Art of Internal Audit Report Writing

The seminar reviews and answers the following questions:

• Audit communications defined

• Best Practices in creating within the audit process

• What to include and not include in audit communications

• Essential sections of each type of audit communications

• How to properly document credibility determinations

• Principles of clear and concise report writing

• How to sift through the relevant audit evidence

CCS is your special source for internal audit course and IT audit training both in-person and via webinars.

Attendees will:

• Understand how to organize audit reports

• See how to write with greater clarity

• Learn how to present complex information simply for readers to comprehend

• Understand the importance of the purpose of the report before they begin writing

• Recognize the needs of their audience

• Learn how to use illustrations

• Produce final drafts to make the "write" impression with their superiors

Introductions

Section 1 - Introduction and Overview

• Top Challenges with Audits and Reports

• Magnificent Seven of Audit Reporting

• Auditor Skills: People, Time Management and Demeanor - What is a "Report"?

• Auditor Guidance from the "Standards"

Section 2 - Effective Audit Communications

• Feelings

• The dilemma

• Audit communication skills - planning - conducting - concluding

• Know the audience

• Organize content for the human

• Audience adaptation

• Situation - Problem - Implication - Needs to be done

Section 3 - Components of the Audit Report

• The Audit Life Cycle

• Procedure - Evidence - Reporting

• Contents

• Executive Needs

• Auditor Needs

• Audit Findings

• Audit Recommendations

Section 4 - High-Level Focus: Executive Summary

• Big Issues - Accomplishments - What Needs to be Done - Auditor Summary - Who - What - When - Where - Why

• Scope

• Opinions?

Section 5 - The Hard Facts: Audit Findings

• Testing Controls

• Feasible?

• Risk Ranked Findings

• Effective Audit Findings

Section 6 - Recommendations and Corrective Action

• IIA Standard 2410

• S.M.A.R.T. Recommendations

• Best Practices

Section 7 - Audit Opinions and Risk Factors

• Big Impact!!

• Audit Rating, Score or Grade

• Rating with the "Internal Control Maturity Model

Section 8 - Audit Report Formatting

• Type Faces and Sizes

• Text Justification

• Formats for "Findings" Sections

• Specialized Reporting

Section 9 - Optimizing the Audit Reporting

• Visual Presentation

• Structure, Content and Organization

• Transitions, Flow and Coherence

• Sentences and Paragraphs

• Tone

• Conciseness and "Word Economy"

• Proof Reading and Peer-Reviews

• Format

Section 10 - Summary and Wrap-Up

Program Level of Understanding: Basic

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None

Delivery Format: Group Internet Based

NASBA Field(s) of Study: Auditing

CPE Credits: 8, based on 50 minutes of instruction per hour

This CPE event "Art of Internal Audit Report Writing" immerses participants in the artistry and precision required for crafting impactful internal audit reports. This CPE event is focused on improving internal audit report wrtiing skills and the reports effectiveness in creating change.This event delves into the essential components of an effective internal audit report, emphasizing the significance of clear, concise, and influential communication.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into structuring compelling narratives that convey audit findings, recommendations, and insights with clarity and persuasiveness. Moreover, the seminar aims to equip professionals with the skills to tailor their reports to diverse stakeholders, ensuring that the reports resonate with their intended audience. By delving into the nuances of internal audit report writing, this event serves as a valuable resource for auditors and compliance professionals, offering practical guidance for enhancing the impact and value of their audit reports.