Professional Development Program: Enhancing Internal Audit Effectiveness

The ramifications of an ineffective audit reverberate through organizational structures, manifesting as process breakdowns, customer discontent, and regulatory infractions. Elevate your auditing acumen in alignment with the globally recognized ISO 19011 standard, which delineates Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems.

Program Objectives

Cultivate the proficiency to meticulously prepare, execute, and follow up on audit undertakings.
Craft factual audit reports and proffer actionable corrective measures.
Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the management system auditing protocols as outlined in ISO 19011.
Foster professional growth and development.

Program Structure

Day 1:
Fundamentals of Management Systems

• Overview of Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems (ISO 19011).
• Clarifying Auditing Terminology and Definitions.
• Methodologies for Auditing Processes.
• Allocation of Audit Responsibilities.
• Compilation of Audit Evidence and Programs.
• Defining Audit Scope, Objectives, and Criteria.
• Principled Approach to Auditing.
• Essential Elements of Typical Audit Activities.

Day 2:
Implementation Phase

• Planning and Commencing Audit Activities.
• Conducting Opening Meetings.
• Effective Communication Strategies.
• Questioning Techniques and Attributes.
• Evidential Verification and Documentation.
• Addressing Nonconformities.
• Simulated Internal Audit Exercises.
• Documenting Nonconformities.
• Formulating Audit Conclusions and Closing Meetings.
• Report Compilation and Dissemination.

Day 3:
Internal Audit Process Definition and Role Establishment

• Framing and Enacting the Internal Audit Process.
• Role Clarification within the Internal Audit Department.
• Distinguishing Internal and External Audit Functions.
• Allocation of Internal Audit Staff Positions.
• Crafting an Audit Committee Charter.
• Review of International Auditing Standards and Practices.
• Assessing Internal Audit Staffing Needs.

Day 4:
Exploring Varieties of Audits and Risk Factors

• Differentiating Operational, Financial, Compliance, Fraud, Forensic, and Information Systems Audits.
• Examination of U.S. Audit Risk Alerts.

Day 5:
Planning and Executing Internal Audit Examinations

• Streamlining Internal Audit Processes.
• Crafting Effective Audit Programs.
• Selecting Audit Methodologies.
• Coordinating with Auditees.
• Evaluating Controls and Accessing IT Systems.

Day 6:
Leadership in Internal Audit

• Attributes of Effective Internal Audit Leadership.
• Leadership Theory and Application.
• Navigating Challenges in Leadership Roles.

Day 7:
Strategic Internal Audit Planning

• Risk Maturity Assessment.
• Designing a Risk-Based Assurance Universe.
• Formulating Internal Audit Strategies.
• Coordination with Assurance Providers.
• Agile Internal Audit Planning and Execution.

Day 8:
Optimizing Internal Audit Resources

• Resource Acquisition and Management.
• Co-sourcing and Contractor Engagement.
• Risk Management in Internal Audit Functions.

Day 9:
Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Perception Management and Stakeholder Analysis.
• Effective Communication and Marketing Strategies.
• Conflict Resolution and Networking Practices.

Day 10:
Insight, Value Addition, and Quality Assurance

• Delivering Organizational Insights and Value.
• Enhancing Organizational Value through Assurance and Consulting.
• Quality Assurance and Improvement Programs.
• Internal and External Assessments for Continuous Improvement.