduces analytical tools and techniques to assist you in adapting your audit operations to the changing environment and to ensure that your audit products are viewed as “value added” by the customers.  In this course, you will learn when and how to apply tools and techniques for improving the quality of your financial, performance, and fraud auditing. These tools are based on Deming’s continuous improvement approach and proven quality control business concepts. Participants, working in teams, are exposed to a dozen tools and techniques to enhance audit planning and to make our work products more persuasive. Teams work on exercises in our computer lab.

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of various analysis techniques,

• Apply Delphi techniques, Parento, run tests, frequent distribution, side-by-side bar, contingency charts, histograms, control charts, fish bone charts, flowcharts, brainstorming, benchmarking, and scatter diagrams,

• Identify when to apply each analytical technique,

• Identify required data elements to prepare the analysis, and

• Apply each analysis and interpret results.

The course is designed for Federal auditors, evaluators, and inspectors who want to improve analytical techniques and presentation skills.

Prerequisite: Basic personal computer skills and familiarity with Excel software are required.

Field of Study: Specialized Skills and Applications

Course Level: Intermediate