Fieldwork
The Fieldwork module is where auditors execute their work. It provides a rich workpaper editor, test procedure execution, evidence management with chain-of-custody, and AI-assisted writing and analysis tools.
What Is Fieldwork?
Fieldwork encompasses all the hands-on audit activities within an engagement:
- Workpapers — documented audit procedures, observations, and conclusions
- Test Procedures — structured steps to evaluate control effectiveness
- Evidence — files, documents, and screenshots supporting conclusions
- Sampling — statistical and judgmental sample selection
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Rich Workpaper Editor | Markdown-based editor with tables, formatting, and embedding |
| Test Procedure Templates | Pre-built test steps linked to controls |
| Evidence Management | Upload, hash verification, virus scanning, chain-of-custody |
| Version History | Full version control for every workpaper revision |
| AI Writing Assistant | AI helps draft conclusions, summarize evidence, and improve clarity |
| AI Diff Review | Compare versions with AI-generated change summaries |
| Review Workflow | Preparer-reviewer assignment with signoff enforcement |
| SoD Enforcement | Preparer cannot review their own workpaper |
| Cross-Referencing | Link workpapers to findings, evidence, and test results |
Workpaper Lifecycle
Evidence Chain-of-Custody
Every evidence file uploaded to AIIA maintains an immutable chain-of-custody:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| SHA-256 Hash | Computed on upload, verified on every access |
| Virus Scan | Automatic malware scan on upload |
| Uploader Identity | User who uploaded the file |
| Upload Timestamp | Exact time of upload |
| Source | Direct upload, PBC request, or API |
| Storage Path | MinIO object path (never modified) |
| Access Log | Every view/download is logged |
warning
Evidence files are immutable after upload. They cannot be modified or deleted. If a correction is needed, a new version is uploaded and the original is retained.
AI-Assisted Fieldwork
The AI companion provides several fieldwork capabilities:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Draft Conclusions | AI drafts workpaper conclusions based on test results |
| Evidence Summarization | AI summarizes uploaded documents and highlights key findings |
| Clarity Check | AI reviews workpaper language for vagueness or blame |
| Gap Analysis | AI identifies conclusions lacking supporting evidence |
| Policy Alignment | AI maps findings to control objectives and policies |
Getting Started
- Create Workpapers → — Write your first workpaper
- Execute Test Procedures → — Run structured tests
- Upload Evidence → — Attach supporting files
- AI Writing Assistant → — Use AI to improve your work
- Version History → — Track workpaper changes
- Field Reference → — Complete field documentation
Related Documentation
- Engagements — parent container for fieldwork
- Findings — document issues found during fieldwork
- Sampling — select test samples
- PBC — request evidence from clients