Best practices in Internal Audit and the new IPPF

Kurssin kuvaus

Internal Audit has now been a recognized profession for 75 years. Over that time key principles have been enshrined in the IIA Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) and standards, newly up-dated for 2017.

At this two-part workshop we will look at the new standards and explore the meaning behind some of the key changes.

• Day 1 will take a “top down” perspective on GRC matters, IA planning and reporting to senior stakeholders
• Day 2 will take a “hands on” approach to assignment delivery and productivity and driving quality

Each day will combine a review of the new IIA requirements with the sharing of good practices and ideas around important emerging and best practices. It will enable participants to have confidence that they are focusing their time and energies on the most important areas and provide practical, proven, examples of ways to strengthen and streamline ways of working that will match the new IIA requirements.

Course programme

 Taking the big picture (Day 1)

New IIA IPPF and standards in 2017, especially:

• Adding value
• Audit planning, coordinating assurance, and when to rely on the work of others
• Contributing to GRC improvements

 Adding Value

• Creating the right role for audit
• Balancing advice, Auditing and investigations

Best practices concerning a risk based audit plan

• The key steps that should be taken
• Expanding the audit universe – looking at emerging issues
• How to ensure you have the correct budget and minimum coverage of key areas
• Assessing skills and competencies (2230)

Co-ordination and reliance (2050)

Best practices concerning in relation to GRC and risk management practices

• What are the hallmarks of good governance and effective risk management practices
• Using tools to share information and intelligence

Communicating with senior stakeholders around themes and root causes

• Key IIA requirements for reporting
• Ongoing Audit Committee reporting

Focussing on productivity and quality (“Hands on”) (Day 2)

New IIA standards in 2017, especially:

• Engagement planning and the need to take into account strategies, objectives and risks
• Being clear about audit criteria (2210)
• The need to have a quality assurance and improvement programme

Driving productivity

• Sizing assignments
• Making the most of existing information
• Using audit software and CAATs (data analytics)
• Knowing when to stop

Best practices for reporting

• Ensuring root causes are clear
• Making recommendations – the auditors role
• Agreeing actions and timescales
• Communicating overall opinions

Best practices for following up audit actions

• Who should take the lead
• Tools and techniques for tracking actions
• The importance of interim up-dates to avoid last minute disappointments

Having a quality assurance and improvement programme and preparing for an External Quality Review

• How it can be a powerful tool for making key changes concerning the role and resourcing of internal audit
• How to learn after each assignment – questions to ask and not to ask
• Team learning after assignments
• Reporting to the Senior Management and the Audit Committee
• Preparing for an External Quality Review

Read more:

Audit best practices and the IIA IPPF for 2017