IT Controls - Application Controls Flashcards
List the three types of control totals.
Batch totals
Hash totals
Record count
Define “application controls.”
Information processing controls that apply to the processing of specific computer applications (controls around input, processing, and output)
Define “hash totals.”
An arbitrary total that has no meaningful interpretation outside the context in which it was created. It is used only to validate the integrity of the data being examined.
Define “record count.”
A counting mechanism in an IT system that keeps track of the number of records processed to determine that the appropriate number was accounted for
What is the purpose of validity checks?
To determine whether the data under review is recognized as a legitimate possibility
What is the purpose of processing application controls?
To ensure the processing of data is accurate and as authorized.
What is the objective of input application controls?
To ensure that the input of data is accurate and as authorized
Define “check digit.”
An arithmetic manipulation of a numeric field that captures the information content of that field and then gets “tacked” onto the end of that numeric field
What is the purpose of limit tests?
To determine whether the data under review are all within some predetermined range
What is the purpose of missing data checks?
To determine whether there are any omissions from fields in which data should have been present
What is the purpose of output application controls?
To ensure the output data (and the distribution of any related reports) is accurate and as authorized
Define “batch totals.”
The sum of a particular field in a collection of items used as a control total to ensure that all data has been entered into a system
List some examples of logic checks.
Limit tests
Validity checks
Missing data checks
Check digits
