A high-risk user-developed application (UDA) refers to spreadsheets or other tools created and maintained by end-users (not IT) that are critical to financial reporting, decision-making, or regulatory compliance. The IIA guidance on IT risk management emphasizes evaluating the complexity, significance, and control environment of such applications.
(A) Revenue Calculation Spreadsheet
Uses price and volume reports from production, meaning it relies on structured, external sources, reducing the risk of significant undetected errors.
Less complexity and external verification reduce its risk level.
(B) Asset Retirement Calculation Spreadsheet (Correct Answer)
Contains multiple formulas and assumptions, making it complex and prone to errors.
Assumptions introduce subjectivity and risk of incorrect calculations, affecting financial statements and compliance.
No automated controls or independent validations, making it a high-risk UDA.
IIA Standard 2110 – Governance and GTAG 14 (Auditing User-Developed Applications) emphasize assessing high-risk spreadsheets that impact financial decision-making.
(C) Ad-Hoc Inventory Listing Spreadsheet
Used for written-off inventory, which is historical data and not a key financial driver.
Limited impact on financial reporting, making it a low-risk UDA.
(D) Accounts Receivable Reconciliation Spreadsheet
Used by the accounting manager to verify balances, likely cross-checked with ERP or other financial systems.
Since external reconciliation exists, the spreadsheet does not pose a high inherent risk.
GTAG 14 (Auditing User-Developed Applications) – Identifies UDAs with complex formulas, financial impact, and lack of controls as high-risk.
IIA Standard 2110 (Governance) – Internal auditors must assess governance around financial and operational risk management, including IT risks.
IIA Standard 2120 (Risk Management) – Emphasizes identifying and mitigating risks from user-developed applications.
Analysis of Each Option:IIA References Supporting the Answer:Thus, the correct answer is (B) Asset Retirement Calculation Spreadsheet, as it aligns with IIA guidance on high-risk spreadsheets due to complex formulas, assumptions, and potential financial misstatements.
