INTRODUCTION

The success of an audit project is usually measured by its primary output: the internal audit report. Hence, it is essential that the report is easy to read, compelling and authoritative. If the report influences a reader to think differently or take action, it has met its purpose. This programme will help internal auditors learn what goes into an effective audit observation and how to organize reports that meet professional standards, elicit management action, and communicate crucial messages to auditee, senior and executive management and board-level readers. Participants will learn to produce reports that have impact and add value to the decision making within their organization.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Understand what makes an effective internal audit report
• Understand the report writing process from planning to delivery of a final audit report 
• Identify and effectively articulate observation, associated risk(s), root cause and other internal audit report components 
• Be more influential when writing an internal audit report
• Manage relationship with auditee and ensuring acceptance of your draft and final report

DURATION

1 Week

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is valuable for internal auditors who are involved or are responsible for preparation, review and approval of internal audit reports before issuance. Senior internal audit professionals will stand to benefit from the course as a refresher in terms of knowledge and skills for writing an effective internal audit report. The course is equally beneficial to internal audit juniors and professionals who are preparing to assume such responsibilities.

COURSE CONTENT

Module I: Introduction

• Role of internal auditor
• Risk Based Internal Audit cycle
• The ORCA principal
• Different kind of reports in the space of internal audit 
• IIA and Internal Audit Reporting 
• Purpose of the report

Module II: The journey to an Effective Internal Audit Report Writing

• When do you start 
• Knowing your audience 
• Prepping your audience
• Ensuing auditee acceptance and buy in
• Building up to your draft internal audit report 

Module III: Key Elements of Draft Internal Audit Reports

• The Executive Summary and its importance
• Importance of re-communication of scope and coverage
• Detailed observations
• Observation
• Risk
• Root Cause
• Recommendation
• Scope limitation
• Delivering on Internal Audit’s number one promise to management

Module IV: The Final Report

• Sharing the audit report with management
• Obtaining management comments
• Report finalization 
• Preparation of periodic reports 
• Other audit reports

Module V: Reporting Techniques

• General report writing 
• How to be concise, clear and objective
• Do’s and don’ts of report preparation

Module VI: Tools and Techniques

• Root cause analysis
• SIPOC
• Fishbone
• The 5 Whys and the W

GENERAL NOTES

• This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: training@data-afriqueconsultancy.org
• The training will be conducted at DATA-AFRIQUE TRAINING CENTRE, Mombasa Kenya.
• The training fee covers tuition fees, training materials, lunch and training venue. Accommodation and airport transfer are arranged for our participants upon request.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before start of training and proof of payment sent to: training@data-afriqueconsultancy.org