Personal computer systems

• These are economical yet powerful self-contained general purpose computer

consisting typically of a CPU, memory, monitor, disk drives, printer cables,
and modems
• They can be used to process accounting transactions and produce report that
are essential in the preparation of financial statements

Personal computer configurations

• Stand-alone workstation

o This can be operated by a single user or a number of users at different

times accessing the same or different programs
o The programs and data are stored in the personal computers or un
close proximity
o Data are entered manually through a keyboard
o Programming may include the use of a third-party software package to
develop electronic spreadsheets or database applications

• Workstation which is a part of a local area network or personal computers

o A local area network is an arrangement where two or more personal

computers are linked together through the use of a special software
and communications lines.
o A local area network allows the sharing of resources such as storage
facilities and printers

• Workstation connected to a server

Characteristics of personal computers

• It provides the user with substantial computing capabilities

• They are small enough to be transportable
• Relatively inexpensive
• Can be placed in operation quickly
• Can be operated easily
• Operating system software is less comprehensive than in larger environments
• Software cab be purchased from third-party vendors
• Users can develop other applications with the use of generic software
packages
• The operating system software, application programs and data can be stored
and retrieved from removable storage media
• Storage medias are susceptible to virus attacks

A virus is a computer program (a block of executable code) that attaches itself

to a legitimate program or data file and uses it as a transport mechanism to
reproduce itself without the knowledge of the user

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Internal control in personal computer environments

• CIS environment in which personal computers are used is less structured than
a centrally-controlled CIS environment
• Application programs can be developed relatively quickly by users possessing
basic data processing skills
• Controls over the system development process and operations may not be
viewed by the developer, user or management may not be viewed as
important or cost-effective in a personal computer environment
• Users may tend to place unwarranted reliance on the financial information
stored or generated by a personal computer
• The degree of accuracy and dependability of financial information produced
will depend upon the internal controls prescribed by management and
adopted by the user

Management policy statement may include

• Management responsibilities
• Instructions on personal computer use
• Training requirement
• Authorization for access to programs and data
• Policies to prevent unauthorized copying of program and data
• Security, back-up and storage requirements
• Applications development and documentation standards
• Standards of report format and report distribution controls
• Personal usage policies
• Data integrity standards
• Responsibility for programs, data and error corrections
• Appropriate segregation of duties

Physical security relating to equipment

• Restrict access to personal computers by using door locks

• Fastening the computer to a table using security cables
• Locking personal computers in a protective cabinet or shell
• Using an alarm system that is activated when a personal computer is
disconnected or moved from its location

Physical security relating to removable and non-removable media

• Delegation of a software custodian or data librarian

• Use of program and data file check-in and check-out system
• Locking of designated data locations
• Storage medias should be stored in a fire-proof container either on-site, off-
site or both

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Program and data security

• Segregate data files organized under separate file directories – this allows the
user to segregate information on removable and non-removable storage
media
• Using hidden files and secret file names
• Employing passwords
• Using cryptography – this is the process of transforming programs and
information into an unintelligible form
• Using anti-virus programs

Software and data integrity

• Integration of format and range checks and cross checks of results

• Adequate written documentation of application that are processed on the
personal computer
• Application programs developed and maintained at one place rather than by
each user dispersed throughout the entity

The effect of personal computers on the accounting system and the associated risks
will generally depend on

• The extent to which the personal computer is being used to process

accounting applications
• The type and significance of financial transaction being processed
• The nature of files and programs utilized in the applications

Functions in an accounting system

• Initiating and authorizing source documents

• Entering data into the system
• Operating the computer
• Changing programs and data files
• Using or distributing output
• Modifying the operating system

Lack of segregation of functions in a personal computer may

• Allow errors to go undetected

• Permit the perpetration and concealment of fraud

CIS application controls

• A system of transaction logs and batch balancing

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 • Direct supervision
• Reconciliation of record counts or harsh totals

Functions of CIS application controls

• Receive all data for processing

• Ensure that all data are authorized and recorded
• Follow up all errors detected during processing
• Verify the proper distribution of output
• Restrict physical access to application programs and data files

Effects of personal computer environment on audit procedures

• The auditor often assumes that the control risk is high in such systems
• The auditor may find it cost effective not to make a review of general CIS
controls or CIS application controls but to concentrate the efforts on
substantive tests at or near the end of the year

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