11. IntroductionThe emergence of information technology has created the need for new business approaches involving the inclusion of electronic commerce, data exchange and the Internet (Elam, Rezaee & Sharbatoghlie 2001:150). As technology expands and the global business community grows closer, demands are placed on the internal auditor for greater visibility into internal controls. This will allow the auditor to expand audit coverage in order to identify and mitigate risk, whilst remaining within the confines of limited resources (ACL Executive Brief 2006:1). This essay discusses the emerging methodology in the field of audit which can be used as a tool to benefit the internal auditor while adapting to the changing environment.2. A Brief Definition and History of Continuous Auditing Information technology has created an intense need for new business approaches that require changes in business practices and transactional processes (Elam, Rezaee & Sharbatoghlie 2001: 150). One of these processes, which directly involves the internal auditor, is the audit methodology called continuous audit. This can be defined as a methodology that allows independent auditors to “provide written assurance on the matter” after using audit reports collected during or directly after transactions have taken place (Kuenkaikaew, Littley, Vasarhelyi & Williams 2012:1 ). According to the Global Technology Audit guide, continuous audit (CA) can provide the internal auditor with the opportunity to go beyond traditional auditing approaches that include the limitations of sampling, timely assessments and standard reporting (Coderre 2005: 4 ).2.1 Overview While a broad category, Continued...... halfway through the document ......r, these advances in auditing can assist the internal auditor in particular by assessing the adequacy of monitoring systems managerial and focusing on high risk areas (Coderre 2005:5). Therefore it can be said that continuous auditing is an extremely useful tool for the internal auditor as its benefits outweigh its challenges. By allowing the internal auditor freedom from the banality of traditional audit systems, the auditor can explore other outlets for critical thinking and can improve at his or her job (ACL Executive Brief 2006:6). PricewaterhouseCoopers, “Internal Audit 2012—A StudyExamining the Future of Internal Auditing and the Potential Decline of a Controls-centric Approach,” 2007 Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), “Continuous Auditing Research Report” , Canada, 1999