Auditing plays a vital role in ensuring compliance, managing risk, and maintaining financial accuracy. Yet, many organizations struggle with traditional manual audit processes that are time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale. These challenges lead to inefficiencies, missed deadlines, and heightened risks of non-compliance—issues no organization can afford in today’s regulatory landscape.
Audit software offers a comprehensive solution by equipping finance and accounting professionals with tools to streamline workflows, centralize data, and enhance accuracy. With the right software, teams can improve productivity, reduce risks, and ensure audits are completed efficiently. In this guide, I’ll explore the top audit software options, the features that matter most, and practical tips for choosing the best tool for your organization.
Key Takeaways
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Table of Contents
- Key Features to Consider When Assessing Audit Software
- Our 5 Expert Picks for Audit Software Options
- How Audit Software Can Help You Optimize Your Operations
- Choosing the Best Audit Software for Your Company
- Get Auditing Support, Finance Project Management & More
Key Features to Consider When Assessing Audit Software
Selecting audit software starts with identifying the features that best address your organization’s pain points and goals. Today’s tools are designed to improve compliance, reduce manual workloads, and deliver actionable insights, but not all solutions are created equal. Understanding the must-have features ensures your chosen software aligns with your team’s needs and operational complexity.
Customizable Dashboards and Data Reporting
Customizable dashboards allow users to tailor the display of key metrics, such as audit progress, compliance tracking, and risk assessments, to match their workflow priorities. A CFO might use a dashboard to monitor overdue tasks or key deadlines, while an audit manager may focus on real-time audit statuses to allocate resources effectively. By presenting critical data in an accessible format, dashboards improve decision-making and oversight.
Integration Options
Integration with existing systems like ERP, GRC, or accounting platforms eliminates data silos and reduces the need for manual data entry. This seamless connectivity enables organizations to streamline audits and ensure consistency across platforms. For instance, understanding how to avoid ERP implementation pitfalls can help organizations ensure their audit software integrates effectively with their existing infrastructure.
Workflow Automation
Workflow automation eliminates repetitive manual tasks like assigning follow-ups, sending reminders, or compiling audit reports. This feature not only ensures that deadlines are consistently met but also allows audit teams to focus on high-priority issues. Organizations looking to streamline their financial processes might also benefit from strategies like those shared in 5 Strategies to Speed Up & Improve Your Financial Close to enhance their audit efficiency.
Our 5 Expert Picks for Audit Software Options
Selecting the right audit software depends on your organization’s unique needs and operational priorities. Below, I’ve outlined the top tools and their key benefits, helping you find the best match for your requirements.
Audit Software Comparison Table
Here’s an overview of leading audit software tools, highlighting their strengths and areas where they excel. Use this table to narrow down your options based on your organization’s needs.
Software | Price Options | Key Features | Target Market | Pros | Cons |
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AuditBoard | Subscription |
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Midsize to large |
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Resolver | Custom pricing |
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Enterprises |
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Workiva | Premium plans |
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Large organizations |
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MetricStream | Flexible pricing |
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Enterprises |
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SAP Audit Management | On-premise /cloud |
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All sizes |
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AuditBoard
Overview: AuditBoard is designed to streamline compliance processes with its intuitive workflows and automation tools. Its modern, user-friendly interface makes it particularly appealing for organizations looking to transition from manual processes to automated solutions.
Implementation & Support:
- Implementation Timeline: 4-6 weeks for basic setup [Source: AuditBoard Resources Hub]
- Training Required: 2-3 days of core training
- Support Options: 24/7 customer support, dedicated success manager
- Mobile Capabilities: Native iOS and Android apps [Available on App Store & Google Play Store]
Technical Specifications:
- Deployment: Cloud-based
- Security: SOC 1, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 certified [Source: AuditBoard Security]
- Integration Options: 50+ pre-built connectors
- API Access: REST API available
Best Suited For:
- Company Size: Mid-market to large enterprises (500+ employees)
- Industries: Financial services, healthcare, technology
- Use Cases: SOX compliance, operational audits, risk management
Market Recognition:
- G2 Rating: 4.6/5 based on 200+ reviews [Source: G2 Reviews]
- Gartner Peer Insights: 4.5/5 [Source: Gartner Reviews]
- Featured in Forrester Wave™: GRC Platforms
Resolver
Overview: Resolver excels at compliance tracking, offering robust templates and powerful reporting tools designed specifically for large enterprises with complex regulatory requirements.
Implementation & Support:
- Implementation Timeline: 8-12 weeks for full deployment [Source: Resolver Implementation]
- Training Required: 1 week comprehensive training program
- Support Options: Premium support with dedicated technical account manager
- Mobile Capabilities: Web-responsive interface [Source: Resolver Platform]
Technical Specifications:
- Deployment: Cloud or on-premise options
- Security: FedRAMP authorized, GDPR compliant
- Integration Options: 30+ enterprise system connectors
- API Access: Full REST API suite
Best Suited For:
- Company Size: Large enterprises (1000+ employees)
- Industries: Banking, insurance, government
- Use Cases: Enterprise risk management, compliance monitoring
Market Recognition:
- IDC MarketScape: Leader in GRC Platforms [Source: IDC Report]
- Featured in Forrester Wave™: IRM
- ISO 27001 certified [Source: Resolver Security]
Workiva
Overview: Workiva has established itself as a leading solution for real-time collaboration and advanced reporting capabilities, particularly excelling in document control and version management.
Implementation & Support:
- Implementation Timeline: 6-8 weeks
- Training Required: Modular training program (2-5 days)
- Support Options: 24/7 global support, online knowledge base
- Mobile Capabilities: Full-featured mobile apps
Technical Specifications:
- Deployment: Cloud-native platform
- Security: SOC 2 Type II certified, HIPAA compliant
- Integration Options: 100+ financial and business systems
- API Access: REST API with developer portal
Best Suited For:
- Company Size: Mid to large enterprises
- Industries: Financial services, energy, healthcare
- Use Cases: SEC reporting, ESG reporting, audit management
Market Recognition:
- Fortune Best Workplaces in Technology™ 2023 [Source: Fortune]
- Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Leader [Source: Gartner]
- 95% customer retention rate [Source: Workiva IR]
MetricStream
Overview: MetricStream sets itself apart with AI-driven risk analytics and customizable workflows, making it ideal for organizations with complex, data-heavy audit requirements.
Implementation & Support:
- Implementation Timeline: 12-16 weeks for enterprise deployment
- Training Required: 2 weeks for core team
- Support Options: Enterprise support with global coverage
- Mobile Capabilities: Comprehensive mobile solution
Technical Specifications:
- Deployment: Cloud, hybrid, or on-premise
- Security: Multi-layer security architecture
- Integration Options: Custom API framework
- API Access: GraphQL and REST APIs
Best Suited For:
- Company Size: Large enterprises
- Industries: Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, finance
- Use Cases: Integrated risk management, quality audits
Market Recognition:
- Chartis RiskTech100®: Top 20 provider [Source: Chartis Research]
- Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ Leader [Source: Gartner]
- Forrester Wave™ Featured [Source: MetricStream Recognition]
SAP Audit Management
Overview: SAP Audit Management integrates seamlessly into SAP ecosystems, offering comprehensive audit lifecycle management for organizations heavily invested in SAP infrastructure.
Implementation & Support:
- Implementation Timeline: 8-10 weeks with SAP experience
- Training Required: 1 week for SAP-experienced teams
- Support Options: SAP Enterprise Support
- Mobile Capabilities: SAP Mobile Platform integration
Technical Specifications:
- Deployment: On-premise or SAP HANA Cloud
- Security: SAP security standards
- Integration Options: Native SAP integration
- API Access: SAP API Business Hub
Best Suited For:
- Company Size: All sizes with SAP environment
- Industries: Manufacturing, retail, utilities
- Use Cases: Internal audits, operational audits
Market Recognition:
- IDC MarketScape: Leader in Enterprise GRC [Source: IDC]
- Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Cloud ERP [Source: Gartner]
- Forrester Wave™ Featured [Source: Forrester]
How Audit Software Can Help You Optimize Your Operations
Audit software provides more than compliance—it transforms operational efficiency by reducing risks and enabling better resource allocation. These tools address many common pain points that finance and accounting teams face through systematic workflows, error reduction, and accelerated processes.
Organizations implementing audit software typically report significant improvements in their audit cycle times, allowing them to reallocate resources to other critical financial operations. This enhanced efficiency not only saves time but also improves the accuracy and reliability of audit outcomes.
Choosing the Best Audit Software for Your Company
Selecting the best audit software requires a structured approach. Here’s how to ensure your chosen tool aligns with your business needs:
- Assess Business Size and Complexity: Small firms may prioritize affordability and ease of use, while enterprises need scalability and advanced features.
- Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Check compatibility with existing systems, such as ERP or GRC tools, to streamline workflows. Learning financial software implementation price negotiation strategies can help organizations manage costs effectively during this process.
- Understand Vendor Support: Robust training and onboarding support can make all the difference during implementation.
- Partner with Experts: Working with external experts ensures your organization selects and implements the right solution efficiently, reducing risks and maximizing ROI.
Get Auditing Support, Finance Project Management & More
Choosing audit software is a critical decision, but implementation and optimization are equally important. At 8020 Consulting, we help organizations navigate the complexities of software selection, deployment, and ongoing use.
Our tailored approach ensures your audit operations are streamlined, compliant, and aligned with your goals. Schedule a consultation today to elevate your audit capabilities and achieve long-term success.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information and independent reviews, visit:
Independent Review Platforms:
Industry Research:
- Gartner® Market Guide for Audit Management Solutions
- Forrester Wave™: GRC Platforms
- IDC MarketScape: Enterprise GRC Platforms
Note: All ratings, statistics, and capabilities mentioned should be verified through current sources, as features and market positions may have changed.