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Disruptive technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain will and, in some case, are already changing how we perform audits. Concerns that employing such technologies will displace auditors are unfounded, however there are clear implications that they will transform the auditor’s role and the make-up of the audit team. This session will explore the impact these technologies will have on the audit and provide an understanding of the skill set that will be required to adapt your audit practice to take advantage of the opportunities they present.

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Major Topics:

* What do we mean by “big data” and what are the applications for auditing?

* What types of artificial intelligence are there, and where do we see the most immediate impact on auditing?

* What is block chain and what are its implications for audit?

* What opportunities does block chain technology present to auditors?

* What opportunities do big data and Ai present for audit teams?

* What are the potential challenges in implementing these technologies? What issues will be introduced to create additional complexity in audits?

* How can audit teams better understand issues like data bias? How must an auditor address this issue?

* How will the auditor’s role evolve as a result of new technologies?

* What are the implications for audit standards?

* What new skills will auditors require?

* Will the team structure change? In what ways?

* How can we prepare now to take advantage of disruptive technologies? What resources are available?

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Learning Objectives:

* Understand the implications of disruptive technologies on the audit

* Understand the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies in the short and longer term

* Understand how to prepare to take advantage of these opportunities in your audit practice