On December 1, 2011, Bridgepoint hosted a CAE (Chief Audit Executive) Roundtable addressing the topic: “Internal Audit – Leveraging ERP Technology”. With a panel of industry experts including technology innovators and practitioners, the panel introduced ideas and topics that spurred discussion and dialogue among the attendees.

Our panelists were: Mark Stearns, Senior Director Center of Excellence, SAP BusinessObjects; Troy Saidleman, Account Manager Governance, Risk and Compliance , Oracle Corporation; James Walton, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young, Advisory Services; and moderated by David Roe, Director, Governance Risk & Compliance, Bridgepoint Consulting.

The panel discussed the path to increasing the use of technology/tools in the audit process; the challenges in transforming to more automated data analysis solutions; and examples of benefits gained from embracing such transformation.

A resounding theme by the group was the opportunities to broaden risk coverage and control monitoring through implementing these technology solutions in today’s world of budget constraints. Another theme was the need for Internal Audit leaders to continue developing and improving the technical capabilities of their staff as a critical success factor.