CISA · Question #259
Which of the following presents the GREATEST risk associated with end-user computing (EUC) applications over financial reporting?
The correct answer is B. Calculation errors in spreadsheets. Calculation errors in spreadsheets pose the greatest risk to financial reporting from EUC applications due to the potential for significant financial misstatements without proper controls or testing.
Question
Which of the following presents the GREATEST risk associated with end-user computing (EUC) applications over financial reporting?
Options
- ALack of portability for users
- BCalculation errors in spreadsheets
- CInability to quickly modify and deploy a solution
- DLoss of time due to manual processes
How the community answered
(44 responses)- A5% (2)
- B91% (40)
- C2% (1)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
Calculation errors in spreadsheets pose the greatest risk to financial reporting from EUC applications due to the potential for significant financial misstatements without proper controls or testing.
Lack of portability for users is an inconvenience and may affect productivity, but it does not directly threaten the accuracy or integrity of financial reporting data itself.
Calculation errors in spreadsheets present the greatest risk because EUC applications, especially spreadsheets, are often developed and maintained by non-IT personnel with limited formal testing, version control, or peer review processes, leading to undetected formula errors that can cause significant financial misstatements. These errors can have a direct and material impact on financial reporting accuracy, potentially leading to regulatory penalties or poor business decisions.
Inability to quickly modify and deploy a solution can hinder responsiveness but does not inherently introduce errors into financial reporting calculations.
Loss of time due to manual processes affects efficiency and cost, but it does not directly compromise the accuracy or integrity of the financial data being processed, assuming the manual processes are performed correctly.
Concept tested: EUC risks to financial reporting
Source: https://www.pcaobus.org/oversight/standards/auditing-standards/details/AS2201
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