You will likely find the characteristic of being a good communicator, including the ability to listen well, on just about any list of the top traits of great internal auditors. Internal auditors are always conducting interviews and asking questions, but the real skill happens after a good question is asked—the Read More
As the saying—attributed to management guru Peter Drucker—goes, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” To drive performance, most functions need to measure their operations. In internal audit, some metrics, like the percent of the audit plan completed, often act as a starting point for assessing performance. At the same Read More
Chief audit executives (CAEs) have identified risk orientation, stakeholder management, and team leadership as the top three characteristics of the most effective individuals, according to a survey by Gartner. In April 2023, Gartner surveyed 114 CAEs across 180 areas to identify the most important measures of an effective CAE, and Read More
Last year, the Institute for Internal Auditors announced some changes it was making to its policies covering requirements for continuing professional education (CPE) credits to maintain certain certifications, including Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). Those changes to the Annual Certification Renewal Policy will go Read More
We all know the common expression, “you only get one chance to make a good first impression.” For internal audit, this chance often comes during the kickoff meeting. This introductory meeting will often set the tone for the entire audit. Its primary objective is to align the auditors and auditee Read More
Let’s be honest, sales and marketing skills may not always come naturally to members of the internal audit community. We often view ourselves as thorough, persistent, independent, brave—I could go on and on—but not sellers. Why is that? Why don’t internal audit leaders devote more time to developing sales and Read More
The Institute of Internal Auditors and Deloitte released a new report that provides guidance on how the internal audit profession can help foster an improved culture by assessing an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, beginning with its own function. The report includes actionable steps the internal audit function Read More
Continuing a long-standing tradition that started in the 1990s, the internal audit community is observing “International Internal Audit Awareness Month” this May. During the month, internal auditors around the world share examples of how the profession provides value to organizations, spotlight the profession’s commitment to good governance and risk management, Read More
We recently sat down with Norman Marks to talk about the recently proposed updated draft of the Institute of Internal Auditors’ professional practice standards. In March, the IIA released a draft version of an overhaul of its International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, generally referred to as Read More
GUEST BLOG As a consultant, I review internal audit departments at multiple financial services organizations each year while conducting Quality Assurance Reviews. While my goal for these reviews is to help the internal audit become more efficient and effective, I also focus on providing reasonable assurance that the departments are Read More
