September 10, 2025

Module 1: Technology Trends Shaping the Audit Landscape

This session will cover definitions and applications of six technologies for audit practitioners to be aware of: 

• Artificial awareness and machine learning 
• Blockchain 
• Cybersecurity  
• Internet of Things 
• Robotic Process Automation 
• Big Data and Analytics 

Module 2: Risks Associated with Audit Clients’ Use of AI

• Be aware of risks associated with client’s use of AI in their financial reporting processes. 
• Maintain professional skepticism and exercise professional judgement in assessing the accuracy and reliability of all information.  
• Ensure that audit judgements are not unduly influenced by flawed or incomplete data  
• Implement CAS 315 revised (technology components in Appendix 5 and 6)

Module 3: The Use of AI and Technology in Audit

• Maintain a heightened level of professional skepticism and not rely solely on AI-generated conclusions.
• Consider the risks, limitations and potential bias associated with each AI-enabled tool.
• Participate in ongoing training to effectively use and interpret AI outputs.
• Adhere to firm policies regarding AI-enabled tool use.
• Evaluate ethical considerations related to the use of AI.

CPAB Audit Risk Alert – Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications in the Audit

Module 4: Benefits of AI and Other Tech-Enabled Audit Tools

• Potential to quickly process information, enabling auditors to focus their time on the more complex and judgment-based aspects of an audit.
• Potential use cases for audit: 
  • Audit software for increased efficiency (e.g. Datasnipper other relevant tools).
  • Data analytics tools for greater audit insight – AI and ML revolutionizing analytics.
  • GenAI for assistance with research and compliance.

Module 5: Firm-Level Roles and Responsibilities Relating to the Use of AI-Enabled Tools

Developing policies, processes and guidance on the appropriate use of AI-enabled tools for individual audit engagements, and monitoring compliance. For example: 

• Ensuring that AI-enabled tools are programmed to follow relevant ethical guidelines and frameworks. This could include an assessment of the ethical parameters defined by the programmers and developers of the tool. 
• Establishing guidance to assist auditors to comply with all relevant ethical and professional standards when using firm certified AI-enabled tools. 
• Certifying and testing all tools in accordance with CSQM 1standards. This includes assessing the accuracy and reliability of the tool as well as risks associated with use. 
• Managing deployment and use of tools used by auditors, including providing relevant training prior to use. 
• Monitoring usage patterns, functionality and ensuring tools used are fit for purpose. This includes identification of issues or risks that arise when the tool is used by auditors. 
• Ongoing evaluation and monitoring of the impact that AI-enabled tools have on audit quality.

Module 6: Auditor Roles and Responsibilities

• Participate in training to understand the capabilities and limitations of the AI-enabled tool being used. 
• Determine whether the tool is appropriate, based on the specific facts and circumstances of the audit engagement. 
• Test the completeness and reliability of the underlying data being used by the AI-enabled tool. 
• Review the output of the AI-enabled tool to ensure it captures the specific facts and circumstances of the audit and to remain skeptical of any underlying bias that may exist. 
• Verify the accuracy of any reference to, or interpretation of, professional standards, firm guidance or other methodology that was obtained by querying a GPT language model.

Module 7: Next Steps: AI and Technology For Your Firm

• Develop your technology strategy and infrastructure.
• Develop a change management program.
• Invest in continuous skills development.
• Focus on your talent pipeline.
• Set guidelines and governance standards.