Advanced ACL Training Course

Advanced ACL for Windows

Course Level: Advanced

CPE Credits: 16

Course Description:

This two day “hands-on” course builds upon the material and subject
matter presented in the Introduction to ACL for Windows and in the
Intermediate ACL for Windows training classes. A brief review of
intermediate ACL and data analysis concepts and topics will be
presented at the start of the course. The course will proceed with the
introduction and explanation of various topics that are encountered by
auditors and analysts when performing data analysis on more complex
data files and/or in more complex information systems environments.
These include techniques for the identification of data that may require
normalization prior to its use with ACL. Advanced strategies for working
with multiple data files will be introduced and explained. The participant
will learn how to design, build and debug standard ACL applications in
order to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in the data analysis
process. Advanced ACL commands will be presented. The course will
also introduce and explain advanced ACL functions not covered in the
Introductory or Intermediate ACL training courses. The participant will
learn how to customize ACL in order to more effectively and efficiently
perform data analysis in his or her particular information systems
environment.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, each participant will be able to:

Understand and successfully utilize advanced ACL commands,
functions and other features when performing data analysis in
large and/or complex information systems environments.
Identify “irregular” or non-conforming data and successfully apply
data normalization concepts and procedures within ACL in order
to produce accurate data analysis results.
Develop and utilize advanced strategies for simultaneously
working with multiple data files.
Develop standard ACL applications to enhance the effectiveness
and efficiency of data analysis operations.
Customize the ACL for Windows software system for his/her
particular environment and/or data analysis project.

Course Balance:

Lecture / discussion: 50%
In-class applications: 20%
Section exercises: 30%

Course Prerequisites:

Participants should have previously completed the Introduction to ACL for
Windows and the Intermediate ACL for Windows training courses or have
moderate working knowledge of the ACL for Windows software system.
At the client’s option, PIA Consulting will provide a “pre-class” concepts/
exercise sheet suitable for distribution to participants prior to the class
date.

Who Should Attend:

IS and IT Auditors, Financial and Operational Auditors, Internal Auditors,
Analysts, Accounting Professionals, Investigators or anyone interested in
enhancing their understanding and use of the ACL for Windows software
system.

Other Information:

PIA Consulting will provide each participant with a comprehensive course
manual containing presentation material, command, function and other
ACL reference material, class exercises, exercise solutions sheets, and
glossary sections.

Course Outline:

Day 1

Day 2

A. Review of Basic & Intermediate
   ACL concepts
  - Common data types and
     structures
  - The ACL Environment
  - Basic ACL Commands
  - Basic ACL Functions
  - Other ACL concepts & features,
    as necessary
B. Advanced ACL Functions
  - Bit and Character functions
  - Conversion functions
  - Date and Time functions
  - Financial functions
  - Logical functions
  - Math functions
  - String functions
  - Miscellaneous functions
C. Advanced ACL Commands
  - Assign command
  - Calculate command
  - Dialog command
  - Merge command
  - Pause command
  - Various other ACL commands

D. Data Normalization Techniques
  - Data Normalization (DN)
     defined
  - ACL functions useful for DN
  - Practical applications for DN

E. Advanced Strategies for
   Working with Multiple Data Files

F. Advanced Uses for Scripts &
  Groups

G. Building Standard Applications
    in ACL
  - ACL Applications defined
  - Creating ACL Applications
  - Using ACL Applications

H. Customizing ACL
  - Customization/Settings defined
  - ACL default settings

I. Comprehensive Class Exercise

J. Course Wrap-up & Discussion