Global Audit Community Explored Data-Driven Efficiency at ITWG e-Seminar on 14 April

More than 250 audit professionals from over 50 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) around the world came together on 14 April 2026 for the ITWG e-Seminar “From Data to Findings – Shortcuts for Audit Efficiency”. The event highlighted innovative approaches to data analytics and automation, showcasing how technology is helping auditors work smarter and deliver deeper insights.

Participants explored a variety of practical data use cases and analytical methodologies, sharing experiences on how data-driven techniques can increase audit efficiency, broaden audit coverage, and enhance the value of audit findings.

Key takeaways:

• Efficiency does not begin with the most fashionable techniques or massive datasets, but with clarity of purpose and readiness to learn;
• Better results are achieved when methods are grounded in real audit needs, and are usable and scalable;
• Existing data sources and automation methods can offer valuable shortcuts – auditors do not always need to start from zero;
• Tools, habits and partnerships can be important accelerators in turning data into relevant audit findings.

A key highlight of the seminar was the panel discussion “Automation of Auditing – How Not to Reinvent the Bicycle?” The session brought together Mr Karl Annus from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Jonas Klos from SAI Germany, and Ms Terje Trasberg from the Estonian National Statistics Agency. Moderated by Mr Alvar Nõuakas of the National Audit Office of Estonia, the discussion examined how auditors can leverage automation, build on existing solutions, and avoid duplicating efforts when introducing new technologies.

All seminar materials, including the report, presentations, and video recordings, are available on our website. Please note that users must be logged in to access the content.