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Heads of internal audit - induction master class

Presented by James Paterson

What does it take to be a successful HIA? What types of transition into the HIA role are there and what are the pitfalls and elephant traps to avoid? We will look at best practice GRC, assurance co-ordination, the audit planning process to ensure IA adds value and is properly resourced. We will also look at some key lean/agile points to drive IA team productivity; the challenges managing and motivating the IA team, as well as some of the key political factors to be aware of.

Who should attend?

Current heads of audit, who want to “take stock” of where they are and new heads of internal audit, who want to ensure they provide a value adding service and avoid common pitfalls.

What will I learn?

Upon completion you will be able to:

reflect on the critical success factors in the HIA role and reasons HIAs can fail
consider the crucial importance of role clarity when managing the audit function
get a clear sense of what it really means to add value and what does not
benchmark your current organisation, both in terms of quality/insight and efficiency
identify key priorities for your team, including those concerning key stakeholders.

Course programme

The key ways that new heads of audit can be derailed

GRC overview

benchmarking and best practice review of risk management practices and how internal audit might best engage with this.

IA benchmarking and good practice

review of internal audit best practice so you can benchmark the performance of your function
internal audit planning with a focus on adding value
assignment quality and productivity
reporting effectively – at an assignment level and with key stakeholders.

Coordination with other assurance functions

working with other assurance functions and assurance mapping overview.

People-related good practices and challenges

staff management practices – team capability, performance management, development and coaching
tips and pitfalls in managing senior executives and the audit committee, including political savvy.

Audit strategy

developing an internal audit strategy (including key resource and skill challenges) and influencing wider risk and governance developments in your organisation.

CPE competency areas covered

Professionalism
Performance (Organisational governance | Risk management | Internal control)
Environment (Organisational strategic planning and management)
Leadership and communication (Audit plan and coordinating assurance efforts | Quality assurance and improvement program | Communication).