What is a PRIMARY advantage of a continuous audit approach?

The primary advantage of a continuous audit approach is that it enables the IS auditor to review and follow up on audit issues in a timely manner. This immediacy allows for more proactive risk management and the ability to address potential issues as they arise in real time. Traditional audit methods often involve periodic reviews, which can lead to delayed responses to findings or the inability to track ongoing risks effectively. With continuous auditing, there’s a consistent monitoring process that can alert auditors to anomalies or control failures promptly, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the audit function and ensuring that corrective actions can be taken swiftly. This approach ultimately supports better governance and risk management practices within the organization.