Maximising efficiency and compliance in auditing: the key role of roll-forward

Julie Sergent

November 6, 2024

5 min

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In the audit sector, efficient management and planning of missions are fundamental pillars. Annually, large firms face the daunting task of reorganising hundreds of audit missions. The solution to this complex recurrence? Roll-forward, a method revolutionising planning within the audit industry.

What is roll-forward?

Roll-forward uses the audit plans from the previous year as a foundation for the following year. This method not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and compliance of missions. Instead of rebuilding each audit plan from scratch, teams can focus on adjusting existing parameters based on regulatory, operational, or strategic changes.

The role of technology

Technology lies at the heart of roll-forward's efficiency. Napta, a specialised tool, automates the transfer of plans year-on-year, integrating intelligent adjustments such as:

Automation of repetitive tasks: automatically transfers audit data from one year to the next, reducing manual entry errors, and ensures that the right people with the right skills are assigned to the relevant tasks.
Adjustments based on regulatory and operational changes: updates plans according to new regulations and past year collaborators’ efficiencies.
Advanced analysis and reporting: provides detailed insights into mission performances, aiding resource optimisation and future planning.
Security and compliance: ensures all data is secure and modifications are traceable, in accordance with regulatory standards.

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Benefits of roll-forward with Napta

Increased efficiency: significantly reduces the time spent on initial planning by automating the management of RF (Roll-Forward). This includes the automatic copying of projects from one year (N) to the next (N+1) along with their planning, thus saving time and enhancing quality.
Improved visibility: facilitates the monitoring and adjustment of missions, thus improving resource management. Napta detects internal changes such as departures, leaves, or grade changes, which simplifies the staffing of roll-forwarded projects.
Enhanced compliance: ensures strict adherence to quality and regulatory standards, facilitating both internal and external audits. This compliance is further supported by the system's ability to adapt to changes in staffing and project requirements.some text

In addition to reinforcing compliance, the ISQM 1 standard enhances audit quality by demanding a systematic management of quality risks. As detailed in our recent article, this involves meticulous planning and risk assessments at every audit phase, aiming for more reliable financial reports. Napta plays a pivotal role by offering innovative tools that streamline these processes, ensuring audit firms meet ISQM 1 standards efficiently.

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Expert testimony: Zelda, audit specialist

"Without a suitable tool, roll-forward can become a manual, lengthy, and error-prone process, especially when it involves adjusting elements such as employee grade changes. With Napta, firms can start from the previous year’s planning, saving precious time. This greatly enhances the efficiency of planning campaigns. My advice: recognise that roll-forward is part of a broader resource management process. A reliable and customisable tool is crucial to support strong internal practices."