Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Data Analytics for Auditors

Data analytics lets auditors test whole populations, spot anomalies and focus on real risks. This course teaches practical analytics for auditors: obtaining and preparing data, common audit tests such as duplicates, gaps, outliers and Benford’s analysis, visualisation, continuous testing and documenting analytics work.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Sampling a few transactions misses many issues. You will learn analytics techniques that make audits faster and more insightful.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Hands-on exercises in spreadsheets and analytics tools using realistic data sets, case studies and documentation practice.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Plan analytics in the audit process
Obtain and prepare audit data
Perform common analytical tests
Interpret results and investigate exceptions
Visualise findings for stakeholders
Document analytics work for audit files

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Internal and external auditors
Audit managers
Fraud examiners
Compliance analysts
Finance controllers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Data preparation
Analytical testing
Exception analysis
Visualisation
Documentation

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Analytics in Audit

09:00–10:08Benefits and uses
10:08–11:00Planning analytics
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Planning analytics (continued)
11:45–12:53Tools
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Data Preparation

09:00–10:08Data requests
10:08–11:00Cleaning and validation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Cleaning and validation (continued)
11:45–12:53Joining data
12:53–14:00Hands-on

Day 3Audit Tests

09:00–10:08Duplicates and gaps
10:08–11:00Outliers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Outliers (continued)
11:45–12:53Benford’s analysis
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Interpretation

09:00–10:08False positives
10:08–11:00Investigating exceptions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Investigating exceptions (continued)
11:45–12:53Visualisation
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Embedding Analytics

09:00–10:08Continuous testing
10:08–11:00Documentation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Documentation (continued)
11:45–12:53Building capability
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

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The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.