Ursula Schmidt’s Post

Internal Audit teams with a Guest Speaker program, where a business leader is invited monthly or quarterly to meet and speak with the team on a 1:1 basis, will benefit in several ways. 1. Hearing from speakers representing different product lines or functions provides context on the business and how their function serves the organization. This information will also help Internal Audit be more aware of organizational governance, risk, and controls processes, and better "connect the dots" with the data captured during internal audit work. 2. Many people become internal auditors for the opportunity to learn about the business. Having a Guest Speaker program can increase your team’s engagement and reduce attrition by providing a unique learning opportunity beyond project work. 3. Maintaining the Guest Speaker program for 1 - 2 years will also likely improve upon Internal Audit’s reputation, which can help attracting qualified internal candidates for the team when needed. 4. Asking business leaders to speak to your team publicly recognizes them as leaders with sought out information, and can be a great tool used to build upon Internal Audit’s relationship with key business leaders. A tenured internal audit team, complemented by members with business backgrounds who understand broader business initiatives and team objectives, and supported by a CAE with strong executive relationships, will be more relevant. And relevant internal audit teams will have more opportunities to serve and add value to critical risk areas and business needs, and be more likely to receive the resources they request. Instituting and maintaining a guest speaker program can be a great strategy for Internal Audit to improve their relevancy to their organization. AuditBoard #InternalAudit #EnablingPositiveChange

Most #AuditCommittee meetings are not as effective as they could be. Most #ChiefAuditExecutive go through the same motions each meeting, preparing a slide deck, making speaking points, and then show up to the dog-and-pony show and leave thinking they are done "just fine." But is "just fine" enough? Wouldn't it be better to really hit the ball out of the park by learning some tricks most #internalaudit leaders don't know? (e.g. what to do before, during, and after the meetings) I discuss more in this free video. https://lnkd.in/g3CwRTyT When you are ready to learn more tricks to a really effective Audit Committee meetings, and know what to do before, during, and after the meeting, register for the Certified Chief Audit Executive® course at: https://lnkd.in/gye4qkAK or join the Audit Leader Forum™ at: https://bit.ly/AuditLeader

🚨 Performance Issues? Look No Further Than Your Culture As part of a series on the importance of Culture in internal audit, business, governance, and organizations in general, I'm excited to share insights coinciding with the July 25, 2024 release of the updated Auditing Culture Global Practice Guide. This guide is now aligned with the New Global Internal Audit Standards, set to take effect in January 2025. ⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️⏬️ 🎯 Today's post focuses on the vital role that internal auditors play in understanding and embedding themselves in the Culture of their organization. A CAE in the newly updated IIA Auditing Culture Guide emphasized, "It is beneficial for chief audit executives to attend executive committee meetings as observers. Internal auditors must develop the ability to use their eyes, ears, and minds to watch people interact and think. If internal auditors are not engaged or embedded in the organization’s governance entities to see those behaviors on a regular basis, then KPIs and KRIs related to culture may deteriorate unbeknownst to management." ✅️ This quote underscores the critical need for boards, management, and even internal audit itself to recognize the importance of integrating cultural determinants into their strategic thinking, as well as into their KPIs and KRIs. A deep understanding of the organization's Culture—or cultures—can significantly influence decision-making and overall governance. The IIA's updated Auditing Culture GPG provides invaluable insights for internal auditors to stay connected and informed. 📙 Make sure to download and explore this essential resource : https://Lnkd.in/enT6CWe9 #InternalAudit #Governance #Culture #AuditingCulture #OrganizationalExcellence #IIA #CultureGuide #GRC #AuditInsights #CorporateCulture

🎧 Curiosity and continuous learning, with Prof. Dr. Rob Fijneman RE RA (KPMG, Tilburg University) In this episode of BusySeasonTalks International, hosts Alwin and Aiman interview Rob Fijneman, a partner in IT audit at KPMG Switzerland, Professor IT auditing at the Tilburg University and former interim CEO of KPMG Netherlands. Rob shares his journey from the early days of technology to becoming a leader in IT auditing. He discusses the evolution of the audit profession, the importance of integrating practice and theory, and his experiences in leadership roles. Rob also offers valuable advice for aspiring auditors, emphasizing curiosity and continuous learning. 👉 Check the link in the comments!

Join us in celebrating and promoting the internal audit profession this May! Members, download the Toolkit Resources to showcase the value of internal auditing to your audit customers, executive management, boards of directors, students, and the broader business community. Let's elevate the profession together! Access the toolkit today https://lnkd.in/dK-ARHKt #internalauditmonth #iiasa #auditprofession #toolkitresources #auditexcellence

Join us in celebrating and promoting the internal audit profession this May! Members, download the Toolkit Resources to showcase the value of internal auditing to your audit customers, executive management, boards of directors, students, and the broader business community. Let's elevate the profession together! Access the toolkit today https://lnkd.in/dK-ARHKt #internalauditmonth #iiasa #auditprofession #toolkitresources #auditexcellence

Exciting news! The Azets Insight and Innovation Forum for Heads of Internal Audit is expanding, now offering you three fantastic locations to choose from over the coming weeks: Cardiff, Birmingham, and Plymouth. It's an excellent opportunity to engage with industry leaders and dive deep into the latest trends and practices shaping our field. Here are the details, each event will run from 8:30 to 11:45: Cardiff: Thursday, 18th April Birmingham: Tuesday, 30th April Plymouth: Wednesday, 8th May To secure your spot, get in touch. Remember, space is limited, so make sure to book early to guarantee your attendance. The agenda is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, starting with a networking and coffee/tea and breakfast followed discussions around crucial topics including: * Preparing to conform with the new Global Internal Audit Standards * Incorporating Data Analytics in internal audits effectively * Providing Assurance over programmes and projects * Considering current challenges faced by delegates in the room Our format remains consistent with previous meetings and will be mirrored at all 3 locations: a brief presentation (10-15 minutes) followed by an open, inclusive roundtable discussion. This format encourages the exchange of ideas and best practices across sectors and industries. Rest assured, all insights shared will be documented and circulated for your reference. We're eagerly anticipating your presence for what promises to be an enriching and enlightening series of events. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with peers and gain valuable insights into driving innovation within your organization. We'd love have you join us, but if you can't make one of these dates, and would like to be informed about future events, please let me know. Paul Haley MSc CFIIA CIA QIAL CRMA CMgr FCMI Kristian Hawkes CMIIA CIA Adrian Evans Neil Belton Mary Fitton

😠🙄 Many Heads of Audit are being politely ignored. Here’s how to make your insights indispensable at the top table! 💡🏆 . . . . Many of the Heads of Audit I know often feel underappreciated by their executive peers. 😟 Polite smiles and nods … But where’s the real engagement when you talk about the risks your organization is facing? 🤔 It’s frustrating, right? 🎄 Since Christmas 2019, we’ve gone from crisis to crisis. And unlike the good old days, the risks don’t feel solvable. Yet still, they don’t really listen. Your insights aren’t landing the way you want them to … … And your team isn’t seen as the indispensable experts they are. ❓ Here’s the tough question: What are you doing to make your team’s services truly indispensable? “Internal audit can’t passively sit in the third line, waiting for their turn to identify the shortcomings of other lines.” – Richard Chambers Richard Chambers’ new book Connected Risk urges us to smash the silos and make our insights indispensable at the top table. The days of saving it for the reports are long since over. 💯 I believe every internal audit team needs to master empathetic, influential communication - fast! ❗ Here’s the home truth: Your stakeholders care more about themselves than they care about you. Speak their language! 💬 Help them create value! 🏆 Be their solution! ✅ “Managing risks today effectively requires all hands on deck.” – Richard Chambers If you buy only one more book this year, buy “Connected Risk” by Richard Chambers. Here’s the link: 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/euvWHuS2 What are you waiting for? 🚀 #ConnectedRisk #InternalAudit #Leadership #RiskManagement

😕🔇 Are your audit updates landing or just getting lost? Here’s how to make every update a must-listen moment! 💡🎯 . . . . ⚠️ Here’s the hard truth: Your team’s observations might be accurate, even essential — but if they’re not landing with your clients in your audit fieldwork update meetings, they’re not protecting or delivering value. 📉 👂 What if every fieldwork update became a must-listen moment? 🤝 What if they engaged your audit clients? ✅ What if they validated your insights? 🚀 What if they sparked action? Imagine business leaders relying on your team’s updates to navigate high-stakes risks and make decisions that align with their key objectives. 🛡️📊 That’s exactly what you get with our bespoke in-house training programme: 🎯💬Mastering Audit Fieldwork Conversations! 💬🎯 It will show your team how to transform routine updates into powerful, strategic conversations which don’t just highlight risks but also drive decisions. 💪 With tools that show you how to command attention and align with your stakeholders’ priorities, your team will deliver updates that demand to be heard. 🔥 📢 No More Being Ignored! Want your audit updates to matter? 📩 DM us today! #AuditCommunicationTV #DarthVaderAuditCommunicationTips #InternalAudit #InternalAuditors

🌟 Have you heard about The IIA’s new Internal Audit Benchmark Hub™? 🌟 Introducing an innovative dashboard designed to meet all your benchmarking needs! Compiled from a large pool of respondents, the self-reported and anonymous data in this user-friendly platform will help you assess, measure, compare, and align your internal audit function’s performance, practices, and processes with those of peers and industry leaders. Benchmark by company size, assets, region, or industry and gain valuable insights into how your team and organization stack up. 🔗 Get immediate access to The IIA's Internal Audit Benchmark Hub™ today and start benchmarking for your internal use through this link: https://lnkd.in/gXbFY3bv *Note: This is a subscription-based product provided by The IIA. IIA members receive a 20% discount. It’s also included in the Audit Leaders Network membership at no additional charge. To learn more about The IIA Audit Leaders Network membership (this is additional to your standard IIA NZ membership), click here >> https://lnkd.in/gStRxeDv #Benchmarking #InternalAudit #IIABenchmarkHub #AuditExcellence #IIANZ #AuditLeadersNetwork #PerformanceEvaluation