Using Visualization Software in the audit of revenue transaction to identify anomalies

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I. Title: Using Visualization Software in the Audit of Revenue Transactions to Identify Anomalies

II. Introduction:

In this project, you will use Tableau, data visualization software, to audit revenue transactions to identify anomalies. The project includes a group component to reflect the collaborative nature of accountants who must work together on audit teams. You will be randomly placed into an online discussion group in LEO. The purpose of the online discussion group is to help one another learn how to use Tableau and make decisions regarding the results of your data analysis. Participation in the online discussion group is mandatory.

After collaboratively discussing the case with your colleagues (classmates) in the online discussion group, you will write and submit an individual report written in your own words and prepare an audio-enhanced presentation to present to your boss (professor).

The project provides opportunities for you to further develop the following competencies:

Accounting Competencies: Risk assessment, analysis, and management Reporting Technology and tools Business Competencies: Governance perspective Professional Competencies: Communication Critical thinking / Decision Making Professional behavior Collaboration

Scenario: You are a senior auditor at the CPA firm of Aoife & Josephine, LLC. Your manager (professor) calls you into her office to discuss the use of Tableau, data analytic and visualization software, on an upcoming audit for a client. She highly suggests you learn how to use Tableau to perform data analytics on sales revenue. Further, she suggests you read the following articles to prepare for this audit:

 Cao, M., R. Chychyla, and T. Stewart. 2015. Big Data analytics in financial statement audits. Accounting Horizons 29 (2): 423–429.

 Raphael, J. 2017. Rethinking the audit. Journal of Accountancy 223 (4): 28–32.  ICAEW. (2016). Data analytics for external auditors. International Accounting,

Auditing, & Ethics. Use as a reference.

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III. Steps to Completion

Step 1: Read the articles recommended by your manager (professor) to gain an understanding about how big data, data analytics, and new technologies are transforming external audits. Step 2: Read the case: Using Visualization Software in the Audit of Revenue Transactions to Identify Anomalies, which is posted in LEO: Content>Learning Resources>Projects & Rubrics. Step 3: Review resources to learn how to use Tableau in Appendix A on the last page of this document. Collaborate with your online discussion group to learn Tableau tips. Step 4: Complete the case requirements that start on page 35 of Using Visualization Software in the Audit of Revenue Transactions to Identify Anomalies. Step 5: Complete one additional requirement not included in the case; an audio- enhanced presentation. Prepare an audio-enhanced PowerPoint presentation to present your findings to your manager (professor). The PowerPoint presentation includes the following:  First slide: Project title and your name  Second slide: Introduction to the project  Multiple slides: Graphs, tables, and other data visualization tools to explain your

findings  Last slide: Summary of your findings and or concluding thoughts  Note: speakers notes must be written under each slide. Use your speaker’s notes

to create the audio enhanced PPT presentation. It should be suitable for presenting to your boss (professor).

IV. Deliverables

Submit all files in your Assignment folder in LEO. 1. Report to the boss in MS Word

a. Using the report template in Appendix C in the case study. b. Include a Reference page and cite all sources in APA Style

2. Audio-enhanced PowerPoint presentation with speaker’s notes

V. Rubric:

You will find the rubric in LEO under Content>Learning Resources>Projects & Rubrics.

VI. Helpful hints  Read the grading rubric before beginning the project to fully understand the

requirements; ask questions about the requirements if needed.

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 All deliverables will be automatically submitted to Turnitin (TII). If you submit a draft version before the due date, you may check back to see the Similarity Score TII generated and make edits if necessary. Only the last version you submitted will be graded by your professor.

 Review the writing resources in Learning Resources under Content.  Consider using a writing tutor by clicking Tutoring Assistance under Resources in

the top menu bar and selecting Submit a paper for review.  Seek feedback before submitting your final version for a grade.

o Ask a classmate, friend or family member to read your report, watch your presentation, and share constructive feedback to help improve your final version.

 It is fine to quote sources to illustrate or support your own thoughts, however, every graded assessment in graduate accounting courses will be based on the content you have thought about and you have written in your own words. To properly guide you, I need to read your thoughts and interpretations and observe you making presentations which demonstrate your comprehension of the learning goals and ability to perform the competencies.

 Submit all required files on or before the due date. Review the Late Policy in Learning Resources. No assignments are accepted after the last day of class.

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Reference Christensen, B., R. Elder, and S. Glover. 2015. Behind the numbers: Insights into large

audit firm sampling policies. Accounting Horizons 29 (1): 61–81. https://doi.org/10.2308/acch-50921 Using Visualization Software in the Audit of Revenue Transactions to Identify Anomalies 35 Issues in Accounting Education Volume 33, Number 4, 2018

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Appendix A

Tableau Tutorials Go to the Tableau.com Website and type Free Training Videos into the search field. https://www.tableau.com/learn/training The Tableau Video Library includes over 9 hours of videos:  Getting Started – 3 videos  Connecting to Data – 11 videos  Visual Analytics – 24 videos  Dashboards and Stories – 8 videos  Mapping – 11 videos  Calculations – 16 videos  Why is Tableau Doing That? – 5 videos  How To - 10 videos

Finding the more relevant video resources is an excellent opportunity for your online discussion group to help each other learn Tableau.