How will this course benefit you?

The aim of this course is to enable participants to effectively present the results of their internal audit engagement.

Course Objectives

After completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify and develop constructive audit findings
• Discuss audit findings with clients
• Obtain agreement with management to take corrective actions
• State the objectives and methods of reporting
• Develop an audit report outline
• Compile an effective report and
• Provide guidance and constructive feedback on a report

   

  Course Content

• Introduction and Setting of Objectives
  • The Value-add Proposition of Internal Auditing (definition of internal auditing explored – difference between adequacy and effectiveness findings)
  • Case Study: “Auditing the Fish and Cat”
  • Case Study: Participants to complete and explain all sections of a ‘blank’ audit finding template
  • The IIA Standards (Performance Standard 2400) – audit and reporting process

  (Note: pre-course reading will be required relating to the IPPF, specific reference to Performance Standard 2400, 2500 and 2600)

• The Audit and Reporting Process (as per the Standards)
• Sources of audit findings
• Key elements of audit findings (in detail)

• Determining the heading
• Rating the finding
• Identifying the criteria
• Developing and supporting the condition / finding
• Establishing the impact / risk exposure or effect
• Determining the root cause / contributing factors [Note: Root cause will be discussed in more detail to also address the Fishbone brainstorm diagram and the 5 Why questioning technique]
• Developing the audit finding and recommendation
• Recording the management agreed action plan, responsible person and implementation date
• Case Study: Participants to develop the audit finding from the “fish and cat” case study working papers (adequacy and effectiveness findings)

• Audit communication (discussion with management and incorporating their comments)
• Overcoming resistance to change through effective communication
• Agreeing action and resolving disagreement
• Case studies: Numerous video clip scenarios will be used and participants will develop audit findings, which will be reviewed by the presenter
• Developing the audit report (structure for impact)
• Effectiveness of reporting (characteristics of an effective report)

• Writing High-impact reports - 8 proven practices for auditors [objective, 5 Cs, structure/organise, get to the point, sell key points, commitment, conciseness, self-review]
• Case study: Participants will review an audit report and provide constructive feedback in terms of improvement of the report

• Following up on reports (Performance Standard 2500)

(New section included): English Writing Tips (high level pointers (1 hour session)

Case studies: Please refer to “Method of Evaluation” below

Conclusion – What have we learned?

Method of evaluation

• Participants will be required to develop and write numerous findings and to construct a report using the best practice principles learned during the course. The nature of this course is highly interactive and practical – numerous case studies will be presented. The presenter will review the final products for the adequacy and effectiveness thereof.

Who should attend?

Please be advised of the event terms and conditions.
Delegates are also requested to review the content and the levels of the courses presented before booking, to ensure they are attending the right course.