ACCA Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA) Practice Exam

What is the role of information technology audits in modern business?

1. To overlook administrative processes

2. To assess the impact of employee training

3. To ensure controls over computer systems are effective

4. To focus on financial resource allocation

The correct answer is: To ensure controls over computer systems are effective

The role of information technology audits in modern business centers around ensuring the effectiveness of controls over computer systems. These audits are essential in evaluating how well an organization's information systems function, identifying vulnerabilities, and verifying that the systems are managed securely. This includes assessing the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data, as well as the overall reliability of systems used to store and process information. Given the increasing reliance on technology in business operations, effective controls over these systems are critical to mitigating risks such as data breaches, fraud, and system outages. By focusing on the effectiveness of these controls, IT audits help companies maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, protect their assets, and support business continuity. The other options either misrepresent the scope or focus of IT audits or relate to aspects outside their primary role. For instance, overlooking administrative processes, assessing employee training impact, or focusing solely on financial resource allocation do not directly address the specific purpose of conducting IT audits. These activities might be part of broader change management or organizational assessment processes but do not reflect the core objective of ensuring effective controls within technological frameworks.