Opportunities for Chartered
Accountants
As with any technology, Chartered
accountants need to understand
mobile computing technology from
three perspectives:
A. Using Mobile computing within a
CA firm.
B. Provide consulting services on
mobile computing for clients.
C. Provide assurance services on
mobile computing for clients.
A. Using Mobile computing in CA firm:
Mobile computing can be used by
Chartered Accountants in their own
offices for enhancing overall efficiency
and effectiveness of services rendered
by the firm. However, implementation
has to be based on the overall IT
strategic plan of the firm and should
take into consideration the current
technology deployed, organisation
structure, technical competency of
the staff, services offered currently
and planned in the future, client
profile, usage of technology by clients,
cost benefit analysis, etc. A detailed
project plan with specific milestones
and timelines has to be prepared and
implemented considering all the above
factors rather than just buying mobile
devices with connectivity.
B. Consulting on mobile technology
implementation:
1. Business strategy/business
process transformation.
2. Risk Assessment, risk mitigating
strategy and security at different
layers of technology.
3. Designing security policy for the
enterprise.
4. Access controls at different layers
of technology and for devices/
employees.
5. Application and business process
controls to be implemented.
6. Training to users on risks, security
and controls.
C. Assurance services on Mobile
technology implementation:
1. Information systems audit of all/any
aspect of security policy, business
continuity, environmental access,
physical access, logical access
and application security.
2. Compliance with enterprise
policies, procedures, standards
and practices as relevant
3. Physical verification or confirmation
of usage of mobile devices.
4. Compliance with regulations as
applicable.
5. Network security, Database
security and Penetration testing as
required.
Conclusion
Mobile technology can lead to
transformation of business processes
and how customers are serviced by
leveraging the two key advantages
of location independence and
personalisation. There will a drastic
increase in use of mobile computing
by enterprises. Every technology offers
immense benefits but has inherent
risks. Chartered Accountants with good
understanding of security, risks and
controls of mobile computing can not
only use it within their firm to enhance
overall effectiveness of deliverables
but they can also offer consulting/
assurance services as required by their
clients. However, required competence
and skill sets need to be identified
and enhanced as required. Mobile
computing implementation has generic
aspects which Chartered accountants
are already conversant with but there
may also be technical skills which need
to be acquired internally or added by
using help of technology experts.n
Accountants
As with any technology, Chartered
accountants need to understand
mobile computing technology from
three perspectives:
A. Using Mobile computing within a
CA firm.
B. Provide consulting services on
mobile computing for clients.
C. Provide assurance services on
mobile computing for clients.
A. Using Mobile computing in CA firm:
Mobile computing can be used by
Chartered Accountants in their own
offices for enhancing overall efficiency
and effectiveness of services rendered
by the firm. However, implementation
has to be based on the overall IT
strategic plan of the firm and should
take into consideration the current
technology deployed, organisation
structure, technical competency of
the staff, services offered currently
and planned in the future, client
profile, usage of technology by clients,
cost benefit analysis, etc. A detailed
project plan with specific milestones
and timelines has to be prepared and
implemented considering all the above
factors rather than just buying mobile
devices with connectivity.
B. Consulting on mobile technology
implementation:
1. Business strategy/business
process transformation.
2. Risk Assessment, risk mitigating
strategy and security at different
layers of technology.
3. Designing security policy for the
enterprise.
4. Access controls at different layers
of technology and for devices/
employees.
5. Application and business process
controls to be implemented.
6. Training to users on risks, security
and controls.
C. Assurance services on Mobile
technology implementation:
1. Information systems audit of all/any
aspect of security policy, business
continuity, environmental access,
physical access, logical access
and application security.
2. Compliance with enterprise
policies, procedures, standards
and practices as relevant
3. Physical verification or confirmation
of usage of mobile devices.
4. Compliance with regulations as
applicable.
5. Network security, Database
security and Penetration testing as
required.
Conclusion
Mobile technology can lead to
transformation of business processes
and how customers are serviced by
leveraging the two key advantages
of location independence and
personalisation. There will a drastic
increase in use of mobile computing
by enterprises. Every technology offers
immense benefits but has inherent
risks. Chartered Accountants with good
understanding of security, risks and
controls of mobile computing can not
only use it within their firm to enhance
overall effectiveness of deliverables
but they can also offer consulting/
assurance services as required by their
clients. However, required competence
and skill sets need to be identified
and enhanced as required. Mobile
computing implementation has generic
aspects which Chartered accountants
are already conversant with but there
may also be technical skills which need
to be acquired internally or added by
using help of technology experts.n
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