Audit International’s Post

One of the things I love most about being an internal auditor is the versatility of the role—it keeps every day dynamic and engaging! In the office, I adopt a professional, formal look as we dive into data, review processes, and ensure compliance. But when I’m on-site, I trade the suit for site gear, stepping right into the field to see operations firsthand. This balance between boardroom precision and on-ground insights is the beauty of internal audit—and it’s exactly why I chose this profession. #InternalAudit #VersatileCareer #AuditLife #FieldAndOffice

The Process of Innovation in Internal Audit As companies face increasing risk demands, this presents an opportunity for Internal Audit further serve. However, many teams lack the capacity to assist. - Some audit teams have a significant amount of non-negotiable work that can’t be put off or delayed. - Others have a laundry list of existing management requests with certain critical audits already being deferred. - Open Internal Audit requisitions tend to remain open for extended periods, causing… - Many top team members being overwhelmed with their departing peers workload. To address the lack of capacity, some Internal Audit teams have a formal process in place to innovate Internal Audit. CAEs encourage innovation in team meetings, motivating everyone to share their ideas, even those who are hesitant. Internal Audit leaders explore various sources for innovative work methods. - What are other audit teams doing differently? - Can they integrate existing internal manufacturing or IT business best practices in their audit methodology? - What do key stakeholders suggest audit could do to audit faster or better? - Are there others in the organization doing similar work, and can share some existing IA responsibilities? - Do the IIA’s updated Global Internal Audit Standards highlight practices not instituted in your audit approach? When ideas are identified, time is allocated for their implementation and additional trial and error. The results are then shared with the broader team, so promising ideas can continue to evolve. I once worked with an Internal Audit team that had aspects of an innovation process in place. - Auditors rallied around this process, reducing attrition due to feeling part of something special. - Because they were seen as an innovative team internally, new budget requests were more likely to be approved. - Because they were seen as an innovative team externally, any open roles were quickly filled. For CAEs who lack a formal process to innovate their Internal Audit practices, it's advisable to start one. This may assist with capacity issues, even if you're unable to implement a new innovative approach. For those in Internal Audit who are not a CAEs and are part of a team without an innovation process, consider taking the initiative to start one. Not only can this help enable positive change within your team. But this can also distinguish you from your peers and position you as a potential candidate for the next CAE role. AuditBoard #InternalAudit #EnablingPositiveChange

Somebody asked me: Is there a "best before" date for internal auditors? (Ahem, clearing my throat, swallowing my surprise at that question.) Most of the global teams I work with are quite diverse in makeup. They include career auditors, experts from within the business, fresh talents from universities or big firms, and folks rotating in from the company's leadership program. (Leaving out externals for purposes of this post.) I value all of these sources of talent. Each group brings many benefits to the team. ✅ Career auditors bring stability, continuity, deep auditing knowledge, and a wealth of qualifications to the team. ✅ Experts from within the business bring, just that, their expertise on the products, services, company, and industry, as well as a wealth of already established relationships. ✅ Fresh talents bring new perspectives, new tech skills, and new approaches. Think innovation, attitude, and mindset. ✅ Rotational auditors bring a thirst for knowledge, loyalty to the business, and a keen eye for improvements and efficiencies. So back to the question: Is there a "best before" date for internal auditors? For some, I think so. Those who resist new ideas prefer the status quo, and lack curiosity may indeed have passed their "best before" date. So stay fresh everyone. Continuous learning, new ideas, and innovative approaches. Be openminded. Know when to follow the rules, when to break them, and when to make new ones. 🧨 Reinvigorate. Reinvent. Refresh. With the advent of new technologies and evolving methodologies, we need to get creative and innovative. I always say that internal audit is perfectly positioned to facilitate positive change. This is one way we can do it, for ourselves and for our stakeholders. Would love your feedback. 💜🦋 #CommunicatingForResults #ImpactInfluenceInspire #MondayMotivation

The process of Innovation in Internal Audit. As companies face increasing risk demands, this presents an opportunity for Internal Audit further serve. However, many teams lack the capacity to assist. •Some audit teams have a significant amount of non-negotiable work that can’t be put off or delayed. •Others have a laundry list of existing management requests with certain critical audits already being deferred. •Open Internal Audit requisitions tend to remain open for extended periods, causing… — Many top team members being overwhelmed with their departing peers workload. To address the lack of capacity, some Internal Audit teams have a formal process in place to innovate Internal Audit. CAEs encourage innovation in team meetings, motivating everyone to share their ideas, even those who are hesitant. Internal Audit leaders explore various sources for innovative work methods. - What are other audit teams doing differently? - Can they integrate existing internal manufacturing or IT business best practices in their audit methodology? - What do key stakeholders suggest audit could do to audit faster or better? - Are there others in the organization doing similar work, and can share some existing IA responsibilities? When ideas are identified, time is allocated for their implementation and additional trial and error. The results are then shared with the broader team, so promising ideas can continue to evolve. #InternalAudit #EnablingPositiveChange.

I’m beyond happy and proud of this group of dynamic internal auditors who are striving for more... ...dare I say it - sexy audit reports. They’ve truly embraced the challenge of making audit reports not just informative but impactful, engaging, and yes, even a little bold! These professionals are taking the bold step of transforming the way they communicate audit results, and it’s exciting to be a part of it! You may have noticed that incredible green wall behind us - it’s a living wall! That wall is inside their brand-new headquarters in Canada, a net-zero building, inaugurated just this week. The energy in our workshop was all about progress and innovation, and I couldn’t help but feel like it was the perfect setting for our mission of making audits more impactful. What’s your next bold move? Drop a comment below! And if you're ready to talk about transforming your team's audit results - reach out by DM or email. I'm here to help. #CommunicatingForResults #ImpactInfluenceInspire #NextLevelAuditing #InternalAudit #AuditReportWriting

The Future of Internal Audit...

Can you really leave audit behind, or does it stay with you, shaping everything you do? This week, I had an enlightening conversation with a client in Sweden about talent rotation within their organization. The idea was simple yet powerful: bring people into internal audit, let them gain a bird's-eye view of the business, and then rotate them back out, armed with the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired. I've always said when referring to myself, you can take the gal out of the internal audit, but you can’t take the internal audit out of the gal. It’s a mindset, a way of thinking that never really leaves you. The ability to see the big picture, identify risks and opportunities, and think critically and strategically - it all sticks with you, no matter where you go. I’ve lived it firsthand, and I’ve seen it with clients and colleagues. Auditors who transition into different roles within the business bring with them a unique perspective. They’re not just doing a job - they’re applying a mindset honed through their audit experience, which makes them incredibly valuable in whatever position they take on next. And I’ve seen many auditors come back to audit after spending time in the business. So, what about you? Have you taken your audit experience into a new role, or are you still deep in the trenches? Either way, I’d love to hear how audit has shaped your career. #CommunicatingForResults #ImpactInfluenceInspire #MondayMotivation

If your company is performing well - And if your Internal Audit team does interesting projects - And if your CAE is respected by their peers in management - And if your manager provides constructive feedback to help you grow - And if your Internal Audit team invests in your professional development - And if your Internal Audit colleagues represent diverse backgrounds, including public accounting, other internal audit teams, and business operations. Then most other Internal Audit roles you could have at other companies are likely not as good as the one you have. Internal Audit Collective #InternalAudit #EnablingPositiveChange

Don't you guys smile as Auditor Says one of my Non-Audit colleagues 😃😃😃 Dear Auditor of the Future, Whoever said that internal auditing has to be stiff and boring missed the mark! We both know that Auditing requires some precision, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun along the way. It's all about curiosity, problem-solving, and making real connections. Every audit presents a chance to uncover insights that can help businesses thrive. Plus, let’s not overlook the joy of collaborating with teams, mentoring colleagues, and celebrating those "aha!" moments when everything falls into place. With the exciting world of continuous learning; new tools, trends, and challenges to explore there’s always something fresh to keep things lively. When you take joy in what you do, it shines through in your energy and the impact you make. So yes, internal auditors can have fun and they really should! Happy auditors are not only more effective they’re the ones sparking change with passion and purpose. Why settle for just a job when you can enjoy the journey? #AuditLife #JoyInWork #ValueBasedAuditing #AuditWithPurpose #ThrivingAuditor #AuditExcellence

Back from a refreshing family holiday in Florida and ready to dive back into the job search! I'm currently seeking new opportunities in the internal audit field. If you need help preparing for the Global Internal Audit Standards or integrating the new requirements by the 9 January 2025 deadline, I'm here to support. Let's connect to discuss how I can assist with your audit processes or if you have a fitting opportunity in mind. #InternalAudit #GlobalInternalAuditStandards #AuditMethodology #JobSearch