Managing the Internal Audit Department

This course provides guidance and standards from the IIA for audit professionals and effective ways of conducting audits, from the audit plan to engagement planning as well as execution and audit reporting. These concepts are complemented with innovative tools and methodologies, including data analytics, agile auditing, and GRC software for more efficient and effective audits that add value. In addition to best practices for technical skills for auditors, it also covers soft skills that are critical for an audit leader’s success, including best practices in project management, communication skills, conflict management, and leading with empathy.

The course addresses the challenging pursuit of Internal Audit, becoming strategic partners, and having a seat at the table. Additionally, there is coverage on how audit leaders can play a role and add value in several common strategic initiatives related to risk management (ERM), corporate culture, IT, operations, and others. Finally, the course wraps up with how best to communicate with and report to the Board and the Audit Committee, whether the participant attends Board meetings or is involved with providing input into Board reporting. These concepts will be reinforced with exercises and case studies throughout the course to allow participants to apply what they have learned using real-world examples and situations.

Why you should take this course.

For users with an intermediate knowledge of this topic, and are searching for a deeper understanding of its evolving complexities.

Here are the learning objectives we'll cover.

• Learn best practices for audit leaders to improve audit planning, engagement planning and execution as well as report writing.
• Learn about innovative tools and methodologies for more efficient and effective audits.
• Identify the soft skills that are critical for audit leaders to be successful.
• Understand how audit leaders can be strategic partners to different key stakeholders throughout the organization and support their strategic initiatives.

Here are the topics we'll cover.

1. Governance

   • IIA Standards
   • Internal Audit Charter
   • Key Stakeholders

2. The Internal Audit Department

   • Staffing Strategies
   • Budgeting

3. Audit Talent Management

   • Recruiting
   • Training and Development

4. The Audit Plan

   • Risk-Based Audit Plans

5. Audit Engagements

   • Planning
   • Risk Assessment
   • Audit Recommendations
   • Audit Reports

6. Audit Tools and Methodologies

   • Data Analytics
   • GRC Tools
   • Agile Auditing
   • Agile Auditing Roadmap
   • Agile in Practice

7. Audit Leadership Skills

   • Project Management
   • Effective Communication
   • Leading with Emotional Intelligence
   • Conflict Management

8. Strategic Partners

   • Internal Audit (IA) and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
   • IA and Compliance
   • IA and Operations
   • IA and IT
   • IA and Strategic Initiatives
   • IA and Corporate Culture

9. Audit Committee and the Board

   • Communication and Reporting
   • Internal Audit Maturity and Evolution