Tag: Internal audit skills

Using SPIKES in internal audit communication

Diagnosing Internal Audit Challenges: A Prescription for Tough Conversations

GUEST BLOG POST When I was recently describing my work as an internal auditor to my older brother, a medical doctor, we stumbled upon a striking similarity: both our professions benefit significantly when focusing on Emotional Quotient (EQ) the ability to navigate emotions intelligently—over Intelligence Quotient (IQ), which focuses on Read More

Crafting Memorable Internal Audit Reports with Storytelling Techniques

One of the most exciting aspects of parenthood is passing down the stories and books that shaped our childhoods. With little effort, we often recall our favorite stories and their memorable plots—like the heartwarming lessons from Charlotte’s Web or the playful risks in The Cat in the Hat. But consider Read More

A Guide to Driving Meaningful Change in Internal Audit Culture

As we know, internal audit teams can sometimes overlook company culture when identifying areas of risk and concern. A 2023 AuditBoard report, for example, found that 80 percent of the organizations it surveyed do not actively conduct audits or assessments of their culture. This gap may also point to a Read More

The Top Internal audit articles of 2024

The Top Internal Audit Articles of 2024

Last year in this very same article, I wrote about what I called, “a palpable concern for the future among internal auditors.” As 2023 was ending and 2024 was beginning, uncertainty and angst ruled the day. We were still shaking off the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Read More

Whom should the CAE report to?

Reporting Lines: Whom Should Internal Audit Leaders Call Boss?

GUEST BLOG POST Internal audit plays a unique role in the modern organization. While its leader, the chief audit executive, is usually part of the executive team, it is also expected to play an oversight role in assuring that functions and processes are performing as they should. That oversight role Read More

Determining What Rises to the Level of an Internal Audit Observation

GUEST BLOG POST During a recent audit, I encountered a conflict with a senior internal audit team member regarding the finalization of an audit observation. This team member was keen to incorporate insights from a market survey and customer feedback into our report, specifically calling out concerns over the company’s Read More

Collaborative internal audit

Constructing a More Collaborative Internal Audit Team

GUEST BLOG POST Internal Audit teams today face mounting pressure to address emerging risks, adapt to rapid technological changes, and meet rising regulatory demands, all while demonstrating audit value with limited resources. One way to meet these challenges is through greater collaboration both within the internal audit team and with Read More

What to Look for During an Internal Audit of the Procurement Process

As we saw during the supply-chain disruptions that occurred during and directly following the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement is a critical and fundamental component for just about any organization. A well-managed procurement function can move an organization toward success, while a mismanaged one has the potential to cause its downfall. It Read More

Is Internal Audit Being Asked to Do too Much?

From supply chain disruptions to cybercrime; from environmental concerns to labor shortages, the list of challenges confronting most companies has evolved quickly and dramatically over the past few years and even months. Such speedy developments are expanding the types of risks many internal audit departments must identify and assess. Given Read More

how internal audit adds value

Conversation Starter:
Top Ten Ways Internal Audit Can Truly Add Value and Improve Operations

The aim of internal auditing is to add value and improve organizational operations, assisting companies in achieving their goals. Based on years of practical experience, I believe that clearly defining the specific values of internal auditing is the prerequisite for maximizing its effectiveness. The ten major values that internal auditing Read More