NEWS & UPDATES

Sharpening Your Internal Audit Focus in a Fast-Paced World: Risks emerge, processes shift, and new systems are implemented at a pace that demands a more agile approach to assurance. How can internal audit keep pace and provide the timely insights that stakeholders truly need? Enter Real Time Assurance.

This post is about releasing the true value of IA: Issue Follow-Up and Enhancing the Control Environment.

This post is how we transition to the crucial step that translates that diligent work into tangible impact and valuable assurance: Reporting Audit Findings Effectively.

Effective Internal Audit (IA) isn't just about conducting audits; it's a continuous cycle designed to provide assurance, insight, and foresight to help organisations achieve their objectives. This lifecycle encompasses planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up. Today, we focus on the critical starting point: Crafting the Annual Internal Audit Plan.

The true value of internal audit lies in ensuring that these identified gaps are effectively addressed, and that risks are mitigated to an acceptable level. This is where a robust follow-up process becomes indispensable.

A key aspect of a successful IA function is the ability to strategically leverage the work performed by other assurance providers, particularly those within the second line of defence and external advisors. This blog post will explore how IA can effectively utilise the work of these crucial partners, drawing on best practices and the guidance highlighted in our recent internal discussions.

This briefing document provides an overview of the new Internal Audit Code of Practice (the "Code"), released in September 2024 and effective from January 2025. This Code, endorsed by the Chartered IIA’s Council, consolidates principles for effective internal audit across the financial services, private, and third sectors in the UK and Ireland. It aims to enhance the impact and effectiveness of internal audit by providing a benchmark of good practice.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the Internal Audit function faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The increasing reliance on data, the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, and the ever-present need for robust risk management necessitate a proactive approach to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of Internal Audit. The IIA Standard and, crucially for our context, the new IIA Code sets out guidance.

How do we ensure our teams are adequately equipped to fulfil this mandate effectively? The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standard provides a clear starting point, stating that the internal audit activity's resources should be "appropriate to the nature and complexity of the organisation, the risks inherent in its activities, and the size of the organisation."

Think of the Internal Audit Charter as the constitution for the internal audit function. It's a formal document that sets the stage for everything we do, including how we communicate our findings. Let's explore how these elements directly impact the crucial process of reporting audit findings.

How does your audit team expect to audit AI systems in the future. Here is a guide to some of the areas that you need to consider. AI introduces unique risks and complexities that require specific attention. This post outlines key factors management should consider regarding AI governance and risk management, and the corresponding skills our IA team needs to effectively audit these systems.

This post outlines how an Internal Audit function can enhance its effectiveness and efficiency by integrating Data Analytics (DA).

Taking your QAIP seriously can significantly elevate the effectiveness and value of your internal audit function.

What if an Internal Audit function chooses not to use a formal Audit Universe? How would they approach their annual planning?

As internal auditors, our mission is to provide independent and objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value.