Information technology audit

Quantum mechanics

Big data

Joint audit

Accounting

Power (physics)

Data mining

Computer science

Audit plan

Business

Physics

Relevance (law)

Political science

Audit

Internal audit

Data science

Reliability (semiconductor)

Audit evidence

Accounting Horizons

SYNOPSIS In this paper we argue for the use of Big Data as complementary audit evidence. We evaluate the applicability of Big Data using the audit evidence criteria framework and provide cost-benefit analysis for sufficiency, reliability, and relevance considerations. Critical challenges, including integration with traditional audit evidence, information transfer issues, and information privacy protection, are discussed and possible solutions are provided.

Big Data as Complementary Audit Evidence