How Protiviti and DataSnipper help clients improve SOX testing
Q: What was your first impression of DataSnipper?
A: Many of our clients keep their control testing and supporting evidence in Excel. We do a lot of transactional testing and SOX support for them. DataSnipper was unique. It was really easy to set up, and could help us very easily and efficiently with our SOX programs.
Q: How would you describe your partnership with DataSnipper?
A: It has been amazing. We’ve held internal training for our teams, and we have subject matter experts who train colleagues across Protiviti and collaborate closely with DataSnipper. Events like Connect let us work together, share our view of the technology, and show clients how it can help them succeed and find efficiencies in their SOX programs and internal controls.
Q: What would you tell a client who is just getting started with AI?
A: We have a lot of clients that are just starting to use AI. I recommend starting with the outcome they want. Some organizations buy technology because they heard about it from someone else or because it’s the trend. Without knowing the value it will bring, they track the number of licenses and how often people use them, but activity doesn’t mean improvement. DataSnipper delivers easy improvement in SOX testing and repeatable transactional testing. It also lets clients look at large data sources, get insight into the population as a whole, and bring that information back to the business.
Q: How does DataSnipper help clients use AI responsibly?
A: DataSnipper provides a lot of training, education, and resources. Partners like us bring that material to clients and share hands-on experience with them.
Q: What does the future of AI look like for audit and finance?
A: It’s changing quickly. In finance, we see AI a lot in forecasting and analytics. In audit, AI is now embedded in the processes, so we have to figure out how to audit it. That means understanding the decisions it makes, the data fed into it, and the completeness and accuracy of that data. We work alongside external partners to make sure we are SOX compliant and that everyone is comfortable with the output.
Q: What is your experience of Connect?
A: It has been great. I was here last year in New York and loved it so much that I came back. The venue, Cipriani, is amazing, the speakers have been great, and the event is well thought out. It’s also been wonderful to connect with peers and colleagues.
Protiviti trains its teams, builds subject matter expertise internally, and takes DataSnipper to clients who want repeatable SOX testing and better insight into large populations. As AI is becoming a key part of the future of audit and finance, DataSnipper looks forward to supporting Protiviti through product innovation, training, and continued collaboration.
