Contributor

BY MACKIE PODUNAS

FRESH from passing the 2018 CPA Board Exams, I decided to choose audit as my first work among the diverse career choices the accounting profession has to offer. One factor
that influenced me is the opportunity to conduct fieldwork at client sites, allowing me to travel while working—a perfect blend of professional growth and personal fulfilment.

For two years, this dream became a reality. Then came the pandemic, a global crisis that brought the world to a literal stop. Faced with uncertainty, the question arose: how do we move forward?

The traditional means of conducting audits were challenged, but over time, the profession adapted and transformed. From working face-to-face to working from home, this is the journey of how audit has evolved from the perspective of an auditor who witnessed and experienced the shift firsthand.

Auditing the classic way

In an audit, once you are assigned to a client, conducting fieldwork at their premises is highly encouraged. Auditors perform inquiries with the client’s staff and management and inspect documents for testing directly on site. This setup makes the work smoother and more efficient, as both parties are working side-by-side, making it easier to address
concerns and respond to requests in real time.

When auditors are not on fieldwork, they report to the office. Prior to visiting the client, the audit team holds planning meetings to ensure they are fully prepared to execute the audit approach. After the fieldwork period, they document their procedures and reconvene as a team to assess progress and realign strategies if necessary.

As a curious extrovert, this sounded like a piece of cake, but at times, the slice can be overwhelming. While traveling for work may seem exciting, the worsening traffic and rising transportation costs can quickly take the joy out of it. Moreover, the time and energy required to meet different people in various locations, often at unpredictable hours and over several days, can truly test one’s stamina and social skills.

The traditional approach of a fully face-to-face audit has its pros and cons. Yet never in mynwildest dreams did I imagine it would be put to the test by a global pandemic.

Auditing the virtual way

A significant part of audit work traditionally relies on face-to-face interactions from fieldwork to client meetings. So, when news of the pandemic broke, it came as a shock to everyone. Shortly after, communications were sent out announcing an imminent lockdown, forcing us to work from home as soon as possible.

The concept of working remotely in audit was somehow unfamiliar to many of us. After all,
how could we perform our procedures without being physically present for fieldwork? That’s
when the virtual space became an essential tool. Meetings shifted online, documentation
was done through shared digital platforms, and even inventory counts were conducted
virtually. On my end, I simply need to ensure a stable internet connection and set up a
conducive workspace.

The rise of technology, particularly cloud-based systems and online communication tools,
has transformed the way we approach audit work. While the pandemic was one of the most
challenging scenarios we could have imagined, it also sparked innovation in our processes.
What we once considered effective was further enhanced by technology, leading to faster
workflows and more accurate results.

In hindsight, the crisis became a catalyst for change. It pushed the boundaries of what was
possible in audit and opened doors to more agile, tech-driven practices that continue to
shape the future of our profession.

Auditing in More Ways Than One

Fast forward to the post-pandemic era, and audit firms have gradually begun encouraging employees to return to the office. However, many auditors have grown accustomed to working from home—and with good reason. Remote work has proven to be effective in
terms of productivity and employee responsiveness. This shift presents a new challenge for
the profession: how do we encourage people to return to traditional office setups?

The answer lies in embracing a hybrid approach. By merging face-to-face interactions with
remote work, we’ve discovered a balanced and more efficient way of operating. Onsite
procedures such as client meetings and fieldwork remain essential, but when combined
with technology-driven tools, audit work becomes more streamlined and effective.

Firms nowadays have adopted hybrid work schedules, where employees spend part of the
week in the office or on-site with clients and the remaining days working from home. This
setup offers flexibility while maintaining the quality of our audit processes. It also works well
for me, as I often have engagements that require personal interaction. On some days, I am
able to focus on my deliverables from the comfort of my home.

Moreover, the use of a cloud-based application for audit documentation and responses has
significantly improved our workflow. Other tasks that were once manual, such as audit sampling, document vouching, and completing disclosure checklists, are now faster and smoother thanks to digital solutions. Navigating these tools has been a smooth and seamless experience, making it easy to adapt as we transition away from conventional methods.

Now, I not only enjoy the opportunity to travel for work, but I can also maximize my
Lproductivity from home thanks to technological advancements that have enhanced our audit
methodologies for seamless performance.

The evolution of audit work is no longer just about adapting to change; it’s about leveraging
it. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, we’re auditing in more ways
than one—and doing it better than ever.

The future of audit

The current landscape of audit practice looks promising. The emergence of artificial
intelligence (AI) has added a new layer of innovation, making the profession even more
dynamic. Admittedly, I was initially skeptical about AI, viewing it as a potential threat that
might eventually replace us. However, after exploring its capabilities and seeing how it
supports and enhances the work we do, my perspective has shifted. AI is not here to
replace auditors; it’s here to empower us.

What once seemed impossible in audit has now become a seamless, technology-driven
reality as we move away from purely manual and traditional methods. This transformation is
nothing short of remarkable. It’s a true metamorphosis that deserves recognition. Audit has
been reimagined for the better, and it’s exciting to think about what lies ahead. With
continuous advancements in technology, the future of audit holds endless possibilities—and
we’re just getting started.

James Mackie Podunas is a Manager for the Audit & Assurance Practice Area at P&A Grant
Thornton. One of the leading audit, tax, advisory, and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, P&A
Grant Thornton is composed of 29 Partners and 1,500 staff members. We’d like to hear from you!
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