The team from the Labcontas Management and Governance Service (SGL) of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) and auditors representing the supreme audit institution (SAI) of Costa Rica (Controlaría General de la República) met online, on September 28, to share knowledge and experiences on data-based audits. The meeting aimed to address crucial topics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government audits in Brazil and Costa Rica. 

The initiative’s main focus was the discussion of three essential topics: special data-based audits, the use of georeferencing systems to enhance audits, and natural language processing techniques. 

During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to discuss their experiences and challenges as well as the solutions and recent advances in special data-based audits. In addition, they explored how georeferencing may enhance the effectiveness of audits by enabling more accurate and contextualized analysis of geographic information. 

Natural language processing techniques were also a relevant topic since automation and analysis of large volumes of documents and data have become essential elements in modern audits. 

With the promise of more meetings and future partnerships, participants highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and collaborating in a global environment to improve the quality of government audits.