（2007）A Review and Analysis of the Existing Research Streams in Continuous Auditing.pdfVIP

JOURNAL OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN ACCOUNTING Vol. 4 2007 pp. 1–28 A Review and Analysis of the Existing Research Streams in Continuous Auditing Carol E. Brown Oregon State University Jeffrey A. Wong University of Nevada, Reno Amelia A. Baldwin The University of Alabama in Huntsville ABSTRACT: A growing body of literature related to continuous auditing topics has developed. Advances in information technology and web-based applications are mak- ing monitoring and control of operations through continuous auditing increasingly im- portant. The objective of this paper is to describe, summarize, and provide a framework for classifying the contributions of the diverse literature addressing the topic of contin- uous auditing. This paper was intended to provide researchers and practitioners with a background in continuous auditing topics. Our broad view of the literature is also designed to discover areas holding the potential for future research. Research streams are divided into five major categories: demand factors, theory and guidance, enabling technologies, applications, and impacts. Over 80 papers have been identified that re- late to these areas. Many more articles exist, especially in the area of enabling tech- nologies. However, the focus of our paper is the literature most closely related to con- tinuous auditing. INTRODUCTION dvances in information technology have spurred demand for and enabled the means Ato verify the integrity of transactional data. The discipline of continuous auditing has emerged in response to the need for timely assurance of financial