Audit from anywhere: Hybrid and remote work best practices

Establishing a strong virtual infrastructure

Whether you have one remote staffer or your entire team working from home, it’s essential to first establish a strong virtual infrastructure that supports business continuity and security. You can protect client data and enable productive remote work by leveraging the right technology and ensuring the proper internal protocols and security measures are in place.

Key considerations for technology and tools

Audit firms need to select technologies and tools that facilitate seamless collaboration, efficient workflows, and scalability. Key considerations include adopting cloud-based audit software, integrating automation tools for repetitive tasks, and using advanced analytics platforms to enhance data analysis. Ensuring compatibility between tools and the ability to integrate with clients’ systems is also critical. Firms should prioritize user-friendly solutions to reduce the learning curve for employees.

When planning the development of a comprehensive hybrid work environment, consider asking some of these questions to guide your decision:

• What technology will we need? What devices will we need to support that technology?
• What procedures are in place to ensure appropriate permissions are obtained?
• Which processes, activities, and sites can we most effectively audit remotely?
• What privacy and security protocols are available?
• What is the availability of the staff and clients needed to make the process work smoothly?

Remote auditing works best when everyone is working together, even when they are apart. The right collaborative tools can make working remotely feel as smooth and seamless as traditional in-office work, and these tools are the backbone of the hybrid work model.

Importance of cloud computing

Cloud computing is the foundation of a strong virtual infrastructure, enabling tax and accounting firms to provide remote access to critical tools and data while fostering real-time collaboration across dispersed teams. Cloud technology supports simple, safe file-sharing and communication. It can be a game-changer when it comes to ensuring staff working from home have secure access to your firm’s core applications and real-time client data.

Additionally, cloud platforms support advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, allowing firms to automate tasks and generate deeper insights during audits

Data management and security

Secure and efficient data management is essential for remote audits and hybrid environments. To protect sensitive client data, firms must implement multilayered security protocols, such as:

• Encryption
• Multi-factor authentication
• Role-based access controls

Further, establishing robust backup and recovery systems ensures business continuity in case of cyberattacks or technical failures. Adhering to data compliance regulations, such as GDPR or SOC 2, further safeguards client trust and regulatory adherence.

Centralized data management and real-time updates are crucial to ensure your staff stays in sync, regardless of where they are. Software applications hosted on the cloud operate exactly as if installed locally, except the solution provider handles maintenance, updates, and data backups. This setup leaves you and your staff free to concentrate on what’s most important — your clients.

Virtual meeting and presentation technologies

Virtual meeting platforms are critical for maintaining communication and collaboration between auditors, clients, and team members. These tools enable remote discussions, presentations, and review sessions, reducing the need for physical meetings. Features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and recording capabilities facilitate interactive discussions and enhance engagement during audits.

Digital document management and workflow systems

A robust digital document management and workflow system streamlines the storage, sharing, and tracking of audit files. Centralized platforms ensure that all team members work with the latest documents, thus reducing errors and enhancing collaboration. Automated workflow systems help track progress, assign tasks, and set deadlines, ensuring audits are completed efficiently and on time. Secure client portals allow for easy exchange of documents and information while maintaining data privacy and compliance.

Client service and communication

Continued delivery of everything your clients need is crucial to navigating the balance between remote and in-person work. While remote auditing introduces new methodologies and tools, the key is to seamlessly integrate these with traditional in-person interactions to maintain high standards of client service. Consider the adjustments your clients will experience and proactively communicate with them to set clear expectations.

The trick is to start with a client engagement model that works for your firm and finesse your approach to fit each client’s specific needs. The following are some best practices you can use as you begin to formulate your client engagement strategy.

Identify client preferences

There are a growing number of communication methods available to engage clients — many of which we’ve already discussed — including in-person meetings, video conferencing, and phone conversations. While most of your clients would likely be comfortable with any of these, it is equally likely that each of them has a preferred communication method. Uncover that preference so you can fully accommodate it. 

Schedule face-to-face touchpoints

Many business relationships have been managed successfully over the phone, but there is no substitute for face-to-face communication. The same principles that apply to managing a remote auditing team also apply to managing your client relationships. While in-person communication may not be practical with clients who do not office locally, video conferencing should absolutely be part of the initial client engagement conversation. While not every interaction needs to be face-to-face, most clients would likely welcome a regularly scheduled in-person or video meeting.

Manage fieldwork remotely

When doing fieldwork for a client, it is best to schedule it during their regular business hours. If you have clients who like to work from 6 am to 4 pm, you’ll want to plan your fieldwork during that time, if possible. Treat scheduled fieldwork as if you were on site — everybody gets there at the same time and leaves at the same time.

Set clear expectations

Be sure to thoroughly review the entire remote audit process at the start. Doing so will give your clients a clear understanding of what to expect. As always, keep those communication lines open. Communicate early and often to ensure a productive engagement and a favorable client experience.

Leveraging AI-enabled audit applications

AI-enabled audit applications and advanced analytics enable auditors to focus on solving complex client challenges rather than spending excessive time on manual tasks. By leveraging these technologies, audit teams can provide innovative, accurate, and timely solutions, improving client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

At a high level, AI-powered tools enable auditors to perform sophisticated data sampling, identify anomalies, and assess risk more effectively. These capabilities empower firms to provide proactive fraud detection services, conduct in-depth risk assessments, and deliver more insightful reports.

In addition, AI-enabled data analytics tools allow auditors to compare client metrics against industry benchmarks and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. For example, advanced analytics can uncover inefficiencies or risks in a client’s operations while suggesting tailored solutions to mitigate them.

By combining the power of AI with data-driven insights, your firm can deliver value-added advisory services that go beyond traditional compliance, helping clients enhance their financial performance and achieve their long-term goals. This shift also positively impacts staff as more meaningful work often equates to increased engagement and job satisfaction.

Recruiting, retaining, and empowering talent

Advanced audit technology and a flexible work environment can attract more top-tier candidates, and there are several best practices leaders can use to recruit, retain, and empower that talent.

Staff needs: Encouraging work-life balance

Establishing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be harder than you think. The lines between personal and professional time can easily blur, leading to increased stress and burnout. For example, technology like smartphones makes you easily accessible to coworkers and clients — and likely leaves you feeling as though you’re “always on.”

As managers and employers, it is vital that you encourage a healthy work-life balance for your team. As a team member, it is equally important you actively work toward that balance for yourself.

Creative hiring strategies

By broadening the search for audit talent beyond the confines of traditional tax and accounting backgrounds, firms can tap into a diverse pool of individuals who bring unique perspectives and expertise. If you are having a hard time finding qualified candidates, consider expanding the candidate pool to those outside traditional tax and accounting backgrounds.

Organizations can tap into a broader talent pool by adopting these creative hiring practices, bringing in individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets that align with the evolving needs of remote audits. Embracing nontraditional candidates can foster innovation, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive remote work environment.

Training and onboarding for remote audits

In the evolving landscape of remote work, onboarding and training staff — specifically in remote audit practices — become crucial. Unlike traditional on-site audits, remote audits demand a different skill set and knowledge, making tailored onboarding programs essential for integrating new hires effectively.

To ensure new hires are well-equipped for remote auditing, consider the following best practices: 

• Pre-onboarding preparation
  • Provide access to necessary technology and audit software in advance.
  • Develop a detailed onboarding schedule that includes initial in-person or virtual meetings with team members, managers, and key stakeholders to discuss remote and on-site audit expectations.
• Onboarding process
  • Conduct comprehensive orientation sessions focused on remote auditing methodologies, tools, and best practices.
  • Introduce new hires to the firm’s remote audit protocols, including data security measures, virtual client interactions, and digital documentation processes.
  • Offer role-specific training modules that highlight the differences between remote and on-site audit practices, emphasizing the unique challenges and solutions pertinent to remote environments.
  • Facilitate hands-on training through simulated remote audit scenarios, allowing new hires to practice and refine their skills in a controlled setting. 
• Ongoing support
  • Establish dedicated communication channels, such as secure messaging apps, regular video calls, or in-person check-ins to provide ongoing support and address any questions.
  • Offer continuous professional development opportunities, such as webinars on the latest remote audit trends, virtual workshops on new auditing tools, or access to online certification programs.
  • Implement mentorship programs where experienced auditors guide new hires, sharing insights and best practices to enhance their proficiency.

Building a culture of engagement in distributed teams

When it comes to audit work — whether remote, in-person, or hybrid — fostering a culture of engagement is essential to maintaining productivity, collaboration, and team morale. Teams often face challenges such as communication gaps, isolation, and misalignment of goals, which can hinder their effectiveness.

To overcome these challenges, firms must prioritize open communication, regular check-ins, and team-building activities that create a sense of belonging. Leveraging collaboration tools and technology tailored for both remote audits and on-site activities can also bridge physical distances, ensuring everyone is aligned and informed.

When team members feel connected and valued, they are more likely to stay motivated, produce high-quality work, and contribute to a positive client experience. Firms investing in an engaged team culture can enhance employee retention, improve audit outcomes, and foster a high-performing workforce.

Quality control processes for remote audits

Quality control processes are critical for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of remote audits, where the physical separation of teams and clients introduces unique challenges. Unlike traditional on-site audits, remote audits rely heavily on digital tools and virtual collaboration, making it essential for firms to establish standardized procedures and robust quality control frameworks.

Performance metrics and KPIs for distributed teams

Measuring the performance of staff is essential for maintaining accountability in any work environment. Firms should adapt their key performance indicators (KPIs) to encompass in-person, hybrid, and remote work settings, including task completion rates, turnaround times, error rates, and client satisfaction scores. These metrics provide valuable insights into individual and team performance, helping managers identify improvement areas.

Data analytics can also play a pivotal role in tracking performance trends and providing actionable insights. By establishing clear expectations and using metrics to drive continuous improvement, your firm can ensure remote teams are consistently delivering high-quality results.

Continuous monitoring and real-time reporting capabilities

One of the significant advantages of hybrid audit models is the ability to leverage technology for continuous monitoring and real-time reporting. Cloud-based audit platforms allow firms to track progress, identify potential risks, and address issues as they arise. In addition, real-time reporting capabilities enable audit managers to stay updated on the status of engagements and make informed decisions quickly.

Why is this important? Continuous monitoring enhances fraud detection and compliance by providing ongoing insights into financial transactions and operations. This proactive approach improves audit accuracy and instills confidence in clients, as they can see risks being managed effectively throughout the process.

Best practices for review and supervision

Effective review and supervision are essential for maintaining quality and efficiency in audit practices that blend remote and in-person work. Managers and senior auditors should utilize video conferencing, collaborative platforms, and shared dashboards to oversee activities in the office and remotely, providing timely feedback regardless of location. Structured review protocols — such as predefined milestones and regular check-ins — ensure audits remain on track and meet established quality standards.

Firms should also consider training supervisors in managing and mentoring different types of working effectively. By fostering open communication and leveraging technology to bridge gaps between remote and in-office staff, your audit firm can uphold rigorous review standards, enhance team collaboration, and ensure the successful completion of audits in a hybrid environment.

Your next step in audit evolution

In the audit space, AI-powered solutions and cloud technology are the go-to tools for firms looking to effectively embrace remote audit work and hybrid team environments. By improving efficiency, increasing collaboration, and providing quicker, more secure data access, auditors can perform their jobs more efficiently while also providing a higher level of service to clients.

Ultimately, the success of any audit team rests on striking a balance between remote and in-person activities, fostering a culture of collaboration, and harnessing technology that meets the moment.

If you’re ready to embrace the future of audit, check out Thomson Reuters Cloud Audit Suite and Confirmation — comprehensive solutions designed to enhance audit efficiency and accuracy, enabling your team to complete high-quality audits collaboratively, no matter where they are located.