30th May 2011 - Association of Local Government Auditors
Pentana followed on a busy conference period by exhibiting at the 2011 ALGA Conference in Charlotte, NC. This year the ALGA event was hosted by existing clients and friends of Pentana, The City of Charlotte, at the Marriott City Centre Hotel in downtown Charlotte. This was the first year Pentana have sponsored this event. We found it most enjoyable and interesting to meet with so many local government audit departments and discover more about the requirements within this specific area of internal audit.
Once again we wish to thank everyone who stopped by our booth and spoke with us. Credit must go out to all those who were involved in organizing this event. everyone we spoke with had found some real value from the sessions they had attended. We hope to see you all again next year in Phoenix, AZ.
15th May 2011 - Superstrategies 2011
MIS Training Institution hosted their 22nd annual Superstrategies – The Audit Best Practices Conference at the Sheraton Chicago Tower Hotel, IL.
Pentana were delighted to be part of such an insightful and thought provoking program. The event provided delegates and exhibitors with cutting edge information and effective strategies centred around hot-topics that included:
- Maximizing Internal Audit Performance
- A Top-Down and Bottom-Up Strategic Approach to ERM
- Building Strong Customer Relationships and Staying Aligned with the Business
- Preventing and Detecting Fraud and Control Weaknesses
- Incorporating FCPA Risks into the Audit Procedures
- Moving to a Centralized GRC Framework for Enterprise Risk Assessment
- Why Fraud Activities Aren't Identified and How Internal Audit Can Change this Trend
- Social Networking Sites: Best Practices to Control the Risks and Harness the Power
- How a Small Department Added Value Without Additional Resources
Of particular interest were the Keynote Addresses, one of which was presented by Brian Reilly, CPA, Senior Vice President and Chief Auditor, The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Pentana found great value in taking part in the vendor panel discussion concerning future strategies in internal audit products and services. Ken Ebbage, CEO of Pentana had the opportunity to take part in this insightful Panel Discussion, entitled, “Products and Services That Can Add Value.” Ken was able to share his opinion on many useful topics and also highlighting how recent software developments at Pentana are set to address many of the challenges that are being faced by global audit departments. No longer will internal audit departments have to deal with their inability to conduct audits from one country to another because of poor network connections. Pentana Vision eliminates such issues and many more.
It was a great pleasure to meet audit professionals from such diverse and world-renowned organizations. We would like to personally thank each delegate that took the time to stop by our stand and meet with us. We look forward to hearing from you should Pentana be able to help address your Audit and Risk Management needs.
2nd May 2011 - IIA International Internal Audit Awareness Month
Pentana would like to show our support for The Institute of Internal Auditors. The IIA is an international professional association of more than 120,000 members. Throughout the world, they are recognized as the internal audit profession's leader in guidance, certification, education and research. Pentana is proud to be an Industry Leader with the IIA and we are thrilled to take part in the IIA awareness month by re-posting this badge.
The IIA have provided free resource materials about the internal audit profession that are ideal for enhancing knowledge and professionalism. You can find information on such topics as; “Value of Internal Auditing for Stakeholders” and “The Audit Committee: A Holistic View of Risk.”
Click on the awareness badge for more information and a link to the benefits of IIA membership.
2nd May 2011 - Pentana to attend Superstrategies 2011
This month will see the 2011 Superstrategies event, hosted by MIS Training Institute take place in Chicago, IL. Pentana are looking forward to exhibiting at the event this year as it promises to deliver current and thought-provoking content. The Supertrategies Conference will centre around “Meeting the Stakeholder’s Increasing Demands,” with topics like;
- Maximizing Internal Audit Performance
- A Top-Down and Bottom-Up Strategic Approach to ERM
- Building Strong Customer Relationships and Staying Aligned with the Business
- Preventing and Detecting Fraud and Control Weaknesses
- Incorporating FCPA Risks into the Audit Procedures
- Moving to a Centralized GRC Framework for Enterprise Risk Assessment
- Why Fraud Activities Aren't Identified and How Internal Audit Can Change this Trend
- Social Networking Sites: Best Practices to Control the Risks and Harness the Power
- How a Small Department Added Value Without Additional Resources
Pentana’s CEO, Ken Ebbage will also be present and will be sharing his views in a Panel Discussion moderated by Joel F. Kramer entitled, “Products and Services That Can Add Value.” This discussion is scheduled to take place on Thursday May 12th from 8:00am-8:45am. We hope to see many of you there.
Other interesting sessions we would like to recommend you attend include, “Best Practices for Relationship Building” on Friday May 13th at 11:50am, presented by Robert L. Mainardi, CFSA, Founder and President of Mainardi and Associates. At 1:30pm you can also attend Robert’s workshop on “Continuous Auditing” and gain 3 CPE’s. Robert has spoken at several Pentana user conferences and we guarantee you will enjoy both of his sessions.
Pentana will be exhibiting at booth number 201 and we are looking forward to getting to know you and more about your audit management process. Stop by and talk to one of our representatives at the stand for information about how Pentana software can benefit you! We also have a FlipVideo Camera to give away on the stand so come along and take part!
1st October 2010 - Pentana European User Conference 2010 - Underground Strikes
As has been reported recently in the press, there is a planned 24 hour strike on the London Underground commencing at 7pm on Sunday 3rd October. Please note that the Pentana User Conference is still going ahead as planned on Monday 4th.
Transport for London (TfL) are providing extra busses and increasing the capacity for river journeys during the strike. For those planning on travelling via underground to attend the conference, we recommend checking the Transport for London website (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.aspx) before starting your journey.
The nearest Mainline (over ground) stations to the Grange City Hotel are listed below:
Liverpool Street - approx. distance to hotel 0.7 miles
London Bridge - approx. distance to hotel 0.9 miles
Moorgate - approx. distance to hotel 1 mile
5th August 2010 - Pentana User Conference 2010
The Pentana Annual User Conference 2010 is now available for registration. Places are going fast and it is essential that you book now to avoid missing out!
Click here for full details of our two events and choose if you would like to join us in Charlotte, North Carolina or London, England. This year’s events will be bringing you Pentana Vision, Compliance Edition and the latest development to the Pentana Audit Work System v8, plus guest speakers at each event so don’t delay, register today!
27th May 2010 - Pentana Checker for Interims
Pentana are pleased to announce the release of the Pentana Checker for Interims disclosures checklist. This checklist is designed to help experienced accountants check whether adequate disclosures have been made in half yearly interim reports under various regulations.
This version of the checklist was written in April 2010 and covers regulations up to and including:
- AIM Rules effective February 2010
- ASB Half-Yearly Reports (July 2007 best practice statement)
- UK Companies Act 2006
- UK LA Listing Rules (as amended April 2010)
- IAS 34 (as amended for IFRSs issued up to 31 December 2009)
- Disclosure & Transparency Rules
- Audit 1/03
- Combined Code June 2006
- IFRS 1
- ISRE 2410
- SI 2007 No 3495
This checklist uses the Pentana Checker software to improve the checklist answering experience, with the following benefits:
- Interactive tailoring of the checklist, so only relevant questions are asked.
- Easy access to on-screen checklist help and links to reference material.
- ‘Problem’ answers and unanswered questions tracked automatically.
- Easy navigation via checklist filters, dynamic contents window and ‘find’ feature.
- Reporting by exception, for improved manager review.
- Convenience of on screen checklist review, also great for the environment
Contact us now quoting PEN/INTERIMS, to find out more about this member of the Pentana Checker family.
Tel: +44 (0) 1707 373335
e-mail: info@pentana.com
25th May 2010 - Australian IFRS Evaluation
Australian AIFRS Checklist introductory pricing is coming to an end, so take advantage and contact us for your free evaluation today!
This checklist uses the Pentana Checker software to improve the checklist answering experience, with the following benefits:
- Interactive tailoring of the checklist, so only relevant questions are asked.
- Easy access to on-screen checklist help and links to reference material.
- ‘Problem’ answers and unanswered questions tracked automatically.
- Easy navigation via checklist filters, dynamic contents window and ‘find’ feature.
- Reporting by exception, for improved manager review.
- Convenience of on screen checklist review, also great for the environment
Pentana Checker ensures your firm is leading the way in compliance with company legislation and financial regulations to enable accuracy in preparation of final accounts. This comprehensive system covers the Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRSs) and International Accounting Standards (IASs) issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB).
It also covers the Australian equivalents of Interpretations issued by International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and its predecessor body, the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) and domestic interpretations, thus replacing the former Urgent Issues Group (UIG). It also covers the disclosure requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, including the requirements for disclosing entities that are companies.
The Australian IFRS checklist is updated at least three times a year with changes arising from the international standards and relevant domestic legislation. Prices for an annual subscription start at $400 AUD, covering two users. Discounts are available for larger volume orders.
Prices for an annual subscription start at $400 AUD for two users!!! This introductory pricing is only available until 30 June 2010 – so contact us today to organize a free evaluation and to discuss how we can help you
Contact us today, quoting reference PEN/AIFRS
Contact us now to find out more about this member of the Pentana Checker family.
Tel: (03) 9754 4500
e-mail: info@pentana.com
19th March 2010 - Raising the stakes at the 2010 IIA Gaming Conference!
It’s that time of year again, it’s time for the gaming industry to get their auditing questions answered and seek out opportunities for improvement of methodologies. The Institute of Internal Auditors are hosting the 2010 Gaming Conference on the 19th-21st of April, at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas and Pentana is delighted to confirm we will be exhibiting at this event.
Recognized practitioners and industry professionals will come together to share in best practices, gain new perspectives to increase their skill set and broaden their knowledge through speaker presentations and workshops for gaming auditors, service providers, consultants, compliance officers, regulators and other professionals within this market.
The IIA Gaming Conference gives Pentana with a successful opportunity to meet delegates and discover more about auditors’ needs. Furthermore, it allows demonstration of how the Pentana Audit Work System can help meet and exceed the demands of an ever-changing and increasingly challenging industry. We are very much looking forward to attending this year. Stop by and visit the Pentana stand to find how Arizona Department of Gaming use the Pentana Audit Work System.
Don’t gamble with your audit, risk and compliance management, hit the jackpot with Pentana!
5th February 2010 - Pentana to attend IIA GAM Conference
As an ‘Industry Leader’ of the IIA, Pentana is thrilled to announce our participation in the annual IIA General Audit Management Conference, taking place March 29th - 31st 2010. This highly anticipated event will for the 31st year in a row provide crucial information for Chief Audit Executives, Audit Directors and senior management.
Set in the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida, this conference is dubbed “The Essential Experience for CAEs.” It guarantees thought-provoking and vital education delivered through current and interesting speakers and superb networking opportunities with industry professionals.
The General Audit Management Conference continues to grant Pentana an opportunity to meet delegates and discover more about auditors’ needs. Furthermore, it allows demonstration of how the Pentana Audit Work System can help meet and exceed the demands of an ever-changing and increasingly challenging industry. We are very much looking forward to attending again this year. Stop by and visit the Pentana stand, at booth number 110 to find out more information and latest product development in the Pentana Audit Work System.
22nd January 2010 - Launch Announcement of Automated Australian IFRS Disclosure Checklist
Anyone who has experienced one or more of the automated checklists under Pentana Checker will tell you, these automated checklists provide a much more powerful and efficient alternative to the paper-based or Word options. Well now a solution is available for Australian International Financial Reporting Standards also!
The Australian IFRS checklist uses the Pentana Checker software to improve the checklist answering experience, with the following benefits:
- Interactive tailoring of the checklist, so only relevant questions are asked.
- Easy access to on-screen checklist help and links to reference material.
- ‘Problem’ answers and unanswered questions tracked automatically.
- Easy navigation via checklist filters, dynamic contents window and ‘find’ feature.
- Reporting by exception, for improved manager review.
With this flexibility, reviewing the checklist on screen is more convenient than printing the checklist and which is great for the environment.
Pentana Checker ensures your firm is leading the way in compliance with company legislation and financial regulations to enable accuracy in preparation of final accounts. This comprehensive system covers the Australian Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRSs) and International Accounting Standards (IASs) issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB).
It also covers the Australian equivalents of Interpretations issued by International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and its predecessor body, the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC) and domestic interpretations, thus replacing the former Urgent Issues Group (UIG).
The Australian IFRS checklist will be updated at least three times a year with changes arising from the international standards and relevant domestic legislation. Prices for an annual subscription start at AUS$ 400, covering two users. Discounts are available for larger volume orders.
Contact us today, quoting reference AIFRS/WEB and discover how Pentana software can provide the professional, reliable and relevant solutions to your compliance needs!
Tel: (03) 9754 4500
e-mail: info@pentana.com
30th October 2009 - New Tools for COBIT
If you are an IT auditor then you will be familiar with the challenges of how to perform 'real world' audits that address the best practices of the COBIT framework. As with any framework, COBIT is strong on guiding principles and concepts, but rather short on specific tools that will help you to put the framework into practice.
Pentana are pleased to help our customers with the release of two products, for use in conjunction with our PAWS software:
- COBIT Library for PAWS - structured library content that converts the COBIT Version 4.1 framework into a working program of Objectives, Risks, Controls and Tests. This replaces our previous COBIT library. Further information can be obtained from the following link:
Cobit Library for PAWS (PDF)
- Pentana ITAL - a set of IT Audit Libraries that will automate the testing of various IT environments, including Windows, SQL Server, Unix and Oracle. These products are available now. See the download link below for more information.
30th October 2009 - IIA Scottish District Annual Conference 2009
Pentana is delighted to confirm attendance and sponsorship of the IIA Scottish District Conference 2009. This year's conference will be held at Airth Castle Hotel and Spa, near Stirling on the 5th and 6th of November.
The theme of the conference will be "Future Focus" and it will also mark the celebration of the Institute's 50th anniversary in Scotland. There will be a mix of insight and opinion from business leaders, academics and senior audit leaders. As last year's conference was hailed a resounding success with many excellent speakers, we are very much looking forward to attending again this year. Stop by and visit the Pentana stand and speak with our representatives Alfred and Suzanne to find out more information about our latest product development in the Pentana Audit Work System v8.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
19th October 2009 - Pentana N. America Conference, Philadelphia
We would like to say a big thank you to all our North American clients who attended our Pentana User Conference in Philadelphia, USA on 15/16 October 2009. Pentana customers from a diverse range of industries including banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and retail, came together to hear about the progress that Pentana are making and to share experiences with implementing our software.
It was great to catch up with you all and to refresh our long standing relationships with clients who we typically connect with throughout the year through phone calls and emails. We hope the conference added value to your Pentana implementation, and we are already looking forward to doing it again next year!
29th September 2009 - Pentana European Conference, London
Thanks to everyone who attended our annual Pentana European Conference in London on 25 September 2009. This was the first of our two User Conferences held each year, and was attended by nearly 60 clients from across the European region.
We demonstrated our new PAWS v8 release and forthcoming COBIT library tools, and also took a look into the future and our strategic direction for our products. Participants were then invited to share their experiences and to contribute suggestions for future development. There was also a helpful case study presentation made of behalf of one of our major customers, a large Indian bank, on why they chose Pentana and their experiences as a new implementer of the software.
18th September 2009 - PAWS v8 is Released
Pentana is pleased to announce the release of Version 8 of our Pentana Audit Work System. PAWS v8 includes many exciting new features requested by customers, including a new flexible Dashboard facility, with graphical reporting and drill down capabilities, better integration with MS Office documents and numerous improvements and extensions to our optional Web Audit Module.
Existing customers may upgrade to PAWS v8 free of charge under their support agreement. If you don't already use PAWS and are interested to find out more then visit here.