Walkthrough
A walkthrough is a detailed step-by-step review process used in auditing and accounting to understand and evaluate how a company handles its business operations. It's like taking a guided tour of a company's procedures, where auditors physically observe and document how tasks are performed, who performs them, and what controls are in place. This hands-on approach helps auditors verify that company policies are being followed correctly and identify any risks or areas for improvement. Similar terms include "process review," "control walkthrough," or "procedural review."
Examples in Resumes
Conducted Walkthrough procedures for accounts payable process at multiple client sites
Led Walkthrough sessions to document internal control systems
Performed detailed Walkthroughs of financial reporting processes to identify control weaknesses
Typical job title: "Auditors"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Auditors
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you plan and organize a walkthrough for a complex business process?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they determine scope, prepare questions, identify key personnel, schedule meetings, and document findings. Should mention risk assessment and efficiency considerations.
Q: How would you handle a situation where walkthrough results conflict with documented procedures?
Expected Answer: Should discuss investigation approaches, professional skepticism, documentation of discrepancies, communication with management, and recommendations for alignment.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation do you typically prepare during a walkthrough?
Expected Answer: Should mention process flowcharts, control descriptions, interview notes, evidence collection, and how they organize and maintain this documentation.
Q: How do you identify control weaknesses during a walkthrough?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they compare actual practices to best practices, look for missing controls, segregation of duties issues, and potential risks.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of performing a walkthrough?
Expected Answer: Should explain that walkthroughs help understand how processes actually work, verify documented procedures are followed, and identify potential risks or improvements.
Q: What questions would you typically ask during a walkthrough?
Expected Answer: Should mention asking about who performs tasks, how often, what approvals are needed, what systems are used, and how exceptions are handled.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of business processes
- Documentation of walkthrough procedures
- Interview note-taking
- Following walkthrough programs
Mid (2-5 years)
- Planning walkthrough procedures
- Identifying control weaknesses
- Process flow mapping
- Risk assessment
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex process analysis
- Training junior staff
- Recommendation development
- Quality control review
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic business processes
- Poor documentation skills
- Lack of attention to detail
- Insufficient understanding of internal controls
- Poor communication skills
Related Terms
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