How Schneider Downs modernized its audit practice with Caseware

Lindzee Budz, Senior Manager, Innovation & Transformation at Schneider Downs, shares how the firm’s audit teams are working with DAS Audit. From a rigorous selection process to real-time collaboration in the cloud, she explains what has made the biggest difference and where she sees AI fitting in next.

Why did Schneider Downs choose Caseware to modernize its audit practice?

When Schneider Downs set out to modernize its audit practice, the firm wanted software that was integrated, cloud-based and flexible enough to keep pace with where the profession is heading. Lindzee Budz, who helped lead the evaluation, describes a thorough selection process that included a detailed scorecard, multiple meetings and debriefs, and an evaluation team made up of both long-tenured partners and newer staff. Caseware’s integrated methodology, its dynamic capabilities, and demos of upcoming features stood out and got the team excited.

Focusing on required work instead of repeating last year's binder

Since adopting Caseware, the firm has seen a shift in how audits are run. Because the software walks teams through understanding the entity and its internal controls before they reach procedures, the firm now focuses only on the work that’s actually required instead of repeating last year’s binder. Budz notes that once the upfront work is done, the fieldwork goes much more smoothly.

What changes when a team moves from desktop to cloud audit software?

Moving from desktop to the cloud has also changed how teams work together. Having multiple people edit the same form at the same time was a new experience for the firm. Looking ahead, Budz sees AI technology as a way to free up staff time so junior team members can engage with clients and build advisory skills earlier in their careers.