CYBERSECURITY FOR AUDIT FIRMS

Cybersecurity Risk Assessment For Audit Engagements

Supporting ISA 315 and PCAOB compliance with specialized cybersecurity risk assessment services. Combining Big 4 audit experience with deep cybersecurity expertise for comprehensive IT risk evaluation during financial audits.

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Big 4 Audit Background
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Cybersecurity Expertise
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ISA/PCAOB Compliant
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Efficient Delivery
📊 IT Risk Assessment
⚖️ Compliance Docs
Audit Ready
IT Risk Dashboard
92%
Controls Tested
5
Material Risks
2
Critical
IT Controls Testing Results
The Audit Challenge

Cybersecurity Risks in Financial Audits

75% of audit firms struggle with adequate IT risk assessment during audit engagements

Phase 1

ISA 315 requires assessment of IT environment and automated controls

Phase 2

Audit firms lack specialized cybersecurity expertise for proper evaluation

Phase 3

Inadequate IT risk assessment leads to audit deficiencies

Phase 4

Regulatory scrutiny increases, partner liability grows

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Growing IT Complexity

Cloud applications, SaaS platforms, and remote work have exponentially increased IT environments that auditors must assess

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Regulatory Pressure

PCAOB and other regulators are intensifying focus on IT controls testing and cybersecurity risk assessment

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Documentation Requirements

Audit standards demand comprehensive workpapers documenting IT risk assessment and control testing

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Talent Gap

Audit firms struggle to find professionals with both audit methodology knowledge and cybersecurity expertise

Our Approach

IT Risk Assessment Process

Seamlessly integrated with your audit timeline and methodology

01

Audit Planning Integration

We align with your audit timeline, understanding client's business processes and identifying significant IT applications affecting financial reporting

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02

IT Environment Mapping

Comprehensive assessment of client's IT infrastructure, identifying key systems, data flows, and automated controls relevant to financial reporting

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03

Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Deep technical evaluation of security controls, vulnerability scanning, and risk identification using advanced cybersecurity methodologies

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04

Controls Testing & Documentation

Systematic testing of IT controls with detailed workpapers meeting audit standards and regulatory requirements

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Audit Workpaper Delivery

Complete documentation package with risk matrices, control testing results, and materiality assessments ready for audit file inclusion

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Our Services

Specialized IT Risk Assessment

Tailored cybersecurity services for audit engagements

assessment

IT Risk Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of IT environments, focusing on systems and controls that impact financial reporting accuracy and integrity.

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Automated Controls Testing

Detailed testing and documentation of automated controls within client's ERP, financial systems, and critical business applications.

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Audit Workpaper Preparation

Complete workpaper packages meeting ISA 315 and PCAOB requirements, including risk matrices and control testing documentation.

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Cloud & SaaS Assessment

Specialized evaluation of cloud applications, third-party services, and remote access controls impacting financial systems.

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Compliance Documentation

Detailed documentation supporting compliance with regulatory frameworks including SOX 404, GDPR, and industry-specific requirements.

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Partner Support

Direct consultation with audit partners and seniors, providing cybersecurity expertise for audit committee reporting and risk discussions.

Why Choose Us

The Muratov IT Advantage

Unique value proposition for audit firms

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Big 4 Audit Experience

Deep understanding of audit methodology, workpaper requirements, and regulatory expectations from years at top-tier audit firms.

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Efficient Integration

Seamless integration with existing audit timelines, minimizing disruption while maximizing value to your engagement process.

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Audit-Ready Documentation

Complete workpapers meeting PCAOB and ISA standards, ready for direct inclusion in your audit files.

Risk Dashboard
Controls Testing
Workpapers
IT
89%
Controls Tested
RF
3
Reportable Findings

Risks by Impact Level (Number of Findings)

Critical: 2
High: 5
Medium: 8
Low: 12
Informational: 11
Total: 38
Critical High Medium Low Info Total
Selected: Current Audit

Priority Audit Findings

ERP Access Controls Review
Financial Systems / Critical / Material
Automated Journal Entries
General Ledger / High / Needs Documentation
Cloud Platform Security
Infrastructure / Medium / Requires Testing
IT Controls Testing Progress 78%
info On track for audit deadline
Financial Systems
Access Controls
FS1 ERP Controls 85%
FS2 Financial Reporting 92%
FS3 Automated Journals 68%
FS4 Database Controls 75%
FS5 Backup & Recovery 90%
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check_circle FS1-2: Segregation of Duties
pending FS1-3: Privileged Access
radio_button_unchecked FS1-4: Change Management
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code Testing Results

IT Risk Assessment Workpapers

Client XYZ Corp - FY2025 Audit

1. IT Environment Overview

2. Risk Assessment Matrix

3. Controls Testing Results

4. Findings & Recommendations

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Deep Technical Expertise

Advanced cybersecurity knowledge enabling thorough assessment of complex IT environments and modern security controls.

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Risk-Based Approach

Focus on IT risks that truly impact financial reporting, aligned with audit materiality and regulatory requirements.

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Partner Collaboration

Direct engagement with audit partners and engagement teams, providing expert consultation throughout the audit process.

Why We're Different

Our Unique Positioning

See how our dual expertise compares to alternative solutions

Muratov IT
Audit + Cyber Expert
Cyber Consultants
Tech-Only Focus
In-House IT Team
Limited Resources
Audit Understanding
Big 4 Experience Deep Knowledge
Limited Learning Required
Basic Hit or Miss
Technical Expertise
Advanced Cybersecurity Specialist
High Technical Focus
Variable Generalist Knowledge
Workpaper Quality
Audit-Ready PCAOB/ISA Compliant
Technical Focus Requires Translation
Basic Insufficient Detail
Timeline Integration
Seamless Audit Process Aligned
Separate Often Delayed
Internal Flexible Timing
Cost vs Value
Optimized High ROI
Premium Generic Approach
Hidden Costs Quality Risk
Quick Assessment

Is Your Firm Ready for IT Risk?

Take this 2-minute assessment to evaluate your audit firm's cybersecurity capabilities

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Firm Profile

Tell me about your audit firm's practice

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IT Risk Capabilities

Tell me about your current IT audit approach

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Regulatory Readiness

Tell me about your compliance requirements

Your Firm's IT Audit Readiness

0
out of 100
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Transparent Pricing

IT Risk Assessment Packages

Flexible options tailored to your audit engagement needs

Small Engagements

€5,000+
Up to 5 IT applications
  • check Basic IT controls assessment
  • check Risk matrix documentation
  • check Audit workpaper preparation
  • check Executive summary report
  • check 2-3 week delivery
Most Popular

Mid-Size Audits

€10,000+
5-15 IT applications
  • check Comprehensive IT environment assessment
  • check Automated controls testing
  • check Cloud/SaaS application review
  • check Detailed workpaper package
  • check Control testing documentation
  • check Partner consultation
  • check 3-4 week delivery

Complex/Public Co.

€20,000+
Large/complex environments
  • check Full enterprise IT assessment
  • check SOX 404 compliance testing
  • check Advanced threat modeling
  • check Detailed risk matrices
  • check Complete testing documentation
  • check Board/partner presentations
  • check 4-6 week delivery

All projects begin with a free scoping call to determine exact requirements. Annual retainer options available for multiple engagements with 15-20% discount. Rush engagements available with premium pricing.

Questions & Answers

Common Questions from Audit Firms

Answers to frequently asked questions about our IT risk assessment services

How do you integrate with our audit timeline?

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We align our work with your audit planning and execution phases. Typically, we begin with the risk assessment during audit planning, conduct testing alongside substantive procedures, and deliver final workpapers before report issuance. Our Big 4 experience ensures we understand audit timing pressures and can adapt to urgent needs.

What deliverables do we receive?

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You receive comprehensive audit workpapers including IT risk assessment matrices, detailed control testing documentation, findings summaries, and recommendations. All deliverables meet PCAOB and ISA requirements and are ready for direct inclusion in your audit files. We also provide executive summaries suitable for partner and client communication.

Do you handle SOX 404 compliance requirements?

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Yes, we are experienced with SOX 404 requirements for public companies. Our assessment includes evaluation of internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR), particularly IT general controls and automated application controls that support key financial processes. We provide documentation that supports both management's assessment and your audit procedures.

What makes you different from other IT consultants?

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Our unique combination of Big 4 audit experience and advanced cybersecurity expertise means we understand both the audit process and technical risks. Unlike pure technology consultants, we know how to document findings for audit purposes, understand materiality, and can communicate effectively with audit partners and clients about IT risks.

How do you ensure independence for audit purposes?

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We maintain strict independence by focusing solely on assessment and testing—we do not implement controls or provide management services that could compromise audit independence. Our reports are objective assessments of existing controls and risks, suitable for audit evidence. We work alongside your audit team without replacing audit procedures.

Can you help with industry-specific compliance?

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Absolutely. Our assessments can incorporate industry-specific requirements such as PCI DSS for companies handling credit cards, HIPAA for healthcare, SOX for public companies, and various financial services regulations. We adapt our assessment approach to address the specific compliance frameworks relevant to your client's industry.

What is your typical turnaround time?

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Turnaround depends on engagement scope. Small engagements typically complete in 2-3 weeks, mid-size assessments in 3-4 weeks, and complex environments in 4-6 weeks. We understand audit deadlines and can accommodate rush requests with premium pricing. Our efficient process, developed through Big 4 experience, ensures timely delivery without sacrificing quality.

Do you provide ongoing support during audits?

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Yes, we provide consultation throughout the audit process. This includes initial briefings with your engagement team, technical support during fieldwork, review of findings with partners, and assistance with client communications. For annual audits, we offer retainer arrangements that provide ongoing access to our expertise throughout the year at discounted rates.

Get Started

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Discuss your firm's IT risk assessment needs with a Big 4 audit veteran

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Why Partner With Us

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Big 4 Proven Methodology

Tested approaches from years of audit experience at top-tier firms

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Partner-Level Engagement

Direct access to senior expertise, not junior staff or offshore teams

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Rapid Deployment

Quick engagement setup to meet urgent audit timeline requirements