Seminar Overview  

Seminar Objectives/Course Content. The communication process is critically important to the internal auditor. Additionally, this process is not an inherent talent, but an acquired skill.

The presentation, format, and contents of an audit report will be influenced by many environmental factors (management style, variety of readers, audit mission, established relationships, etc.).

The responsibilities of the internal auditor are not fully discharged until the customer and management have received the results of the audit work and have responded accordingly.

The auditor's contributions are measured by the increases in operational effectiveness and the efficiency and economy that result from management action prompted by the audit report.

Topics discussed include:

REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES

AUDIENCE ANALYSIS

REPORT CONTENT & FORMATS 

WRITTEN PERFORMANCE INVENTORY
Readability
Correctness
Appropriateness
Audit Report Criteria
Cluttering Phrases
Wordiness
Unnecessary Repetition
Guides for Using Charts, Graphs & Exhibits
Conclusions
Opinion Objectives

DEFICIENCY FINDINGS
Characteristics of Good Deficiency Findings

MARKETING THE REPORT

REPORTING TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Responsibilities
Frequency
Report Formats
Report Contents

Learning Objectives.This seminar focuses on the “Tools,” best practices and expectations of the profession enabling us to become more efficient and effective during the reporting phase of the audit. Completion of this course will result in gaining knowledge about "best practices" and updating the reporting phase of the audit process with professional expectations, including the current International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.

Program Level/Professional Experience - Intermediate. Course is designed for both the experienced internal auditor and those with and understanding of the reporting phase of the internal audit process. Experience requirements: current/past experiences include a working knowledge of the reporting phase of the internal audit process and the demonstrated ability to identify activities associated with the audit reporting phase.

Knowledge Requirements. Internal auditors with some practical experience in the internal audit process.

Advanced Preparation. None required.