As the vaccination effort continues and hope is spreading that we might be nearing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still too early to assess the long-term impact the past year of crisis will have on daily life, the economy, and—as it relates here—the internal audit profession. Now, a Read More
At the start of last year, no one could possibly have predicted how 2020 would play out, and how we all, individuals and organizations alike, would be dealing with one of the most disruptive forces to arise in most of our lifetimes. It’s a safe bet that “pandemic” wasn’t on Read More
GUEST BLOG What is risk appetite? It is defined by COSO as the “amount of risk, on a broad level, an organization is willing to accept in pursuit of value.” Before analyzing that nebulous statement, it is useful to consider why we are even thinking about risk appetite statements. Basically, Read More
Regardless of the level of media focus on the issue of sexual harassment, it is important for an internal auditor to maintain a neutral mindset with respect to their involvement with the company harassment system. This is called “applying skepticism.” In this setting, internal auditors should be more concerned with Read More
Internal audit professional standards require each department to establish a risk-based internal audit plan. When focusing on the highest organizational risks, however, they are often likely to find a gap in the talents and skills needed to execute that plan. Although it may be tempting, ignoring risk-based audit projects when Read More
P acific Gas and Electric Co. is establishing a chief audit officer role and making changes to the job profiles and responsibilities of those who oversee and manage risk at the San Francisco-based energy company. PG&E is expected to exit bankruptcy later this month, after a turbulent time in the Read More
Increases in director-and-officer (D&O) insurance are rising as companies are now paying more to insure their top-level executives in the case of a lawsuit. The increase comes as shareholder litigation rises in both number of cases and size of settlements. With greater risks in the market and more expensive insurance, Read More
As companies look to reopen facilities and make accommodations for operating under the “new normal” of doing business during the coronavirus pandemic, internal audit leaders are assessing the risks and helping their organizations prepare to unlock the doors. Some are still just trying to get their bearings. “I’ve been through Read More
Risk appetite is a critical link between strategy and performance. In an effort to help executives and managers better understand and communication risk appetite, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) issued new guidance, on how organizations can promote risk appetite as an integral part of decision-making. The guidance, titled “Risk Read More
GUEST BLOG As the COVID-19 crisis unfurled, I was rapidly confronted by clients’ requests to rethink the scope and approach of our internal audit activities for the coming months—and beyond. Many questions had to be answered quickly: Which audits are still relevant? Which audits should we postpone? Which audits are Read More
